Athènia's POV
We arrive at the place where we had first met. The Alpha sits down on the ground with a sigh. The vampire takes a seat in the other corner, while I lean back against the wall.
{Kora: I don't feel good at all.}
Athènia: I know, but we can't leave yet. Someone outside has to stand in front of the main entrance of the cave for us to be able to get out.
The Alpha looks at me strangely.
Naynah: So, what are we going to do now that we're allies?
Athènia: First, we need to learn how to fight the enemy.
The vampire leans his back against the wall.
Kemran: But we already know how to fight, and you're stronger than us.
Athènia: I may be stronger than you, but the Supreme is far stronger than me. That's why we need to improve our combat techniques.
I hear them agree reluctantly, as if they wanted to refuse but couldn't escape this fate.
Athènia: Second, you must help me learn everything about vampires and werewolves.
The vampire raises an inquisitive eyebrow.
Kemran: And why should you need to know all that?
Naynah: Yeah, why?
I sigh at their stupidity.
Athènia: The enemy is a hybrid of vampire and werewolf blood. How do you expect me to help you defeat him if I know nothing about either side of his heritage?
I say, slightly irritated.
Naynah: That's… kind of logical.
Kemran: Do you think there could be someone else here?
Athènia: I don't know… maybe.
I close my eyes, trying to sense if there's anyone else in this cave. I hear nothing at first, but suddenly a cracking sound echoes from somewhere I can't pinpoint. I open my eyes and, without even warning the others, I start running toward the noise, shouting, "Don't follow me!" I grab my backpack where I had dropped it when the Alpha attacked me.
Athènia: Kora, who is it?
{Kora: It's a mermaid.}
I keep running until I stop in front of a wall. Why isn't there a button to open it?
{Kora: Just destroy it.}
I take a deep breath, gather my strength, and slam into it with all my might. A tremor shakes the ground, the wall crumbles, and its fragments release a dark, malevolent aura. Another prisoner of the Supreme. I step inside. It's completely dark until the torches suddenly light up.
There's someone chained, looking pitiful and weak.
{Kora: It's the prince of the merfolk, Atlas, son of King Poseidon.}
I approach carefully.
Athènia: Atlas...
He raises his head, and I instantly see his eyes, as blue as the sea.
Atlas: What are you doing here? Leave before you end up trapped like me.
His voice is faint, he looks like he's been here for a long time. I grab the chains and break them. Too weak to realize, he doesn't resist. I crouch down in front of him.
Atlas: What? Why are you—?
I raise my hand to silence him.
Athènia: I'm helping you because it's in my nature.
I open my backpack, take out a pack of bread rolls, and hand it to him. He trembles as he accepts it and eats like someone who hasn't had food in ages. Then I give him my water bottle. He drinks, then looks up at me.
Atlas: Thank you…
Athènia: Athènia. That's my name.
Atlas: Thank you so much, Athènia.
I notice how dirty he looks, proof that he's been here for a long time.
Athènia: Atlas, how long have you been here?
Atlas: Months, maybe.
Athènia: How did you end up here?
Atlas: I don't know why he locked me up. He accused me of being a hybrid.
Athènia: The Supreme.
Atlas: Yes, the Supreme. He imprisoned me because he believes I'm a hybrid. I also overheard him once—he said he hates hybrids, sorcerers, vampires, and werewolves. He also despises merfolk, claiming we are nothing but beings who must submit to those above us.
His eyes fill with tears.
Athènia: Atlas, you've been missing for more than two years. No one has found you since the day you left your kingdom.
He wipes his eyes.
Atlas: I don't want to be king.
I sigh.
Athènia: Atlas, it's not a matter of whether you want it or not. It's your destiny. And even if you don't want it, destiny will make you king anyway. You thought running away would solve everything, but it only made things worse. After your disappearance, the Supreme invaded Atlantica. He killed King Poseidon and your entire family. Today, Atlantica no longer exists, and your people are slaves to his dark kingdom.
Tears roll down his cheeks.
Atlas: He killed my father… my little sisters and brothers.
Athènia: Yes, Atlas. And he enslaved your people. It's up to you to lead them once we've defeated Im. He has caused too much suffering. He is the embodiment of evil. But we are the light—and together we can defeat him. Will you join us in this war and reclaim your rightful place, Atlas?
I hold out my hand. He wipes his tears, nods, and places his hand in mine.
Atlas: Yes, Athènia. I will join you—for the honor of my family and to save my people.
I smile.
Athènia: Good. Then you should rest, because we can only leave tomorrow.
Atlas: Thank you for opening my eyes, Athènia.
Athènia: It's my pleasure to help.
I place my bag beside him. He lays his head on it and closes his eyes. Poor thing… he's truly lived through hell. Another reason to face the Supreme.
{Kora: Lis, are you sure we can trust him?}
Athènia: I'm sure, Kora.
She groans in my mind.
{Kora: Then why can't you trust your companion and our cousin?}
Athènia: Kora, you know I never make a mistake when I decide to trust someone.
{Kora: An alliance without trust is called failure.}
Athènia: Please, Kora. I'm sure they don't fully trust me either. But once my powers awaken, I'll have more control over everything. Do you understand, Kora?
{Kora: Fine… I'm your wolf, so I'll share your thoughts even if I don't like them.}
Athènia: You're the one who doesn't like them—so why should I hate them too?
Silence lingers for a moment.
{Kora: Uh, Lis, the Goddess wants to speak to you.}
As soon as she says this, I close my eyes and feel my soul leave my body. Once again, I find myself in the garden. The Goddess is still seated in her chair, but something feels different. I look down and see my wolf. I'm not imagining it.
Athènia: Kora…
Kora: Nice to see you too, my beautiful one.
Athènia: But how is it possible that I can see you?
Goddess: Because I needed to speak with you both.
Her voice is as soft as always.
Athènia: Goddess, why have you called us?
Goddess: My daughter, you have already discovered your mother's identity and your enemy's.
Athènia: Yes, dear Goddess, but I feel like something is missing.
Goddess: I know you don't want your cousin and your companion to know that you are also a hybrid.
Athènia: Am I making the right choice by keeping it from them?
Goddess: Of course, my daughter. You are making the right choice. But know this: they are only here to help you grow stronger when the time comes. It is you alone who must fight the Supreme.
Athènia: So this alliance won't last long…
Goddess: Yes, my dear. They are only tools to help you rise in power.
Kora: Just like Tevi and Dracos.
Goddess: Yes, but the difference is—they won't die like Tevi and Dracos.
Kora: Oh, my Goddess… Athènia still feels like something is missing in this story.
Goddess: And what is missing?
Athènia: I don't know why, but I feel the reason behind the Supreme's hatred is connected to Jinking Storm.
Goddess: But Jinking is a di-hybrid, and the Supreme only has two bloodlines, not three.
Athènia: I know… but I still believe it.
Goddess: Then it's up to you to discover, my daughter. But remember: I am with you. And together with Kora, you are stronger. Don't lose your harmony—stay united, because on the day of the great battle, it will be two against two.
Suddenly everything turns black. I open my eyes and see I'm back in the cave. Atlas is still asleep. What does this mean?
{Kora: Stupid, it means it'll be you and me against the Supreme and his wolf.}
Damn, how could I forget that detail? Thank you, Kora. You're the best.
{Kora: Always at your service.}
I lie down on the ground. To summarize: I must keep my identity secret, my powers hidden, my mother's identity concealed, uncover the truth about the Supreme, and gather all supernatural beings. For now, I need to rest, because tomorrow will be another day. I close my eyes and let myself drift into the world of dreams.