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Part of me imagines stepping forward. Taking my dad’s place.
But Ari’s words hold me still as though she has woven a spell gluing me in place.
I need him, I plead with the universe. Please, don’t separate us.
Please Gaia, please let him come away from this unharmed. Let’s return home together. Otherwise, I don’t think I'll be able to forgive myself. He is only here because of me.
I would take his place in a heartbeat. Just as I know that he would for me.
But can we trust a god? If I reveal I'm here, there’s no guarantee that he’d leave us both alone.
Spitting bright blood at the stranger’s feet, Dad glowers up at his attacker. “I don’t have a daughter.” Gritting his teeth, he restrains himself as he bites down the pain.
“You're disgusting. Pathetic babbling old man,” the god sneers at Dad. The attacker’s face forced his lips into a thin pressed line. “Do not lie to me.”
The words stabbed into my soul.
A barrage of furious kicks connects with my dad. Instinctively, I flinch at each strike. With each blow, I take a step farther from the god. Putting only feet of distance between me and the pomegranate tree. My steps are soft, feeling first for branches before shifting my weight.
Six.
Step.
Seven.
Step.
Eight.
Step.
The god’s voice is icy. Like the coldest winter solstice night that I have ever experienced. “Now, let’s try this again. What do you’ve to say about my most generous offer?”
“By Jove,” Dad gasps in pain.
“Keep her, and I'll destroy everything that you’ve ever loved.” The god spat. “Return her and I'll permit you to continue living your pathetic life as a mortal. I'll even consider becoming the patron and protector of your next child.”
The way the god inflected his tone, I knew nothing good would come from him. I doubt that he could be trusted to uphold his word even.
The god’s voice was calm. Terrifying me down to the darkest depths of my soul. “I'm forced to decline your very, very gracious offer.” Fear clenches my chest. This clearing didn’t feel large enough. Like the woods were squeezing in on me. The supposed gratitude didn’t stretch to his eyes.
Dark.
Constricted.
Suffocating.
Laughing maniacally, the god replies, “Fine. Then back to our world we will go. Perhaps, I should send Oneiroi to your home.”
“Go ahead,” bluffs Dad. “Send them to my home. Your minions will be sorely disappointed with what they find.”
Lies. All lies.
No one will come.
Gaia, please. Any god or goddess. Help us.
By Tartarus, I would take a Titan at this point.
