Her eyes blurred with tears, but she smiled through them.
“I vow to love you as a woman and as a wolf, with all that I am. And I choose to walk your path, no matter how long, no matter how far. Today, I accept immortality, not just for endless years, but because I want them all with you. I vow to become part of Olympus—and part of you.”
The glow from the apple intensified as she finished speaking, casting warm golden light across her face and Apollo’s.
The priestess stepped forward. “Then let it be so. The vows have been given. The mortal shall become immortal. Let the fruit seal this promise.”
Apollo reached for the apple in Geri’s hands. Together, they held it and took a single bite, their lips brushing on the shining skin.
At once, a wave of warmth surged through Geri’s body. Light flared around her, shimmering like the sun caught in a dewdrop. She gasped, feeling her senses heighten even more—the crispness of the breeze, the pulse of magic in the air, the steady thrum of Apollo’s heartbeat beside her.
When the glow faded, Geri blinked, dazed and breathless. Apollo was watching her, awe softening his features.
“Welcome to eternity, my love,” he murmured, drawing her into his arms.
And the gods broke into gentle applause, as Geri—no longer mortal—stood in the embrace of the god of the sun.
The priestess stepped back, bowing low. “Let the goddesses now speak, whose blessings seal the fruit’s magic.”
Hera, majestic in robes of deep peacock blue, stepped forward. She regarded Geri with sharp, regal eyes before a gentle warmth softened her expression. “Geri Andersen,” Hera intoned, her voice a low, resonant melody, “you have chosen love, not merely as mortal affection, but as a bond worthy of eternity. May your union be steadfast, as true as the sacred vowsspoken this day. May your home, whether on the Upperworld or in Olympus, be filled with harmony, loyalty, and peace.”
She lifted one graceful hand, and faint golden threads of divine light spilled from her fingers, weaving around Geri and Apollo like a silken veil. Geri felt an enveloping sense of strength and calm settle into her chest, as if Hera’s blessing had rooted itself deep inside her.
“I grant you the protection of my favor,” Hera finished, “so that none may sunder what you have chosen and sworn.”
As Hera stepped back, Aphrodite glided forward, the scent of roses and warm sea breeze swirling around her. She was luminous, laughter glimmering in her eyes as she tilted her head, studying Geri as though she were a newly opened bloom.
“My sweet wolf-girl,” Aphrodite purred, eyes sparkling. “Love burns brightly in you—and in him.” She cast Apollo a mischievous wink before continuing. “May your days be filled with passion and joy. May your hearts never grow weary of each other, nor your lips of each other’s name.”
Aphrodite reached out, brushing her fingers lightly across Geri’s cheek. In an instant, Geri felt warmth within her—an effervescent, golden joy bubbling through her veins.
“I bless you with the gift of love that endures not merely the centuries, but each sunrise and sunset. Let the golden apple’s magic feed your bond, so that no shadow may fall between you.”
She withdrew her hand, and a soft cascade of shimmering pink petals drifted from nowhere, settling in Geri’s hair and upon Apollo’s shoulders. The petals glowed briefly before fading into motes of gold.
“And may love,” Aphrodite added, with a wicked grin, “always be the spark that keeps you both coming back for more.”
A ripple of laughter echoed among the gods, light and affectionate. Geri felt heat rush to her cheeks but found herself grinning, leaning into Apollo’s side.
Finally, the priestess lifted her arms. “So are the blessings given. Let the gods bear witness: this union stands favored, protected, and bound for eternity.”
A swell of divine energy pulsed outward, rustling the trees and setting starlight dancing upon the leaves. Geri stood amidst it all, feeling both impossibly small and immeasurably vast—a mortal heart newly immortal, now blessed by goddesses themselves.
Apollo leaned close, his lips brushing her temple. “I love you,” he whispered.
And for Geri, that single truth was the brightest blessing of all.
The shimmering veil of divine magic faded, leaving Geri breathless and new, her senses sharp as silver. Apollo squeezed her hand, and together, they turned toward the archway that led out of the inner garden.
Hand in hand, they stepped through columns wreathed in ivy and golden blooms. As they emerged, sunlight spilled over them in a radiant wave. Beyond the garden gates, the Council of Olympians stood waiting in a semicircle upon a marble terrace overlooking the rolling orchard of the Hesperides.
Geri’s heart thudded as her eyes swept over them—gleaming figures of legend, each a living story, their gazes fixed on her and Apollo. She had never felt so small—and yet, so powerful.
Poseidon, towering and broad-shouldered, his sea-green robes rippling as though in a current only he could feel, stepped forward. His trident glinted as he leaned it casually against his shoulder. His beard, streaked with white like sea foam, framed a grin both formidable and warm.
“Well now,” Poseidon boomed, his voice echoing like surf pounding rocky shores, “if it isn’t our radiant Sun and his newly immortal flame!”
A ripple of laughter and murmurs ran through the gods gathered around them. Geri’s cheeks flushed, but she lifted her chin, unwilling to shy away under their scrutiny.
