The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when Metis and Sophos made their way back to the village. Their steps were heavy, and neither spoke, lost in their own thoughts. The word "sacrifice" echoed ominously in their minds.
Sophos finally broke the silence, his voice low and contemplative. "Do you think the gods truly demand this of us? A sacrifice?"
Metis hesitated, her voice trembling as she answered, "I don't know, Sophos. But if it's true, it feels more like punishment than guidance."
He reached for her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "We'll figure this out, Metis. Together."
When they neared the village, Sophos stopped and turned to her, his expression serious. "Metis, there's something I must do. I'll be gone for a short time."
Her heart sank, fear flashing in her eyes. "Where are you going?"
"I need to consult my father at his temple," he explained. "I have to know more about this sacrifice. I can't leave you to face this alone without understanding what we're up against."
Metis looked away, tears threatening to spill. "And what if you don't come back, Sophos? What if something happens to you?"
He cupped her face gently, his eyes filled with conviction. "I will come back, Metis. I promise. This is for us—for our future."
The weight of the prophecy hung heavy on Metis, its cruel demands clawing at her thoughts. Sacrifice. Why were the gods so unforgiving? Was this a divine test, or something darker? Doubts crept into her faith, whispering questions she dared not voice aloud. As she gazed at Sophos, she saw not a scholar or a servant of the gods, but a man—a man whose every glance told her he would stand by her, protect her, and cherish her.
This could be my only chance, she thought, her heart pounding. Time felt fleeting, unpredictable, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead pushed her to make a choice.
Sophos turned, his steps carrying him toward the path that led to his father's temple. Metis's chest tightened as she watched him leave. Impulse overtook her hesitation.
"Sophos!" she called, her voice trembling.
He stopped, turning to face her, surprise flickering in his eyes. Before he could respond, Metis ran to him, throwing her arms around his shoulders. The embrace was sudden and fierce, catching both him and Thalia off guard.
"Metis?" he asked, his voice a mixture of confusion and concern.
She clung to him, her voice barely above a whisper. "I couldn't let you leave without telling you the truth."
Sophos's hands hovered uncertainly before gently resting on her back. "What truth?" he asked softly, his tone careful, as though afraid of breaking the moment.
She pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, her eyes filled with emotion. "I feel the same, Sophos. I have feelings for you too." Her words spilled out in a rush, her voice steady despite the storm in her heart. "I don't care about the prophecy or what anyone says. You mean more to me than any of it."
For a moment, he said nothing, his expression unreadable. Then, with a tenderness that made her heart ache, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "I promised I'd protect you, and I will," he said firmly. "I'll return as soon as I can. Nothing will keep me from you."
She nodded, tears welling in her eyes as she stepped back. Thalia, standing a short distance away, watched in quiet awe, her usual teasing replaced by a knowing smile.
As Sophos turned once more and disappeared down the path, Metis's chest felt both lighter and heavier. She had said what her heart demanded, and now, all she could do was wait.
***************
Back at the temple, Metis and Thalia began preparations for the festival. The air buzzed with the energy of anticipation, but Metis felt detached, her mind clouded with doubt.
Thalia, sensing her mistress's unease, asked gently, "My Lady, do you know what this sacrifice could be?"
Metis shook her head, her voice soft and uncertain. "No, Thalia. I'm as lost as you are. But I plan to summon Athena. Perhaps she'll guide me."
Thalia frowned, worry etched into her features. "Do you think the goddess will answer you? She's been silent for so long."
"I have to try," Metis said firmly. "I can't let this festival end in ruin."
The two women worked in silence for a time, their movements efficient but heavy with tension.
That night, Metis knelt before the altar, her hands trembling as she lit the incense. She whispered her prayers, her voice shaking with emotion. "Athena, please hear me. I am your priestess, your servant. Guide me in this time of uncertainty."
The silence that followed was deafening. Metis stared at the flickering flames, willing them to offer some sign, but the temple remained still.
She retreated to her chambers, her mind racing. Where was Sophos? What did the fairy's warning truly mean? Could Sophos be hiding something from her?
The memories of their time together surfaced—his laughter, the warmth of his touch, the way his gaze seemed to pierce her soul. These thoughts calmed her, and she finally drifted into a restless sleep.
Morning came with a burst of activity. Thalia entered Metis's chambers, her excitement obvious. "The villagers have begun bringing their gifts! The festival preparations are in full swing."
Metis nodded, forcing herself to focus. She dressed in her ceremonial robes, with Thalia helping her arrange her hair and secure the delicate jewelry that marked her as the goddess's chosen priestess.
"Are you all right, My Lady?" Thalia asked hesitantly.
"I will be," Metis replied, though her heart felt heavy.
The villagers arrived one by one, offering jewelry, fruits, and other tokens of gratitude to Athena. Metis sat in her appointed place, her expression serene, though her mind wandered.
Thalia stood close by, watching her mistress's distracted demeanor. Finally, she leaned in and whispered, "Are you searching for someone, My Lady?"
Metis blinked, startled. "What do you mean?"
"You keep looking at the crowd as if you're expecting someone," Thalia said softly. "Is it Sophos?"
Metis sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Yes. I keep hoping to see him, but he hasn't returned." "He will come back. He promised, didn't he?" Thalia asked with concern.
Metis nodded, though doubt lingered in her eyes.
By evening, Metis could no longer suppress her unease. She called Thalia to her side. "Have you heard anything from Sophos?"
Thalia shook her head. "No, My Lady. But he'll return. He cares for you deeply. You must trust in that."
Metis tried to draw comfort from her words, but the gnawing anxiety remained.
********************
The following morning, Metis steeled herself for the ritual to summon Athena. She prepared the sacred incense and chanted the prayers with a trembling voice. The air grew heavy, and a sudden gust of wind extinguished the flames.
Athena appeared, her radiant form glowing with divine power. Her gaze was piercing as she looked upon her priestess.
"What is it you seek, Metis?" the goddess asked, her voice calm yet commanding.
Metis fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face. "Oh, great Athena, I beg for your mercy. I've seen visions of destruction. Please, guide me. What must I do to save our city?"
Athena's expression darkened, and the air grew colder. "The visions you see are tied to a choice only you can make. You must choose between your love for Sophos and your duty as my priestess."
Metis's breath ceased. "What do you mean? Why must I choose?"
"You cannot serve two masters," Athena replied sternly. "Your heart is divided, and your love for Sophos clouds your judgment. Decide now—will you fulfill your sacred duty, or will you forsake it for the man you love?"
Metis's heart ached. Her life as a priestess had been one of sacrifice and devotion, but it had also been one of loneliness. Sophos had awakened a part of her she didn't know existed.
"I..." Her voice trembled as she struggled to speak. "I choose Sophos. I choose love. I choose freedom."
The moment the words left her lips, the air crackled with electricity. Athena's fury was palpable. Thunder roared, and the temple shook violently.