Gavin's dreams were confusing. As he drifted from one random memory to another, his mind replaying recent events while he slept, he heard a voice call out to him from the void.
"Child of prophecy, we need to have a talk," A deep baritone voice that sounded smooth as honey rang through his ears.
The next moment Gavin found himself pulled through the ether, as if summoned. The last time this happened, I met with Koray for the first time. What does that damned god want this time? Gavin wondered.
Unable to move or resist the pull, he simply flowed along through the ether, until his body slammed roughly into a wooden chair covered with soft velvet cushions. Gavin's back slammed against the chair and let out a surprised grunt, his hands instinctively grabbing onto the arm rest.
"Really? Did you have to go through such dramatics, Koray?" Gavin muttered as he rubbed his shoulder and looked around.
The room was different. Instead of the ivory throne, Gavin sat before a roaring fire place, bathing the room in a low, warm light. Rugs made from various animal skins lined the floor and busts from animal heads filled the walls. Some of them Gavin could guess at, others he didn't have a glue what species they were.
On a nearby table sat a decanter with a red liquid two silver wine glasses placed upon a silver tray.
"Wrong god, boy." That same deep, baritone voice called from behind Gavin. An arm slid over Gavin's shoulders, as if embracing a friend from the side.
A shiver ran down Gavin's spine as breath whispered in his ear. "Care to take another guess, little wolf?"
"Doesn't matter, all you gods are the same. Same egotistical belief of self importance. Same holier than thou actions," Gavin said through gritted teeth.
The arm tightened around Gavin's shoulders. A warm, rich laughter echoed through his ears. "Damn, now that's an unexpectedly honest answer, wolf," the voice responded and the pressure on his shoulders vanished.
The man walked slowly around Gavin. Each step sounded like boots on hollowed wood until the being stood in front of Gavin.
Gavin had to crane his head up to look into the burning, golden eyes of the god. Short black hair that stood up in jagged spikes framed a face so handsome and perfect that it should be criminal. One black and chrome skull earring dangled from each earlobe as the god peered down at Gavin.
His physique was something most guys would dream of. Ripped chest muscles and well muscled arms that had the perfect amount of definition; his shoulders were wide, broad and imposing as he blocked out light from the fireplace.
His mouth curled into a twisted smile as he glared down at Gavin. "Give it one guess, wolf. I insist." He reached out one perfect finger to keep Gavin's chin lifted, his eyes locked on Gavin's. Waves of anger could be felt radiating off this Divine being in front of him.
Based on Gavin's limited knowledge of the gods and the fact he met three of them already over the summer; Koray, Tempestra, and Lunaria, there were three male gods he could be.
Based on his demeanor, attitude, and the rolling waves of anger Gavin could feel radiating off him, there was only one answer that came to mind. His eyes glowed crimson as the realization dawned on him and anger clawed its way to nearly choke him. "Ares," he spat out.
In the next heartbeat Gavin spit in Ares face and lurched forward, his head slamming into the gods chin, forcing the Gods' head back with a loud snap from the impact.
"You fucking bastard!" Gavin snarled and rose from the chair, quickly stepping closer, a right punch aimed straight for Ares' chest.
"I think that'll be enough of that, little wolf," Ares replied nonchalantly. He waved his hand and an unseen force pushed Gavin back into the chair and thick, black chains wrapped around his body.
"You are even more impatient and unruly than I expected," Ares said with cackling laugh of amusement.
Gavin snarled in frustration and pushed against the chains. "Let me out of these chains and I'll show you exactly how unruly I can be!" Gavin shouted at the god. His mana exploded out around him, filling the room with a deep crimson energy as he pushed and struggled against the chains.
"Oh, I think not, little wolf. See, we need to have a discussion and you need to come to an understanding about your place in the world," Ares replied, ignoring Gavin's outburst and taunts.
"You interfered with my plans, and I simply can't tolerate that," Ares said. He leaned forward and grinned at him.
A sinking realization dawned on Gavin. His heart sank and he prayed he was wrong. "You're behind the True Lord's Army, aren't you?" he asked.
Ares laughed boisterously and twirled around in amusement. "Ding ding ding, give the pup his treat!"
"Screw you, you bastard. Like I give a damn about what you will or won't tolerate," Gavin snarled and continued to struggle against the chains.
Ares's arm shot out and gripped Gavin's chin firmly. Gavin was unable to move as he stared up into the golden eyes of the god he hated most.
"I don't really care. Here's what's going to happen. You are going to go home. Give up this foolish notion of fulfilling Koray's deluded prophecy, and you will do this immediately," Ares demanded.
Gavin scoffed. "No way in hell am I dropping anything. I may despise that blonde haired prick, but I absolutely hate you. So, if anything, I will make sure I keep ruffling your feathers; do anything to get under that skin of yours," Gavin responded.
Ares's grip on his chin tightened almost painfully. "You aren't understanding me wolf. You will do as I say. If I have learned anything about dealing with your repulsive species, it's that you place high value on familial bonds. It would be a shame, if anything were to happen to that family you love. To momma and papa back home," Ares threatened.
Gavin went still, his mind racing and a coldness washed over him, quelling his anger.
"That's a good puppy. You wouldn't want anything to happen to your found family, now would you? No, I didn't think so. So, you will leave the academy, run along home, never shift again. If you don't, I promise you will live to regret it as I have every single person you care for skinned alive, and begging my soldiers for a death that will not come quickly."
Gavin glared his hatred at Ares. "You're such a fucking coward. You can't act yourself, so you go through underlings? Mercs? What a pathetic god," Gavin snarled.
The fire blazed brightly behind Ares and he let Gavin's chin go. "You can try taunting me all you want wolf, you have your orders. Obey, or don't. I really hope you don't. Watching you break over and over, knowing you could have kept them safe, and failed to do so because of your own stupidity, will be so much more enjoyable." With those words spoken, Ares flipped his hand at Gavin and he went flying through the ether. Gavin's cry of rage and frustration was cut off as he sped through the astral realm, and slammed back into his body.