Unforeseen Bonds

**Point of View: Athena**

After John wrapped a towel around the handsome stranger and I had done my best to treat his wounds, we found ourselves in an unusual predicament. My experience in treating injuries was limited, but I managed to stop the bleeding for the time being. John suggested we call the police or get the man to a hospital. However, I was wary of the complications that might arise from involving the authorities. I explained to John that it would be troublesome to deal with questions and investigations from the police. Moreover, it appeared that someone had intentionally harmed the man, and taking him to a hospital might raise even more suspicions.

Instead, I told John about a doctor in my dormitory who was also a close friend. With a shared understanding, we managed to get the man into our car unnoticed. Under the cover of night, we navigated through the darkness and reached my dormitory. Once there, I instructed John to place the injured man in my room while I went to seek the help of my friend, Wendy. Knocking on Wendy's door, I relayed the situation to her, and she promptly examined the man's wounds.

With a practiced hand, Wendy applied medicine and stitched the wound. She informed us that the injury had been caused by a knife, and while deep, the man's body seemed to possess some kind of magical self-healing capability. Grateful for her assistance, I accepted the medicines she provided and was reassured that the man would awaken in a few hours' time.

After Wendy left, John expressed his concerns about the risk we were taking by harboring a potential target for harm. His words hit home, and I realized that he was right. We were placing ourselves in a dangerous position, and it was an action that required careful thought. I didn't have a definitive answer for him; all I knew was that when I found the injured man on the shore, my instinct was to help him. It was a decision driven by empathy rather than rationality.

With the lateness of the hour, I convinced John to stay the night in my dormitory. After we wished each other good night, I began to leave, but I heard the injured man mumbling in his sleep. I approached him, concerned that his fever might have returned. I gently patted his head, offering what little comfort I could. His fever had indeed spiked, prompting me to prepare a cold towel and place it on his forehead. As the fever subsided, I was about to leave once more, when he unexpectedly grabbed my hand. I tried to free myself, but his grip was surprisingly strong.

Uncertain about what to do, I sat beside him on the floor, his hand still clasped around mine. As I caressed his hair, I felt a sense of calm settle over him. It was a surreal moment, sitting there in the dim light, tending to a man I barely knew. As I looked at him, I couldn't help but admire his rugged features and the aura of strength he exuded. Time slipped away, and before I knew it, the weight of exhaustion caught up with me, pulling me into a deep slumber.

**Point of View: Zeus**

My awakening was accompanied by a dull ache in my back. As I fully opened my eyes, confusion washed over me. Where was I? What had happened? The memories of betrayal, of the treachery that had unfolded in my kingdom, surged to the forefront of my mind. The demon king's intrusion, the shattering of our defenses, the capture of my family—it was all too vivid.

Rising from my prone position, I assessed my surroundings. The last thing I recalled was collapsing on the shore, defeated by the wounds I had sustained and the knife that had pierced my back. Then, a flash of silver, a glimmer of light, had filled my vision before everything went dark.

I was startled by a voice—soft, gentle, angelic. A girl with striking beauty stood before me, her concern palpable. "Oh my god, you woke up! Are you okay?" she inquired, her eyes reflecting a mixture of relief and curiosity. She handed me a glass of water, and as I took it, my gaze was drawn to her presence. She was truly enchanting, her features a combination of innocence and strength.

Drinking the water, I watched her intently. It was clear that I was in a place unfamiliar to me, under the care of a stranger. Despite the gravity of my situation, I couldn't help but appreciate the ethereal sight before me. Her concern for my well-being was evident, and it was a stark contrast to the betrayal I had experienced from the one I had once cared for.

As I continued to study her, gratitude swelled within me. I owed my life to her and her friend, who had tended to my wounds and brought me to safety. Though I was a stranger to her, she had extended her kindness, and for that, I was thankful. But there was a fire within me, a determination to reclaim what was taken from me, to rise from the ashes and restore my kingdom. And as I gazed upon the girl who had unknowingly become a part of my story, I realized that destiny had woven an unexpected thread between us.

[End of Chapter 4]

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