Picture Reference: @marvelcharacterslist - Instagram

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As the chief Greek deity,

Zeus is considered the ruler, protector,

And the father of all gods and humans.

He is often depicted as an older man with a beard.

And is represented by symbols such as the lightning bolt and the eagle.

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Selma's body contorted into a creature I barely recognized. The first thing to emerge was the numerous dog-like heads that protruded from her waist. They twisted around her on long serpentine necks as they barked and gnashed their teeth at Zion. Her scaley legs divided into ten more snake-like feet.

Selma bared her teeth, and in barely a full second, she dashed straight for Zion. Her dark hair billowed with rage as she launched her claws and all six dog heads at the triplet. A few centimeters to impact, her body smashed against a hard invisible wall.

My eyes bugged out at the new ability. "What--"

"Compacted air," Eros said instinctively as he watched Selma crumple to the ground with a broken nose. The triplet was now surrounded by the rest of Selma's cohorts. A small smile graced Eros' lips. "He has been training. Either that or Zeus is giving him pointers. I hardly believe it'll be the latter."

Zion twisted on his feet and caught an attacking Scylla by the neck, just as two others tried to break the barrier around him. With barely any hesitation, he grabbed the Scylla's hair and tore her head right off her shoulders. He reflexively stretched out a hand. Lightning curled down his arm before striking another Scylla in the face. The place flashed white as she and all her six heads flew straight into a wall.

The Crowd widened the battle space as they tried to avoid the gore and mess from spilling unto their dress. I could feel sweat beading over my forehead as anxiety engulfed me."Can he fight all twelve of them alone?"

Eros leaned half of his weight on the balcony. His crossed arms looked stiff and tensed. "Selma and the others challenged his throne so he has no choice but to prove his worth. If he loses, his crown crumbles along with the monsters' loyalty." He glanced at me. "In the end, those who wish to kill Pandora will do it without hesitation. There'll be chaos, starting from this very building."

This means Zion has no other choice but to win.

Flicking his wrists, two long thunderbolts appeared in Zion's hands, nearly marring the ground with their pointed tips. He threw the left one, nailing a gorgon to the wall through the eye and pinning it beside the crumpled Scylla from earlier. A Scylla's dog head managed to grab his arm by its teeth. It barely lasts a second before instantly being electrocuted. With growing rage, Zion grabbed the Scylla responsible by the face and crushed it with his hands.

I instantly realized. "He's not using his full powers."

Eros scoffed. "That's partly my fault. He doesn't want to destroy this building so he's trying to keep the damage to a minimum. The walls alone could cover someone's meal for a month."

I rolled my eyes and turned back to the ongoing battle just as Zion smashed a gorgon's head to the ground, splitting her skull open. Zion's physical ability had improved, and I watched with awe as he slowly dealt with all twelve opponents. Most of them had their blood and body spilled around him. The other half were pinned mercilessly to one side of the room like trophies.

Zion closed in on Selma as she struggled to her knees. Her entire body was mangled and bloody with each joint warped at an odd angle. She crawled away in a futile act of escape. "Please don't kill me! I swear I'll--"

Zion grabbed her jaw and leaned down. He stared into her fear-drenched eyes. Somehow, the battle had increased his anger by tenfold. Zion's irises pulsed white as he spoke. "I promised to kill anyone who poses a threat to me or those I care about. And that's a vow I plan to keep."

Her eyes widened just before he struck his remaining thunderbolt through her skull, etching it to the ground like a pole. Silence stretched over the crowd, lasting a few seconds before the monsters erupted into roars of triumph. Zion's name filled their lips as they chanted his victory.

I smiled at the massive display of excitement, even though it was a bloody one. Eros screamed along with them as he threw his flip-flops over the balcony, catching a minotaur's head. Liam was quiet beside me. He observed the scenery with an emotion I couldn't work out.

Zion stood at the center of the crowd, his white shirt and face were stained with speckles of blood. The triplet didn't look too bothered. He took a domineering stand and commanded the monsters' attention. "Is there anyone else who wishes to challenge my position?"

The entire place went still with no one voicing their objection. Zion waited a few seconds to ascertain his answer. When all was good, he continued, "Epimetheus is on the move, so we need to act fast. The titan will be looking to kill every unawakened god he can find. And Henry will be trying to expand his army by turning humans and torturing your fellow friends to join his side.

"As monsters, your job will be to locate every dormant god and greek creature. Bring them here -- to Star Crossed inc. -- and hand them over to Eros. He'll take care of things from there. Kill every crocotta in sight, regardless of how they may appear, and protect yourself and your families from Henry's influence.

"For now, leave the battle to me and my close members. I'll only call on you if it is necessary. A war may come, and we need to prepare for it. Hone in your abilities and sharpen your skills so you won't be found lacking. Eros owns a training ground which will be open to anyone who wishes to use it." He gestured to the god of love. "After this meeting, every greek creature should see Eros and physically pledge their loyalty with a bond."

Zion stretched out his forearm, displaying a scarred symbol of a thunderbolt.

Zeus' mark.

I stared in shock. "A bond? He's going to form a bond with everyone?"

"Everyone except us," Eros answered with a hand to his cheek. "It's a way to tell between friend or foe. An enemy will refuse the mark, knowing it'll forcefully bend him to Zion's rule. Only those with honest hearts can complete Zion's bond. It also helps Zion locate trouble within his people. It's the perfect thing he, Dimitri and I could come up with."

I turned to the god of love. "You're giving everything to help Zion. It's amazing."

He smirked. "Don't thank me yet. Zion just ordered a search for all unawakened gods. Which means I might get to see Psyche. And when I do, I'll never let her go."

My heart swirled at the way he spoke about his beloved. I just hope her human side doesn't give him too much trouble.

Zion continued with a deep baritone voice. "Anyone who locates Henry or Wyatt should report to Eros immediately. As my spokesperson, he'll relay all your wants, and needs to me. I plan on getting my brother back and I'll do anything to make that happen." His irises took in every monster around him. "I repeat, anybody who threatens those I care about -- including those bonded to me -- will be executed, no questions asked."

He pocketed his hands and bent his head, announcing the end of his speech. "Thank you all for coming."

Every monster in the vicinity clapped as they chanted Zion's name in a never-ending cycle. They swarmed him, giving handshakes and bowing in respect while others patted his shoulder in acknowledgment. Selma's body and the rest of her dead cohorts had crumbled into nothing but black dust.

"I guess I have work to do. Being a king's spokesperson is no easy feat." Eros cracked his fingers then ruffled my hair. "I need to direct every monster to the induction room. My bouncers will be helping. Now, where is Trent!?"

With that, Eros left the balcony to the ground floor. I tapped my fingers on the metal railings. My heart slowed with relief, knowing everything went well without anyone getting too hurt. I turned to my side, expecting to see Liam but he was gone.

Where did he go?

Zion said his last farewells to a group of griffins before taking his leave out the door. Without thinking, I followed. I shoved my way past the group of monsters. Their eyes didn't hold so much resentment as compared to a few minutes ago. In no time, I sprinted unto the open air. It was cloudy with a light shower drenching the place.

Probably Zion's doing.

I caught the triplet taking a road to the side and tried to catch up. "Zion!"

He stopped, surprised at my presence. I tackled him with a hug. "You were so amazing back there, even Eros was cheering along. I'm so proud of you."

He stiffened before his hands hesitantly skimmed through my hair. "Why did you follow me?"

With furrowed eyebrows, I stepped back. "Was I interrupting something?"

His eyes traced over my drenched frame. "I thought Dimitri warned you to never be alone with me."

I forced out a laugh. "But you won't do anything, right? You won't hurt me."

"I won't. But Zeus might."

Why is he saying all this?

"Zion, I know how pressurizing all this can be, stepping into your role and all. I just...want to make sure you're alright. If you need to talk, I'm here."

He watched me for a second, eyes still glowing white. He parted his lips, wanting to say something but someone interrupted us.

"It's a miracle I found you here."

Zion and I froze at the familiar tone. A female about our age walked into the clearing with a hostage. She had an arm around Helena's neck while pressing a knife to her jugular.

The intruder forced a smile. "Hello, Zion."

I took in the orange-dyed hair and glasses. My heart thundered as painful memories resurfaced. She was the reason Pedro was kidnapped in the first place. The one who led Henry straight to our doorstep. The one who stole Poseidon's pendant and betrayed us...betrayed me.

I couldn't believe it, but I found myself staring into the eyes of no other person than...Gwen.

But why is she here? Why now?

She knows Zion will kill her the moment she shows her face. And to prevent that, she decided to protect her life by threatening Zeus' beloved. It was a wrong move. Helena isn't under Zion's protection yet. And with his rage skyrocketing, he could very much kill both of them without looking back.

🎶If you want to marry Zion clap your hands!🎶👏👏

Lol, so I know most of you might've forgotten Gwen. You can head over to chapter 1 of book 1.

Basically, she's a shy girl who had feelings for Pedro but betrayed him. I hope that helps 👉👈

And now the vote regarding the last chapter. I read the comments and most of you came up with convincing suggestions. I honestly love all of them.

So it's settled, there won't be a Pedro's POV.

However, I'll try to appease those who miss Pedro the best way I can.💜💜💜

A big thank you to everyone that participated. It meant the world to me. Seeing your comments always makes my day brighter.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter.

Until next time👋💜💜💜