I'm The Devil - Chapter 256

Chapter 256: Apollo and Artemis 2

Leto’s serene composure wavered, her eyes searching Lucifer’s for some hint of leniency, but finding none. She turned to Apollo and Artemis, her children, her pride, and now the very center of her fears. Before Apollo could muster a response, she raised a trembling hand to silence him.

“Do not,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Do not risk yourself, my son.”

Apollo’s jaw clenched in frustration, but he nodded, respecting his mother’s plea. Leto took a deep breath, tears welling in her eyes as she faced Lucifer again.

“Lucifer, you must understand,” she began, her voice breaking. “Apollo and Artemis are all I have left. I cannot bear to see them go to Olympus, not when that venomous woman Hera has solidified her power and place there. She would see them harmed simply because they are my children, not hers.”

Lucifer’s expression softened slightly, but he remained resolute. “Leto, I understand your fears, but look at them. They have grown into powerful gods, capable of holding their own against any adversary. With their abilities, Zeus will undoubtedly offer them a place among the main gods of Mount Olympus. Their destiny is there, not here.”

He gestured toward Apollo and Artemis, both standing tall and resolute, their power radiating from them. “Their being here does not serve them or the realms. They are not welcome in the Pangu Realm, not because of any failing of theirs, but because their place, their home, is in the Greco Realm.”

Leto’s tears fell freely now, her heart breaking at the truth in Lucifer’s words. She turned to her children, her voice trembling. “My dearest Apollo, Artemis, my heart breaks at the thought of parting from you. But Lucifer is right. You are destined for greatness on Olympus, and the realms need your strength.”

She stepped forward, pulling Apollo into a tight embrace. “Apollo, my radiant sun, you have always brought light and music into my life. Be strong, and let your light guide others, as it always has guided me.” She pulled back, her eyes searching his. “Remember, no matter where you are, you will always be my son. I love you more than words can express.”

Apollo’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as he returned the embrace. “Mother, I will miss you deeply. But I promise to honor your love and wisdom in all that I do. I love you too, always.”

Leto then turned to Artemis, her fierce huntress. She gently cupped her daughter’s face, her thumb brushing away a tear. “Artemis, my moonlight, my protector. You have always been my strength. Stand tall and let your courage shine through. Olympus needs your spirit and your wisdom.”

Artemis hugged her mother tightly, her voice a whisper. “I will miss you, Mother. But I will carry your love with me, always. I will protect and guide, just as you have taught me. I love you.”

Lucifer watched the exchange, his own heart touched by the depth of their bond. When Leto finally stepped back, her eyes met his once more, filled with sorrow but also a resigned acceptance.

“Say your goodbyes,” Lucifer said softly, his tone more gentle now. “Once they are ready, I will take them back to their father. They will be safe, I promise you that.”

Leto nodded, wiping her tears. She turned back to her children, a sad smile on her lips. “Remember, you will always have a home here, in my heart. Go with courage and strength, and know that I am always with you in spirit.”

With one last, lingering embrace, Apollo and Artemis prepared themselves to leave. They gathered their belongings, each movement heavy with the weight of parting.

Lucifer stepped forward, his presence a reminder of the duty and destiny awaiting them. “It is time,” he said, his voice carrying both the weight of authority and a subtle note of compassion. “The realms await your return.”

With a final, tearful glance at their mother, Apollo, and Artemis stood beside Lucifer, ready to face their destiny on Mount Olympus. Leto watched them go, her heart heavy with both pride and sorrow, knowing that while this parting was painful, it was also a necessary step toward their greater purpose.

Lucifer raised his hands, conjuring a circle of radiant light around himself, Apollo, and Artemis. In an instant, the scenery of the Pangu Realm faded, replaced by the lush, verdant landscapes of the Island of Crete. This island, hidden from prying eyes and fortified by the powerful tree planted by Adamanltheia many years ago, served as a sanctuary for nymphs and other mystical beings.

The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of flowing water from hidden springs added to the serene ambiance. However, the tranquility was soon disrupted as several nymphs, curious and alarmed, gathered to observe the unexpected visitors. Their expressions shifted from curiosity to astonishment, sensing the immense power that had breached their defenses—defenses so strong that even Zeus, the God King of the Greco Realm, approached with caution.

Before any of the nymphs could step forward, a figure emerged from the foliage. Adamanltheia, a regal and graceful nymph with flowing auburn hair and eyes the color of the sea, approached with a knowing smile. Her presence commanded respect, and the nymphs parted to allow her passage.

“You have a knack for disappearing and appearing whenever you like, oh Lucifer Morningstar, the famed devil,” she remarked, her tone both amused and respectful.

At the mention of Lucifer’s name, a collective shudder ran through the gathered nymphs. They exchanged anxious glances, silently grateful that they had not provoked this formidable being.

Lucifer returned Adamanltheia’s smile with a slight nod. “Adamanltheia, it is good to see you again. I have brought these two to take a bite of the fruit, would you do the honors of helping them to the tree and giving them the fruit, I promise their mother to make sure they are safe and I won’t be always around to fulfill my promise so it is better to make them powerful enough to protect themselves” Lucifer said pointing to the twins with him.