Getting a hotel wasn't hard. Gods traveled frequently, and Olympus, being a hub of activity, was well-equipped. The tight security at Horae's gates was another matter, gods typically carried divine passes. A god without one? That raised alarms. Either they were newly ascended or… Lucian. He had to disguise himself as a freshly promoted deity to gain entry.
Heaven never knew night. Eternal day blanketed its realm, rendering time a concept measured only by events and divine duties. But Olympus, ah, Olympus had a night. The domain of one of the Primordial goddesses of darkness, a being born in the age of Origin, governed it. The moment the sky darkened and stars blinked into view above Olympus, Lucian yawned.
"It's been ages since I slept under a real night," he murmured, stretching lazily. "Maybe I should suggest Father assign a few Purebloods to spread night across Heaven. Or ask the Night Deities under him to guide it."
But Heaven was vast, and such a task nearly impossible.
"Argh… not my problem," he sighed, dropping into the plush bed.
Olympus was stunning. No two days ever felt the same. It was a realm of learning, mischief, discovery just his kind of place.
After a quick bath, Lucian stepped out, eager to explore. But just as the lounge door opened
Boom!
A golden blur slammed into him like a comet, hurling him back across the marble floor. He landed with a thud, arms splayed, eyes half-closed in dramatic surrender.
"Get up, you bastard!" roared the intruder.
Her hair floated like fire in the wind, and a swirling pink aura raged around her. Aphrodite.
Lucian blinked at the ceiling. "Can't a man enjoy peace in a new realm?"
"Don't even try to play victim," she snarled, hands crackling with suppressed divinity.
Lucian winced, slowly rising from the dented floor, rubbing his back for theatrical effect. "Lady, you wound me. Both physically and emotionally."
"That wouldn't even sting a lesser god," she snapped.
He gave a sheepish smile. "Guess I overreacted."
Despite her fury, Aphrodite's presence filled the room like perfume, sweet, intoxicating, dangerously beautiful. Lucian felt the conflict boiling inside him. She wasn't just any goddess, she was his goddess. Complicated. Untouchable. Desired.
"What are you here for?" she asked, voice low, wary.
"How did you know it was me?" Lucian asked.
"That wasn't my question."
He sighed. "I guess I should've known Nyx would sniff me out."
Nyx, the all-knowing, could reveal all secrets if she willed it. A new god with no record? That was enough to alert Olympus.
"Nothing important," he said, retreating to the bed. He patted the spot beside him with a lazy grin. "Care to sit?"
Aphrodite crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes. "You drugged me with a kiss the last time you asked that. I slept for four days. Four divine days."
Lucian winced. "Desperate times…"
She rolled her eyes but eventually, almost reluctantly, approached.
"You know, the tales mortals tell of you down there… they aren't kind," Lucian said, eyes softening.
Her glare sharpened. "Because of you! They think Olympus is still atop some Earthly mountain. And Venus, Venus! took full advantage of my absence."
Lucian chuckled. "You're still the most radiant goddess across all realms. Even Mother Orton was said to envy you."
Aphrodite finally sat beside him. Close. Too close.
Lucian could feel the heat from her skin. The scent of honey and roses drifted into his senses, and it took all his strength not to pull her into his arms.
"I might be the goddess of love, but I won't fall for your charm again," she warned, but her head gently rested on his shoulder.
He exhaled, gently threading his fingers through her hair, trailing down to the small of her back. He stopped. His hand trembled slightly.
"Are you scared?" she whispered.
"I fear nothing," he said. "But I don't want to rush this. Not now. We'll have our time. When the stars themselves bless it."
She chuckled softly, tracing lazy circles on his chest. "It would've been easier if we were married."
"I know. Zelda and Ray already want me married before war comes again."
A moment passed. Tender. Silent.
"I know why you're here," Aphrodite said.
Lucian looked up, startled. "You… do?"
She nodded slowly. "Not just me. Zeus knows. Nyx knows. Every high god in Olympus knows."
Lucian's smile dropped. "But how…?"
Aphrodite rose suddenly, her gown shimmering like starlight. She giggled behind her hand, spinning with a dancer's grace.
"You're not the only trickster in the heavens," she teased.
"You're stealing my bit," Lucian laughed, rising and catching her hand mid-spin. He pulled her close, one hand at her waist, the other at her back.
Aphrodite bent back slightly, daring him.
"I want a kiss," he whispered, voice low and raw.
Aphrodite slid away like a breeze, eyes glinting with mischief. She leaned close to his ear, her breath warm.
"It won't come easy," she whispered, floating gracefully out the window, daring him to follow.
Lucian grinned, heart pounding like thunder in Olympus.
This was far from over.