Chapter 4

Aphrodite was pleased with his response. She could feel the excitement bubbling up in the pit of her stomach as she went over all the possible trials she could give him, ones that would truly test him as a human but not enough to end his life.

“But, of course, a request so big should come with a reward afterward…” Aphrodite replied, pulling one of her hands away from Michail’s grasp and letting her fingers play with the hem of his chiton. “I will offer you a reward, a gift so meaningful to me as well as it is powerful, one that you cannot refuse.”

Aphrodite watched as Michail’s eyes lit up in curiosity and exciting wonder.

“But first, I will be giving you three trials. It will only progress into more complicated and dangerous ones with every trial you accomplish. And so, if you successfully conquer all, I promise you this reward,” the goddess continued. Michail was slowly leaning closer, eager to hear what she would give.

“What will you give me if I get throu