Sealed

Sitting inside the small castle causes him to be on edge. He had to come outside to exercise and let out his frustration. His mind is racing with thoughts. He has to protect Alessia from Cronus and his father Hades now too.

Her powers are currently sealed, and the option to send her back to the human world is laughable. She would be a walking target there.

Zagreus could feel the sweat on his forehead and the adrenaline pumping through his veins. He had faced countless battles in the underworld, but this one was different. His enemy was his flesh and blood.

Hades had always been a strict and distant father, but never had Zagreus imagined that he would turn against him. He couldn't return to the underworld, and with Hades back on the throne, Zagreus had no choice but to leave.

Donn, his brother, doesn't need to know what occurred, nor does Apollo. The fewer others know, the better it will be for Alessia.

* * *

The darkness in the forest would drive any God or human mad. It's silent and filled with beings that shouldn't even be alive. This is where Lucien resides.

One of the few demons that follow Lucien has returned from the underworld, and the news the demon brought isn't what he wanted to hear.

"Hades decided to act like a Titan God after all." A thorn in his side. But nothing less, it might be easier to bring Hades down this way.

The only problem Lucien is running into is that Zagreus has moved Alessia to an unknown realm. Lucien fumed, his eyes glowing red in the darkness. He didn't like surprises, and this was a big one. He had underestimated Zagreus and his loyalty to Alessia. But Lucien was not one to back down from a challenge.

He knew he needed to find out where they had gone, but he couldn't do it alone. Lucien called out to his demon followers, echoing through the trees.

"Bring me the seer! I need her vision!"

Within moments, a small figure stumbled out from the shadows. She was blind, but her third eye was open, and she could see what others couldn't. Lucien beckoned her forward.

"Tell me, seer. Where has Zagreus taken Alessia?"

The seer's third eye glowed bright white as she concentrated, and then she spoke in a voice that was not her own.

"Zagreus has taken Alessia to an abandoned realm. There is an old castle that has stood through many wars. That is where they are."

Lucien's eyes widened at the mention of an abandoned realm. He didn't think Zagreus would think of something like that, but he knew not to underestimate him. He is cunning and unpredictable, so this shouldn't be a shock. Thankfully with the seer's vision, he could easily track down that realm without much of a problem.

He needed to find Alessia and use her powers to his advantage. And he will stop at nothing to achieve his goal.

"Thank you, seer. You have been most helpful," Lucien said, dismissing the seer.

He turned to his demon followers. "We're going to the realm where Zagreus is hiding. Prepare yourselves, for we do not know what lies ahead. But remember, our goal is to capture Alessia."

With that, Lucien and his demon followers disappeared into the darkness, their eyes on their mission.

* * *

Alessia rests her head on her arm and watches Zagreus swing his sword as he continues to practice. His sweat fell down his chest, making Alessia's mind wander. He is a God, a son of a Titan God whose father is Cronus.

Not only is his bloodline strong, he once tried to kill Alessia. Now he is trying to protect her. For a woman like Alessia, who has never dated or been in a relationship. Is she feeling love or lust toward him?

She pushes the thought aside, knowing their situation is too complicated for romantic entanglements. He has forced her to avoid training and has her rest, driving Alessia mad.

She didn't expect to like the feeling of a sword in her palms. When her power vibrates through the blade, it makes her feel powerful. Yet, Zagreus won't let her hold one.

A loud rumbling noise outside the castle walls interrupted Alessia's thoughts. Zagreus immediately stops his practice and looks up towards the window at Alessia. He puts his finger over his mouth to signal to be silent.

Alessia's heart races as she stands up from her seat, peering out the window at Zagreus. Her eyes widen in shock as she sees a group of demons standing outside, their eyes glowing red in the darkness.

As if he knew this would happen, Zagreus lets out a whistle, and his demons emerge from the shadows.

Alessia watches in awe as the two groups prepare for battle. She knows she should stay put and let the demons and Zagreus handle the situation, but the adrenaline pumping through her veins tells her otherwise.

She moves towards the door, hoping to grab a weapon. Her eyes land on a small dagger, and she quickly holds it, tucking it into her waistband.

As she steps out the door, she sees that the battle has begun. Demons clash with other demons, their swords and claws glinting in the moonlight. Alessia hesitates to join in, but she knows that she has to protect herself if anything happens.

She spots a demon charging toward her, its eyes filled with malice. Alessia takes a deep breath and readies herself for the attack. As the demon gets closer, she lifts her hand and tries to put her power into the small dagger.

She keeps trying, but nothing is happening. Panic fills her eyes as the demon is inches away from her. Suddenly, Zagreus jumps before her, his sword at the ready. With a swift movement, he slices through the demon, sending it to the ground in a heap.

"Alessia, what are you doing? You were supposed to stay inside," he scolds her, eyes scanning the area for other threats.

"I-I couldn't just stay inside while you and your demons were fighting," she stammers, eyes wide with fear and adrenaline.

Zagreus grunts in annoyance but doesn't argue further. Instead, he gestures for her to follow him, and they start their way through the battle. Alessia keeps close to Zagreus, her dagger at the ready, but she can't help feeling useless as she watches the demons and Zagreus clash.

Suddenly, a tall figure emerges from the shadows, his eyes glowing. She recognized him. His name was Lucien.

Lucien's gaze falls on Alessia, and a wicked smile twists his lips. "Well, well, well. Look who we have here." He takes a step forward, his hand outstretched.

Zagreus stands protectively in front of Alessia, his sword at the ready. "What do you want, Lucien?"

Lucien's smile widens. "Isn't it obvious? I want Alessia. Her powers will be a great asset to me."

Alessia takes a step back, fear churning in her stomach. But Zagreus stood firm, his eyes locked on Lucien.

"You will not touch her," Zagreus growls, his sword flashing in the moonlight.

Lucien chuckles. "We'll see about that."

The two Gods charge toward each other, their swords clashing in a shower of sparks.

Alessia wasn't sure what she could do. The powers she had once grown to learn seem to be betraying her.

Zagreus looks over his shoulder at her while dodging Lucien's attacks. He turns to look at Lucien and smiles.

"I should let you know you are wasting your time, Lucien. Hades has sealed Alessia's powers." Zagreus yells.

Lucien's eyes narrowed in anger. "You are lying!"

Lucien gains the upper hand in the fight with a sudden burst of energy. His sword slices through Zagreus' armor, drawing blood. Zagreus stumbles back, his breathing heavy.

Alessia watches in horror as Lucien faces her, his hand outstretched. She raises her dagger, ready to protect herself. But before Lucien can reach her, a bright light envelops them all.

When the light fades, Alessia finds herself standing in a different place. She looks around, disoriented, and sees she's in a beautiful garden. The trees are lush and green, and the flowers are vibrant. The air smells sweet, like honey and fresh rain.

She turns around and sees Zagreus standing beside her, his sword ready. "What happened ?" she asks, confusion evident in her voice.

Zagreus looks equally puzzled. "I'm not sure. But it seems we've been transported to the Fae realm."

As they take in their surroundings, a voice calls out from behind a nearby tree. "Welcome to the Fae realm, travelers."

Alessia and Zagreus turn to see a tall, beautiful woman with pointed ears and long, flowing hair step out from behind the tree. She smiles at them warmly.

"I am Queen Titania, ruler of the Fae realm. I understand you were in the middle of a battle. Please, rest and recover here in my realm. You are safe here," she says.