THE WEIGHT OF THE UNIVERSE

Chapter 1: The Weight of the Universe

The Heavens were a place of peace, where gods of unimaginable power held court, watching over the mortal realms. At the center of it all sat their King—an ancient god, ruler of all, draped in regal gold, his eyes cold and calculating. His throne was placed high among the clouds, a position of authority, surrounded by his fellow gods who bowed in respect.

The King’s voice cut through the air like thunder.

“Banish them all.”

At his command, a war began. The peaceful skies became filled with the chaos of destruction. All around, the gods began to turn against each other, their power clashing in ways unseen for eons.

Below, on the marble steps leading into the grand hall, a man was brought to his knees. His once-proud figure was now bent low before the divine rulers. His heart beat with fury, yet he dared not speak, not yet. Before him, the gods were silent for only a moment before laughter rang out from the throne.

The King of the Heavens looked down at him with a twisted smirk, mocking his broken state.

“Look at him, the so-called 'mighty man.' Do you think you can challenge us? Do you think you are worthy to stand among us?” The King scoffed, the laughter of his followers ringing in the air.

But before the man could respond, a voice rose from the shadows.

The Princess, the King’s daughter and heir to the throne, stepped forward with a defiant gaze. Her presence was commanding, though her heart was torn. The whispers of the gods died down as she approached the man on his knees.

“Father, this isn’t right.” Her voice was firm, yet there was a hint of sorrow beneath it. She stood tall before her father, not flinching.

The King narrowed his eyes, his face twisting with a hint of irritation. “Why do you act so rude, daughter?”

Her gaze softened for a moment, but her resolve remained unwavering. She turned to the man, her heart heavy with words she had longed to say.

“I am in love with him, Father.” She spoke clearly, her voice rising with a force that even the gods could feel. “We are soon going to have a child together.”

A murmur ran through the gods as they exchanged glances, incredulous at the audacity of her words. The King’s expression hardened.

“You’re a fool to speak such things.” He sneered. “And what of your future? Do you think love is enough to save you from the fate I’ve set for you?”

The Princess stepped forward, never breaking her gaze from her father. “I will follow him, to the roots of Hell itself, if I must.”

The King’s eyes burned with fury. He clenched his fists, his power radiating like a storm. He turned his gaze upon the kneeling man and his daughter, his words laced with venom.

“Then know this, you miserable fools. I curse the child that you bring into this world.” His voice boomed across the heavens. “The weight of the universe will be upon that child’s shoulders, and they will never know peace.”

He then turned to his daughter, his voice dark and foreboding. “Never set foot in the Heavens again, or you shall face a fate darker than death itself.”