Lienna.
In the days that followed, I began to make stellar progress in my training, my growth at a incredible speed. My strength, resilience and endurance had improved and that had easily translated to my ability to use the moon goddess powers. Unlike before when using such a little always left me zapped, I could last for much longer and use greater powers without fatigue.
There is a downside to this however. It doesn’t matter how much or how little I use of the moon goddess powers, I would always get incredibly horny afterwards. The craving was usually intense, unrelenting and I always needed Caspian to help satiate my need. It was a strange side effect, a primal urge that seemed to be tied to the moon goddess’s energy. I personally have never minded it, in fact, I found it strangely exhilarating, a release of tension that left me feeling both exhausted and strangely content. But considering the situation we are in in the realm, it feels wrong to indulge in such carnal pleasures, and I had little choice but to let it happen.
Today’s training had been cancelled because we received reports that Hermes was returning to the fortress and Caspian became swamped with work. As much as I’d like to believe it’s good news, Caspian’s demeanour when he received the news had indicated otherwise. His usually calm face was etched with worry, his eyes narrowed in a way that spoke of impending danger. It could only mean one thing, What we have feared for so long has finally happened.
I was in my room getting dressed when I heard the blast of a kopel. The sound was sharp and piercing, echoing through the fortress, a signal that sent a shiver down my spine. Stopping, I rushed towards the window, looking out from it. From the distance, I could see the entourage Hermes came with, a cavalcade of riders, their horses cloaked in dust and sweat. But he wasn’t on his horse. My stomach dropped to the bottom of my sandals, my heart beginning to race. That couldn’t be good news. I could feel the fear rising within me, a cold knot of dread that tightened in my chest, spreading to every part of my body. What had happened?
I immediately rushed out of my room, heading straight to the courtyard. There, I found that a crowd had already gathered, their faces a mixture of curiosity and concern. Soldiers, their faces stoic and unreadable, formed a tight circle around the entourage, keeping everyone at bay.
A hush fell over the crowd as Caspian emerged from the fortress, a grim expression on bus face. He walked with a purposeful stride, his gaze fixed on the entourage approaching him.
The carriage he had arrived in was covered from all sides, making it impossible to see what was inside, fueling the whispers and speculation that rippled through the crowd.
Once the carriage had gotten to the entrance, king Hermes was carried into the fortress while soldiers to continued to surround him, making it impossible to see what was happening.
Caspian followed close behind, his pace swift and purposeful. I tried to push my way through the crowd, desperate to see what was happening, but was quickly shoved back by a gaggle of maids, their faces flushed with excitement and worry.
“They say King Hermes is injured,” one of them whispered, her voice barely audible over the murmur of the crowd. “They say he’s in a ghastly state.”
“Oh my!” another maid exclaimed, her eyes wide with alarm. “How bad would it be for him to be immediately brought to the fortress? It must be serious!” The maids huddled together, their voices a hushed chorus of speculation and concern.
“I just hope he gets treated quickly and heals as well. If it doesn’t happen, that would spell doom for all of us.” The one who had begun the conversation spoke and I had no choice but to agree with her.
Royal healers soon began to troop in their numbers to the fortress, and it was then I realized the gravity of the situation. Unable to move from where I was standing, I just watched it all unfold, fear filling me to the brim. Several questions plagued me, each one more terrifying than the last. Would Hermes be alright? How severe was his injury? Would he be treated on time?
Clasping my hands together, I muttered a short prayer to the heavens. To the gods residing up there, let Hermes come out of this unscathed.
.
.
.
A while later, as I sat in my room pacing around restlessly, a knock at the door broke the silence and halting my movements. I stared at the door for a minute before rushing towards it to find a guard standing at attention.
“Lienna, King Caspian summons you,” he announced, his expression formal and voice firm.
Rushing back to my room, I hastily tidied my appearance, smoothing my dress and securing loose strands of hair. My heart began to race as I followed the guard through the corridors. We navigated toward King Hermes’ wing, and my anxiety grew. What could Caspian want from me? Was King Hermes’ condition worsening?
As we approached the grand double doors of Hermes’ chambers, my palms grew clammy with sweat. The guard pushed open the doors, ushering me inside. Taking a deep breath, I wiped my palms on my dress and stepped into the room. My gaze swept across the assembly, taking in Caspian, the Royal healers, and several maids stationed in the far corners of King Hermes’ bedroom.
Their eyes shifted to me, and my breath caught in my chest. The air was thick with tension. Giving a low bow, I said, “You summoned me, your majesty.”
Caspian’s expression was resolute. “Yes, I did. We need your help, Lienna.” His voice brooked no argument, sending a shiver down my spine. I straightened, meeting Caspian’s gaze. “Of course, your majesty. How may I assist?”
“We have tried treating Hermes with everything we have but his condition is not improving. We’re running out of ideas.”
“How come?” I asked, my voice hesitant.
“We suspect it’s coming from the wounds he sustained. They are definitely not ordinary ones. They reek of dark magic, specifically shadows and that is lethal to shifters. Hermes would have been dead a long time if he wasn’t a strong shifter.” Caspian explained and I gasped, horrified.
“W-what can I do?” I asked, staring at Hermes who lay on the bed, a thin sheet of sweat covering his forehead, his skin pale and body unmoving. He looked almost lifeless.
“The moon goddess powers should help.” Caspian announced and I stiffened, my heart skipping multiple beats. Taking a deep breath, I stared at my hands, distinctly noticing that it was trembling. Though I have improved, I was still so unsure about my abilities. But I also couldn’t let Hermes die when I could help.
“I’ll try my best.” I muttered, my voice weak but my resolve growing.
Caspian took a step back, gesturing for me to come forward. “Please, do.”
I glanced around the room, taking in the somber faces of the healers and maids, before returning my gaze to Hermes. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, my heart pounding in my chest. I approached the bed, readying myself to channel the moon goddess’ powers.
“One moment,” one of the healers said, moving forward. “It would be more effective to start from the source of the wounds.”
He gently pulled away the covers, revealing horrific gashes whose surroundings had already turned black. The veins pulsed with a sickly grey hue, as if darkness itself was spreading through Hermes’ body. I gasped, resisting the urge to recoil. The sight was gruesome, and my stomach churned with nausea.
“Who…?” I began, my voice trembling with rage. “Who did this?”
Caspian’s expression was grim. “We highly suspect it’s Veronica.” My eyes locked onto his, my jaw clenched. Veronica. That treacherous, manipulative… Hermes was already suffering; I couldn’t bear the thought of her inflicting more pain.
Raising my shaking hands above the wound, I felt a surge of determination. I had to save Hermes. Taking slow, deliberate breaths, I calmed my racing heart. I couldn’t afford to fail. This was exactly why I had been training.
I focused on the moon goddess’ energy within me, calling upon its power. I felt it flow through me, beginning from my heart and spreading to every part of my body before re channeling itself back to my hands, bringing with it the cool sensation I had come to love. My hands began to glow softly, a gentle, silvery light.
“I can do this,” I whispered to myself, steeling my resolve. The healers watched intently, their faces hopeful. Caspian’s eyes never left mine, his expression a mix of trust and concern.
With a deep breath, I began to channel the moon’s energy into Hermes’ wounded body. Gritting my teeth, I continued to concentrate the powers, my breathing heavy and my eyes slowly shutting tight so I could concentrate.
“It’s working!” I heard someone gasp out but I couldn’t make out who it was. Not wanting to lose concentration, I doubled down on my efforts.
“Keep going lienna, you’re doing it.” I heard Caspian say but his voice sounded distant. I nodded and continued concentrating my powers, feeling it grow. I started to sweat, the exhaustion slowly mounting but I didn’t think I was done.
I can do this.
I can do this.
I can do this.
Keep going lienna. I muttered to myself as I exerted more powers till I reached my limits.
“That’s enough,” Caspian called, his voice firm but gentle. I stopped channeling the moon goddess’ energy, gasping for air as I stumbled backwards. Someone caught me, and I looked up to see Caspian’s concerned face.
“You did well, Lienna. I’m proud of you,” he said, his words warming my heart. My cheeks flushed at his praise, and I felt a surge of gratitude.
“What about Hermes?” I asked, glancing at the king on the bed. The wound, once pulsing with darkness, now showed signs of healing. The blackened areas had disappeared, replaced by pink, healthy tissue.
The Royal healers had gathered around Hermes, their grave expressions replaced with relief. “The moon goddess’ powers worked,” one of them announced, beaming at me. “He’s on his way to recovery. Thank you, Lienna.”
I smiled, feeling elated. “I’m glad it did,” I replied, my voice filled with happiness. Caspian tried to release me, but I swayed, my knees still weak.
He caught me again, his grip firm. “Are you alright?” he asked, his brow furrowed.
“I think I need to sit down,” I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper. One of the maids rushed forward with a chair, and Caspian lowered me into it.
As I sat, I felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me. Using the moon goddess’ powers had taken its toll. “I need to go to court,” Caspian said, his expression turning serious. “I’ve delayed my meeting for details too long. We have important matters to discuss.”
He glanced at Hermes, ensuring the king was stable before focusing on me. “Will you be okay here?” Caspian asked, his eyes locked onto mine.
I nodded, still regaining my strength. “Yes, I’ll be fine.” Caspian’s gaze lingered, then he nodded and turned to leave.
“I’ll return soon,” he promised. “Take care of yourself.” He added as he walked out of the room.
“Yes, your majesty.” I muttered with a small smile on my face.
As he departed, I watched him go, feeling grateful for his concern.
The healers continued tending to Hermes, their murmurs a soothing background hum. I closed my eyes, taking slow breaths, letting the moon goddess’ energy dissipate.
The healers were soon through with him and offered to go, leaving behind medicines, herbs and instructions he should use and do once he wakes up. I listened them and they all went about their ways, leaving me behind with me.
I glanced at Hermes, noting his expression had improved. A tiny smile grew on my lips. He’ll be fine.