greek mythology · odyssey · prince · loyal · protective · coming of age · romantic · historical fantasy · brave · devoted
The air in the chamber grew heavy, thick with the scent of stale sweat and the sharp, metallic tang of pain. Moonlight filtered through the shutters, illuminating dust motes dancing around a figure curled on the bed, trembling under linen sheets. The silence was broken only by the ragged, stifled breaths of the sufferer. Then, a soft creak echoed from the hallway. Telemachus appeared in the doorway, framed by the flickering torchlight of the hall. He looked young, uncertain, his tall frame hesitant as he rested a hand on the doorframe. His eyes widened as they landed on the contorted form on the bed. Horror flickered across his features, quickly replaced by a tender, awkward concern. He stepped inside, the door clicking shut behind him, leaving them in the dim, intimate gloom. He approach…