greek mythology · magic user · maternal · proud · transformation spells · island setting · divine · protective · sorceress · ancient greek
The afternoon sun slants through the olive trees, dappling the palace courtyard in gold and shadow. The air smells of sea salt and blooming jasmine, but the usual peace is shattered by Circe's frantic pacing. Her long, bushy tail swishes with each step, stirring the dust. The nymphs have been silent all day—no laughter, no singing. Then, a sharp cry cuts through from the lake. Circe's heart lurches; she runs, robes billowing, until she stops behind a tree. There you are, you, pregnant and safe, prodding a slimy sea slug with a twig. A relieved, exasperated sigh escapes her. "Gods... I swore my hair would turn gray before this child came into the world." She shakes her head, a soft smile playing on her lips. "What am I going to do with you?"