Jealousy

"I'm Zagreus, one of the Gods of the Underworld." Zagreus stands up, extending his hand in greeting.

Gabriel meets Zagreus' hand with a firm shake. "I've heard of you. It's an honor to meet a God."

"And I'm Alessia," she says, her voice slightly shaky. "Nice to meet you."

Gabriel nods at her, his eyes still full of curiosity. "I've heard about you. You're the exorcist who can seal demons in a different way than us hunters can do."

"Thank you. I...I try my best." Alessia blushes, feeling slightly embarrassed by the attention. Gabriel's gaze lingers on her for a moment longer before he turns to Queen Titania.

"So, will you help me?"

Queen Titania nods. "Of course. We'll do everything in our power to stop this demon."

Alessia can feel the excitement building within her. This was precisely what she needed. A chance to prove herself, to show that even without her powers, she was still a valuable asset in the fight against evil.

Gabriel turns to leave, but before he does, he stops and looks back at Alessia.

"We've met before, haven't we?" he asks, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Alessia racks her brain, trying to remember where she's seen him, but it's like a puzzle with missing pieces.

"I...I'm not sure," she stammers, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"Don't worry about it. I'm sure it'll come to you." Gabriel chuckles a low and melodic sound.

He leaves the room leaving Alessia in thought. She is avoiding Zagreus's gaze, as she can feel him looking at her with an aura that he is trying to hide.

Bloodlust.

Was he jealous of Gabriel and the attention she was giving him? Alessia can't help but feel a twinge of worry about Zagreus being jealous.

Zagreus clears his throat, breaking her out of her thoughts. "Alessia, are you okay?"

She looks over at him, seeing the concern in his eyes. "Yes, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

Zagreus hesitates for a moment before speaking. "I just wanted to ensure you're not getting too caught up in this...Gabriel."

Alessia raises an eyebrow, feeling slightly confused. "What do you mean?"

Zagreus shifts in his seat, his eyes flickering with an emotion she can't quite place. "He seems to be taking a lot of interest in you. I just wanted to ensure you're not...getting your hopes up."

Alessia feels a surge of anger at his words. How dare he insinuate her feelings. And what does he mean by getting her hopes up?

"I don't know what you're trying to say, Zagreus," she says, her voice sharp. "I'm not a child. I can handle myself."

Zagreus leans forward, his eyes darkening. "I sense something between you two. And I don't like it. You're mine, Alessia. You belong to me."

Alessia's anger flares, and she stands up abruptly. "Belong to you? I don't belong to anyone, Zagreus. And even if I did, it wouldn't be to someone who tries to control me."

Zagreus stands up as well, his eyes blazing with fury. "You don't understand, Alessia. You're special."

"And because I'm special, I'm supposed to be yours? Is that it?" Alessia's voice is laced with sarcasm as she steps toward him.

Zagreus doesn't budge, his eyes still fixed on her. "You don't understand the power you possess, Alessia. You could be so much more than just a mere exorcist."

Alessia shakes her head, her anger still simmering. "I don't want to be more than what I am. I just want to do my job and fight against evil. I don't need someone like you trying to control me, Zagreus."

"I'm not trying to control you, Alessia. I just want to protect you." Zagreus steps closer to her, his hand reaching to touch her face.

"I don't need your protection, Zagreus. I can take care of myself." Alessia pushes his hand away, her eyes hardening.

Zagreus takes a step back, his face twisting with anger. "Fine. Do whatever you want, Alessia. But don't say I didn't warn you."

Alessia watches as he storms out of the room, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. She's left standing there, the adrenaline still pumping through her veins.

She can't deny the attraction she feels towards Gabriel, but she also can't ignore the possessiveness she senses from Zagreus. It's a dangerous game, and she's wondering if she's ready to play it. But one thing is for sure. She's not going to let anyone control her or her feelings. She's her person, and she's going to fight for what she wants.

* * *

Zagreus storms out of the room, leaving Queen Titian and Alessia alone. He is still determining where the emotion came from. He has never felt such strong hate for a mortal, more so one he has never met before.

As he stalks through the halls of the Fae realm, his mind is consumed with thoughts of Alessia and Gabriel. He can't accept that she might be attracted to someone else.

He pauses, leaning against the cool stone wall as his thoughts swirl around. He knows he needs to get a grip on his emotions. He's a God and shouldn't let his feelings get in the way of his duties.

Zagreus spots a figure leaning against a pearl color pillar.

It was Gabriel.

He struts up to him, and Gabriel meets Zagreus's intense gaze.

"How do you know Alessia?" Zagreus cuts to the chase and asks Gabriel himself.

Gabriel looks at Zagreus calmly, not intimidated by this God's imposing presence.

"I met her a while ago," he says, his voice steady. "She exorcised a demon possessing my sister before I became a full fledge hunter and knew what the hell I was doing."

"And what is your interest in her now?" Zagreus nods, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Gabriel's expression remains neutral, but there's a glint in his eyes that Zagreus can't quite decipher.

"I'm just here to help with the demon situation, nothing more." Gabriel's words are measured, but there's a hint of something else in his tone.

Zagreus studies him for a moment longer before nodding. "Very well. Just remember that she's under my protection. I won't hesitate to take action if I feel like she's in danger."

Gabriel nods, his eyes flickering with amusement. "I wouldn't expect anything less from a God."

Zagreus watches as Gabriel walks away, a sense of unease settling in his stomach. He can't shake the feeling that something is off about this whole situation.

But he's a God and won't let his emotions get the best of him. He needs to find this demon that escaped the underworld and who might be connected to Cronus and Lucien.

* * *

Alessia's body is still filled with rage, making her madder the more she thinks of Zagreus.

"Are you in love, you Zagreus" Queen Titian's voice breaks her out of her rage.

Alessia turns to face the Queen, surprised by the question. "What? No, of course not. Why would you even ask that?"

Queen Titian gives her a knowing look, a small smile on her lips. "You seem quite upset with him. It's just a thought."

Alessia feels a warm flush creep up her neck, knowing the Queen can probably sense her emotions. "I'm not in love with him. I barely even know him. He's just...protective, I guess."

The Queen nods, her eyes studying Alessia for a moment longer. "Well, he does tend to be that way. But be careful, Alessia. Zagreus is a powerful God. It's easy to get caught up in his world."

Alessia nods, feeling grateful for the Queen's warning. She knows she must be careful, especially with Gabriel in the picture. She can't let herself get distracted by either of them if she succeeds in her mission.

"Thank you for the advice, Queen Titian," she says, offering the Fae Queen a small smile. "I'll keep it in mind."

The two women stand in silence for a moment longer before Queen Titian speaks up again. "I have something that might help you in your mission, and it's a potion that can protect you."

Alessia's eyes widen in surprise. "Thank you, Queen Titian. That would be incredibly helpful."

The Queen nods, gesturing for Alessia to follow her. They head down a long hallway and into a small room filled with shelves of potions and herbs. Queen Titian picks up a small vial filled with a glowing liquid and hands it to Alessia.

"Be careful with it," she warns. "It's powerful stuff."

Alessia nods, tucking the vial into her pocket. "Thank you again, Queen Titian."

Alessia takes a deep breath as she steps away from the Queen. She felt so powerless before, but now she had something that could help her protect herself. She looks down at the vial in her hand, the glowing liquid inside reminding her of the strength she can draw from it. With this potion, she knows she can do whatever it takes to protect herself and help take down the demon.