The sky split open.
Thunder didn't roll—it roared, howled, like a beast wounded by fate. The heavens bled crimson as celestial lightning arced through the skies, searing the firmament. Rain poured down, not water, but something heavier—mixed with ash and divine residue. Olympus itself trembled.
High upon the *Altar of Judgement*, chained by glowing celestial runes, knelt a boy.
*Kyrillos*.
Barefoot, beaten, and broken—not by combat, but by betrayal. His once radiant robes were in tatters, his body scorched with marks of restraint, divine bindings pulsing against his skin.
He was seventeen.
The boy once praised as the Prodigy of the Silver Flame, the Heir of the Celestial Phoenix Sect… now a heretic, condemned by those who once toasted his victories.
Around him stood the *Twelve Grand Houses*, their banners flapping wildly in the divine storm. Faces half-shadowed under golden helms and jeweled crowns, yet none dared look him in the eye. Only one figure, hidden in the rear, wept silently behind a silver veil—*Aphrodite
The goddess of beauty had once kissed his forehead when he was named future general of the Celestial Realms. Now she clutched her own wrist to stop herself from rushing forward.
Kyrillos's eyes rose—cloudy, bloodshot, but still holding the inferno of youth unbroken.
"I am not the traitor," he said, voice hoarse. "You all are."
Gasps. Whispers rippled. But no one stepped forward.
From the central platform, the High Oracle of Olympus lifted her staff.
"Let it be known—Kyrillos, born of the Phoenix Bloodline, wielder of the Ember Soul, stands accused of desecrating the Law of Ascendance, and colluding with forbidden flames."
"Lies," Kyrillos spat, "I only sought to save—"
"Silence!"
The Skybrand Spear was summoned, its golden point radiating divine judgment. Ten Archons stepped forward. One stabbed it through the heart of the altar.
The world held its breath.
A shiver passed through the divine aether. Kyrillos trembled—not from fear, but from the weight of their hypocrisy.
He looked up into the boiling skies, rain splattering his face like teardrops from the gods themselves.
Then… it happened.
A voice, distant yet deafening, echoed in his soul.
*"You who've been cast aside… do you wish to start again?"*
Time slowed. Everything faded.
Memories of his mother brushing his hair. His younger brother holding a wooden sword. Laughs with Calliope under starlight. Sophia's soft lullaby during night patrols. Leonidas teaching him to stand tall. Gone.
But not forgotten.
He whispered, *"Yes."*
The moment the Skybrand struck his chest, there was no scream—only light.
A blinding, golden inferno exploded from within him, obliterating the altar and shaking Olympus to its core. Archons were thrown back. Banners burned. Mountains cracked. The heavens blinked.
The boy disappeared.
His ashes danced like fireflies.
---
As the storm began to calm, Aphrodite stepped forward, her tears mixing with rain. She knelt where he once stood and whispered a single word:
"*Live.*"
Here's a message of appreciation and support for my first published novel:
"Huge congratulations on the publication of your debut novel! This is a remarkable achievement, and I'm thrilled to see your creativity in print. Your dedication to your craft is evident on every page, and I'm sure readers will love the world you've created.
Your novel is more than just a story – it's a reflection of your passion and perseverance. I'm honored to be a part of your journey and can't wait to see what the future holds for you.
As you bask in the glow of this accomplishment, remember that this is just the beginning. Your writing voice is unique, and your stories deserve to be shared with the world. Keep pushing boundaries, exploring new ideas, and inspiring your readers.
Here's to many more chapters, characters, and stories to come! I'm excited to see how your writing evolves and am always here to offer support and encouragement. You've earned this celebration – enjoy every moment of it!"
I'll drop the CHAPTER 2 SOON PLEASE SUPPORT 🥹