Zeus felt something he had never experienced before | Greek mythology, Zeus, epic fantasy, book excerpt, Ascension, Olympus, gods, Poseidon

What happens in this part of the story

While chaos unfolds on Earth, something humans cannot explain, on the other side of the world, high above the clouds on Olympus, the gods continue their evening as if nothing is happening.

In this part of the story, the setting shifts to Zeus’s palace, where the most powerful gods gather. Everything seems calm and familiar - almost like an ordinary family dinner. But that illusion of peace will not last long.

Excerpt from the book

The Olympian gods sat around a table overflowing with a feast – roasted meats, fruits, and golden goblets filled with wine and mead – all in celebration of their divine power. Zeus, Hera, and Demeter, though only slightly older than their children, radiated authority and grace, while the younger gods – especially Dionysus – brought laughter and chaos into the hall. Dionysus poured himself more wine, stuffing handfuls of meat into his mouth as his brothers and sisters laughed. It resembled an ordinary family dinner – but in a manner only gods could make possible. Even the eagle, which often flew beside Zeus, now pecked at the meat its master had tossed its way.

Dinner was slowly coming to an end. Dionysus, completely drunk, had fallen asleep slumped in his chair, while Apollo and Ares amused themselves by tossing grapes at him, competing to see who could land one in his open mouth. Everything seemed like just another ordinary Olympian night – until suddenly… pain.

Zeus clutched his chest, feeling an invisible force pierce his heart. The same agony struck Hera and Demeter. Fear swept through their bodies – none of them had ever felt anything like it before. Their children leapt from their seats, rushing toward them in confusion, unable to understand what was happening. Dionysus, lost in his drunken numbness, could barely recognize his own hands, let alone what was unfolding before him. But just as suddenly as the pain had come – It vanished.

The younger gods hesitated, uncertain whether their elders were truly all right.

“My king, what was that?” asked Hera, grasping Zeus’s hand.

“I don’t know…” he replied thoughtfully. “Never before have I felt such pain.”

Hermes approached his mother, concern written on his face. “Mother, are you alright?”

“I am, my son. But please – take your brother to the palace to rest,” said Hera, nodding toward Dionysus, whose head now rested in his plate.

“I’ll help you carry this fat one,” said Hephaestus, stepping forward. Together with Hermes, he lifted the staggering Dionysus, supporting him under the arms as they carried him away.

At that moment, the great doors of the palace swung open, and Poseidon stepped into the hall. His presence brought instant silence. Hermes and Hephaestus, startled by his sudden arrival, dropped Dionysus, who once again landed face-first into his plate.

Though close in age to Zeus, Poseidon appeared vigorous, strong – almost ageless. His dark blue armor, made of small metal plates resembling fish scales, shimmered in the torchlight. A long cloak trailed behind him, and in his hand, he held his mighty trident firmly. His heavy footsteps echoed through the grand hall.

As soon as Athena saw him, her silken robe transformed into the colors of war – bronze armor gleamed across her body, a helmet appeared upon her head, and in her hands materialized a spear and shield bearing the image of Medusa. She glared at him with disdain. Her anger toward him had never faded – not after what he had done to Medusa in her temple.

This is only part of the story… As the gods try to understand what is happening, the real threat is only just beginning to reveal itself.

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