Night had fallen over the city, the darkness giving way to a strange warmth that mingled with the lively pulse of urban life. The streets were noisy, filled with the hum of engines and the chatter of passersby. Yet nothing could drown out the relentless thump of music from the countless clubs scattered throughout the city.
Two men strode with purpose through the crowded streets, their steps calm and measured as they made their way toward one of the city's most renowned nightclubs. As they stepped inside, the noise multiplied tenfold, the energy of the place almost overwhelming. It was as though a sea of bodies swayed to the rhythm, a flood of people moving to the beat that filled the air with its oppressive, almost hypnotic intensity.
This was Blissful Euphoria, the city's largest and most notorious nightclub, a title it had earned despite being only two months old. Its reputation had exploded over the past month, making it the most sought-after destination for those lucky enough to get through its doors.
The two men, unperturbed by the chaos, wove their way through the mass of revelers, their eyes scanning the crowd as they pressed forward. The pungent scent of expensive alcohol clung to the air, mixing with the sweat of hundreds of dancers. They navigated the throng until they finally stood before a door deep within the club's depths.
Guarding it was a man in a sharp black suit, wearing dark sunglasses and an earpiece. His stoic expression spoke of his role as a gatekeeper. As the men approached, the bodyguard's gaze swept over them, sizing them up before he spoke.
"Ethan Atlas and Cyrus Haze?" he asked, his voice steady and businesslike.
The two men nodded in unison, confirming their identities. The bodyguard bowed his head slightly before turning to unlock and open the door behind him.
"Right this way, sirs," he said, gesturing for them to follow with a firm but polite tone.
They stepped into an exclusive lounge, a far cry from the madness outside. It was quieter here, though the air still carried an electric tension. The men took in their surroundings, recognizing it as a rarefied space, one few ever had the privilege of entering. The bodyguard continued to lead them deeper into the lounge until they reached yet another door, this one even more heavily guarded by its sense of importance.
The bodyguard knocked once, paused, then opened the door with a subtle bow. "Mr. Valentine," he announced as he stepped aside, "your guests have arrived."
The two men stepped into the room beyond, their eyes quickly adjusting to the dim lighting and the sight of several women lounging across plush chairs. They exchanged glances, momentarily confused by the scene before them, but their thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice from the corner of the room.
"Siblings," the voice called warmly, "welcome."
Turning, they saw Zeal, the God of Emotion, striding toward them with a wide smile. Dressed in nothing but black pants, his muscular torso bare, Zeal radiated the same infectious energy that filled the club. As he reached them, he threw his arms around the two men; Sage, the God of Mind, and Siris, the God of Sight, embracing them gleefully.
"Just in time," Zeal grinned, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Ze… Zeke," Sage murmured, his voice soft, almost hesitant.
"It has been far too long," Zeal replied, stepping back from his embrace to stand before them, his smile broad and genuine.
"I agree," Sage responded, his attention immediately shifting to his shirt, checking for any sign of an unintentional unknown stain from the affectionate hug.
His gaze then drifted toward the women scattered around the room, his expression subtly tense, revealing his discomfort at their presence. Zeal noticed Sage's unease and with a simple tilt of his head, signaled to the women that their presence was not needed. Without hesitation, they all rose gracefully and made their way out, closing the door behind them in silent obedience.
As the room quieted, Sage returned his focus to Zeal, his expression dimming. "You seem to be enjoying your time in Main World a lot, Zeal," he said, his voice firm, carrying a note of disapproval.
Zeal chuckled, unfazed by Sage's reprimand. "Oh, relax," he replied with a playful grin. "I would never compromise my honor for the mere sake of mortal pleasures. Everything you see is simply for aesthetics, to further assist my pursuit for establishment on Earth."
"I would hope so," Sage muttered, his disapproving look unmoved by Zeal's easygoing demeanor.
Siris, standing just behind Sage, laughed softly and stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Ignore the God of Mind's self-righteousness, Zeal," Siris said with a smile. "If we, the creators, cannot indulge in the fruits of our labor, then who can?"
Zeal's laughter rang out again, louder this time, and he moved forward to throw a casual arm around Siris in a half-embrace. "This is why you've always been my favorite sibling," Zeal declared with a grin, his admiration evident.
Siris joined in his laughter, clapping Zeal on the back. "The feeling is mutual, my counterpart," he said warmly, the camaraderie between the two gods palpable as they made their way further into the room to sit.
Sage, however, could only sigh at their antics, pressing a palm to his forehead in visible frustration. "Idiots, the both of you," he grumbled, though his tone carried more resignation than true anger as he followed them to their seats.
"You must tell me everything about this club's creation, Zeal," Siris urged as they settled down, his curiosity clear.
Zeal chuckled, his eyes alight with mischief. "Ah, an enticing tale of ambition and indulgence," he began, lounging back comfortably. "Please, make yourselves at home."
Zeal began to recount his adventures with the acquisition and rise of Blissful Euphoria. As they talked, the conversation shifted to broader topics, each of them sharing their experiences since arriving at Main World. Eventually, the subject turned to more personal matters, and Zeal leaned closer to Sage, his expression sly.
"You can imagine my surprise when I saw you on the news, dear sibling," Zeal teased, his smile widening. "The 'mysterious genius' who managed to capture the heart of the queen of technology, Jade Hart."
Sage sighed, a flicker of weariness crossing his features. "I am merely performing my duty," he responded formally. "It is not an acquired prize, Zeal."
"Of course," Zeal replied, though his grin didn't falter. "But still, it's quite the feat. I've heard she had no intentions of marrying anyone before you came along. That must have been a challenge."
"I suppose," Sage conceded, his tone modest, brushing off the compliment.
"Yet that is precisely why you excel in your role," Zeal continued, his words a subtle acknowledgment of Sage's unparalleled intellect.
"And why you excel in yours," Sage returned, his words a nod to Zeal's manipulative charm and emotional mastery.
Zeal's grin widened at the mutual acknowledgment. "You know me so well," he said with a laugh, the bond between the two gods evident despite their differences.
As Sage's words settled into a brief pause, Zeal turned his attention to Siris, a playful glint in his eyes. "And you, my dear counterpart," he began, his voice laced with curiosity, "how have you fared during your time here?"
Siris leaned back, a relaxed smile spreading across his face. "I have been great, my friend," he replied, his tone light. "Much like you, I dove headfirst into the vibrant nightlife. Clubs, bars, parties. Those first few weeks were a whirlwind."
Zeal grinned, nodding knowingly. "Ah, I can relate."
"However," Siris continued, his voice shifting to something more serious, "everything changed when I met the right woman for me."
Zeal's curiosity piqued even more as he leaned forward. "I wonder," he began with a sly smile, "who could possibly have caught the eyes of the mighty God of Sight?"
"She was a bartender at one of the clubs I frequented," Siris explained, his eyes gleaming at the memory. "Her fiery spirit was captivating. Truly a sight for divine eyes."
Zeal let out a chuckle of approval. "Ah, a feisty one. Now that is true perfection," he said, causing an exasperated sigh from Sage that could be heard in the background.
The three gods shared a few more light-hearted exchanges, their laughter filling the room. But as the conversation meandered on, Sage eventually turned to Zeal with a more serious inquiry.
"Tell me, Zeal," he began, "have you begun your plans of settling down? Be mindful that we only have a few weeks left for optimal childbirth and family establishment before we must return to Higher World."
Zeal waved off Sage's concerns with a carefree smile. "Do not worry, Sage. I still have plenty of time to play my part in our grand plan."
An awkward silence followed Zeal's response, lingering in the air until Siris, with a knowing look, broke it. "I understand your hesitation in settling down," Siris said gently.
Zeal raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Hesitation?"
"I know because I felt the same," Siris admitted. "But trust me, once you experience the love of a woman who sees you as you are and loves you as deeply as you love her, it surpasses any thrill a nightclub can offer."
Zeal remained silent, Siris' words resonating with him on a level he hadn't anticipated. For Siris to have come to such a conclusion, after once sharing Zeal's indulgent perspective, meant the sentiment was serious. Slowly, Zeal's expression softened, the playful light in his eyes dimming.
"I must admit," Zeal said after a moment, his voice quieter, "I have not prioritized this as much as I should. I will reconsider my approach to our plan."
Both Sage and Siris recognized that their words had reached him. They allowed the silence to stretch a few more beats, giving Zeal the space to absorb the shift in his thoughts.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Then, with a sudden burst of energy, Zeal stood up, stretching his arms wide as he stepped toward his brothers. "But for now," he declared with a grin, pulling Sage and Siris into an embrace, "let us enjoy this night to the fullest. Consider it my belated gift to you both on your marriages."
With a call, Zeal summoned the waiters into the room, ordering the finest wine available. The waitstaff moved swiftly, returning moments later with bottles of their most expensive wine.
"Lucas Walker?"
"That is correct," Sol replied, his voice steady as he stood tall.
"Excellent," the host said with a smile, gesturing with a sweep of his arm. "Your table is right this way, sir."
Sol moved through the lavish restaurant, following the host toward their reserved spot. The space was elegant, with warm lighting and art that adorned the walls, making the place feel far more exclusive than the typical high-end eatery. The mouth-watering aromas that wafted through the air hinted at the exceptional cuisine to come, adding to the upscale ambiance.
Beside him, Natalie walked hand in hand with Sol, her fingers gently intertwined with his. Their relationship had evolved quickly since they first met, growing into something deep and intimate over the past few weeks, after a few dates. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and the atmosphere of the evening felt like a continuation of that connection.
When they reached their table, the two sat down, taking in the beauty of their surroundings as they glanced over the menu. After deciding on their selections, they called the waiter over, placing their orders before settling into conversation, their voices comfortably mingling with the low hum of the restaurant around them.
As they talked, their conversation naturally drifted to more personal topics. Natalie began sharing pieces of her life with Sol, her tone soft as she recounted her childhood. She spoke of growing up in a small home, where she had been the only daughter, with just an older brother as her sibling. Her brother had been driven and ambitious, someone who thrived on setting goals and loved to study.
But as she continued, her expression shifted, a shadow passing over her features. She told Sol about the tragedy that had befallen her family; the loss of her brother when she was still young. The weight of his absence had left her feeling alone and heartbroken. Yet, out of her deep love for him, she had made a choice. She had decided to honor his memory by pursuing the dreams he had left unfinished. Upon reaching adulthood, she altered her own aspirations to follow the path her brother had once dreamed of.
Sol listened closely, her story striking him in a way he hadn't anticipated. It was an unselfish devotion, one that he had rarely encountered.
"Were you truly okay with changing your entire life path to honor someone else's wishes?" Sol asked, his tone revealing the puzzlement behind his thoughts.
Natalie looked at him, a gentle curiosity in her gaze. "What do you mean?"
Sol took a breath, his golden eyes focused on her as he tried to voice his confusion. "If he hadn't passed away, you wouldn't have chosen this path. Does that never bother you? That you might have lived a different life?"
Natalie's lips curved into a soft smile, her eyes warming at his concern. "Not in the slightest," she said. "The beauty of life is that it's filled with limitless choices and experiences. We can do so many things, meanwhile also never experiencing just as much in our lives. So changing my path to follow his didn't make me feel any less alive. Instead, it opened me up to a whole new view of the world. One that I came to love over time, just as much as I loved him."
Sol was taken aback, her perspective leaving him momentarily speechless. It was rare for him to be so moved by the words of a mortal. Her outlook on life, so full of optimism and acceptance, stood in stark contrast to the sorrow that might have consumed someone else in her position. Where others might have fixated on their pain, Natalie had chosen to see the light even in the darkest moments.
Before long, their waiter returned with their meals, placing the carefully prepared dishes before them. As they began to eat, the atmosphere between them relaxed once more, though Natalie's curiosity lingered.
"You know," she said after a moment, "I just realized, I know almost nothing about your past, or how you were growing up."
Sol paused for a moment, cutting into his food as he carefully considered how to frame his answer.
"I was one of the two eldest among my siblings," Sol began, his gaze still focused on his plate as he spoke. "That meant a lot of responsibility fell on me early on. For a long time, I was mostly on my own, so I became used to solitude before they came along. But even then, I always took care of them when I needed to"
His words were honest, even though they barely hinted at the grander reality of his divine existence.
"As time went on," Sol continued, "I discovered I had a capacity for caring about others beyond just my siblings. I hadn't expected to feel so strongly toward others, but I came to embrace those emotions. The highs and lows of it all... it made me feel more alive. More normal. More... sentient."
Natalie listened closely, her curiosity piqued by his openness. His background fascinated her, and the conversation flowed easily as they finished their meal. Soon after, they paid the bill and began to make their way out of the restaurant. But just as they reached the exit, Natalie realized she had forgotten her purse. She excused herself and hurried back to retrieve it, leaving Sol waiting in the lobby.
"Today's headlines report an unusual surge of thunderstorms occurring globally," a nearby television caught Sol's attention, the voice of a news anchor filling the lobby. "These thunderstorms have become increasingly frequent and intense, causing concern among meteorologists. Many Earth scientists speculate that Earth's climate is becoming more unstable than it has been in centuries."
Sol glanced at the television, hearing the news with a slight irritation on his face. "I've always hated thunderstorms," he muttered under his breath.
Moments later, Natalie returned with her purse, and they headed out to the car. Sol drove them to a new destination, the city lights reflecting off the streets as they traveled. When they finally stopped and got out of the car, Natalie looked around and realized where they were.
"This is the park where we first met," she said, her voice touched with nostalgia.
Sol walked ahead, his pace slow and thoughtful, and Natalie followed close behind. The night sky stretched above them, stars flickering faintly through the warm glow of the park's lights. The ambiance was serene, and the air felt thick with an unspoken tension. Finally, Sol came to a halt, standing still in the quiet of the park.
"I never imagined I could ever love someone this much," Sol said, his voice soft but resolute. "If it were possible, I'd spend eternity with you. But even if that is beyond my reach, just being with you is more than enough."
Natalie's face lit up with warmth, a smile spreading across her lips. "You always know the right things to say, don't you?" she said, her expression full of warmth.
Sol met her gaze, a seriousness now settling in his expression. "That's why I know what I must do."
A moment of confusion passed over Natalie's face as she watched him reach into his pocket. But her confusion quickly gave way to disbelief as Sol dropped to one knee, pulling out a small box and opening it to reveal a shimmering ring.
Before Sol could even finish his proposal, Natalie was already saying yes, tears of joy brimming in her eyes. She rushed forward, wrapping her arms around him in an embrace as he rose to his feet.
"I thought maybe you would think it was too soon," Sol admitted, holding her close.
"Not at all," Natalie whispered, her eyes closed as she clung to him. "I'm certain about this, just as much as you."
Hearing Natalie's words brought a soft smile to Sol's face. He gently pulled her, their lips meeting in a tender kiss. For a moment, everything felt perfect. Until Sol slowly pulled away, his eyes still locked on hers, but with a deeper seriousness settling over his features.
"But that's not all," Sol said quietly, his voice carrying more weight now. "There is much more that I need to tell you."
Natalie's smile faded slightly as she sensed the shift in his tone, confusion clouding her gaze. She searched his face, trying to understand what he meant.
"I'm going to tell you the whole truth," Sol continued, his voice firm and resolute. "The truth about who I really am."
Zeal lay sprawled across the plush couch in his private room at the club. The faint vibrations of music pulsed through the walls, a distant hum that felt almost soothing as he stared up at the ceiling. Siris and Sage's words from earlier echoed in his mind, stirring a mix of curiosity and contemplation.
"Marriage, huh," Zeal muttered to himself, stretching his right hand towards the ceiling as if reaching for something just beyond his grasp.
The tranquility was short-lived, though. A knock at the door shattered the peaceful atmosphere, pulling Zeal from his thoughts. With a resigned sigh, he called out for the visitor to enter.
One of his guards stepped into the room, bowing slightly before delivering the news. "Sir, we need your attention for an issue that's come up."
Zeal exhaled deeply, pushing himself off the couch. He grabbed a robe and followed the guard through the club, winding past the main and secondary floors filled with music and chatter until they reached the back entrance.
Outside, a woman's raised voice echoed against the area, sharp with anger. Zeal approached, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene. A group of guards stood facing a fiery woman, whose words were laced with frustration.
"What's going on?" Zeal asked calmly, his gaze shifting to one of the guards for an explanation.
"She had assaulted someone inside the club, sir," the guard explained. "So we had to kick her out."
"Are you dense?" the woman snapped, her voice edged with frustration. "I saw some random creep touching another woman inappropriately and she was clearly uncomfortable. When I stepped in to try and stop him, he was acting like an idiot. So yeah, I punched him in the face."
"The rules clearly state that violence won't be tolerated," one of the guards interjected firmly. "And for that, you're banned from the club."
The woman's expression didn't falter. "If that's how you handle things around here, then I couldn't care less about being banned."
Zeal sensed the tension rising and knew he had to de-escalate the situation before it spiraled further. He raised a hand, ordering everyone to be calm.
He turned to his guards with a straight expression. "Your services are no longer required here. And neither are your opinions," he said harshly.
The guards hesitated for a moment before obeying, leaving Zeal alone with the woman. He stepped closer, his demeanor shifting to something warmer, more approachable.
"I apologize for the inconvenience," Zeal said smoothly, his smile disarming. "I'll personally see to it that the situation is handled properly. You have nothing to worry about."
As he spoke, he moved even closer, his eyes locking with hers in a way that felt both charming and intense. "I assure you that you're not banned from the club," he assured her. "In fact, as a gesture of goodwill, I'd like to offer you access to our VIP sections. I hope that'll make up for any... unpleasantness tonight."
The woman held Zeal's gaze, her expression softening as she leaned in, the space between them shrinking to almost nothing. There was a flicker of something in her eyes; curiosity, maybe even intrigue, as the silence persisted.
"Do you really think a bribe is gonna change how I feel about this?" she asked, her tone calm but sharp.
Zeal's smile faltered slightly upon the sound of the woman's words.
"I understand you've got a business to run, and a reputation to protect," she continued, her voice steady and sincere. "But I'm not interested in your gifts or offers."
Zeal hadn't anticipated this response. He was momentarily taken aback, but she was not through with her words. The woman stepped closer, their faces nearly touching, her confidence unwavering.
"I'm not like the other women you surround yourself with," she said, her voice firm, her gaze unflinching.
A moment of silence persisted before Zeal replied. "Indeed, you are not," he said with a grin, the amusement returning to his eyes.
Zeal was surprised, but for some reason, he found himself impressed. She didn't waver or falter in the presence of a God; although his presence was tremendously watered down to its smallest possible form.
"But with that being said," Zeal continued after a beat of silence persisted, " when are you free this week?"
The woman blinked, clearly caught off guard by the sudden shift in the conversation. "What?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I'd like to take you out," Zeal clarified. "No games, no strings attached. I just want to get to know you."
Her brow furrowed in confusion, skepticism evident in her expression. "You're cute," she began, "but what makes you think I wanna go on a date with you?"
"If you don't want to, that's fine," Zeal said easily, a smirk on his lips. "But I'm genuinely curious about you and want to know more."
The woman studied him for a moment, eventually sensing that he was not just trying to play her. She couldn't explain why, but she felt like his tone was not disingenuous; almost sincere. After a long pause, she let out a small sigh, turning her head away from him.
"I've got a pretty tight schedule," she said, her voice quieter now. "So I'll let you know whenever I'm free."
"I don't mind the wait," Zeal responded, still smiling.
For a few seconds, she said nothing, standing there with her back turned to him. Then, without looking back, she began walking away.
"I'll see you later, club owner man," she called, waving lazily as she continued onward without returning a gaze.
Zeal watched her go, realizing he still didn't have the most basic piece of information. "Wait," he called out. "I didn't get your phone number."
The woman didn't stop walking. "That's fine," she said. "I know where to find you."
"How about your name," Zeal pressed, hoping for one more information before she vanished from sight.
There was a moment of silence, and Zeal wondered if she'd answer at all. Then, just as she continued onward, her voice floated back to him.
"Brianna."