Fuck yes she is, you blind?

Chapter 13: A reward from Noor.

We continued our journey after freeing Noor and allowing her to join us. Unsurprisingly, Iris didn’t trust her, and the constant bickering, teasing, and mocking between them did little to ease the tension.
“Do you even know how to ride a horse?” Iris asked, her tone laced with mockery as she glanced back at Noor, who was clinging tightly behind me on the horse.
“I do,” Noor replied with a sly smile, “but what can I say? Kayn’s muscles make a great pillow and an even better grabbing spot.” She tightened her hold on me, her hands sliding dangerously close to my abs. My face turned crimson, though I couldn’t tell if she was doing it to tease Iris—or if she meant it.
“Ha! They’re using you like a plaything,” Ikaro chimed in, chuckling at the predicament I found myself in.
“Are you trying to get me killed?” I whispered to him, **** for an escape. Ikaro, of course, continued to laugh at my expense.
“Oh, come on, Iris. Don’t get mad—I’m just messing with you,” Noor said, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “Unless…” She paused dramatically. “Unless you’re jealous of me being so close to Kayn.” Her tone dripped with amusement as she threw the teasing jab.
Iris’s face turned a brilliant shade of red at the mention of jealousy. Could she actually feel something for me? “That’s not true!” she said quickly, her voice slightly higher-pitched than usual as she tried to hide her flustered expression. “I’m just being practical,” she added, regaining some composure. “It would be better—much more comfortable—for Kayn if you let him have his whole horse to himself.”
Noor leaned closer to me, her voice dropping to a seductive whisper. “I’m sure Kayn doesn’t mind me tagging along.” Her breath tickled my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. “I think he even enjoys it,” she added, squeezing me tighter for emphasis.
Realizing what she was doing, I quickly stammered, “I—uh—I surely don’t—” My voice cracked slightly as I tried to calm the situation. “I mean, I don’t mind helping anyone who needs a lift.” My words tumbled out awkwardly, and I shot Ikaro a **** look, silently begging for help.
Ikaro caught my signal, his grin widening. “Right, our dear Kayn here is just being the perfect leader, keeping the prettiest girl close to his chest,” he said, his tone dripping with mockery.
“Fuck you,” I muttered under my breath, shooting him a glare as Noor burst into laughter and Iris rolled her eyes in exasperation.

After a while of light-hearted chitchat and constant bickering, Ikaro suddenly posed a thoughtful question. “Hey, Kayn, can you, like, contact Athena wherever we are?” he asked, his curiosity breaking through the casual tone.
“That’s… actually a good question,” Iris remarked, raising an eyebrow at her brother. “Good job.” She gave him a rare nod of approval, to which Ikaro responded with a smug grin and a playful shrug, as if to say, That’s just what I do.
“I mean…” I hesitated, trying to find the right words. “It’s possible. She’s a goddess, after all. Omnipresent, right? I guess she could hear us if she wanted to.”
Noor chimed in, her voice carrying a note of wisdom. “Ardvi can hear me all the time. If I focus and pray when I’m alone, there’s a chance she’ll answer. But…” She paused, her tone shifting to a mix of curiosity and analysis. “I don’t know how your gods work. Still, considering Kayn’s importance to Athena, I’d wager she wouldn’t ignore a direct call from him.”
“That’s worth a shot,” Iris said, her thoughtful gaze turning to me. “If she can guide us when she chooses to appear, maybe the reverse works too. You could try reaching out to her when we need her most.”
I nodded slowly, pondering the possibility. “I’ve thought about that. But the Erebosian magic still lingers—it’s strong. Last time, Athena used a lot of her power just to get close to me. She might not be able to answer easily.” My mind flickered back to the hidden pond in the forest by the farm, where I had last seen her.
“But you’re stronger now,” Noor said, cutting through my doubts with her keen observation. “That sword of yours… What was it called again? Morning?” She smirked, clearly enjoying her teasing.
“Dawn,” I corrected, shooting her a look. She chuckled softly, her smile unapologetic.
“Right. Dawn.” She drew out the word, then continued, her tone turning serious. “If my theory is correct—and based on what Athena told you—your strength is growing. And as you recover more of your powers, that sword of yours might act as a conduit. It could let you contact her or at least create a strong enough link for her to project herself without needing a sacred site.”
“That… might actually work,” I said, turning her idea over in my head.
“I have an idea,” Ikaro cut in, his expression brightening. “There’s a lake with a waterfall not far from here. The horses can drink, and the rest of us can freshen up—trust me, we all need it. Kayn, you could find a private spot nearby and try calling Athena.”
“Sounds reasonable. Thoughts?” I asked, glancing around the group.
“I’m in,” Iris said, gesturing to her travel-worn attire. “A bath sounds divine right now, and I think everyone could use one.”
For once, Noor nodded in agreement with Iris. “Not gonna argue with that.”
“Very well then,” I said with a nod, gesturing to Ikaro. “Lead the way.”
After a few more minutes of riding, Ikaro led us to a serene lakeside clearing surrounded by lush trees and the sound of cascading water in the distance. He gestured toward the area with a sweeping motion. “Here we are. I’ll tie up the horses over there while the rest of us handle our, uh, business.”
The group dismounted, stretching and taking in the tranquil atmosphere.
“I think it would be best if the girls head over to the waterfall while Ikaro and I stick to the lake,” I suggested, breaking the silence.
Iris raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Are you sure? You’re giving us the prime spot by far. Feeling generous today?”
Noor chuckled, catching onto the playful jab.
“Well,” I replied, crossing my arms, “maybe I just want a bit of peace and quiet while you two bicker away over by the waterfall.”
“Or…” Noor teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief, “maybe you just want some alone time with Ikaro.”
Iris burst into laughter, and Ikaro groaned, throwing his hands up dramatically. “What?! No way. Kayn’s like a brother to me. Besides, as handsome as he is, it’s not like that.”
“Thanks, bro,” I said, trying to keep a straight face as the girls laughed even harder.
Still giggling, Iris and Noor started walking toward the waterfall. Noor glanced back over her shoulder, a grin on her face. “Have fun, lovebirds!”
“Don’t get lost!” Iris added, her voice dripping with sarcasm as they disappeared into the woods.
Ikaro and I shared a look before heading toward the lake. The cool water was incredibly refreshing as we waded in, washing off the dust and grime from our journey.
“Gods, I needed this,” I said, letting out a sigh of relief as the water lapped against my skin.
“Amen, brother. Amen,” Ikaro replied, dunking his head underwater briefly before surfacing with a satisfied grin.
We floated and relaxed for a while, the conversation drifting to lighter topics until I decided to ask something more pressing. “Do you think we’ll run into trouble in Corinthos?”
Ikaro shrugged, his smirk returning. “Probably. That place is a shithole. But nothing we can’t handle—this group is pretty strong.”
“True. I just hope everything goes smoothly when we reach Delphi,” I said, though doubt lingered in my tone.
“Unlikely, considering how we’re fighting something or someone every other step,” he quipped. Then, after a brief pause, he glanced at me slyly. “Speaking of unlikely… what do you think of my sister?”
My face went red immediately. “What do you mean?”
“Come on, Kayn. You think I don’t notice how she looks at you? And how you look at her?” he said, grinning like a mischievous older brother who had caught me red-handed.
“I… I mean… she’s very pretty, if you want my honest opinion,” I said, fumbling for the right words.
Ikaro chuckled knowingly. “Yeah, I figured. You think the boys back in Helos didn’t notice? You should’ve seen Father—he used to get marriage proposals from every wealthy family in the area. But that’s not what I’m asking.” He leaned in slightly, his expression softening. “I’m asking if you have intentions toward her. Don’t worry—I won’t judge you.”
I hesitated but decided honesty was the best course. “…I like her,” I admitted. “And yes, I think she’s beautiful. I just don’t want to cause problems within the group—especially since she’s your sister.”
Ikaro laughed, his tone relaxed. “Don’t worry about me. Iris is old enough to make her own choices. And if my hunch is correct, she’s got a bit of a crush on you, even if she won’t admit it. At least she picked well.”
“You think so?” I asked, surprised at his observation.
“Oh, definitely,” he said, nodding. “She’s always watching you when you’re not looking, and she gets jealous of Noor. That’s not just because of the teasing—though Noor’s good at that—it’s because she knows Noor is attractive too.”
I scratched the back of my neck, trying to process his words. “Well, Noor is gorgeous,” I admitted. “She’s clever, confident, and… well, she knows how to use her charms. I won’t lie—she’s tempting.”

“Yeah I would be jealous as well.” Ikaro says jokingly “Anyhow if you play with fire” He says meaning being with both girls at the same time “Know that despite being a demigod or something like that there’s nothing stopping you from the wrath of a woman’s love.” He says smiling enjoying the situation I’m caught in and looks at me seriously for a second “And if you hurt Iris in any shape of form I don’t care who comes down from the sky I would beat your ass.” Ikaro says protective of her sister in a serious tone.

“I won’t hurt her. I promise,” I said sincerely.

“Good, I don’t care with who you sleep with just don’t be an ass to her the gods know she has suffer enough to have a heartbreak.” She says honestly and concerned for her younger sister well being.

I nodded, letting his words sink in. After a moment, I decided to shift the focus. “And what about you?”
“Me?” Ikaro leaned back against a rock, letting the water ripple around him. “Let’s just say I’m not interested in either of them.”
“What?” I asked, surprised. “You’re telling me you don’t find Noor attractive? Aphrodite should slap you for that.”
Ikaro laughed but shook his head. “Oh, she’s beautiful. No doubt about that. I’m just not attracted to her—or any other women, for that matter.”
It took me a moment to catch his meaning. “Wait… you’re attracted to men?”

“Yes..” He answered sheeplish. “Is that a problem?”

I’m shocked at his shame “No! why the fuck would that be a problem?” I answer sincerely

“Wait you really don’t mind?” Ikaro answer surprised at my reaction

“yeah, I mean, how is that an issue? We can love who we like.” I answer honestly and caringly

“It’s just you know… some people find it taboo.” Ikaro says “Iris knows about it and she always helped me don’t get into trouble on Helos.”

“Listen Ikaro, loving or being attracted to someone is one of the most beautiful things in this world. Don’t let your feeling be silenced by what some assholes might say” I answer sincerely “Besides I think you could beat their asses” I say trying to cheer him up.

He laughed, his spirits clearly lifted. “Thanks, brother. That means a lot.”
After a moment, he stood, drying himself off. “Anyway, enough about me. You’ve got work to do. There’s a clearing over there to the left—it’s quiet and secluded. You should try reaching Athena. When you are ready come rendezvous with us on the waterfall.”
I nodded, stepping out of the water and grabbing my clothes.
“Hey, Kayn,” Ikaro called as I turned to leave.
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for being a good friend,” he said with a genuine smile.
“Anytime, brother,” I replied with a grin before heading toward the clearing he’d mentioned.