Author’s Pov.
After King Adonis left the Play pen, King Hermes instructed a guard to come in and dispose of her body. A guard walked into the dark room, regarded the unmoving body covered in blood and other bodily secretions with a hint of pity crossing his expressions before bending down and carrying her into his arms. Her body was limp and cold and he couldn’t detect any breathing as well. Just like that, another life has ended in the most horrific way possible.
“Make sure to dispose of the body properly. And call in maids to clean this place up. I want it to sparkle when next we arrive to make use of it.” Hermes instructed the guard.
“Yes, your Majesty.” The guard responded, bowing slightly before walking out with Lienna in his hands. With a stoic expression on his face, he carried her till they arrived at the place where they buried slaves or unimportant people who had died by the kings hand. Placing her on the ground, he was about to fetch for a shovel when he caught a glimpse of some movement. He paused, peering at Lienna closely. For a while, nothing out of the ordinary happened. He let her be, going to retrieve the shovel and retuning back to dig.
Before the blade made contact with the ground, Lienna moved again. This time, her eyelids fluttered, her body trembling as she took in a shallow breath. The guard froze completely, the shovel dropping from his hands and clattering on the ground. That was impossible, did the body just move!? Lienna did it again, but this time, her eyes opened and she looked around, her gaze unfocused before it slipped shut, a low groan of pain escaping her lips. Stunned, the guard turned on his heels, going to call someone to see what he just witnessed.
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Lienna.
Everywhere hurts.
Everything hurts. Every single place. From the crown of my head to the soles of my feet. It felt like I had been mauled by a thousand horses. It was a struggle to breath, let alone keep my eyes open. My body didn’t feel like mine and it seemed like I was bordering on the edge of life and death, contemplating if I should fall over or not. I tried again, but only feeble light streamed into my eyes as my gaze was completely hazy. Is this how I’m going to die?
A frantic voice reached my ears but for the life of me, I couldn’t make out who it was. The pain I was in was drowning me. I just wanted to close my eyes and never open it again. Once again, the voice called on me and it seemed nearer this time around. I forced myself to listen, trying to figure out who it was.
“Lienna!? Can you hear me? It’s me, Mara! Open your eyes!” She screamed and I jerked my eyes open. Someone was blocking my vision and I could barely feel the grip the person had on my hands. When my eyes cleared a little, I discovered it was Mara, one of the maids that had attended to me the night before. It felt like ages ago.
“Mara…” I tried to say, but my voice was so hoarse, it was barely audible.
“She’s alive! Oh my God, she’s alive!! This is a miracle!!!” Mara cried out in relief, her eyes glistening with tears. I winced when her grip on my hands became tighter, pain shooting to everywhere part of my body. She immediately loosened her grip, sniffing.
“Help her up! Carry her! Please, be gentle. She’s in so much pain.” Mara called out to whoever she was talking to. I felt myself being carried, and before I knew it, the person was walking, their movements rocking me gently. I slipped out of consciousness omce more, pain dulling my senses.
When I awoke, it was to the scent of herbs and medicines. Scrunching my nose at the foul scent, I tried to turn around. My body felt like it was burning, my throat parched and tears filled my eyes, streaming out of it. Mara spoke once more. “You’re awake again! Oh thank the gods!!” She cried out in relief and I felt her press something against my lips. “Here, drink this.” She urged me. I opened my mouth slightly and she immediately poured it into my mouth, the bitter taste flooding my taste buds. I coughed, sputtering as I tried to retch it all out. Mara didn’t let me.
“You have to drink it. I know it’s bitter but it would aid your recovery.” I heard her say as she forced me to drink all of it. When she was through, she cleaned up the mess I made, before going to clean my body with a wet wash cloth. I shivered, feeling dizzy.
“This has never happened before. A human coming back alive from the Play pen. You must have been really favored by the gods.” She said. I didn’t I was favored by the gods. I think this is a cruel fate that has befallen me.
“Don’t worry, just focus on recovery. I’ll be by your side till you get better.” Mara promised. I let out a sigh, feeling some tension drain out of my body. Nodding my head slowly, I closed my eyes and allowed myself to fall asleep, completely exhausted.
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I feel like I’m floating. My body doesn’t hurt as badly as it did and I’m walking around in a place I can only describe as otherworldly. Everything is painted white, and they are beautiful lilies and daisy bending blissfully in the cool breeze. I took in a deep breath and felt strength return to my body.
“Hello? Is anyone here??” I called out and listened to my voice echo. Frowning slightly, I looked around me. I must be the only one here.
Suddenly a bright light appeared before me and a strong presence filled with the endless space. I tried to look at it but it was too bright, so I lowered my gaze. When the energy receded, I brought my eyes up again. Before me was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Her pristine white hair was long and reaching her feet, and it seemed as light as feather as it kept fluttering in the wind. Her skin shone like milk and her eyes glittered like diamonds. There was a huge sphere on her head, a moon marking on her forehead. And her small love shaped lips was curled in the most beautiful smile I’d ever seen.
She stretched forth her hands and I found myself moving closer to her, reaching out to take her hand. Cool energy flowed through me where our fingers made contact. “You have passed the test. I will abide in you, give you strength until I am ready to return. Will you accept me?” She asked, her voice soft like silk. I found myself nodding before I could stop myself. Her smile grew even brighter, her energy more potent. It looked like I was staring at the moon itself. So majestic and beautiful.
“Give me your other hand.” She called out. I placed my other hands in hers. The cool energy seeping through me intensified, every nerve cell in my body tingling and radiating pure power. “Close you eyes.” She whispered, leaning in to kiss my forehead. I did so and the bright light that was emanating from her grew intense. The cool energy running through me turned even colder, almost feeling like ice. I gritted my teeth, willing to accept any discomfort as long as I did the will of the spirit. It soon grew to be painful but I endured it, I couldn’t give up now.
Finally, it ended and I opened my eyes. There was a pool of water before me and when I checked my reflection, my brown hair had turned white, my torqouise eyes glowing. The moon goddess was residing in my body. “I will stay here until I am needed. You have nothing to worry about, Lienna.” I heard her say and a huge smile appeared on my lips.
Despite the tumultuous events of recent times, I felt at peace. “Okay.” I whispered back and watched as my natural appearance retuned.
The moon goddess has returned. And she’s living inside of me.