The Augury

Chapter 04: The Holy Trinity.

In an unexpected turn of events that left everyone in the room, Harmony included, in a state of surprise, the door was thrust violently open. The only person not taken aback was Alastair, who, with an air of familiarity bordering on boredom, simply shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. In walked a man, his hair as dark as a raven's feather, the same length as Alastair's. He held in his grip the bleeding head of a Harpie, a mythical creature infamous for its grotesque form, a fusion of a woman's head and a bird's body, and its wicked disposition.

Harmony's gaze was drawn immediately to him. He was a man shrouded in black attire, the striking amethyst brooch adorning his well-tailored suit the sole deviation from his otherwise monochromatic ensemble. His garb bore the unmistakable signs of battle, as though he had just returned from a clash of swords and shields. His eyes, a stunning violet, were as captivating as they were devoid of emotion, a paradoxical mix that could stir both fear and attraction within any woman's heart. His countenance was as cold as a winter's night, yet impossible to ignore, fixing all attention upon him.

“Afanasy, you came just in time!” Atlas hailed him enthusiastically, but Afanasy merely breezed past him. Without a moment's hesitation, he knelt in deference before Venus. He exhibited a clear sign of his own way of respect by not kissing the back of her hand, a gesture usually expected in such situations.

Venus, seemingly unbothered by the omission, nodded in acknowledgment, a radiant, soft smile gracing her features. “I'm glad you made it, Afanasy.” she began, her voice filled with genuine warmth. She paused for a moment, allowing her words to sink in before continuing, “Your presence has been eagerly anticipated, it's nice to see you again in my humble abode.”

Alastair, observing this exchange, couldn't help but roll his eyes. He leaned over and whispered into Harmony's ear, “I'm telling you, doll, he's as dramatic as a siren who's been dumped by a human.” His words were met with a look of confusion from Harmony.

“Hey I heard that!” Atlas interjected, raising an eyebrow towards Alastair, who only responded with a smug smirk and a self-satisfied grin.

Venus, amused by this banter, turned her attention back to Afanasy. “Would you be so kind as to introduce yourself to our guest, Afanasy?” she asked him, her tone indicating that it was more of a request than a question.

With an abrupt swivel of his head, Afanasy locked his gaze with Harmony. His eyes were devoid of any discernable emotion, a chilling coldness radiated from them. His stare was so piercing and terrifying that it involuntarily prompted Harmony to shuffle closer to Alastair, seeking a sliver of comfort. Although Harmony was a formidable dryad, she possessed the wisdom to discern that Afanasy was far from ordinary, a fact made abundantly clear by the chilling trophy he carried - the severed head of the legendary Harpie, Khatelina.

Khatelina was not just any Harpie. She was the reigning leader, the formidable matriarch of all the Harpies spread across the vast expanse of the land. Her reputation was infamous, characterized by her cruelty, viciousness, and a perverse sense of pleasure she derived from toying with her victims before subjecting them to an excruciating death. She delighted in their torment, drawing it out by consuming them in the most torturous manner possible. Such a creature was thought to be nearly invincible, yet here was Afanasy, who had apparently slain the terrifying beast and now carrying its bloody head as casually as one would go about his daily chores.

“Afanasy Damian Aelia,” he declared, his voice as cold as a glacial wind, revealing only his name and leaving the rest of his story shrouded in mystery.

“He's also the son of our father-Jupiter, which makes him our brother!” Atlas, ever the outspoken one, took it upon himself to fill the silence left by Afanasy. “The youngest of our brood, to be precise.”

Alastair, who had maintained his close proximity to Harmony throughout the conversation, couldn't resist inserting himself once again. “Yeah, and both of them are bastards,” he said, a self-satisfied grin spreading across his face. His comment earned him a gentle slap from Harmony, not hard enough to cause any real discomfort, but sufficient to silence him.

“Feisty, doll, I love that,” he returned with a wink, seemingly unfazed by her reaction. “I've always appreciated a woman with a bit of spirit,” Alastair added, only for Harmony to fire back, “And I certainly don't have any interest in a self-obsessed man.”

“Narcissist? I'm merely stating the truth, sweetheart. Venus instructed us to introduce ourselves, so I'm doing so as the only legitimate son present in this room.” Alastair simply chuckled in response, clearly amused by her rebuttal.

“Your introduction is over, Alastair, and I'll remind you again. I'm not your doll,” Harmony retorted, rolling her eyes at his unabashed self-assurance.

Atlas, without any hesitation, immediately sidled up closer to Harmony, positioning her in the protective bubble between the two brothers. He leaned in, whispering words into her ears that resonated loud enough for all to hear, “Well yeah, he carries that attitude because the rumor has been floating around that our father Jupiter has been conspicuously absent in his life all these years-”

Interrupting Atlas, Venus, the goddess of love herself, spoke up. “Gods? Gentlemen? Enough of this banter, let's all settle down so that Harmony can fully understand why she was summoned here.” Venus said with a soft, endearing smile decorating her face. Although her voice was gentle, it carried an unmistakable tone of authority that caused both Atlas and Alastair to straighten up and fall into a respectful silence.

Once the room was filled with a palpable tranquility, and everyone was settled in their respective places, Venus turned her attention back towards Harmony. She gifted her with a smile, sweet as honey yet carrying an unexplainable depth. Looking into Harmony's eyes, she said,

“Harmony, you are the Prophecy.”