Chapter 2: The Weight of Crowns

Zeus woke with his hands at his own throat.

The dream: always the same. Chronos's jaws opening. His siblings screaming as they disappeared into darkness. Then the shift - his own hands crushing a windpipe. His face in water: his father's face staring back.

He gasped awake, tent canvas pressing down. Poseidon snored in the corner. Zeus silent: can't show breaking. Leaders don't break.

Outside. Cold air, pre-dawn. Camp sleeping.

Distant palace on the ridge: throne visible even from here. Waiting.

His hands shaking. Looked at them in moonlight. His father's hands.

"I am not my father."

Whispered it. Didn't believe it.

Then he saw movement: Metis's tent. Lamplight burning. She was awake too, but working. Not haunted. The contrast struck him like a blow.