The grand hall of Olympus stood bathed in golden light, its marble pillars stretching endlessly into the heavens. At its heart, twelve thrones sat in a perfect circle, each occupied by a divine presence that shaped the world.
At the highest seat, Zeus, King of the Gods, gazed down at his assembled kin, his thunderous aura barely restrained.
Beside him, Hera sat with composed authority, her sharp eyes scanning the room.
Poseidon leaned against his trident, his ocean-blue eyes stormy as ever, while
Demeter's presence carried the scent of harvest fields, calm yet ever watchful.
Athena sat upright in her gleaming armor, wisdom and strategy ever at the forefront of her mind.
Across from her, Ares smirked, his spear resting at his side, his presence radiating anticipation for war.
Prometheus, the Titan who once defied the gods to grant fire to mortals, was seated among them. His ever-calculating mind weighed the unfolding discussion.
Hestia, gentle yet firm, watched silently.
Themis, the Titaness of order, sat in her place, her presence reinforcing the balance of the gods.
Helios and Selene, twin celestial beings, radiated light and night in harmony, their contrasting yet intertwined nature giving the meeting a celestial glow.
One throne remained empty—Aphrodite's, though not because she refused to come.
Zeus cleared his throat, the weight of his words silencing the room.
"We have gathered today for an important matter. Hephaestus and this thing called reincarnation."
A hush fell over the gods. Though Hephaestus was not among them, his name carried weight. The god of the forge had carved his place in the world through his mastery of craft and creation. But now, his work extended far beyond forging weapons—he had dared to touch the cycle of life and death itself.
Zeus' eyes flashed with divine might. "Hephaestus and Hades has reshaped the Underworld. He has given the dead a path to return. A cycle of reincarnation now exists where before there was only eternal rest or torment. And yet… he acts alone."
Poseidon scoffed, gripping his trident. "It is troubling. This was never meant to be. The souls of mortals were to pass to the Underworld and remain there. If they return… what does that mean for us?"
Demeter nodded, concern on her face. "If the souls of mortals return in endless cycles, the balance of life and death may shift. The land that I nurture… the animals and mortals that I watch over… will they even be the same? Or are they mere shadows of what once was?"
Athena's expression remained calm, yet her mind was racing. "It is a powerful system, but not one without flaws. If Hephaestus controls reincarnation, does he not hold the fate of all living beings in his hands?"
Themis, ever the voice of divine law, finally spoke. "What Hephaestus has done is not against the natural order. In fact, it may strengthen it. The mortal world will no longer be weighed down by unending souls. It will renew itself. Change is inevitable, even among gods."
Ares, who had been silent, finally grinned. "And what of heroes? If they return to fight in every age… war will never end."
His words sent a chill through the council. But before any could rebuke him,
Prometheus spoke. "It is not Hephaestus' actions that concern you." His voice was calm, wise, knowing. "It is his independence. He acts without Olympus. Without Zeus. Without you."
Zeus' grip tightened on his throne. "I will not have one of our own shaping the world without Olympus' guidance." His eyes burned with divine judgment. "I have let Hephaestus work in peace because of his contributions. But if he is to reshape the cycle of souls, then he must do so under Olympus."
A silence fell upon them, thick with the weight of power.
Helios, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. "Then invite him."
Selene nodded. "He is powerful enough. He has forged artifacts that rival the greatest weapons of the gods. He has built systems that will endure for eternity. He belongs among the Twelve."
Zeus exhaled, considering their words. "That is why we are here." His gaze swept over the council. "Prometheus has offered to step down from his place among us. If Hephaestus agrees to join Olympus, he will take his seat among the Twelve."
Prometheus gave a small smile. "My time here has always been temporary. My purpose was to guide mortals. Hephaestus' purpose… is to build the future."
The decision was made. A message would be sent to Hephaestus. The gods would wait for his answer.
And Olympus would never be the same again.