Five months passed since the ruins, and the road had carried them through forests, rivers, and forgotten villages. Luna no longer walked with the stumbling gait of a lost child; she had learned to steady herself, her pale eyes sharper, her small voice stronger. Adrian kept watch with quiet vigilance, while Achradina remained close, a silent guardian whose presence was both comfort and mystery.
The world, however, had grown restless. Everywhere they went, whispers followed. Rumors of gods falling, kingdoms trembling.
One evening, while passing through a crowded market town, they heard the words clearly at last. A bard stood upon a crate, shouting to the gathering crowd:
"Listen well, all! The God of War, mighty Ares himself, has fallen! Slain by the daughter of Medusa and her companions, with a warrior named Kratos at their side! By the power of the Pandora Boxes, even a god has perished!"
Gasps and fearful murmurs rippled through the crowd. Some cheered. Others crossed themselves, terrified of divine wrath.
Luna tugged at Adrian's cloak. "A… daughter of Medusa?"
Adrian's crimson eyes narrowed. "Not unheard of. Monsters and demigods walk the earth more often than mortals believe. But to kill Ares…" His voice trailed into silence, dark and heavy.
Achradina stood apart, her expression unreadable. But her silver gaze lingered on Luna, as if measuring her reaction.
Luna whispered, more to herself than to anyone: "If… she can fight gods… then maybe…"
"Careful, little one," Adrian warned softly. "Even if the tale is true, such power comes at a price. The gods do not forgive easily."
The crowd's noise swelled, traders and travelers adding their versions of the tale—some said lightning split the heavens when Ares died, others that oceans turned red with his blood. The name "Kratos" passed from mouth to mouth, spoken with equal fear and awe.
Achradina finally spoke, her voice low, but carrying the weight of command. "If Medusa's bloodline has risen to strike at Olympus… then the world stands at the edge of something far greater. And you, Luna…" She paused, her gaze like starlight piercing through shadow. "…You may be drawn into it sooner than you think."
The crowd dispersed, leaving only whispers echoing in the streets. Luna held the stone charm from Seraphina, clutching it tightly as her hollow chest stirred with unease.
Somewhere beyond the horizon, a war between gods and mortals was brewing. And for the little zombie girl, there would be no turning back.