After sealing their agreement, Zeus and Metis remained for a while observing the stars.
Finally, it was Metis who broke the silence.
“Now that we have a deal, we should talk about something important.”
“How to defeat Cronus?”
“Exactly.”
Zeus nodded.
That was the real reason he had come to find her.
Metis was known for her wisdom.
And strength alone wouldn’t be enough to defeat the King of the Titans.
“Then tell me,” she said.
“How do you plan to free your siblings?”
“By making Cronus return them.”
Metis raised an eyebrow.
“That sounds easier than it is.”
“I know.”
“Because the only way to free them would be by forcing him.”
Zeus smiled.
“Or by tricking him.”
That answer immediately captured the Titaness’s attention.
“Go on.”
“Cronus is powerful.”
“Yes.”
“More than you can imagine.”
“And paranoia often makes people careless.” Metis began to understand.
“You’re not thinking of confronting him directly.”
“Not yet.”
“Then…” Zeus looked at her.
“I need a way to make him expel my brothers.” Silence reigned for a few moments.
Slowly, an idea began to form in Metis’s mind.
A simple idea.
Elegant.
And extremely risky.
“A drink.” Zeus smiled.
“I knew you’d understand.”
“A substance mixed with wine or nectar.”
“Exactly.”
“Something that forces his body to reject what he’s swallowed.”
“Exactly.” Metis remained thoughtful.
“It might work.”
“It will work.”
“Don’t be so sure.” “I trust you.” Those words caught her off guard.
For a few seconds, she looked away.
“I’d have to investigate.”
“Go ahead.”
“We’ll get them.”
“And getting close to Cronus will be dangerous.”
“All of this is dangerous.” Metis sighed.
“I’m starting to hate that you always have an answer.”
“I know.”
“No, seriously, it’s irritating.” Zeus chuckled.
For the first time since they met, they began to talk like true allies.
Not like strangers.
Not like future enemies.
But like partners who shared a common goal.
By the time the conversation ended, Metis had already begun to compile a mental list of ingredients.
Meanwhile, Zeus gazed at the night sky.
The plan was underway.
It would still take years.
It would still need to grow stronger.
Countless obstacles remained.
But now he had something he hadn’t possessed before.
A strategy.
And an ally capable of turning the impossible into reality.
Far away, Cronos celebrated another day of his reign at the top of the world.
Unaware that a simple glass of wine would be the beginning of his downfall.