F I V E

Eleena woke up and instantly groaned in pain. She feels like she was beaten up by 10 large men. Her head is aching and she can't move even just her finger. She feels nauseous and at the same time, hungry. She tried to think about what happened to her but all she remembers is Apollo's worried face. 

She looked around and saw that she's still in Apollo's home. The last thing she did was lay in the bed to rest but when she opened her eyes, Apollo was looking at her as if he's afraid. She can't even understand the reason why he was like that and why does she feel as if she fell from a high building. 

"Apollo." Her voice is hoarse but she hoped that he heard her. 

Her eyes remained on the door, waiting for Apollo to arrive but he didn't come. She kept calling his name and tears started to stream down her face as she became hopeless. She was afraid that Apollo already abandoned her because even though he told her that he will kill her soon, he is the only one she trusts. He saved her from the minotaur and he always worries for her despite being the reason why the world will end soon. 

Apollo can hear Eleena's faint cries from the room but he didn't enter. He's trying to think about what happened last night but the only thing he's certain is that Eleena was possessed. 

'Whatever or whoever that is inside Eleena is the one who will destroy the world and not her.' He thought. Apollo couldn't hide his joy despite the messy situation he is in.  

He regrets almost killing Eleena and doubting her. He blames himself for getting swayed by Ares's snide remarks. He knew that an innocent girl would never end the world but he still let himself believe the mischievous Ares. 

He already attended Eleena's bruises and wound but he cannot face her after trying to behead her. Somehow, he's relieved that the creature stopped him or else, he will live in shame and guilt for ending an innocent girl's life. She was just caught up in their mess so she doesn't deserve all of this, he thought. 

Apollo acted as if he cannot hear Eleena's call. He can feel that she needs him but he chose to not go and stay by her side. His heart is breaking for her. She's in pain and no amount of healing can make her feel better. 

"Apollo." Eleena called but Apollo just closed her eyes and pretended he's alone. 

"I need you." She sobbed. Apollo bit his lower lip and stood. He couldn't hold it anymore. He also wants to stay beside Eleena. 

He went inside the room and came in contact with Eleena's scared eyes. He had the urge to hug her and comfort her but he stopped himself and just calmly walked towards the bed. Eleena is relieved to see Apollo and she knows that she's safe now because he is with her. 

Apollo sat on the chair beside the bed and tried not to look at Eleena's body. The bruises are still there but they're already fading. Despite using his ability, Eleena's wound and bruises didn't heal fast which confused him more. Eleena is not burning anymore but she still has a hot temperature so Apollo can't help but to worry. 

Apollo wiped the tears in Eleena's face and he realized that he hates seeing her cry. It is as much as he hates the mortals and demi-gods who claim their music is better than his.

"I apologize for not coming sooner." Apollo said softly while still caressing her cheek. Eleena already calmed down but there's still a trace of fear in her. 

"You're here now and that's what's important." Eleena answered weakly. 

"What happened to me, Apollo? Why does my body hurt so bad?" Eleena's tears started to pool in her eyes as she felt the intense pain in her body. The fact that she cannot remember anything also makes her tear up. 

Apollo stopped caressing her face and just stared at her. He doesn't know if he should tell her what happened as it might scare her. It is evident that she doesn't have any idea about the creature inside her so Apollo thought that it may not be a good idea to tell her, for now. 

"You fell in the bed in your sleep." Apollo didn't blink while he lied. Gods and goddesses shouldn't lie as it is a grave sin but Apollo doesn't care. All he cares about is Eleena's well-being. 

Eleena believed Apollo as it is the only rational explanation she can think of. Apollo started caressing her hair and she instantly felt sleepy but she's fighting it. 

"Rest, Eleena." Apollo said softly but Eleena slightly shook her head that caused her to groan in pain. Apollo clicked his tongue and looked at Eleena as if he's scolding her. 

"I won't leave you." That is what Eleena wanted to hear so she slowly closed her eyes. "When you wake up, you'll feel better." He added but Eleena already fell asleep. 

It was dark when Eleena woke up and the first thing that her eyes searched for was Apollo. She was relieved to see him beside her. He smiled at her before he guided her to sit. Eleena didn't feel any pain but it didn't surprise her anymore. After everything she went through, it's easier to believe things. 

"Did you heal me?" She looked at Apollo and he just nodded. Eleena smiled and quickly hugged Apollo. He was taken aback and didn't know what to do so he just let Eleena. 

"Thank you, Apollo." She said sincerely before letting him go. 

Apollo just smiled at her before looking away. His face heated because of the hug so he's embarrassed to face Eleena. He doesn't understand the giddiness he is feeling. 

"I prepared fresh clothes for you. I'll leave first so you can change then we will eat." He said without looking at her then he left. 

Eleena just shrugged before looking around. She saw clothes lying on the table so she took it. She wanted to take a bath but she doesn't know if it exists in this world. 

"I guess this is better." She whispered before stripping. 

She wore a white dress with gold lining. It is a little big for her since she's skinny and short so the dress is kissing the floor. She didn't remove her white sneakers thinking that she might need to run any moment. She tucked her hair behind her ears before going out of the room. 

Eleena saw Apollo fixing the table with lamps all over the room that gave them an ample amount of light. Eleena giggled when she remembered that Apollo is also the god of light yet he's living in a dimmed place. 

"Why are you giggling?" Eleena looks at Apollo and he's looking at her with a smile on his lips. 

Eleena couldn't help but to feel embarrassed. Her face was covered in heat and she bit his lower lip to stop herself from smiling. 

"It's nice seeing you smiling like that." Apollo said with a dreamy smile that caused Eleena's face to heat more. 

"Come here and let's eat." Eleena silently walked towards the table. 

Apollo put a piece of roasted pork on her plate and slices of fruits and vegetables. Eleena's heart melted at what Apollo did and she can't stop herself from smiling. A god is serving her and it's enough to make her crazy. 

A loud howl made Eleena look around. Her fear came back that made her heart pound wildly. Apollo held her chin and made her look at him. He locked eyes with her that is why Eleena slowly calmed down. Apollo gave her a small smile before caressing her cheek with his thumb. 

"You don't have to worry anymore, Eleena. I'll stay by your side no matter what."