Page 29 of Charmed By Apollo

The air was thick with the scent of herbs and spices, mingling together to create an intoxicating fragrance that filled the room. Tangles of dried herbs hung from the rafters, casting long shadows across the floor and adding to the mystical atmosphere of the space.

In the center of the room stood a large wooden table cluttered with mortar and pestles, vials, and various other tools of the potion-making trade. A single candle flickered in the center, casting a soft light that danced across the room and added to the ambiance.

Geri greeted Kulas with a warm smile as he entered the room, his presence filling the space with an air of intrigue. Kulas was a slight man with dark, weathered skin, and a bandana wrapped around his head, adding to his mystique. His eyes held a glint of curiosity as he regarded them, his surprise at their unexpected visit evident.

“Hello,” Geri greeted. “We’ve come seeking your expertise. We’re in need of a potion.”

Kulas’s expression shifted, and he nodded thoughtfully, his demeanor turning businesslike as he gestured for them to follow him farther into the room. As they approached a table cluttered with bottles and vials, he began to speak, his voice low and smooth.

“If you’ve come seeking potions,” Kulas said, a hint of amusement in his tone, “you’ve come to the right place. Allow me to introduce you to my collection.”

With a flourish, he gestured towards the various potions arranged on the table. “Here we have potions of all kinds,” he proudly continued, his eyes alight with excitement. “Potions to make someone fall in love, potions to mend a broken heart, potions to ignite passion.”

Apollo shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting away as he struggled to process Kulas’s words. Oh no, were all these love potions?

“Um, that’s…interesting,” Geri said, her tone hesitant.

Kulas chuckled softly, seemingly unfazed by their reaction. “Indeed, it is,” he replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “But fear not, my friends. I am sure we can find something suitable for your needs.”

With that, he turned back to the table, his attention once again focused on his potions.

“I don’t need a love potion,” she said sharply.

Kulas paused, obviously taken aback by Geri’s sudden outburst. He regarded her with a raised eyebrow, his expression unreadable. “Ah, my apologies. I must have misunderstood. I thought you came here because I specialize in gayuma.”

“Gayuma?” Apollo repeated.

“Yes,” the other man nodded. “Gayuma. Or love potions.”

“Love…potions?” Geri repeated. “Are you telling me that all the potions on this island are for love?”

“Indeed,” he replied proudly. “Love is a powerful force, which most seek in their hearts. My potions cater to those desires.”

“We don’t need a love potion,” Geri reasserted firmly. “We need something to bring back my dead grandmother. Do you have anything that can help her?”

“No, I’m afraid not, ma’am.”

Geri looked crestfallen. “Okay.” Turning on her heel, she marched out of the hut.

Apollo felt a pang of guilt, sensing the she-wolf’s frustration.He turned to Kulas, his expression apologetic. “I’m sorry about that,” he said. “She’s just…desperate. We were hoping to find something to raise her grandmother from the dead.”

“I see that,” he replied, his tone gentle yet resolute. “But I’m afraid I can’t help you. I don’t think there’s any potion in the world that can help you.”

Apollo’s heart sank at Kulas’s words. He had known their request was a long shot, but hearing it confirmed dashed what little hope remained.

“Thank you for your time, Kulas.”

Apollo stepped outside and found Geri leaning against the tree outside the hut. Her face twisted in pain and frustration. He approached her cautiously, his heart aching at the sight of her anguish.

“Geri,” he began softly, reaching out a hand to gently touch her shoulder. “I’m sorry about what happened in there.”

She turned to him, eyes filled with hurt and disbelief. “Was this all just a joke to you?”

His heart sank at the accusation, the weight of her words hitting him like a blow. “No—no, of course not. I would never joke about something like this. I thought…I thought we could find a way to help your grandmother.”

Geri’s expression softened. “I just want her back. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to apologize, Geri,” he reassured her gently. “Losing someone you love is never easy. But you’re strong, stronger than you realize. And I’ll be here to support you every step of the way.”

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