Chapter 23: The Inevitable Path

The wind was colder than usual, and the skies above their forest home had been clouded for days. A gray mist hung low, as if the land itself was holding its breath.

Leonidas stood silently by the riverbank, eyes sharp as always, but his mind was elsewhere. His hands rested on the hilt of his sword, but for once, there was no urge to train, no desire to hunt.

Behind him, the faint sound of coughing echoed through the trees — a sound that had become far too familiar in the last few weeks.

Turning, he walked slowly back to the house, where Faye sat near the fire, wrapped in a thick fur, pale but still wearing her quiet smile.

Atreus sat nearby, trying to read from one of the carved wooden tablets, but it was clear he was distracted — his eyes constantly flicking toward their mother.

Kratos stood in the corner, arms crossed, his face a hard mask, but even Leonidas could see the storm in his father's eyes.

Leonidas approached quietly, kneeling beside Faye.

"How are you feeling today, Mother?" he asked softly, careful not to let the worry show in his voice.

Faye gave him a weak but warm smile. "I'm still here, aren't I?" she teased gently, though her voice was hoarse and strained.

Leonidas frowned slightly but didn't push further.

"You should rest," he murmured. "You shouldn't push yourself to stay up."

"I will," she said, reaching out to touch his cheek gently. "But I wanted to see all of you first."

As night fell, Leonidas sat outside, staring into the distance, his mind racing.

"There must be a way to save her. With all the magic at my disposal... with Solomon's knowledge, there has to be a way."

He clenched his fists, anger and frustration burning inside.

Suddenly, a soft voice spoke from behind him.

"You're thinking too loud, son."

Leonidas turned sharply, seeing Faye standing at the doorway, leaning against the frame for support.

"You should be resting," he said, rising quickly to steady her, guiding her to sit beside him.

"I've rested enough," she smiled softly. "Besides... I know what's on your mind."

Leonidas looked away, jaw tight. "...Then you know I can help."

Faye's eyes softened. "Help?"

He nodded firmly. "There are spells — powerful ones. The kind that can heal any wound, stop any curse. I can summon them, I can bargain with the demons bound to me. If I offer enough power, enough of myself, I could..."

"Leonidas."

Her voice, though weak, was sharp enough to make him stop.

She reached up and placed her hand over his. "My son... I know you would do anything to save me. And I love you for that. But this is not something you can fight."

Leonidas shook his head. "You don't understand. I can stop this. I have the power. Just give me the word, and I'll do it."

Faye smiled sadly. "I understand more than you know. I've seen what's to come, Leonidas. I've seen your path... Atreus' path... and even your father's. This is how it must be."

He stared at her, feeling like the ground had been pulled out from under him.

"But why? Why does it have to be like this?" His voice broke slightly despite himself.

Faye's hand reached up to cup his cheek gently, her touch soft but steady.

"Because if I stay, you will never grow into what you must become. You will always look to me for answers. But you, Leonidas, are destined to shape this world — to protect your brother, to stand beside your father when the time comes."

Leonidas swallowed hard. "I don't care about destiny, Mother. I care about you."

"And because you care, you must let me go."

Tears stung the edges of his eyes, but he fought them back. "If I save you... if I keep you here... doesn't that change destiny?"

Faye smiled, tears of her own in her eyes now. "Perhaps. But not for the better. Trust me, my son. You are not ready to see the price of such a change."

Leonidas looked down, clenching his fists tightly. All the magic, all the demons loyal to him — and he was powerless to save her.

She leaned against him gently, resting her head on his shoulder. "Promise me, Leonidas... promise me you'll protect your brother. And your father. They will need you."

He took a deep, shaky breath, forcing himself to calm.

"I promise."

Faye smiled, her body relaxing slightly. "Good. That's all I needed to hear."

They sat together in silence, the moonlight casting a soft glow around them.

As dawn crept over the trees, Leonidas stood beside Kratos, watching as Faye slept inside, her breathing faint but peaceful.

Kratos didn't look at him, but his voice was low and steady.

"She told you?"

Leonidas nodded. "Yes."

Kratos' hands were clenched tightly at his sides, the only sign of the storm beneath his calm exterior.

"I could stop this," Leonidas said quietly. "You know I can."

Kratos turned his head slightly, glancing at him from the corner of his eye. "But she wouldn't want that."

Leonidas nodded slowly. "No. She wouldn't."

Kratos was silent for a long moment. Then he placed a hand on Leonidas' shoulder — a rare gesture of comfort and understanding.

"You are strong, Leonidas. Stronger than you know. But sometimes... strength is knowing when not to fight."

Leonidas swallowed hard but nodded.

"I won't stop you from protecting them," Kratos added, his voice heavy. "But for now, we honor her wishes."

Leonidas stared out at the forest, feeling a deep, hollow ache in his chest.

"I will protect them, Mother. I swear it."

System Notice (End of Chapter Update):

Template Integration: 90% (Locked)

Clairvoyance (Refined, Wider Focus)

72 Demons Loyalty (Active)

Mission Reminder: To unlock 100% Template — Slay a God (Pending)

Emotional State Warning: High Internal Stress. Stabilization Required.