Iris stood before Zeus's throne, her rainbow wings folded at her back. The king of gods had summoned her with urgent news. She listened as he spoke of mortals who needed guidance and warnings that must be delivered. This was her purpose—to carry Zeus's commands to every corner of the mortal realm. She bowed her head and accepted the task. Her wings spread wide, catching the light from Mount Olympus. Soon she would descend to the world below. Before she could leave, Zeus raised his hand. Golden light swirled in the air between them. A lectern formed from the light, crafted in ancient Greek style and shining with rainbow colors. "You will need this to address the crowds," Zeus said. "Place it in the town squares where mortals gather." Iris touched the smooth gold surface. The rainbow light danced across her fingers. This would let her speak Zeus's words to many people at once. Zeus waved his hand again, and birds appeared around the throne room. They were not normal creatures. Their feathers held every color—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple. They glowed like living rainbows. "These messengers will fly to distant places," Zeus explained. "When words cannot reach in time, send these birds with visual signals." Iris watched them circle above her head. Now she had everything she needed. The lectern for the crowds. The birds for urgent news across long distances. Her wings beat once, lifting her from the marble floor. The mortal realm waited below, and Zeus's commands would reach every corner of it.