Page 1 of The Don's Deadly Assassin

Prologue

1600 BC: Pelagios

I walk into the abode that is Mount Olympus, its towering peaks piercing through the Azure skies. The marbled hallways are mostly deserted today, but I do spot the Goddess Juno and the God Mars in an emotional argument over Mars’ affairs that are causing distress to the Goddess Venus.

They barely acknowledge me, just one of the hundreds of demigods to occasionally enter these hallowed grounds.

On most days, their lack of acknowledgment of us demigods would sting, but today, their disinterest is for the best.

I slink past them and cross to a gleaming white tower. The air around me shimmers with divine energy, reminding me of the sanctity of this place.

A reminder I don’t care for much, today.

Golden statues glint in the soft light that filters through the magnificent windows, their details etched with painstaking precision. Each one represents a god or goddess, immortalized in precious metal and stone, their expressions ranging from serene to fearsome.

Celestial music floats through the air. The soft, enchanting notes wrap themselves around my senses like silken tendrils, tempting to lull me into a dead calm where I can lose myself in their sweet embrace. But I shake off the allure, refusing to abandon my quest.

I walk through the many rooms, determinedly parting heavy curtains. When I don’t find him inside, I exit towards the gardens and courtyards at the back. I stand by the mosaic blue and white tiled walls, and my eyes dart through the landscape.

Beautiful Nymphs in barely there silken and chiffon dresses sit upon the lotus flowers and sing while the nature spirits tend to the floral splendor - watering and pruning the roses, lilies and irises.

Vines of ivy climb up the walls, their tendrils intertwining with the stone. The sound of rushing water fills the air, a melody that soothes the soul into a state of peaceful contemplation.

My gaze darts from one marble-sculpted statue to the next.

Then, I see him. A flash of movement catches my eye, drawing me out of the peace that yet again threatens to overcome me. A figure darts through the mist ahead, laughter ringing out on a gentle breeze.

The form materializes into none other than Cupid himself, engaged in a spirited game with another celestial being. They dart around one another in a hypnotic dance, their identities shrouded by the divine mists that wreath their forms.

"Tag, you're it!" Cupid exclaims, his voice both playful and ethereal. His companion giggles, attempting to dodge Cupid's touch.

I watch them for a moment, captivated by their carefree joy and beauty, before reminding myself of the gravity of my mission. With calculated movements, I creep closer, careful not to alert the pair to my presence.

My heart hammers in my chest, each beat a reminder of the perilous situation I have placed myself in.

"Is this really the best use of our time?" Cupid's companion asks, pausing mid-flight to catch their breath. "There are souls to be matched, after all."

"Even gods need a break sometimes," Cupid replies, brushing off the concern as he continues to pursue his friend. "And besides, who better than us to understand the importance of love and laughter?"

As I edge nearer, I can't help but feel the sting of bitter irony in Cupid’s words. If only they knew the havoc their whims had wreaked upon my own life, perhaps they would think twice before indulging so frivolously. If only they’d have helped save the woman who taught me how to love.

The familiar sorrow settles in my chest as I remember the stakes: justice for my now-dead mother and retribution for the pain inflicted upon the mortals below.

"Perhaps you're right," Cupid's companion concedes, laughing once more as they dodge Cupid's outstretched hand. "But don't let Venus find out, or she'll have our heads!"

"Let her try," Cupid retorts defiantly, his voice full of joy. "She knows as well as we do that the god of love cannot be bound by rules and regulations."

My heart pounds in my chest, but I force myself to remain still, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

"Ha! You'll have to be quicker than that!" Cupid taunts, dodging yet another playful swipe from his friend.

"Quicker, you say?" the companion retorts, a mischievous glint in their eye. "Perhaps if you weren't so distracted by your own reflection, I might stand a chance!"

"Who can blame me?" Cupid laughs, feigning offense. "I am, after all, quite irresistible."

The moment I've been waiting for finally arrives. Cupid's attention is momentarily diverted as he examines himself in a nearby mirror, his companion seizing the opportunity to charge at him playfully.

I step out of my hiding place with silent precision, closing the distance between myself and Cupid's unguarded quiver. My fingers tremble as I reach for one of his arrows, its rubied tip gleaming seductively.

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