You chase me through the meadow, and even though you could easily catch me, you don't. The smell of spring lingers in the air and the sound of the stream nearby makes me feel as if we're the only beings alive. It's just you and I, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
You decide that enough time has passed, and you use your long, slender legs to catch up to me. You wrap your arms around me, and our laughter fills the air as we tumble through the grass. We land, side by side, and you smile at me as our gazes lock together. You roll closer to me, silky golden hair covering my face, filling me with the smell of you.
It overwhelms me, and I have to look away. Otherwise, I'll be completely lost in you.
I spot a crow pass by, and I feel you stiffen.
He's here.
Light condenses near the bank of the stream, and from there he materializes.
He's unearthly. Tall, muscular, skin the color of bronze, he is beautiful in a way no mortal could ever hope to be. He has been chasing you for months. And yet, you chose me.
You stand up, and I do the same. The smile on your face has transformed into a thin line, and the look on your face could turn water to ice, but I see the tremble in your hands. No one does well refusing a god.
He walks towards you, the sunlight emphasizing his every move, and no matter how much he terrifies me, he's still breath taking. Sometimes, I wonder why you chose me.
Brittany, he says, have you reconsidered my offer? I am getting impatient.
You reply, your voice colder than stone. If I have said it once, I've said it a thousand times. I will never be your bride.
His eyes glow dangerously, and he turns towards me. My breath stops.
Is it because of this woman? You choose a slave over a god?
His whole form begins to glow. I know this will be the end of me. I close my eyes.
Apollo, I will choose her every time.
White light fills my vision even with my eyes shut, at the same time a light mist settles on my skin. I open my eyes to find a strange tree in front of me. I look everywhere for you, but you're nowhere to be found.
Beyond it, I see the god. The glow around him is fading, and his eyes are wide. I follow his gaze and see that the front of the tree is charred and smoking.
No.
No.
I rush at him, tears stinging my eyes. I beat my hands against his armor-plated chest.
He couldn't have.
He couldn't have.
What did you do to her?
I collapse against him and a sob escapes my lips. Nothing matters anymore.
She saved you from me. Her mother saved her from herself.
I look up at him, rage pouring out of every pore.
Bring her back.
His eyes look remorseful.
I am a god, an Olympian, but even I cannot undo this type of magic.
Bit by bit, he dematerializes.
I am sorry.
I am left alone.
Alone.
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