Olympus – The Empty Courtyard
The gods were already dispersing back to their halls, their sandals whispering across marble as their voices rose in quiet speculation. Only the morning wind remained, drifting between the tall columns and carrying the faint smell of olive leaves and burning incense.
Zeus stood with Metis at his side, his hand brushing hers once before dropping back to his side. His golden eyes followed Hera's fading silhouette as she vanished beyond the eastern archways, her crimson robe trailing behind her like spilled wine.
"Zeus."
The voice came low and calm, but with a heaviness like deep currents pulling under the ocean surface. Zeus turned his head slightly, watching Poseidon approach from where he had remained standing after the announcement. His brother moved with the silent grace of tides, his long sea-green hair falling loosely around his shoulders, damp with salt mist that seemed to cling to his skin wherever he walked.
