The Elysean Trials (The Holy Bloodlines, #1)

by D.N. Hoxa

It wasn’t his fault that the sight of these people made me nauseous.

Why...what is the story

They’d been chosen, and then they’d gone to the Elysean Academy of Divine Light and Beauty, and they’d graduated from it. Then, they’d eaten a magical fruit called Ambrosia, and had drunk a juice called Nectar—the food and drink of the gods—and now they had powers? Just like that? It felt unnatural, not the way of things.

“The gift of fire was granted to her by the gods—straight from the mighty Apollo. What a blessing,”

The universe and fate were cruel bitches, though, because if they heard my prayers, all they did was laugh at them.

“One never truly grows up, simply becomes more experienced at being who they are."

“Life is about choices, about sacrifices and gains. How do you determine what is worthy and what isn’t, when you know there is an end to everything?” And that is the only question that matters.’

“And do try not to get wet the next time you see me, Snowflake. I don’t fuck mortals.”

“Mistakes are not your friend, but pay close attention for they shall be your greatest helper."

“Know yourself; the secrets of the entire universe are written within you.”

…thus Zeus looked upon his creation and said: “Not everything is as it seems, rather what you make of it. Even fear can be your worst enemy when you treat it as such, and your best ally when you put it to good use. So, see, not only what is, but what could be.”

On it was a chocolate cupcake as big as my fist, with pink icing on top and colorful sprinkles shaped like small snowflakes all over. A purple candle was in the middle of it, and the words Happy Birthday were written on the plate with chocolate.

“Love is not peaceful. Love is a thunderstorm that shall not leave a stone untouched in your mind and body when it is felt right. Love is alive.”

“Make me your villain, but do not curse my name when I fill those shoes, for I will never be the victim.”

I don’t expect anything from people, how can they possibly hurt or disappoint me?

“A kiss shall never be just a kiss. It shall be a soul served into your body. Lucky are those who’ve tasted the true kiss of love, and unlucky, for they will never again find satisfaction in the ordinary.”

“Everything has a solution. Every note can be reached, every melody reinvented, every wrong made right, every broken heart made whole. Yes, everything has a solution—except Death.”

The way words on a page can transport us to different worlds and realities. The way shapes and colors on a canvas can breathe life into us. The way a melody can make us feel more than any event we’ve ever gone through.”

“Because you’re sunlight,” he whispered, looking down at my parted lips as he grinned wickedly. “And I’m the deep, deep dark.”

“I don’t want to just be your first,” he whispered, raising his hands to my face. “I want to be your only.”

a woman, old and with a pointy nose and chin, with wide green eyes and hair the color of hay all around her head like a lion’s mane. Her body was that of a lion, too, covered in glossy, orange fur, a thick tail swooshing to the sides and large paws on her legs, while her wings were spread halfway, full of white and brown and ash-grey feathers.