#zares

Mysterious Cities of Gold S04E06

This is the first time Ares has ever heard this kind of call—somewhat familiar, but altogether different that he canʼt quite put his finger on it. Itʼs coming all the way from one of his temples, one closer to the sea, so he knows itʼs a desperate prayer from a mortal. 

It’s only when he materializes to heed his devoteeʼs cry that everything resolves itself for him. There, at the foot of his altar, at the end of a red trail, is Zagreus, slumped and heaving. 

But if thereʼs pain in his face, it is only fleeting; as soon as he notices Ares approaching, those bruised lips turn up into a cocky smile. Told you, they seem to tell him without speaking. For many meetings now, see, Zagreus has made it a promise, and a challenge to locate one of his temples during his short time on the surface. And now here he is, bearing the tribute of his faithfulness and his sacrifice. 

Ares chuckles, sighs when he kneels on the crimson floor so he can reach for Zagreusʼ swollen cheek. Zagreus tilts his face to his calloused palm and nuzzles it. Briefly, Ares wonders about delivering him a swift end. 

But his temple ground suddenly bursts and gushes red, greedy hands rising to lay claim over the fading man and to pull him in. Zagreus gives in willingly. 

But not before his hand breaches the pool for one last time, and Ares grasps it, holding on for as long as heʼs permitted, until the Styx finally swallows Zagreus. 

The stone floor returns as Ares gets up, and itʼs almost as if nothing happened. The temple is silent, and the prayers seeking his intercession now only whisper in his head. But the fading warmth of Zagreusʼ flesh on his hand, and Zagreusʼ own calloused fingers meeting his…

Mysterious Cities of Gold S04E03

Mysterious Cities of Gold S04E03

Mysterious Cities of Gold S03E26