Chapter 3: The First Move
"You have two choices."
Zeus's voice carried across the space.
"You may be born into a noble family… or as a commoner."
Preemo's eyes stayed on him.
Hera continued.
"Your beginning will shape everything that follows."
The space behind them shifted.
Two images formed.
The first—
Order.
Tall structures stretched into the distance.
Clean.
Controlled.
Guarded.
"You will have status," Hera said.
"Resources."
"Protection."
Figures moved with purpose.
Guards stood firm.
"You will not struggle for survival."
A pause.
Then—
The image flickered.
Shadows moved where they shouldn't.
Eyes watched from behind walls.
"Power attracts conflict," Hera added.
Zeus spoke.
"You will be placed within a struggle for control."
"Influence. Authority. Bloodlines."
A brief pause.
"The throne is never uncontested."
The image faded.
The second took its place.
Lower ground.
Tighter space.
Worn buildings lined narrow streets.
People moved quickly.
Heads down.
"You may be born among commoners," Hera said.
"No status."
"No protection."
Guards stood above.
Watching.
"You will live beneath those who rule."
Zeus added—
"You will have nothing given to you."
A pause.
"Everything will be earned."
The space grew still again.
Then Hera spoke once more.
"In both paths… there is a condition."
Preemo's focus sharpened.
"You will not awaken your class immediately."
"You must reach the age of thirteen."
Zeus's voice followed.
"Until then… you survive."
No advantage.
No power.
Just time.
The two images remained.
Waiting.