by Colt, Shyla
Sorrow’s Muse
By
Shyla Colt
Cover by Dreams2Media
Dedication
Thank you to my amazing husband and beautiful girls who keep me pushing myself and moving forward, you mean the world to me. Julian who I fell in love with from the moment he popped into my head.
CHAPTER ONE
Colette sighed as she peered into the bronze scrying mirror that took up an entire wall. Similar to the modern-day projection screen, it showed the Muses the humans below on Earth, particularly the ones they were assigned to. She watched Julian’s puckered and scarred face twist into a grimace as sadness and melancholy took him over. Tears welled up in his hazel eyes as he glanced out the window of his condominium, taking in the spectacular view that overlooked the ocean. It was a week out from the anniversary of the fire that had stolen his family’s lives and ravaged his body and face. He always grew more withdrawn and emotional this time of year. It never got easier to watch.
She paced the length of the room. Her white Grecian-style gown brushed against her legs and trailed along the black marble floor behind her. Mount Helicon was nothing if not luxurious, but right now it felt like a prison. The high vaulted ceiling and walls adorned with breathtaking tapestries, depicting Muses and the humans they inspired, did nothing to move her today, which was rare.
Colette loved her job as a Muse of music. The creations she inspired had gone on to positively affect the world and make people remember love and passion. It was rewarding and satisfying, yet heartbreaking at the same time. Too many of her humans went on to kill themselves slowly with drinks, drugs, reckless behavior or a more direct route…suicide.
Being inspired took a lot out of a person, and out of the norm to find one who simply wanted to help make the world a better place with his or her talent. Her thoughts drifted to John Lennon. He hadn’t been one of hers, but he’d been a brilliant, beautiful soul nonetheless. Calliope did have the pleasure of guiding him, and Colette treasured every moment she’d captured while glancing over her shoulder as she studied her big sis at work. What no one ever realized was that humans were like their children. Muses nurtured, groomed and guided them before sending them out into the world to become famous and travel a path paved with distraction and tools of destruction.
This is why Julian Sorrow seemed to be such a shining star in a sky of inky black. He is surrounded by darkness. On the surface he acted bitter and snide, but deep down where it counted, his soul held a purity that was hard to come by.
“He’s like this every year. It’ll pass,” her sister, Calliope, urged. Her soft, melodic voice reached Colette over the chords she played on her harp.
“I know.” The words, ‘but it’s not fair’ and, ‘what if he doesn’t’ hung in the air between them, unsaid.
Each year, Julian became more removed from the world and grew a little darker. His saving grace was his music. He poured every good intention, hope for the future, and anything else positive he could muster into his work. It was how he coped with all the things that had happened to him, without going insane.
Colette couldn’t fault him for hiding away from the world. Not after all she’d witnessed him survive. As a cousin to Moirai, Sudice and Parcae, she knew just how much of a bitch the Fates could be. She’d seen them weave horrendous futures for many a poor soul, but this, just like everything else when it came to Julian…felt personal.
The attachment wasn’t good. Still, it’s too far gone to change things. She’d screwed up with him from the very beginning. Colette forced herself to sit on the chaise lounge across from Calliope, who’d returned to playing her harp and humming. It would be best to pretend everything was okay, or she’d ask questions. Calliope could be like a pit bull with a bone when she wanted to know something. The soothing notes relaxed Colette as her mind traveled back thirty years prior.
* * * *
Thirty years earlier
The boy’s breathing sounded labored. His tiny, frail form heaved with the effort his body was expending to keep him alive, despite the machines attached to him in every manner possible.
Colette’s heart ached. She turned toward her sister, Calliope, with waterlogged eyes. “Can we help him?”
“You know I don’t possess that kind of power.”
Frustrated with the pantheon and its precious checks and balances, Colette made a decision. “Fine, then I’ll find someone who can.”
In the blink of an eye, she reappeared in a flower-filled glen. A few yards away stood a cozy cottage. No matter how much time passed, Asclepius preferred comfort to decadence, fitting for the goddess of healing.
Colette trudged through the pink, yellow, and red tulips, careful not to smash any. When she reached the porch, she knocked on the door and rocked back on her heels. Time was of the essence.
The door swung open to reveal a willowy woman with dark tresses, creamy, caramel-colored skin, large doe-shaped brown eyes, and a kind face. “What brings you here, Colette?”
“I need your help.”
A frown marred the regal woman’s thin lips as she peered down at her with eyes full of pity. “You know I can’t interfere with fate.”
“This is a small child who’s seen far too much suffering during his three years on Earth. Zeus himself would not deny aid if he could give it. Julian was nearly burned to a crisp, and the pain he bears would fell a grown man in one deft swoop. Still, he fights on. I think that deserves a little help, even if it’s just to ease the path of his passing.”
A heavy weight settled in the pit of Colette’s stomach. She couldn’t lose him! He was destined to be one of the greats. She could feel it in her very soul. As the youngest of the Muses, she hadn’t quite learned how to separate herself from her job. It led to heartache and, in her opinion, to greatness. It gave her an edge. Most had lost themselves to the apathy developed over eons and eons of the same thing.
“You’re right.” Asclepius sighed. “I would never allow a child to suffer needlessly. Show me the way, and I shall follow you.”
A cry of victory echoed in her head. She’d watched Julian from the moment he’d been born to Julia and Noah. The Sorrows had always held a special place in her heart because of their compassion, ability to love and raw musical talent. Julia had been a stellar composer, and Noah, a brilliant lyricist. They’d passed on both to Julian, though neither had noticed yet. And never would now.
The hospital room was dark and silent except for the compression of the breathing machine as it forced Julian’s chest up and down, and the steady beep, beep of the heart monitor. Tubes sprung from his body and wound around like blue snakes. His body was wrapped from head to toe in gauze. He looked like a miniature mummy.
Colette knew they’d have to scrape away the dead skin to begin the healing and skin grafts. It was a necessary pain they had yet to begin. The concept of having to hurt him to heal him made her skin crawl. He didn’t deserve this.
“Poor dear,” Asclepius said. She stood beside him at the head of his bed.
“Is there anything you can do?” Colette asked.
“Yes. I can encourage him to heal and give him a tiny sliver of my power. Before I can do anything, you must convince him to come back from the borders of the spiritual plane. You’ve formed a connection. Often, young children can sense and see us when adults can’t. He must have done so with you at some point.”
The thought made her head spin. It explained this pull toward him. It also gave her cause for concern. There were certain lines not to be crossed. Falling in love with a human was one of the major ones. He’s only three. I’m okay. “What can I do? You have the power to heal.”
“Only if they allow me to. Even with our powers, human will can override us if it’s powerful enough.”
Colette swallowed to moisten her dry mouth and bent over to place her head next to his on the pillow. This boy is special. She whispered in his ear, “You have too much to live for to give up now. You will grow up to do amazing things, Julian Sorrow. Fight for me now, and know I will always be here with you.”
A jolt of electricity shot through her. The heart monitor beeped a staccato. She stood up and stepped back, alarmed.
“He heard you. I have an opening.”
A golden light filled the room.
Asclepius spread her hands out, palms down, held them above his body, and spoke in ancient Greek. The low murmurs were hypnotic and soothing. When Asclepius stopped, she pulled back from the bed. His breathing sounded lighter. “I’ve eased his pain and healed the worst of the muscle and bone damage. The rest is up to him.”
Colette nodded her head. Most people didn’t survive fourth-degree burns like this, and even with As’s help, the road ahead of him would be a painful one, physically and emotionally. In the place where emptiness and despair reigned, she felt a tiny flicker of defiance and hope flare inside him. “He’ll make it,” she whispered. And I’ll be with him every step of the way.
* * * *
“Colette.”
Her sister’s impatient tone made her lift her head. “What?”
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, of course.”
Calliope narrowed her eyes and frowned. She stood from the harp and walked over to sit on the edge of the chaise beside her. Calliope’s light yellow toga draped over the red velvet bench.“We all have a soft spot for Julian. His soul is ... magnificent. The love and raw emotion he pours into his work is exquisite. But his countenance is dark. He’s tortured, and we all know that you and that incredible talent he possesses are all that’s keeping him from taking that final step into complete meltdown. So, you have to maintain your distance. What’s the point of bothering to invest when a working relationship is all you can ever have anyway?”
“I know, Calliope. I get it. It doesn’t change the fact that his continued suffering bothers me.”
Calliope smiled. “You’re still softhearted. It’s why your humans create such beauty. You have a gentle hand with them, a power the rest of us have long since lost the ability to wield. I miss the days when I was wide-eyed and unjaded. But I suppose you are the youngest of us all.”
She leaned in and wrapped Colette in a hug.
“Their lives are but a blink of an eye compared to ours. Heed my warning about becoming too involved. Remember what happened to Aella.”
Colette winced. Aella was the cautionary tale they were all taught from the moment they understood what their duty in life was. She fell in love with the human she inspired and went insane when she revealed herself to him and he chose fame and fortune over her. Forced to remain by his side until he expired, she’d cracked under the pressure of unrequited love. Banished to the underworld, she now wandered the Elysian Fields. She continued to mourn her lost love, shrouded in black.
The image was a chilling one. Once she’d been taken on that journey to visit the broken Muse, it was a sight she’d never forgotten.
Who’s to say I would end up the same way? The thought of being with Julian was tempting, but stupid. Unfortunately, it did nothing to tamp down the seed of hope her thoughts had planted deep inside her heart, where no one else could see. Each of the Muses had her secrets, instances when they crossed the line and pulled back in the nick of time when common sense sank in and red flags flew. One couldn’t inspire without becoming inspired themselves in turn, and therein lies the danger.
“You’re right, thank you.” She feigned a smile.
If Calliope had any clue what Colette was considering, she’d kill her, or worse, tell their parents. Colette could only imagine the uproar her father, Zeus would have. She could hear the thunderous boom of his voice joined in harmony by her mother, Mnemosyne’s, shrill screeching. I’ll have to be stealthy about it. Excitement bubbled up inside as her idea took hold and blossomed into a plan. Goose bumps formed on her arms. She was actually going to do this. No more daydreaming. Her heart pounded, and joy filled her to the brim.
“Better?” Calliope asked.
“Much, thank you for the pep talk.”
“Anytime, little one.”
Calliope smiled. Obviously pleased, she stood and walked over to resume playing the harp and singing.
The song held a new kind of beauty now. It sounded like freedom. Colette took one last look at the scrying mirror and rose.“I’m going to take a break, get some fresh air, and perhaps take a ride on Dorieus, if he’s willing.”
“That sounds like a lovely idea. Even Muses need a break from time to time, and you’ve been cooped up here without respite. Your dedication to Julian is admirable, but not necessary around the clock. You know Dorieus never says no to you. I think you’re his favorite.”
Colette smiled and shook her head as she walked away, her bare feet silent on the marble flooring. Relief flooded her when she reached the outside. The sun’s rays caressed her milk-chocolate skin.
She peered over the hill at the Hippocrene River below and grinned at the sight of Dorieus. A whistle brought his head up, and he whinnied when she waved. He unfurled his snow-white wings.
With one thrust of his feet against the ground, his magnificent form took flight.
“Hello, my friend. Are you up for a flight?” Colette called up to him.
Dorieus landed in front of her. His head bobbed up and down in agreement.
She offered him a smile, reached out and stroked his smooth flank. He whinnied in pleasure. She gave him one last pat before she twined her fingers in his mane and pulled herself up to mount him. “I need to go to Aphrodite’s, my friend, as fast as you can manage it.”
She closed her eyes as Dorieus broke into a run to gain speed before he took to the sky. The wind ruffled her dress and blew back her coal-black hair. Her stomach dropped as he zigzagged thorough the sky. Dorieus nickered, and she laughed out loud. By the time they reached Aphrodite’s palace, she was refreshed and windblown.
Aphrodite is love embodied. She’ll help.
It’s a shame Aphrodite was mistaken for a fickle, bitter woman because of the nature of the very thing she is worshipped for, love. In reality, Dite is a pleasant person to be around. Normally cheerful, unless she was feeling sullen, she keeps up with fashion, current trends and lived to play matchmaker. Sure, she’s a bit on the vain side, but being worshipped for your beauty for so long would do that to a person.
Colette dismounted. “Thank you.” She patted Dorieus on his side, rested her forehead against his for a few moments, and turned to walk to the ivory dome with gold detailing. Despite the passage of time, Dite always remained true to her roots.
The large wooden doors swung open to reveal Aphrodite. Tall and willowy, with peaches-and-cream skin, delicate features, waist-length blonde hair and blue eyes the color of midnight, she is always breathtaking. Her emerald-colored gown cinched at her tiny waist, belling out and falling down to the floor, where an impressive five-foot train trailed out behind her.
“Sporting the blonde look today, Dite?”
“The humans do say blondes have more fun, and I grew tired of the red.”
Colette giggled and leaned forward to exchange a hug and quick kisses on the cheeks. “It’s good to see you. It’s been too long since I left the mountain.”
“Yes, but we’ve learned not to take it personally when you Muses get too caught up in your work.” Dite shook her head. “Come in. Enjoy some wine and ambrosia with me. You know I hate being alone, and other than my maidens, the house is empty today.” She gave a mock pout that made Colette laugh as she followed her inside.
When Colette was younger, she’d thought Aphrodite lived a glamorous life. Dite took lovers whenever she wished, made it her business to spread love and all with the freedom to travel at will. One of the drawbacks of being a Muse was the fact that she was fixed to Hel
icon, and the buildings that housed the scrying mirrors. Trips away could be few and far in between. It made them all stir-crazy from time to time. That was part of why this vacation had been initiated. Such a modern concept seemed silly, but it’s in their nature to assimilate to the times.
She followed Dite through the elegant dwelling, admiring the high vaulted ceilings. Exquisite paintings hung on the walls, and black-and-white marble flooring with veins of gold running through it gave the space a regal feel. Various stone statues greeted Colette from alcoves. Their range in style and subject were like a swift trip through time. Urns and pots were displayed on pedestals, some made of clay and others covered in jewel patterns. It was a feast for the eyes.
They came to a stop in the circular sunroom. Light filtered into the glass dome that showcased a beautiful blue sky full of plump clouds. They sank down on two seats side by side. One of Dite’s maidens brought them a bowl of grapes, ambrosia and red wine. The scarlet chaises were made of the softest material she’d ever touched.
Once they were settled and the maidens departed, Aphrodite turned to face her with a serious expression on her face. “You know I’m always delighted to see you, but the air around you is heavy. What has happened?”
Colette paused, not quite sure how to proceed. “It’s Julian.”
“Ahh.” Knowledge flickered in her eyes, and she smiled. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for some time.”
“What moment?” Colette asked.
“The moment when you realized he’s more than just a human you’ve taken a special interest in because of his painful past. There are people in this world who have the potential to be good, no—fantastic together. I can see it, you know, the threads weaving them together. You and your dark knight have always been connected by silver-colored lines.”
“Is that good?”
“It could be. The most powerful link there is, but how you choose to use the connection is up to the two of you.”
