Chapter 1: Playlist
Chapter Text
"Oh darling, I would burn the world for you if only you asked."
- APOLLO TO ASTRA
Playlist
MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT - Elley Duhé
All Of The Girls You’ve Loved Before - Taylor Swift
Shameless - Camila Cabello
The Heart Wants What It Wants - Selena Gomez
War of Hearts - Ruelle
LET THE WORLD BURN (ft. G-Eazy & Ari Abdul) - Chris Grey, G-Eazy, Ari Abdul
God is a Woman - Ariana Grande
the fruits - Paris Paloma
Moonlight - Chase Atlantic
Rewrite the Stars - James Arthur, Anne-Marie
Favorite - Isabel LaRosa
The Water Is Fine (Crimson Edition) - Chloe Ament
Animals - Maroon 5
GIVE ME YOUR LOVE - Chris Grey
Chapter 2: A Sacrifice
Summary:
Two adulterers face their punishment for betraying a goddess.
Notes:
So this is an introduction to my OC character. Now I don't know if burning people at the stake was a common punishment in ancient Greece but I felt it was somehow fitting with this character.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter I
A Sacrifice
The evening sun blazed down on Greece as commotion stirred up in the streets. The chatter and frantic whispers of the people became a song throughout the busy city, drowning out the minstrels who frequented the streets with their instruments. Shouting was heard, along with cries and begs for mercy. A young girl and her sister passed by. The girl was thirteen, yet her sister was only eight.
A woman was dragged out by her hair, no clothes covering her body. One hand covered her breasts whilst another waved around wildly as guards dragged her away. Her lover was also dragged out, one of his hands feebly attempting to cover his genitals whilst the other scratched at the guards.
“He bedded a married woman! He has insulted her maidenhood! He has soiled himself! He angered the Gods!” Came the scattered shouts. The people continued to hurl insults. If those insults had been stones, the man would’ve already been dead.
The woman fared no better. They called her every insult in the book. Whore, slut . “How dare she make a cuckold of her husband whom she is meant to serve?” The people cried out in rage. “She has insulted the Gods. She must be sacrificed! Nay, let her be stoned!” It was almost as if the people were trying to garner which punishment would suit her best.
“Sister? What is happening?” Asked the frightened eight year old girl. Her sister, however, showed no sign of fear. She leaned down ever so slightly to better reach her sister’s ears.
“The woman is married. The man is her lover. He slept with her. They betrayed her husband,” the older girl explained. “They’ve insulted the Goddesses Hera and Astra.”
“Hera? Queen of the Gods and Goddess of Marriage?” Asked the younger girl.
“Yes. And Astra, her most beautiful and beloved daughter. I am to become a priestess of Astra soon,” the older girl beamed with pride. “She is the Goddess of Stars but she is also the Goddess of Purity, Foresight, and Diplomacy. The woman insulted both her and her mother when she betrayed her husband.”
She continued to speak. “Astra is a powerful Goddess,” she said with reverence. “Some say her power rivals her mother’s. She is one of the Olympians. It is said that Zeus, her father and King, fears her as much as he loves her. One would need to be very powerful to inspire both love and fear from the King of the Gods.”
“The woman has no purity now,” the older girl said. “And the man too has lost his honor. Our city has a great many devotees of Astra. And so they must-”
“Appease our beloved Goddess Astra and Hera, her mother, our Queen!” A strong cry rang out, cutting off the girl’s sentence. Cheers and shouts of agreement rang out throughout the crowd. “She must be appeased or the stars shall not shine down on us when the night sets in.”
With awe and horror, the little girl watched with her stoney faced elder sister as both the man and woman were dragged to the Temple of Astra. There stood the statue of the Goddess. The High Priestess walked out, receiving the disgraced lovers.
“This woman is married yet she slept with this mongrel. She insults Hera, Astra, and herself,” said the guard who had dragged them forth. The High Priestess nodded gravely. “Did you know she was married?” She asked the disgraced man.
“Yes,” he answered, prompting more angry shouts.
“And you?” The Priestess turned to the woman. “What do you have to say for yourself? You swore oaths by Astra and Hera. How dare you insult the Goddess of Purity and tarnish yourself?!?”
“I’m sorry,” whimpered the pitiful woman. “Please. I repent. Don’t kill me, I beg you.”
The High Priestess’s face hardened. “You should’ve thought of the consequences before you slept around like a whore.”
“What will happen now?” The young girl asked her older sister.
“We will see,” said her older sister.
“You need not see this, children,” an old woman spoke up from behind them. Her husband nodded in agreement, his face grave.
“I am to be a priestess for our beloved Goddess. I have to see this. But my sister need not,” the teenage girl responded.
The old man nodded kindly. “You remind me of my daughter,” he said, with something akin to respect in his eyes. The girl allowed her younger sister to hide her face in the skirts of the older woman. The man placed a comforting hand on the older girl’s shoulder as she watched.
Men hauled together large logs and twigs as the woman was tied to a stake. The man was taken before the crowd, naked and ashamed. The High Priestess brought forth a blade. The next they heard was a blood curdling scream as the man’s cock was hacked off.
The older girl just barely flinched as the man howled in agony. He was then tied right next to his lover. The High Priestess brought forth a blazing torch.
“Goddess Astra!” She boomed. “These two bring shame to your name and to ours. We cleanse our city of them! We offer them as sacrifices and plead for repentance from you and your divine mother, Queen Hera!” She glared at the two individuals. “I, High Priestess of the Temple of Astra, condemn you both to Tartarus,” with that, she lit a great pyre.
Their screams echoed into the night, the blazing flames claiming both their lives. The High Priestess chanted prayers with many in the crowd joining her as the couple burned, another example of what happened when you betrayed the Gods.
The young girl too joined in on the chants, even as her younger sister came and held her hand. The stars shined down on the people who cheered. “The stars shine on us! She has forgiven us! She has not forsaken us!”
The High Priestess raised her arms. “Praise Astra, Goddess of Stars, Goddess of Purity, Goddess of Diplomacy! Goddess of Foresight! Praise Hera, Goddess of Marriage, Goddess of Women, our great mother!”
A white owl watched from afar as the people cheered. Hooting, he flew off into the heavens. High above the clouds stood a single marble dias. A tall, slender woman stood there, watching the sacrifice through her magical eye mask which allowed her to project her consciousness onto her loyal animal friend.
The owl flew up to her and she petted its head. Flying to stand next to her, the owl took the form of a mighty lion and roared.
“You have done well Leander,” the woman said with a soft smile. She sighed. “What is the point of marriage if there is no loyalty?” She mused. Looking down at Leander, she stroked his white mane before returning to watch the sacrifice conclude.
“Mortals can really be fools sometimes,” she sighed.
Notes:
I know Hera is associated with marriage but Astra is associated with purity, specifically marital purity, so technically not only was Hera insulted but so was Astra.
Chapter 3: Enchantment
Summary:
He sees her from afar, and a feeling he knows all too well, wakes again in his heart
Chapter Text
Chapter II
Enchantment
It was midday when Astra was visited by her half-sisters, Artemis and Athena. The three Goddesses had always been close due to their love for hunting. They rode out, laughing and talking as their stallions carried them into the thick woods.
Astra enjoyed the thrill of hunting, quietly and stealthily sneaking up on unsuspecting prey and then mayhaps enjoying a meal involving her kill. She was always the closest with Artemis and Athena, and the three of them talked about everything under the sun, like Dionysus’s parties, their father’s constant romances, and suitors.
Both Artemis and Athena took vows of chastity, so they tended to tease Astra about her many suitors and her brother Ares, the suitor she had been entertaining for years. On Mount Olympus, it wasn’t uncommon for siblings or others of close kin to be wed. Astra’s parents, Zeus and Hera, were in fact brother and sister.
“I overheard Ares,” Athena said. “He complains that you won’t have him in your bed despite accepting his many gifts,” she rolled her eyes. “So childish really.”
“They only want one thing, these Gods,” Artemis shook her head. “Orion was so much better. He was a great huntsman and achingly kind. Never demanded anything of me, only my companionship. And yet he passed. I’ll never make the mistake of loving someone like that again.”
Astra nodded. She remembered how Artemis had wept to her and Astra had commemorated the giant huntsman among the stars. Her half-sister had thanked her before they had a full night of wine and she broke down about her lost companion.
“At least you experienced some form of love,” Athena quipped. “But I sometimes wonder if love is truly nothing more than a great tragedy.”
“I’m sure my father’s many affairs confirm that,” Astra said, slightly bitter. Though she was sympathetic to the illegitimate children of Zeus, she also hated how much her father cheated on her mother and had vowed to never be trapped in a marriage like that. Thus, she had long ago decreed that only a man or God who could prove himself loyal to only her would have her maidenhead.
“In all seriousness, is everything alright between you and Ares?” Artemis asked, concerned. Astra sighed and shook her head. “It's like you said. He seems to only desire physical intimacy and nothing else. I suspect he’s having affairs but I don’t know. I am the All Seeing and yet I cannot see if my partner is being faithful to me.”
“You have more important things to see than whether or not Ares is faithful,” Athena snorted. “Don’t worry about him. You can always find another,” she winked.
“Oh absolutely,” giggled Artemis. Just then, she stared straight ahead and caught something. “There’s some deer! Let’s move in!” With that, the Goddesses positioned themselves and readied their bows.
The beautiful purple flowers adorned the bush. The God touched the soft blubs, a nostalgic smile crossing his face, his golden eyes mournful. He recalled sunlit days with the beautiful mortal youth who had become a dear lover and companion. Hyacinthus, the God seldom spoke his name now. The purple flowers were born from the blood of Hyacinthus and Apollo named them Hyacinth in his honor.
To think it was a simple discus game that claimed the youth’s life before old age ever could deeply saddened Apollo. He often thought of Hyacinthus and the long life he could’ve had had Apollo not made that fateful error during the game.
He thought of his twin sister, Artemis, and her vow of chastity. He thought of Orion and the scorpion. Apollo had sent that scorpion to unburden his sister of her love which would have risked her vow and honor. He had been a young, petty man but now he only felt remorse. Yet, it had to be done and now Artemis was unburdened by love and all the pain it caused.
What would it be like to simply never fall in love?
Apollo didn’t know.
He was the Sun God as well as the God of Music and many other things he didn’t care to recite. Yet he was a romantic at heart. If he had taken a vow of chastity, he would’ve betrayed it. His traitorous heart longed to beat for love whilst Artemis’s heart beat for the thrill of hunting.
“Reminiscing again?”
The voice startled him and he looked to see his half-brother, Hermes, standing there with a guilty expression. The messenger god had an understanding, sympathetic smile on his face.
When it came to Hyacinth, Hermes understood Apollo better than anyone else, because by a sad twist of fate, he’d also accidentally killed a mortal man like Hyacinth, Crocus, who had been his lover. In his grief, Hermes had his lover commemorated as a flower just like Hyacinthus.
Apollo sighed deeply. “How do you deal with it, brother? How do you forgive yourself? I cannot forgive myself and it pains me.”
Hermes shrugged. “I don’t know how I deal with it, honestly. I still do blame myself sometimes. But I take comfort in the happy memories we shared and knowing that he doesn’t blame me helps. I just know he would want me to move on and so I do. One day at a time.”
“Don’t you visit him when you go to the Underworld?” Apollo asked.
“Sometimes,” Hermes shrugged. “But he’s in the Elysian fields now with Hyacinthus and they seem to be doing well. I don’t visit him often though. I’d never be able to move on if I did.” He placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Take some time. Engage with others. Don’t worry about courting.”
Apollo was silent for a moment. All he remembered was the fateful slice, the scream of pain, and the small smile of forgiveness Hyacinthus had offered him before dying in his arms.
The Sun God gripped his chest. Hermes came to him, worried, but Apollo waved his hand dismissively. “I’ll be fine,” he said with a small smile.
Hermes gave him a sincere smile. “Hyacinthus would want you to move on and find happiness with someone. All mortals know from the day they are born, their days are numbered. Crocus knew it too. We’d find ourselves mourning them anyways regardless of the discus incident.” Apollo nodded silently.
Hermes squeezed his shoulder comfortingly. “Dionysus plans to host some of the Gods before the great feast Zeus means to hold. You should come with me. Artemis will be there too. She’s been worried about you lately.”
Apollo nodded. “I’ll think about it. Where is Artemis now?”
“Hunting. What else does she do during this time of day?”
Apollo watched Artemis and Athena hunt together. He often did this when he didn’t have many duties. It was fun to see his sister let loose and do something she loved. Hunting had been Artemis’s true love since they were old enough to walk. He was also used to seeing Athena hunt with her as the girls were close.
Just then, he saw a beautiful woman with long chestnut brown hair and crystal blue eyes. Upon seeing her, his traitorous heart sped up and he let out a breath. The woman was clearly a God, perhaps an Olympian, she was too beautiful to be just any ordinary nymph. Why had he not noticed her before?
The woman let out a laugh and Apollo swore his heart skipped a beat. She sounded so happy, so full of life and joy. Apollo’s hands shook slightly. He’d never had anyone render him so helpless without knowing.
The woman joined Artemis and Athena, who concealed themselves behind a bush. Then, with a swift movement, the woman nocked an arrow and fired, striking the deer straight in the chest. Her fluid movements rivaled Artemis’s skills and mayhaps even his own.
He continued watching them, mesmerized by what he had witnessed. He would have to inquire from his sister to find out who the mystery Goddess was. For now, he could only watch her from afar.
Athena and Artemis laughed with her and shared jokes as they continued their hunt. Apollo had never seen his sister so relaxed in the company of others. It was clear that she shared a bond with the mystery woman. Throughout the hunt, Apollo kept his eyes on this mystery goddess, so beautiful and strong.
He was intrigued.
A mystery feeling curled up his veins and worked its way into his heart. And, for the first time in years since Hyacinthus, he began to fear what it meant for not just himself but for the woman.
For as he saw her, the world melted away and his pain faded like mist. And all he could see was her.
Artemis soon returned from her hunt. There was to be a celebration hosted by Dionysus before the great feast on Olympus soon and the twins were readying themselves. Apollo always loved festivities. He was the God of the Sun and the God of Music. He adored receiving praise on his music, more specifically from his father, Zeus, King of the Gods, or simply letting loose and celebrating with his half-siblings and twin sister.
“I saw you hunt,” Apollo said.
“Oh,” was all Artemis responded. “Were you impressed, dear brother?”
“Don’t be so sure of yourself sister,” he grinned back. “I can still hunt and I’m better than you at the bow.” She grinned. “We should have another archery contest then,” was her response. Apollo briefly nodded before licking his lips and blurting out his next question. “Who was the woman you and Athena were hunting with? The Goddess with the brown hair.”
Artemis saw the spark of desire in her brother’s eyes and tilted her head in a warning way. “That was Astra.”
Astra. Apollo had heard of her before. There were hardly any Gods who didn’t. She was a renowned dancer and an apprentice of Nyx, the Goddess of Night. “The Goddess of Stars?” Apollo asked. His sister nodded.
“She is also the Goddess of Foresight, Diplomacy and Purity. She’s a great hunter too,” Artemis said. “She’s Zeus and Hera’s daughter. One of their triplets. She was born a few minutes after Ares and Enyo.”
“Hera’s daughter?” Apollo’s golden brows shot up. He and his sister were Zeus’s bastard children by his mistress, Leto, the Goddess of Childbirth. Zeus was notorious for having numerous affairs and Apollo and Artemis were just two of his many bastard children. His wife, Hera, resented Zeus’s bastards and thus, it brewed resentment between the Queen of Olympus and Zeus’s illegitimate children, Apollo and Artemis included.
“I thought we resented Hera,” Apollo said.
“I do,” Artemis said, force behind her words. “But Astra is nothing like Hera, nor is she as harsh as Enyo or Ares.” Apollo was even more intrigued just by watching his sister defend one of Hera’s offspring. “She doesn’t have any ill feelings towards us. She’s defended me to her mother many times.”
“How come I have never seen her?” Apollo wondered aloud.
“I’m not surprised,” Artemis said. “She is an Olympian and has a home on Mount Olympus but she prefers to reside elsewhere in her own realm. I’ve been there before. It’s beautiful. But she prefers it to maintain her distance from Hera. She is Father’s favorite besides Athena but her relationship with Hera is not good. Mainly because she tends to sympathize with the bastards of Zeus.”
“She doesn’t surround herself with many other Gods often. She is usually with Nyx or with the Fates. Sometimes she’ll surround herself with beautiful nymphs. Or she is by herself with only Leander to aid her,” Artemis continued.
“Leander?”
“Her animal companion. He can shapeshift into many creatures. When we hunt, he takes the form of a great white stallion.”
Ah.
“She’ll be at the feast on Olympus. And at Dionysus’s celebration,” said Artemis. “But do not try to work your charms on her.” Apollo raised an eyebrow and gave his sister a mischievous smirk. But she didn’t smile back and roll her eyes like she always did.
“She will not want someone like you no matter what charms you work on her,” Artemis said. “She has had many lovers. Some even say a hundred. Yet she has not allowed one of them to take her maidenhead. You will not break that pattern.”
“What makes you so sure sister?” Apollo asked.
“She has spoken to me before. She doesn’t want a marriage like Zeus and Hera’s. She wants someone loyal. And you have quite the sexual appetite,” Artemis chuckled at her brother. “You cannot give her the loyalty she desires. Besides, she is in a relationship with Ares and they’re already not on good terms.”
Apollo scoffed. “You think he can be loyal to her?”
“Probably not,” Artemis said. “But neither can you.”
Artemis moved to sit in front of him. “And don’t forget. She is Hera’s daughter. You may seek her friendship. But never her hand. Never her bed. Hera will not allow it. And Astra will also not allow it.” She looked at him with a serious expression. “And if you hurt her, not only will she be pissed but I will be as well.”
Notes:
Hermes and Crocus share basically the same story as Apollo and Hyacinthus. So it would make sense that Hermes and Apollo would bond over their lost loves.
Artemis may seem like a bit of a jerk but she's really just trying to protect Astra as Astra has protected her.
Also, Athena and Aretmis would have made great hunting buddies.
Chapter 4: The God of Wine
Summary:
Astra attends Dionysus's party and Ares is less than happy to see her there.
Notes:
Shoutout to you guys who gave me kudos! I really appreciate getting some kind of feedback and I didn't expect so much so soon!
Kind of a short chapter but the next one is much longer, so stay tuned!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter III
The God of Wine
“Astra!”
Dionysus greeted her ecstatically with his wife, Ariadne. Astra had taken on her divine form, displaying long silver hair that extended to her thighs and beautiful molten gold eyes. She looked even more stunning and captivated the eyes of many. The Goddess of Stars beamed and embraced Dionysus before exchanging kisses on the cheek with Ariadne.
“The party had barely begun and you’re already drunk,” Astra gently teased him.
“And very happy to see you,” His speech was already starting to become slurred, making her laugh even more. “Going to dance for us tonight?”
“Maybe,” she said before she felt someone grab her arm. When she saw Artemis with her mischievous smile, Astra laughed and allowed herself to be whisked away. Nearby, she saw Ares flirting with other Goddesses and nymphs. He, like their mother, hated the bastards of Zeus so to find him there was odd.
Just then, Astra let out gasp as she found herself running into another God. “Sister, are you okay?” Came the concerned voice.
“It was my fault,” Artemis laughed. “We both didn’t see where we were going but I was leading her.”
Astra looked at the owner of the voice with a smile. “Hermes.”
Tall and lean with fair skin and long light brown hair that fell down his back in a braid, Hermes had always been the supportive brother Astra loved. His teal eyes were always full of kindness when they looked at her. He wore his usual golden accessories and robes, complete with his winged helmet and cape.
He smiled back. “Good to see that you aren’t missing this party, Astra. I missed seeing you last time.”
“I was busy,” she sighed. In truth, she had gotten into yet another argument with Hera defending her friendship with Artemis and Athena.
He nodded solemnly. He cast a quick disapproving glance at a laughing and jeering Ares nearby before his eyes found their way back to her. “Have you been well? I’ve only seen you at court.”
“I have. And you?”
Hermes nodded. “Collecting souls. Nothing new, really.”
“Hermes! Let us indulge in a drinking game!” Came Dionysus’s loud, drunken voice. The Gods cheered and Hermes gave Astra and Artemis a grin. “I’ll be back,” he said.
Artemis snorted. “He’ll beat you.”
“Not this time!”
“That’s what you said last time!” Astra called back. The girls laughed and went to find Athena.
Later that night, when many of the young Gods were already slightly tipsy, many Goddesses came forth to dance. Aphrodite, who was considered the most beautiful Goddess, came down, momentarily glaring at Astra who barely even spared her a glance. Astra’s beauty rivalled Aphrodite’s, especially in her divine form. Astra was even more powerful and more worshipped than Aphrodite was.
As Goddesses like Aphrodite and Astra danced, Astra quickly stole everyone’s hearts. She wore nothing but a silver top with thin straps that only covered her breasts and a long silver skirt that flowed with every move.
Many of the Gods noticed Ares’s eyes were solely on Aphrodite and not on Astra, the woman he supposedly loved. There was one God who watched Astra intently.
Apollo.
Since Astra had taken on her divine form he couldn’t recognize her. But something about her face made him wonder if he had seen her before (indeed he had but he didn’t know it). He was absolutely mesmerized by her dance and her body. He watched her as if cast under a spell.
“ I have seen her before ,” he thought. She resembled the woman in the forest, the Goddess his sister had explicitly told him to stay away from.
Once the dance concluded, the Gods cheered, cheering the loudest for Astra. When the Goddesses stepped away, Astra left for a different room. She flinched when she heard the door slam behind her and Ares walked in. The God of War was infamous for his temper and no one was spared from it. It was something Zeus and Hera disapproved of when it came to their eldest son.
“You’ve been ignoring me,” he said bluntly.
Astra let out a bitter laugh, unlike the happy one she used to utter with him. “You’ve hardly spent much time with me anyways. Is it because I denied you my maidenhead, brother? Is that the only reason you ever wanted a relationship with me? To claim my virginity and then make a mockery of me?”
She continued. “You seem to have a special hatred for the bastards of our father, Zeus, yet your eyes were trained on Aphrodite. I should remind you, bother, that she too is a bastard. But it seems that even you cannot resist her.”
Ares sneered and moved in on her. “You seem to have no problem socializing with them and displaying yourself.” He took a breath and sighed, closing his eyes. Opening them again, he looked at his sister. "I'm trying to look out for you, Astra. Mother would be furious if-"
“I don’t care what you think, Ares,” Astra snapped, bitterly. “You’re also associating yourself with them. Why show up here at all knowing Dionysus is another bastard son of our father?”
“I came for the wine,” he grumbled.
“Then enjoy yourself and don’t concern yourself with what I’m doing,” she said icily. "And don't say that you are 'looking out for me'. I'm not a child. I can do that myself." She then walked away, not knowing that Apollo was standing nearby and had heard everything. She didn’t see the Sun God as she passed by him but he watched her from afar. Longing.
His sister’s words rang in his head.
She will not want someone like you no matter what charms you work on her.
He clutched his chest.
Hermes had followed Astra outside. They had always been close and he sometimes called her his wise sister. He had overheard her conversation with Ares and approached her. "Astra," he called to her. She stopped, turned to him, and smiled. The Messenger God hastened his approach. "I overheard you speaking with Ares. Are you okay?" He asked, concerned.
Astra smiled softly. "Ares has always been difficult. He's mother's favorite after all. Arrogant at times. Easy to anger. But he's protective. He's just trying to look out for me." She knew Hermes had always secretly opposed her relationship with Ares and had even worried for her. "But we are too different sometimes."
"He hates that you've always been kind to us," Hermes responded. "His presence here tonight alone was already..."
"Suspicious?" Astra questioned. When Hermes nodded, she sighed. "He must've learned that I would be here and came here under the guise of looking out for me."
Hermes scoffed. "I think Artemis and Athena do a good job of that already."
Astra smiled softly. "It doesn't matter what he thinks. He's not going to dictate every part of my life and threaten me with my mother's wrath."
Hermes took her hand and squeezed it, comfortingly. "You're too good for him sister," he said softly. "You're everything he's not and that's why father favors you."
"I know this, Hermes," Astra said, slightly frustrated. "But father also favors me because he thinks I turn a blind eye to his infidelities. Ares bickers with him at times to try and defend our mother and it never ends well."
"That's because you are the only child who can chide Zeus and get away with it," Hermes smiled.
Astra chuckled. "Being the child of the King of the Gods is a gamble in itself. We both know this. Even when we disapprove of his actions we cannot speak against him. Nothing good comes from it. I don't think Ares has learned that yet. But being his wife seems to be a different kind of curse. A curse my mother knows all too well." Hermes knew Astra was constantly trying to mediate between her parents. It frustrated him to no end. Artemis and Athena also shared his feelings. Hermes loved his father but he knew of Zeus's flaws.
"You were always wiser than Ares and Hera," Hermes said. He looked at her a moment longer before releasing her hand. "I'll see you at the feast?"
She nodded. "Of course."
Notes:
Ares has a difficult relationship with both Zeus and Hera. In mythology, both of them are disappointed in his violent nature and this caused Zeus to favor Athena (in this story, he favors both Athena and Astra over Ares) because Ares embodied chaotic warfare whilst Athena was more on the cautious, strategic side.
In Blood of Zeus, Ares is depicted as a mama's boy (kind of). He's very devoted to Hera and is kind of like her favorite son. According to the Blood of Zeus wiki: "Hera spoiled Ares since he was born and insisted that he always had more privileges than his brothers, which deeply irritated Zeus, who wanted all his children to have the same rights as Olympus. Hera helped shape Ares' arrogant personality due to his upbringing. She was often depicted as the mother who stood by her son, even when other gods and goddesses criticized or opposed him." However, she does rein him in once during Funeral Games when he's bickering with Apollo, so its reasonable to assume that she has a lot of influence over him. So I'm going based off of this interpretation.
Chapter 5: The Feast on Olympus
Summary:
Zeus and Hera hold a feast. Apollo gets to see both sides of the woman who captured his attention. Ares makes a big mistake that hurts two of his siblings.
Notes:
Just moved to college. And I'm already getting stressed, LOL.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter IV
The Feast on Olympus
The festivities began. Artemis and Apollo paid their respects to Zeus before joining the other Gods. Dionysus and Hermes were laughing and drinking with the heavenly beauties. Apollo and Artemis joined them, Apollo naturally charming every beauty he set his eyes on.
As more gods came to join the festivities, one caught Apollo’s eye.
It was her .
White pearls adorned her chestnut brown locks which flowed freely around her. Her crystal blue eyes sparkled with happiness and she was adorned in gems of gold and diamonds. Her light blue dress had a deep v-neckline. The silk fabrics draping from her armbands and the jewels she wore made her all the more beautiful in his eyes. Astra.
She was simply something else.
“Apollo!” Zeus’s mighty voice rang out. “Play us a song.”
Apollo rose and bowed. “I would be glad, father,” he said. Hera glared at him but Apollo paid her no heed. The heavenly beauties - including Astra - gathered to dance. Some of the ladies giggled and threw suggestive looks at him, but not Astra. She kissed Zeus and Hera’s hands and drifted down, taking her place. Tall and disciplined. “My beautiful daughter,” Zeus mused.
Beautiful indeed. Astra rivaled Aphrodite, something the Goddess of Love and Beauty knew well (and resented that).
Apollo watched as he sang and played his harp. He was a skilled musician, none rivaled his talent. Astra and the other ladies danced. He looked up and he saw Astra, dancing and twirling in her light. She looked radiant and happy. It was only a few minutes, but their eyes clashed. Blue meeting golden. He was enchanted.
His desire for her grew so dramatically it almost alarmed him.
Once they were done, the court clapped. The ladies and Apollo bowed. As the first dance began, many ladies were practically begging Apollo to dance with them. But there was only one person he wanted.
“Astra,” he said softly, approaching her. “May we dance?”
Astra hesitated only a moment before nodding with a smile. She took his hand and he whisked her onto the floor. The music began and they danced slowly. Other Gods joined them, dancing and relishing in the music. They moved about gracefully, twirling and spinning. Astra was a graceful dancer.
It was easy to get carried away and soon enough Astra and Apollo were the focus of the dance floor. As they slid across the dance floor, with Apollo supporting her midsection, Astra threw back her head in a dramatic manner. The Gods clapped as Apollo watched her transform with awe. Her chestnut locks turned a brilliant shade of silver and as she returned to her original position, her crystal blue eyes were now golden like his.
Apollo was stunned.
She smiled at him.
It was the same dancer at Dionysus’s party.
They were the same woman.
"What?” She looked at him with a knowing smile.
“Nothing…you…” Apollo looked at her, stunned. “You look beautiful,” he said sincerely.
She tilted her head adorably. “Thank you Lord Apollo.”
He bowed his head. “Thank you for the dance, Princess.”
She smiled and left. He kept looking at her, watching her leave. Eyes were on them as his obvious attraction to her. Hera narrowed her eyes angrily. Zeus leaned forward, intrigued. However, when he looked at Hera’s expressions, he became concerned. Hera and Astra had always been at odds though the Queen loved her daughter, she did not approve of Astra’s friendship with some of Zeus’s bastards.
Hermes grinned and sauntered up to his half-brother, slinging his arm around Apollo’s neck. He was evidently drunk. “I heard she’s entertained over a hundred men and yet none of them have taken her maidenhead. You are bold for desiring her, brother.”
“I know that already,” Apollo said, slightly annoyed. “My sister told me.”
Hermes snorted. “Artemis will kill you if she finds out you take an interest in Astra.”
“I don’t know what I feel for her,” Apollo admitted. “I just know I can’t keep myself away.”
“May the Fates help you then,” snorted Hermes. “She’ll reject you without a second thought. Your rampant nature is not exactly a secret.”
“Neither is yours,” Apollo fired back. “Tell me, who was that summer girl you fucked?” Hermes frowned and lightly smacked him on the shoulder. Apollo gave him a smirk of superiority.
“Are you close with Astra?” He asked. Hermes nodded. Apollo frowned. “Why would she keep you if she doesn’t like Gods who sleep around?”
Hermes shrugged. “We’ve never had romantic intentions for each other. She’s beautiful, yes, but I’ve always seen her as a sister. Besides, who wouldn’t want to keep me around?” He grinned. Apollo smacked his shoulder. He was rewarded with a glare.
“No Ares?” Artemis asked with a grin as Astra neared her and Athena. Astra shook her head. “We didn’t speak after Dionysus’s party,” she explained.
Athena frowned. “I saw him drag you away and he didn’t look happy. What happened?”
Astra rolled her eyes. “He was being petty again.”
“I always had the sense he wasn’t good enough for you,” Artemis mused. “You’re too different. And he’s too easy to anger. But he’s not here at all tonight. Usually he doesn’t miss Zeus’s feasts unless he found something else to fancy himself with.”
“Or someone else,” Astra muttered, taking a glass of wine. “He wasn’t too happy when I refused to surrender my maidenhead. He never tried to force himself on me but he has intense desire. At this point, I won’t bother worrying about where he is.”
“If it were any other feast, I’d propose that we sneak away and go for another late night hunt,” Artemis said, bumping her shoulder lightly.
“I could use one,” Astra said, downing another cup of wine.
Just then, the doors flung open with righteous fury. The Gods all looked stunned as Hephaestus, the God of the Forges, dragged Ares and Aprodite in. Aphrodite was married to Hephaestus, who was deformed. It had been evident since their marriage that she was never entirely pleased with her husband. Ares and Aphrodite were trapped by a fine golden net, completely nude. It didn’t take long for the Gods to figure out what they had been doing.
“You have made a cuckold of me, brother!” Hephaestus shouted. “And you! Aphrodite! You are my wife! How dare you sully yourself with another man!”
Many of the Gods laughed and laughed. Some cast worried glances at Astra. Astra was a kind soul but moreover, she was a powerful goddess. How could Ares betray her? Hermes, Artemis, and Athena were also among the gods who didn’t laugh. All of them were thinking about Astra.
The laughter stopped and the Gods turned their heads to see Astra. The All Seeing Goddess entered the court. To Apollo, she looked strong and venerable, nothing like the furious spurned lover he had thought she would be. She stared at Ares. “Sister…it is not what it looks like,” was the God of War’s feeble answer. Apollo’s face twisted in disgust.
Astra raised her chin in anger, not paying heed to what he had said. Without another word, she turned around and left. A few minutes later, Leander was heard baring his mistress away in the form of a Pegasus. Apollo watched her leave and felt a painful tug in his heart. He did not know why.
Apollo rode by Aphrodite’s home on his solar chariot. Alectryon, the man Ares had ordered to guard Aphrodite’s bedchamber. The guard was fast asleep. Hypnos, Apollo thought to himself with a smile. Dismounting his chariot briefly, he peeked inside and saw everything. Ares and Aphrodite were in the midst of passionate love-making.
Disgusted, Apollo traveled down to the forges. As he thought, Hephaestus was there, pounding away at whatever he was working on. Apollo told him everything. Hephaestus didn’t believe him but conspired to set a trap. “I will weave a net so fine,” he had said. “It will look invisible and it will be above my wife’s bed. I shall see myself if she is being unfaithful.”
“Look at these traitors!” Hephaestus boomed. “Caught in such a disgraceful act. They will remain imprisoned in my powerful net as punishment!”
Artemis and Athena were whispering. Hermes briefly joined them, whispering alongside them.
Apollo said nothing.
After seeing Hephaestus, Apollo went to the gardens to visit the Hyacinth blossoms. He gently cradled the purple blossoms until he heard a noise. He turned and saw her again.
She didn’t notice him, too engrossed in a book. Her long chestnut hair was decorated with flowers and her crystal blue eyes were serene. Her dress made it seem as if she were floating instead of walking. How could Ares betray such a beautiful creature? Apollo didn’t know.
Astra walked up to the balcony, inhaling the night air. She hadn’t bothered to braid her hair as she often did before bed. A silver tear fell down her cehek and she wiped it angrily. Ares had tried to talk to her but she’d warned him to not approach her. The God of War had been reproached by their parents.
She’d met with Hephaestus before entering her chambers. “We share a similar grief, sister,” he’d said, sadly. Poor Hephaestus, he loved Aphrodite, maybe not more than his craft, but he loved her. She had betrayed him. Ares had betrayed him.
Her cold silver aura emanated from her as she raised her hands and littered the night sky with stars. Stars borne of her anger.
Her hands went down, flat on the cold stone of the balcony. She sighed and hung her head. She should’ve just taken the virgin oath like Artemis and Athena. The Gods never knew when to keep it in their pants, much like the lustful mortal men among the nobility.
Her divine form fell away and she sighed. Chestnut locks fell around her face as her eyes once again turned crystal blue.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a golden figure. Looking down, she saw another God looking up at her. He had tanned skin and piercing golden eyes. His hair was also gold, long, and silky, falling down his back. Accessorized with a white cape held by golden ornaments. A gladiator skirt. Golden jewels on his wrists. Apollo. Twin brother of Artemis. She knew who he was because of how Artemis described him.
He was handsome but his sexual taste was very much known, so Astra had kept her distance. Even Hermes had quite the appetite, but she was closer to him because they both didn’t have romantic feelings for each other. But Artemis had told her that Apollo was often more persistent and better at dragging people into his bed. Granted, she mostly said those things when she was annoyed with her “troublesome twin brother.” She refused to fall for such a trap.
He had been a great dancer and she’d only entertained him out of politeness. But her brain kept stupidly thinking about how beautiful Apollo was and her heart beat faster as their eyes met.
Apollo solemnly bowed his head to her. She returned the gesture, dipping her head and performing a small curtsy, for even though he was a bastard, he was still an Olympian and a son of Zeus. Their eyes met again and she saw his golden orbs filled with desire, pity, guilt, and hesitation. She stared deep into his soul. In Ares’s soul, she had seen rage, a desire for glory, and a lust for women. However, in Apollo’s soul, she only saw hurt, hesitation, and longing.
He smiled at her. A small smile of kindness. Astra swallowed the lump in her throat. She couldn’t smile back no matter how much she wanted to. She could only nod to him before retreating back into her chambers. She was going to travel back to her realm in the morning.
Apollo’s smile disappeared upon seeing the Princess do. He looked down and sighed.
“Don’t,” Artemis’s voice jolted him and he looked her way. She wore a disapproving look and her arms were crossed. “Just don’t. Ares has hurt her enough.”
“I was never going to hurt her,” Apollo snapped, getting annoyed with his sister’s attitude. “Why are you acting like this? You’ve never cared about whom I like.”
“Because I know you, Apollo,” Artemis said softly. “I’m trying to protect you both. Leave her alone. Unlike your other flings, Astra is very dear to me. I won’t let another God hurt her. Not even you.”
Notes:
The world around him faded away as he saw her...what will he do next?
Note: In Greek Mythology, it was Helios, not Apollo who told Hephaestus about Aphrodite and Ares. However, I did (read: may have) change up the timelines a bit. In Blood of Zeus, Helios is depicted as one of the Titans who was overthrown and Apollo is displayed as God of the Sun. So I'm going with this interpretation to fit the story.
Chapter 6: A Dance of Swords
Summary:
Astra visits Nyx and trains with her siblings.
Meanwhile, Apollo is quickly starting to realize Astra is someone he just can't escape. But...he doesn't want to escape her.
Notes:
Why is this chapter titled like a Game of Thrones book? I have no idea.
Also, I posted a BOZ crack fic called The (Unwilling) Savior of Brothers. Fun little story for you guys to read until the next chapter comes out :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter V
A Dance of Swords
“Well, it seems Ares has devoted himself to another type of combat. A little more hand-to-hand, so to speak,” Hermes jested. Dionysus laughed
“Poor Hephaestus. To get cuckolded by his wife,” laughed the God of Wine. “Life does not seem to treat him well, does it? I heard Zeus and Hera were furious with Ares but it was less about Hephaestus and more about Astra. How is our dear sister by the way?”
At this, Hermes faltered. “I have not spoken to her,” he admitted. “Athena told me she went to the realm of Nyx.” Astra was a favored apprentice of Nyx, the Primordial Goddess of Night. Zeus feared Nyx and had originally been opposed to the idea of his beloved daughter studying under her but Astra had been insistent. Zeus, ever fond of his daughter, had not the will to deny her. The two Goddesses were extremely close and many whispered that their friendship was a reason why Zeus had grown to fear Astra as much as he loved her.
“Ah…” Dionysus mused. “A fair maid, our sister. She doesn’t deserve what Ares did. But something tells me she’s been expecting something like this.”
Hermes nodded solemnly. “I shall seek her tonight. See how she is.”
Dionysus raised a glass of wine. “She’s always loved you, her beloved brother,” he gave Hermes a lopsided grin.
"Well, I am her favorite."
Darkness encompassed the shadowy, yet majestic realm of Nyx. Nymphs and spirits floated about, making way for the Goddess walking down the hall. Astra was never afraid of Nyx’s realm, not even when she first came as a young woman. The darkness may yet become a great comfort to you in time , was what Nyx had first told her.
As the Goddess of Stars, Astra was well acquainted with night. She loved the comfort darkness brought her. It was like being left alone with her own thoughts rather than having to deal with all the noise on Olympus.
“Astra.”
Nyx’s divine voice penetrated her mind as the primordial goddess appeared in front of her. She appeared in front of Astra, dressed in black robes that matched her long dark hair which tumbled down her waist. Her tanned skin was shining and her plump lips were painted black. She opened her arms and Astra gratefully accepted her embrace.
“I am pleased to see you. It has been quite some time,” she said in her ancient voice. She had been around longer than Zeus and Hera, having been around since the beginning of time.
“It has,” Astra responded. She had taken up her divine form as she often did when meeting with other Gods.
“I heard about what happened with Ares,” Nyx said. She was recluse and hardly attended events on Olympus, preferring to remain in her realm with her husband and brother, Erebus, the personification of darkness. “I am so sorry, child. His betrayal…what a shame.”
“Don’t worry about it. I myself have chosen not to dwell on it. I’ve had my suspicions for a while now,” Astra responded. “I am happy to come here and seek comfort in the darkness. And in you.” She paused a moment, receiving a smile from Nyx.
Nyx turned to Astra. “Aphrodite has always seemed terribly vain to me, at least. I am quite stunned Ares chose her. She is an illegitimate child of Zeus and he hates the offspring of your father’s affairs. But alas, no God is able to resist her charms.”
“Aphrodite has long admired him. She feeds his ego and gives him the one thing he wanted that I refused him,” Astra looked at Nyx. “Her maidenhead.” This made Nyx stop in her tracks.
“Did Ares ever force himself on you?” She asked.
Astra shook her head. “No. He never does that. But I saw the frustration and lust in his eyes. I saw it in his soul.” She sighed. “I have always wanted a love like the one you and Erebus have. Not the type of love my parents have, if you can even call it that. I’m surprised their marriage alone hasn’t destroyed Olympus yet. I cannot tell you how many times they have called on me for counsel during their quarrels.”
Not wanting to continue speaking of failed love, Astra changed topics. “Tell me, have my stars done some good for mankind?”
“You would know,” laughed Nyx, softly. “But as far as I can tell, yes. Messengers and tradesmen look to the stars to guide them. Children cast their wishes on your comets. The stars provide comfort to those who fear the night.”
“They fear the night because they do not understand the good that night brings them,” Astra responded.
“Mortals fear what they do not understand. Gods do as well,” Nyx nodded. “Darkness is full of mysteries. During the night, men close their eyes and rest their bodies, leaving themselves vulnerable to an unforgiving world or they are at the mercy of the Oneiroi. No one likes to be vulnerable. No one likes to wonder if they’ll wake up the next day or not.”
Apollo hated the dark.
He had seen Astra enter the realm of Nyx and curiosity had gotten the better of him despite him warring with himself to not follow her. Nyx had just left to cast her cloak over the world. He stepped inside, light radiating from his form. A few nymphs nearby scurried away. It was rare to see such light in the realm unless it was coming from Nyx’s daughter, Hemera, or her brother-husband, Aether.
Apollo wandered through the halls until he heard a silvery laugh. Hiding nearby, he saw Pasithea, wife of Hypnos, son of Nyx, and Hemera bathing with Astra. Red invaded his cheeks as he watched Astra in the water, laughing carefree. He watched her, hypnotized by her beauty.
Just then, a hand clapped around his mouth and his world faded to black. As he lost conciousness, he heard the disapproving grunts of Hypnos.
Oh stars…he’d been caught.
The sun was high in the sky when Ares came to train. Upon seeing Athena, Artemis, Apollo, and Hermes already at the training grounds, he let out a disapproving grunt. “Damn bastards,” he hissed.
Apollo and Hermes were already sparring. “You seem distracted, brother,” Hermes taunted with a mischievous smirk as their swords clashed. Apollo scoffed.
“Don’t fool yourself,” he said, landing a hard blow with his sword, pushing Hermes back. They continued dueling, moving across the courtyard. As Apollo once again pushed Hermes back, he felt a pair of eyes on him and looked up. Standing on a higher platform was Astra, staring down at them. A white mask covered her nose and mouth. She wore light armor decorated with gold and sapphires.
Hermes took advantage of Apollo’s distraction and shoved his half-brother back with a grin. Ares too came out to see who had distracted Apollo. The moment he saw his sister, his face darkened. Astra paid no heed to him.
Astra had noticed how Apollo had gotten distracted by her and inwardly smirked, amused by his awe of her. She watched him continue to duel with Hermes until Apollo overpowered his half brother, choosing a nonstop assault on Hermes until he finally disarmed him. Hermes fell to the ground with a thud and a groan.
“Not bad,” Astra floated to the ground, landing on her feet. She walked towards Apollo. “You might actually be a challenge.”
Apollo cocked his head and a smirk went across his face. “Let’s see how good you are then, Princess,” he pointed his sword at her. She drew her own sword and came towards him. The clash of steel echoed throughout the courtyard. Astra was quick and agile, landing blow after blow. Apollo cursed and hastened his speed, meeting her head on.
They moved across the courtyard, a deadly dance only the two of them could have choreographed. Apollo swung and Astra leaned back, the blade narrowly missing her chest. She blocked his sword as he went in for another blow. Pushing him away, she went on the offensive, quick movements backing him into a corner.
Apollo grunted as his body met one of the pillars at the edge of the training grounds. With a quick flick of her sword, Astra disarmed him. His sword fell to the ground with a clatter. When her sword found his neck, he quickly drew his dagger and pushed it away. His sudden move stunned Astra and she ended up dropping her sword.
Astra jumped back before Apollo’s dagger could meet her neck and she grabbed hold of his hand which clenched the dagger. Her other was braced against his shoulder. The two Gods found themselves in a standstill, their eyes meeting. Artemis and Athena watched, their forms tense. Hermes looked intrigued. Ares was watching them with a scowl on his face.
"Its almost like they read each other too well," Athena murmured.
"Read? No, this was a dance. They were basically dancing," Hermes responded.
Artemis watched them silently.
Apollo's eyes ripped into Astra's and he watched the molten gold color change into a swirl of crystal blue and molten gold. Astra must've realized the change in her appearance because her breath hitched. They continued looking at each other the way they had the night they danced.
Apollo dropped the dagger. Her eyes flashed with suspicion as a dangerous smirk crossed his face. He moved to wrench himself away and caught her off guard. With a swift move, he knocked her to the ground and was on top of her, pinning her to the floor.
“You almost had me for a minute,” he grinned as she struggled beneath him.
She let out a scoff. “Cute.”
He raised a brow. “You think I’m cute?” He asked in a low voice, a smirk on his face.
“No. I think your confidence is,” she said. She managed to slide her legs out from under him and pushed him off. Apollo inwardly cursed himself for letting his guard down. He grunted as she placed her foot on his chest, pinning him down.
“I like your brother, Artemis,” Astra said, grinning under her mask. “He’s almost as entertaining as you.”
Artemis smirked despite herself. “Entertaining? Difficult? You definitely hurt his ego considering that you have him pinned.”
“Oh enough of this,” Ares stepped up. Astra raised a brow. “Let’s train elsewhere, sister,” Ares responded, motioning to Astra.
“I’m fine where I am,” she responded icily.
“Come now, don’t be stubborn,” Ares said. “We used to train together. That was our thing.”
“Now I have a new thing,” she responded, getting off of Apollo. Apollo rose to his feet and brushed himself off. Ares grunted. “If that angers you,” Astra began. “Go train elsewhere. Maybe Aphrodite can help you, though I’m not sure she’s as good with her sword as she is with warming your bed.”
Ares turned around and stormed off.
“Come sister,” Artemis said, pulling Astra’s arm. “Let’s do some archery. You did try to boast that you were better than me last time, didn’t you?”
Finally, Astra smiled.
As they left, Apollo watched Astra's hair flow in the wind. He looked briefly at his weapon and then at Artemis and Astra, slowly leaving his sight.
And something inside him shifted.
Notes:
Next chapter will be out very soon!
Chapter 7: Fallout
Summary:
The tables turn against Ares. Meanwhile, Astra finds herself seeking the comfort of her father while a certain Sun God doesn't escape her mind.
Chapter Text
Chapter VI
Fallout
Astra lowered herself down to sit in her chamber, finally putting up in her palace. Closing her eyes, she took in a sharp breath and composed herself. She was an Olympain Goddess, one of the most beloved and powerful children of Zeus. She knew better than to let Ares and Aphrodite tear down her pride.
“There will always be those who seek to diminish the light you carry. You will fight them, Astra. I know you. You are too stubborn to let them win.”
Nyx’s parting words to her echoed in her mind. Astra nodded to herself. Don’t let them get you down.
“My lady?” One of her nymphs poked her head inside. “Lady Artemis and Lady Athena are here to see you.” Astra smiled and nodded. “Let them in,” she smiled.
Just a few minutes later, Artemis and Athena burst into the room. “We haven’t seen you all day,” Artemis grinned. Astra rose to her feet and the two Goddesses hugged each other. When they finally pulled back, Athena and Astra exchanged nods. Athena had never been one for much physical affection.
“How have you been?” Athena asked, sitting down. “We’ve been concerned since the feast.”
“I’m well,” Astra responded. “I’ve had a much needed reprieve in Nyx’s realm and during our training sessions.”
“We’ll ride out sometime this week. Go hunting. Maybe disguise ourselves as mortals and hunt in the mortal realm. I still remember the first time we did it,” Artemis sighed, almost dreamily.
Astra snorted. “I remember how drunk you got on the last day.” Athena turned to hide her smirk.
“It was our last day before we had to return to the intrigues of court at Olympus,” Artemis shrugged. “Besides, it isn’t fair that Apollo gets to be the carefree one and indulge his desires. I should be allowed to do that too."
Upon hearing Apollo’s name, Astra remembered the night they’d made eye contact after the party. The way they had sparred together. How they read each other surprisingly well. She quietly remembered her resolve: don’t give him hope.
Artemis seemed to know what she was thinking about but recalled a different scandal during the feast on Olympus. “I’ll skin Ares alive if he comes near you again,” Artemis glared, fists clenching.
“Make sure you call me when you get the chance to do it,” Athena piped up.
“You both better not leave me out of it,” Astra snorted. The three goddesses gave into their laughter.
Just then, a nymph poked her head in. Fear and nervousness danced in her eyes. “My lady, Ares is here. He is seeking you.”
Astra’s face hardened. Artemis clenched her fists tighter. Athena’s hand immediately went to the hilt of her sword which was in her belt. “Let him in. I’ll grant him the kindness of one audience,” Astra said. She looked at her half-sisters. “Care to join me?”
Ares came inside Astra’s sitting room where he saw Astra, Artemis, and Athena languidly sitting, cool expressions on their faces. Ares wasn’t dressed in his armor like normal but he was dressed splendidly nonetheless. He stood like a tall tower with a muscular figure that would intimidate most mortal men and even some gods.
“What are you doing with them?” Ares icily indicated Artemis and Athena. “You know Mother doesn’t want us to associate ourselves with Father’s bastards,” he hissed. Artemis’s face hardened and Athena merely smirked, shrugging off the insult like it was nothing.
“Athena is no bastard. She is from Father’s first marriage. And Artemis is much more than just an illegitimate daughter. As I have told you before, the company I keep is not your business,” Astra responded, coldly. “You asked to come in and speak. Speak. Plead whatever case you have.”
“I was hoping we could speak alone,” Ares gritted his teeth.
“No. Speak to me here,” she indicated Artemis and Athena. “They stay.” Artemis gave Ares a superior smirk as did Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom leaning back in her seat.
Ares faltered for a moment before speaking. “Listen…what happened with Aphrodite…it wasn’t what it looked like. She…she tempted me. She seduced me. You know there’s no resisting her power.”
“For stupid, lustful men? You are absolutely right, Ares. There is no resisting her,” Astra responded. Athena snorted and Artemis’s smile took on a dangerous slant. Astra rose from her seat. “You always told me to keep my distance from Father’s bastards. But lo and behold, you were caught fucking one of them. And she happened to be Hephaestus's wife. Hephaestus. Our full blooded brother.”
“It seems hypocrisy is a family trait you carry well, brother,” Athena taunted Ares.
“You swore to me,” Astra reminded Ares. “You swore to me that you would never dishonor me. And you did. You shamed me in front of all of Olympus. Don’t lecture me on Aphrodite’s temptation. A man who promised to be faithful should have been able to honor his promise and resist her. I already told you Ares, I will not bear the constant humiliation our mother does.”
Ares’s face morphed into one of anger, shame, and despair. “You think this is all on me? You never gave me what I asked. You always were distant, hardly responding to my affections. You act as if you are made of ice.”
Astra laughed without mirth. “Oh, so you are trying to blame this on me now? How rich. Let me be honest, I’ve had my suspicions about you for a while. In a way, I’m thankful for what Hephaestus did. Now I know for sure your true face. You’ll find no forgiveness here.”
“This is what will happen,” Astra said. “You will give up your fruitless pursuit for forgiveness. We will exist as brother and sister. Nothing more and nothing less. You will not step foot in this palace unless absolutely necessary. Do that, and I will get Father involved. And we both know I have his favor more than you.”
Ares kept his prideful face but he couldn’t get words out of his mouth. Furious, he turned around and stormed off.
Astra turned to Artemis and Athena who gave her proud looks. “I would’ve shot him if you’d asked,” Artemis jested.
Astra snorted. “No. Let him stew in his anger. He can live with his shame.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” smiled Athena.
That night, when Artemis and Athena returned to Olympus, Athena noticed the distracted look on Artemis’s face which she had been wearing since they left Astra’s palace. “You’re distracted, sister. What is on your mind?”
Artemis was silent for a moment before she finally spoke. “Apollo.”
Athena narrowed her eyes. “What did he do this time?”
“He desires Astra,” Artemis responded. “I see it in his eyes.” Athena’s eyes widened in surprise, betraying her usually composed expression. Athena raised a brow. “I know they danced together but…that’s it. They hardly looked at each other,” Athena stated.
“I know Apollo,” Artemis said. “That day…when we were hunting…he saw us. He saw Astra. He asked me about her after. I saw some desire in his eyes but I only gave him a warning. Then I brushed it off. I fooled myself into thinking he was just curious. That he just admired her skill and beauty. But..”
“But what?” Athena pressed.
“I saw him,” Artemis said, softly. “I saw him when he danced with Astra. He looked at her like nothing else existed. He had that certain…spark in his eye. The hungry type. And when Ares’s betrayal was revealed, he couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Not in sympathy. No pity. It was longing. Desire. I even saw them lock eyes. He was in the gardens, she was on her balcony. It's like he’s set on haunting her wherever she goes.”
Athena stepped forward, taking in the information.
“You know Apollo’s nature. He’s had several lovers. He is like a fleeting flame: pursues one lover, beds them, then leaves them once the passion’s gone. Astra wants devotion. She fucking deserves devotion. But my brother is stubborn. I just,” Artemis closed her eyes in frustration. “I don’t want him to pursue her. She doesn’t deserve him.”
“If what you say is true,” Athena said, carefully. “Then he’ll be relentless. He’ll pursue her. Drive other men away from her. Do anything to make her irrevocably his.”
“Unless he turns her into a flower. Or a tree,” Artemis scoffed. Her voice became fierce. “I will not let it happen. If I must stand between them to protect Astra, I will. She’s one of the few friends I have. She’s always defended me to Hera, Ares, and everyone who ever scoffed at me. I intend to defend her.”
“You may hurt Apollo by doing this,” Athena cautioned.
“He hurts his own lovers and hops from one bed to another,” Artemis scoffed. “He can take one rejection. And if he pursues her even after she refuses him, he’ll learn very quickly why that’s a horrible idea. And knowing Astra, I won’t need to teach him that lesson.”
The Moon Goddess sighed. “I want to protect both of them,” she admitted. “And keeping them apart is the best way to do that. But if Apollo continues to be stubborn, I can only protect Astra. Not him.”
Athena laid a steadying hand on Artemis’s shoulder. “Don’t underestimate Astra. She is proud. She will not bend easily. As for Apollo,” she sighed. “We can only pray that his infatuation dies as easy as flames on a candle.”
Astra was again on her balcony, weaving stars. Her arms were covered in stardust. Her brows were knitted together as she worked, trying in vain to distract herself from all that had transpired. Ares’s betrayal, the humiliation, fleeing to Nyx’s realm for a reprieve. And him.
Apollo.
She let out a small grunt of frustration. What spell had he cast on her? Every detail of his face haunted her, his long golden hair, his molten eyes, the sharpness of his cheekbones, and the smooth line of his jaw. The smile on his face when he saw her.
Astra swallowed. Her normally steady hands began to shake and she placed her palms in her lap. The way his eyes burned into hers with…admiration? Desire? She didn’t know. He was beautiful , she thought, before immediately hating herself for thinking such a thing.
She remembered how they had danced, how he had held her waist, the sheer look of awe when she had taken her divine form. They had moved together so effortlessly, almost like they’d known each other forever.
Had she been anyone else, she might’ve leaned in and indulged him to see where it led. But she was Astra, Princess of Olympus, the Olympian Goddess of Stars, the woman who (along with Artemis) lit the night sky. She would not let Apollo make a fool of her and dim her pride. She could not risk giving him hope. The only thing he would want from her is her maidenhead. And Olympus be damned, that wasn’t going to happen.
“Astra.”
The voice startled her. She turned around to see her father, Zeus, standing there. He looked tired but regal as ever. She tilted her chin up at him. “I heard you came back from Nyx’s realm,” he said, softly.
“I had to cope with what had happened,” Astra responded. “After what Ares and Aphrodite did.”
“I understand,” the King of Olympus responded, softly. Their relationship was difficult at times. Astra was a dutiful daughter and was among Zeus’s favorite children - his favorite child from Hera’s womb. Astra was also considered the most beautiful and the wisest of the children of Zeus and Hera.
There had been a time when Zeus had been Astra’s hero. When she had only been his daughter and had only seen the good in him. But with time, her powers materialized and her childhood innocence was replaced with the sternness she often displayed now. Astra was the All Seeing - never blind to the sins and deeds of men and Gods. Zeus was no exception.
“Ares was never good enough for you. He was too harsh for your gentle fire,” Zeus said.
“You laughed at them,” Astra said, coldly. “You laughed along with the other Gods at Ares and Aphrodite. The two who made a fool of me and humiliated me before all of Olympus.”
Zeus’s hands clenched. “I laughed at them , not you.”
“I know you wouldn’t intend to hurt me,” Astra responded. Even though you disrespected mother and I every time you whored around.
“No,” Zeus stepped forward. “Never.”
She looked at him with a certain sadness. “Fate is cruel at times,” she said, softly. “Ares betrayed me for another Goddess,” she looked at Zeus. “Do you not see it? He is more like you than you will ever admit.”
Zeus’s face darkened. Ares was his least favorite of his children. But Astra wasn’t entirely wrong. Ares had inherited much of his reckless and impulsive nature from his father. “Perhaps you are right,” he murmured. “I am not blind to my sins, Astra. I have failed your mother more times than I can count, failed my children with each unfaithful act.”
Astra blinked, surprised by his honesty.
“Temptation is often the death of honor. Ares learned this today. You learned it sooner than most. But,” he touched her cheek. “You’ve always carried yourself in ways most can only admire. My thunder would roar for you. My fire would burn for you if you asked it of me.”
Astra’s sharp composure melted - only Zeus knew how to do that. In him, she’d seen both the sweet and the bitter. Yet she could never bring herself to be angry at him for long. “It is almost as if you wish to charm me the way you do so many others.”
Zeus smiled faintly. “It worked, did it not? I can already see you smile.” Astra’s head tilted down and she grinned despite herself. “There,” Zeus said, satisfied. Astra came to him and he embraced her, resting his chin on her head.
Yet, there was something else on Zeus’s mind though he would not say. He had seen her dance with Apollo (who was his favorite son). He remembered Hera’s disapproving glare cut across the room, focused solely on Apollo and Astra. Zeus had said nothing, but he was uncertain of what fate might bring for a pair such as Astra and Apollo.
He chose not to dwell on it, for he knew his daughter had inherited his pride and Astra would never submit herself to someone like Apollo. So he would stay out of it and say nothing. For now, all he murmured to Astra was, “Stand tall, my daughter. They will laugh at Ares and Aphrodite. But they will never dare laugh at you.”
Notes:
Astra is basically regarded as the All Seeing here. I know in Greek Mythology (and in Blood of Zeus) there are different people with this title but I thought giving it to Astra kinda made sense since she's the Goddess of Foresight. Also, its just a cool power for your OC to have.
Chapter 8: The Temple of Apollo
Summary:
Astra escapes to the human world for a reprieve from Olympus. And she ends up in the last place she wants to be: the Oracle of Delphi, the Temple of Apollo. And she is found by a certain Sun God who refuses to let her go.
Notes:
BTW in case you didn't know, I added some songs to the playlist!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter VII
The Temple of Apollo
The mortal air clung to Astra. After participating in her father’s council, she slipped away to enjoy the mortal realm for a time. She was wandering through the streets, disguised as a noblewoman. Even as she moved past others in her mortal form, she captured much attention. She had the fairest skin but her hair was blonde instead of its usual silver or chestnut. Her eyes were a cool crystal blue.
She came upon a beautiful marble temple and went inside. Inside, chants and hymns were heard. Murals of a certain Sun God defeating both monsters and kings alike, crowned with his laurel, holding his lyre. Everything sang Apollo’s praises.
Astra slightly shook her head, with both exasperation and amusement. Of all the places in Greece, she had to come here, to the Temple of Apollo headed by the Oracle of Delphi. The Fates were mocking her.
Part of Astra wanted to turn around. But curiosity got the better of her, and she came inside. She was noticed by the Oracle of Delphi, the High Priestess. “Are you lost, child?” She asked, her kind eyes glimmering. “You are quite beautiful. You were blessed by Aphrodite.”
Ah yes, blessed by that whore who bedded my brother, a man who swore to be irrevocably mine, Astra almost bit back. “Have you any offerings for our lord, Apollo?” Asked the Priestess.
Astra smiled and thanked the woman. “You are too kind. I am not lost. But I certainly did not expect to end up here, so I am afraid I am unprepared.”
“Don’t worry child,” the Oracle of Delphi patted her hands. “But it is best to give him an offering. It would not be wise to invite his wrath.” With that, the Priestess left her alone with her thoughts. Astra noticed Apollo’s statue and his face flashed in her mind.
Sighing, Astra wandered the temple before slipping into another room. Just then, a warm, divine presence seeped in and her stomach folded into knots of dread. Astra straightened immediately when she heard a low voice. “You know, most wanderers stop here to give prayers and offerings. Not slip away into the shadows.”
She whipped around, only to find a tall, muscular, lightly tanned man with long golden hair, proud molten gold eyes, and a very familiar, infuriating smirk stretching his lips. He was dressed as he usually was: a long white cape held together by his golden accessory, a gladiator skirt, and golden sandals. His abdominal muscles were on display and he alone could make anyone swoon.
Anyone except her.
Apollo, leaning against one of the pillars, inspected her face closely and suspicion flashed in her eyes. Astra hoped he wouldn’t recognize her. Oh may the Fates help her, she was alone in a room with the one God she couldn’t escape. And she was in disguise.
Play it smart, Astra thought to herself. “Apologies my lord, I did not think I would come here so I came unprepared. I didn’t anticipate that the God of the Sun would be lingering in his own temple. I assumed you lived on Olympus.”
He raised a brow. Astra’s pulse quickened. Whether he suspected anything or not, she couldn’t tell. He gave her an easy smile. “I sometimes like to see who wanders into my temple. Some are devotees, some are wanderers, some are thieves,” he walked towards her slowly. She tilted her chin up, stepping backwards.
“And which one do you think I am?” She asked.
He tilted his head. “Mayhaps a wanderer.” His next question threw her off. “Are you married?”
Astra stammered. “W-What?”
“Are you married?” He repeated his question.
Why the fuck would he want to know that?
“No. My Father is hesitant to marry me off. I am his only daughter so he is protective of me,” was her answer. This was partially true. Many offers for her hand had come Zeus and Hera’s way, but Zeus had been reluctant. Astra had solved the matter by taking her vow - that only a man or God who could be loyal to only her and devote himself entirely to her would wed her and have her maidenhead.
“I can’t entirely blame him,” Apollo murmured. He lifted a large hand, taking a strand of her hair and pulling it behind her ear. She was too mesmerized by him to stop him. “If I had such a beautiful daughter - an angel-faced girl like my mother - I would’ve adorned her in gold, kept her by my side, and doted on her every word.”
Astra’s treacherous heart had her imagine him cradling a little girl against his broad chest, arms wrapped around the child, holding her as if she was the last thing that was bright and innocent in the world.
No.
Apollo’s hand withdrew from her hair, only to reach back, bold and careless, in an attempt to graze her shoulder. “You wear mortal skin well,” he said. “Perhaps too well…”
Astra grabbed his hand with such speed. White hot power bled through her hand, burning into his skin. Apollo hissed and grunted in agony, freeing himself from her hold and looking down at her hand. Red burn marks now marred his tanned skin.
“Don’t touch me. You have been given no leave to do so,” Astra said, coldly. With that, she slipped away, leaving Apollo by himself.
Apollo clutched his scorched hand. He then let out a short low laugh, utterly charmed. Of course. Just as he had thought.
“Oh, Astra. Only you could be so powerful and brazen,” he murmured to himself. She would never bend easily to him, nor fall for his charms.
And that just made him want her more.
Apollo returned to Olympus soon after. He had bandaged his hand. On his way, he met Hermes and Dionysus, who were sitting at a table. “What happened to you?” Dionysus asked, looking at Apollo’s hand.
“Ah, I…got burned,” Apollo said.
Dionysus frowned. “But you’re the God of the Sun.”
Hermes’s teal eyes bore into Apollo’s soul. “Did you somehow manage to anger Father?” Hermes said.
“No,” Apollo responded.
Hermes’s eyes darkened. “There is only one other God capable of this,” he murmured. Then his voice got louder and stronger. “Dionysus. Leave us.” Dionysus shrugged and sauntered out of the room, leaving Apollo and Hermes alone.
Apollo raised a brow. “Did I do something?” He asked. He normally got along well with Hermes, and they had become good friends, not just half-brothers who got along well. Hermes crossed his arms.
“One day you’re grieving a lost love, the next day, something like this happens. Astra burned you, didn’t she? Only she’s capable of something like this,” Hermes stated.
Apollo gritted his teeth and nodded. “She did.”
Hermes placed his fair hands on the table, leaning forward. “What the fuck did you do?” He growled.
“She wandered into my temple in mortal form. Needless to say, I had my suspicions. She seemed to think that I didn’t recognize her,” Apollo explained.
“What did you do?” Hermes pressed.
Apollo sighed, suddenly feeling a pang of shame. “I got her to reveal herself.”
“Why!?!” Hermes snapped. “What reason did you have? You could’ve just left her alone! You cornered her, didn’t you? By the Fates, she must’ve been furious. You got lucky she only burned your hand and she didn’t leave Olympus one sun short.”
“Brother, I didn’t do anything to her,” Apollo sighed. “Why are you getting so furious?”
“Because Astra is my sister. She’s treated me like I’m more than just a bastard. Called me her favorite brother,” Hermes said, waving his arms.
“Favorite brother? You must wear that title like you wear your helmet,” Apollo said, dryly.
“And you want her to wear the title of your favorite fling!” Hermes snapped. “Olympus may be blind to your rampant nature but some of us aren’t. Astra especially! You think you’re her first admirers. She’s had hundreds. Admirers, lovers, all of it. They all tried to claim her, to take her maidenhead. They all failed. You won’t be any different.”
“You point out my rampant nature, as if you don’t fuck everything that moves!” Apollo snapped back, pointing a finger at Hermes. “Let me guess, Artemis told you about my interest in Astra.”
“I met with Artemis and Athena. We put two and two together. And need I remind you, I’m not the one who has fallen for Astra. You have,” Hermes poked Apollo’s chest. “Artemis will kill you. Astra might help her. I believe this,” he gestured to Apollo’s hand, “is already proof enough that she doesn’t like you.”
Hermes turned on his heel and walked away. “Where are you going?” Apollo called.
“To find Astra and figure out what you did. May the Fates help you if you’ve really pissed her off,” Hermes called back. He turned to face Apollo. “Astra wants devotion. She deserves better than to be your next dalliance.”
“You think that’s all she is to me?” Apollo hissed.
Hermes looked at Apollo, his face softening. “Isn’t she?”
Apollo’s fists clenched. “No. Not this time.”
Hermes gave Apollo a sad look. “Don’t fool yourself, brother. You may think that now. But there’s no guarantee that you’ll think it tomorrow when you find someone else to dazzle your eyes with.”
Astra lingered in the woods. Leander waited by her side in the form of a great white stallion. She planned to return to Olympus soon. Looking around, she didn’t see Apollo, Ares, or Aphrodite, none of whom she desired to stay away from. She let out a sigh of relief.
“You know. To be fair - and I’m not saying you don’t look beautiful - I think you pull off brown hair much better. But nothing beats the silver hair. I admire your disguise though. I’m afraid your magic gave you away. I could sense it from miles away.”
Astra jumped and turned to see a much more welcome face. A bright smile spread across her face. “Hermes!”
Hermes gave her an apologetic look. “Apologies. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
She shook her head and the siblings embraced. “Startle me? You’re the first face I’ve seen today that does not draw my ire!” She laughed, shedding her mortal disguise, her hair turning silver and her eyes turning molten gold.
Hermes was the first of Zeus’s illegitimate children that Astra befriended. Since they became friends, he had introduced her to Dionysus, Athena, and Artemis. He had always been her partner in crime and was down for any fucked up plan her mind came up with.
“High praise indeed, sister,” Hermes grinned. His face slowly turned serious as he cupped her cheeks. “Did he do anything to you?” He asked.
“Apollo. You know,” Astra immediately realized.
Hermes nodded. “I do, but that’s besides the point. I need to see whether I’ll let him get off easy or if Athena, Artemis, and I need to band together and do something about him.”
“He didn’t,” Astra said. “Honestly, I think he suspected that I was in a mortal disguise. But he touched my hair. He was going to touch my shoulder when I stopped him. And that’s when I burned him.”
Hermes sighed, rubbing his temple. “Are you sure you’re okay?"
She nodded. “Yes. There’s no need to kill Apollo.”
Hermes nodded. “Good. Artemis told me everything about Apollo’s affections for you. She worries for you. Quite frankly, so do I. After what Ares did…” Hermes clenched his fists. “It took everything in me not to slap him in front of everyone.”
“You need not worry for me,” Astra smiled.
“But I do,” Hermes responded. “You’ve stood up for Artemis, Athena, myself, hell, even Dionysus, several times. You always looked out for us. We’re just doing the same for you.”
“I think he wanted to provoke me to prove his suspicions,” Astra said, the wheels in her brain turning. “He plays the role of the charming Sun God frighteningly well. Almost endearing if I’m being honest.”
“Don’t be fooled by him,” Hermes said. “You’ve captured his interest and he’s latching on like a parasite. You can refuse him many times but he’ll chase you. He’ll chase you with the intent of claiming you.”
Astra chuckled. “Let him chase me, Hermes,” she smiled. “I’ll simply burn him again.”
Hermes laughed. “I want to be there to see it,” he grinned. “Now come. Walk with me and we’ll stay out of the Sun’s sight. It is getting dark, and the night is for tricksters and starlight.”
She laughed and agreed.
Notes:
Things are going to get HEATED. BTW thank you for so much kudos! I'd love to see some comments too. Let me know what you guys think about BOZ, Greek Mythology, or any questions you have about Astra and Apollo.
Also - I have to say it - I freaking love protective brother Hermes.
yourfavdarling on Chapter 3 Sat 09 Aug 2025 06:35PM UTC
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ElvenDragonQueen on Chapter 3 Mon 11 Aug 2025 07:26PM UTC
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Victana4 on Chapter 8 Mon 08 Sep 2025 01:58AM UTC
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