LYSSANDRA

  I could not stop running away. Not when he was after me. He could always find me, even jumping from hill to hill, hiding near the roots. The ooze that he was spitting on the ground could cause blazes, destroying every sanctuary I could create, Every form that I could take…it was not enough.

  Even when I dug a hole in the ground, hiding in the cold dark dirt…He could find me. I could listen to his body crawling into the forest and his heavy breath echoing.

  There was one single window that was made of hard rocks, which they could show me on the horizon. My escape, my freedom. But as I was all deep inside it felt like a window of a prison cell. And I was waiting for my demise.

  ‘’Hiding like a rat little one?’’He growled, his dark body moving around the area. I tried to hold my breath and yet the snake laughed.

  ‘’No wonder the Queen sent me to kill you’’

  She did? How could she? I thought that she wanted to protect me. Was she that envious?

  Wait what am I saying?

  And a giant eye covered my freedom.

  I let out a raspy bark with fear beginning to conquer me.

  Why am I barking?

  The creature laughed with his emerald eye studying me deeply into the ground.

  ‘’There you are little fox.’’

  ‘’You look…’’The fur trader’s brow twitched as he was trying to find the right words to describe me. The dream made me lose sleep so I walked around the forest until the sun appeared and I walked back to the temple. Even with the veil covering my hair my curls were a mess as I ignored Myrto’s pleading for her to braid my hair. And I could not hide anymore how much pain my body felt. So the fur trader found the one who saved his life in one of her lowest moments.

  ‘’What do you seek here?’’I asked as I turned left and right, noticing that fewer people were coming in the past few cold weeks.

  The fur trader coughed dry and he showed the cart that was standing outside the temple. Taking a look at it, I could see the piles of sheep fur he was carrying.

  Oh, that.

  ‘’Thank you’’I forced a smile upon my face which made the fur trader laugh heavily and showed me one more part of his gifts. A tall jar made from heavy clay. I did not have to look inside for me to know what it was. The smell was too strong.

  ‘’Goat’s milk?’’ I was surprised.

  ‘’Yes, my little ones gave me enough milk and little goats this past few moons.’’The trader looked pleased with the results.

  I did not like how strong the goat milk was and the texture was tingling my tongue but a gift was a gift and…

  An idea appeared in my mind that made my entire face shift and scared the trader.

  The black sheep fur was extremely warm and comfortable around my skin as the cold wind was brushing my face. But the smoke of the fire and the boiling cauldron was enough to cut it. Boiling the milk outside the temple was the best solution as the stinking smell would make the entire place reek for months.

  I hated the scent of that milk but the skin of it could help for medical pains and all dried up I could seal some herbs making it as a treat. Or rather a pretty good poison as the taste of the skin would be strong enough for anyone to notice the insides of it.

  But it was taking so long to boil completely. And the grass was still fresh with herbs and flowers blooming all around. Such a nice little treat for me.

  And yet even with me picking herbs, peace was not an option when a single horse was approaching me. Golden was the chest and…

  ‘’Dammit’’I spat and stood up on my two feet, hiding the herbs. Running was not the right idea as the milk still did not boil enough.

  Maybe facing that idiot golden boy would stop this facade.

  ‘’All alone today?’’Dion asked, jumping down from his fat horse.

  I rolled my eye on him and tried to speak.

  ‘’A shame’’He interrupted me.’’I really enjoy your friends’ company.’’

  Ignore him, woman ignore him.

  ‘’What are you cooking in the pot?’’ asked with gauging disgust.

  Ignore-

  ‘’Some human heart, livers…It is good for a snake.’’

  I grinned at him and he seemed to hold his irritation well. Probably the nights at the brothels made him feel at ease. I didn't even want to think what he was doing to that beautiful woman.

  ‘’I thought that the snake was more interested in feeding vile flesh…’’He stepped closer to me.

  ‘’Like yours’’He whispered close to me and it was too late to realize that there were people approaching behind me.

  I lowered my body with one man grabbing my hair and left arm while my right hand grabbed one of the branches I had for the fire and I tried to attack Dion with it. It was too late though as another hand grasped my wrist and I was pulled far from the fire.

  Do not let any sound woman do you listen to me?

  One more hand grabbed my jaw, forcing me to watch Dion walking with a victorious expression.

  ‘’Won’t you scream for help? A pity’’He mouthed and his fingers traced to one of my locks.

  Well, I won’t let any sound but spit on his face. Trying to hold his disgusting expression the tight hands began to lose. That was my chance to give all my strength to escape. I moved my body to the ground and with the still flaming stick I tried to attack them but Dion’s sharp dagger found my throat.

  No, you cannot scream now woman, not when your throat is this closed to be cut.

  Dion’s lips formed a side smirk with one of his men now moving the stick back to the fire.

  Why didn't I take my sickle with me?

  ‘’Now, witch’’Spat Dion.’’You can either plead for forgiveness and walk away or…’’His dagger drew an invisible line from my throat to my clothes. The arrogant priest let out a pleasing smile, making my stomach tie a knot. But then, he woke up from his fantasy.

  ‘’You will be the next sacrifice for the snake.’’

  My eyes opened wide hearing the words. Next sacrifice? What did that mean?

  Do not let her run.

  Dion’s expression shifted as he stepped away from me and turned to the forest. My gaze turned to the direction, to see a flock of pitch black vultures on each tree, watching us, standing which one of us they would feist today as down to the grass there was a gigantic bear.

  Why was a bear in winter?

  But the thought rushed from my mind the moment a crimson fox jumped from the grasp and attacked Dion’s hand, biting harshly on his wrist.

  There was a squeal and everyone now moved on Dion who was bleeding.

  I looked back to the cauldron where the milk hadn’t gotten to the skin yet. It was not time to think about it but I had a good use for it. The fox now had rushed back to where the other animals were hiding as the sun began to fall.

  The priests wouldn’t go there. And being a food for them was the better option.

  So I ran. I ran with Dion screaming for the priest to go after me. I began to rush at my legs, my breath quickened and my body was now showered with sweat as the pain was messing my head. How else could anyone explain that I was seeing golden threads around the forest?

  The moment I ended up in the forest, the bear stared at me. Looking behind me, I could see none dared to come, not even a step closer.

  The bear’s fur was clean with no wounds around except for a small crescent scar on her head. Around her small ears, there were entangles of golden threads that were shimmering in the light.

  Such a fearsome animal…but it had such an adorable furious expression, it reminded me of when I gave Adamantious t seaweed, lying to him that it was medicine. I just wanted to see the sour expression he would make and it was worth it.

  ‘’Thank you’’I whispered with relief and let my wounded hand rest on her head, petting it.

  The bear growled and stepped back as we both listened to the priests now walking away.

  And thus all the birds flew with the bear following their direction. But I did not move on the valley as my legs began to shake and break to the floor. I covered my mouth and my thoughts scattered around.

  Sacrifices, human sacrifices. I could see a little girl being dragged to the temple, she was crying, begging to the gods…

  Another sound barked right at my ears, just so I could see that playful crimson fox standing right in front of me.

  My lips formed a smile of relief and the creature with the wiggly tail approached me, resting on my lap.

  ‘’You were the one with the plan?’’I asked and turned around to see his belly.

  ‘’Clever boy’’I whispered and he barked and kept nuzzling around my dress and I could only notice the golden threads he had around his tail.

  Strange….

  I narrowed and looked around to be sure I wouldn’t make a fool of myself. I narrowed and leaned close to the fox’s ear.

  ‘’Paris?’’ I asked, feeling my heart racing.

  ‘’Yes, my oracle?’’A voice whispered behind me and turning back I found the charming man leaning at my shoulder.

  My face heated just by the thought that I imagined that the fox was Paris in disguise. And he appeared at the worst moment?

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  I cleared my throat and turned back to the fox.

  ‘Is that your friend?’’I asked with a mock and he sat next to me and let his hand at the fox’s stomach.

  ‘’You can say that’’He whispered and I noticed his beautiful hair was braided with golden ribbons.

  I let out a pout as I remembered that the bear had them too. Could he tame animals? Was he…

  ‘’Am I supposed to thank you?’’I asked and I once noticed that his light purple dress was all so thin. I looked at my fur that could cover an entire army with it and I rested a part of it around his shoulder.

  He did not speak but I could feel his curious stare. Surprisingly the fox also was staring at me.

  My hands shook as I tried to speak to him.’’Do gods accept humans as sacrifices?’’

  His eyes widened and he looked down.’’I suppose only if they tell the mor- us’’He cleared his throat.

  Well, he could not hide the truth anymore, could he? But I could imagine him putting a spell on me and turning me into an animal for his collection of pets so I decided to remain silent. Perhaps, I could bargain a deal with him and make me a wild cat. Nuzzling around the grass and playing with herbs, hunting mice and snakes…

  I restrained my daydreaming as I noticed that Paris was staring at me concerned.

  Back to the subject.

  ‘’Dion is…’’

  ‘’I know, I tried to tell you but you…’’ His face lowered down.

  Another silence. And then I smelt something burning terribly.

  ‘’The milk’’I screamed, jumping and giving the fur to Paris and rushing back to the pot.

  ‘’It’s all dried’’I said with a sigh of relief, taking the skin and hanging it to two branches. Paris kept looking at it as he was holding his nose. The smell was strong but most of the skin was ruined so I could choose one use. And my mind became heavy once again and began to step behind.

  ‘’Wait’’ Paris’ arm wrapped around my waist.

  ‘’I am fine’’I lied and felt the need to cough and covered my mouth with my hand. My eyes opened just for me to find blood on my skin.

  ‘’Let me see’’He whispered and let his body lean close to mine and tried inspecting my hand but I hid it right behind me.

  A deep narrow was drawn on his perfect face and looked up at the milk skin.

  ‘’Come with me, please’’He pleaded so gently that it felt like I imagined it.

  He gave me the dark fur back and suspiciously followed him back to the deep woods. The sun had fallen and I could smell snow approaching even if the sky was crystal clear. But wasn’t he cold? Can he get cold?

  We walked for a few minutes in silence and it hit me. He might kill me. That was it. This was the end only because I slapped him. And I ignored him. And I teased him.

  ‘’We are here’’His voice echoed around the woods. But there was nothing around except the cold grass of the open valley.

  I pouted at him.’’Was this to waste my time?’’

  Paris let out a soft smile and he shook his head.’’No, my oracle’’

  This again.

  ‘’Just, close your eyes’’He frown with a smile again.

  ‘’Eyes?’’ I arched my brow and he pressed his lips to a thin line, almost ashamed.

  That made me laugh, looking at how nervous I made him look.

  If he wanted me dead he would have done it a few minutes ago, wouldn’t he?

  So I closed my eyes, and I was listening to him whisper something as if he was having a conversation.

  ‘’She is simply panicking I just wanted to’’

  ‘’No, not like that’’

  ‘’You shut it.’’

  Who was he talking to?

  Something began to bother my feet and that made my eye open and facing down I found a little doe trying to kick me with her head.

  ‘’Oracle wait’’

  ‘’How cute.’’ I gasped and I tried to hug it but then I realized what Paris wanted me to see.

  The once valley that was filled with thick grass was now a pool of pale white hemlock, pure yellow daffodils, and any kind of herbs anyone could imagine. all so bright that they were creating their light.

  How did he…

  The deer now fled away fast as Paris was now staring at me looking even more nervous.

  I could breathe the poison from the flowers that were surrounding me. The Flowers, the poison, and the herbs that I was picking daily, smelling the buds every time I got the chance.. The poison that started the entire thing. He made me a garden of it? It was a death trap for anyone who was not associated with them but for me….And he knew that didn’t he? He seemed to also know that I knew about flowers so…

  Whatever he was he was no human but no god either.

  ‘’Do you uh…’’He fidgeted with his fingers and he tried to walk close to me.

  It was an instant death.

  ‘’It’s beautiful’’I mouthed, feeling my face turning all red from the perfection of the valley.

  ‘’Well, it is for you, If you live long enough you will have it until you are centuries old’’He smirked.

  Oh.

  I chuckled and walked close to him. ‘’Is this a challenge?’’

  He looked back to the trees where a white dove seemed that be watching us.

  ‘’Maybe’’He launched at me his golden curls shining in the moonlight.

  Feeling exhausted I rested myself on the flowers and I tried to watch the stars. Such a clear night it was I could see every constellation from above the sky.

  ‘’So, how was the son of Zeus?’’Paris asked, lying right next to me.

  Right, I met him last night.

  I raised my hand and I admitted that he was rooting for me to win.

  ‘’And you believe him?’’He asked me.

  ‘’He seems honest,’’I rolled to his side.’’And afraid.’’

  ‘’Afraid?’’ He sounded as if he was mocking him.’’The son of Zeus afraid?’’

  ‘’Well even children of gods are afraid aren’t they?’’I scoffed.’’And you too. You must be scared of something.’’

  His gaze turned to me and like a fox, he was nuzzling to the flowers waiting for someone to pet him.

  ‘’You tell me oracle.’’He whispered.

  Clever. I tried to think of something that he might be afraid of. Death? All mortals are afraid of it but he might not be mortal so he is being forgotten? Too easy. What could make this man scared? But I could not think anything with his eyes staring at me deeply as if…

  ‘’We must get going’’I flushed and got up.

  My mind went to Dion again and his insane idea of using people to lure the snake and kill it But it did not seem that the missing people were his doing. Not the girls at least. Something else was actually happening. And I could not stop now, could I?

  I spent the entire night mixing herbs all together with small doses of wine while Paris seemed comfortable enough to sleep on my bed. He looked already tired so I did not stop him.

  Back to the herbs. If Dion was sending people then I had to do something similar. The woman did speak about women in wedding fabrics walking near the cave. What if…

  ‘’What are you doing now?’’Paris nuzzled.

  ‘’I am making poison’’I explained as I pressed the hemlock flowers tight to become dust.

  ‘’For what reasons?’’His voice was now close to my ear. Should I tell him? He is no god but what if…

  ‘’A surprise’’Turning back to see him, it looked as if he was disappointed that I did not tell him.

  ‘’Do not worry I will send you to the brothel to give you something’’I said, taking a fig and with a knife I cut it in the middle. Then, I pressed it slowly, putting the juice inside a jug. After that, there were a few leaves of basil and rosemary…

  ‘’You are acting as if I am having fun there’’There was a sarcastic tone that he was trying to hide.

  Such tricking beauty like him? Of course, going there wouldn’t be just for information, I can imagine the things that would please him.

  ‘’Am I wrong?’’

  His face darkened and he leaned close to me and turned to the table as his eyes found the coin Adara gave to me.

  I smiled at him and grabbed the flat coin so he would see it closer and explained it to him.’

  ‘’That messenger woman?’’His brow arched and he tried to look around before asking me one more question.’’What do you think…’’His words stumbled.’’About her?’’

  Was he that envious of everyone? A king, I would understand, who wouldn’t be envious of a king but a messenger? If he was no mortal he should have a power at least

  ‘’She…’’ I tried to think of the right words to say but I could only remember the kiss she gave me on the cheek. That reaction seemed like an answer to Paris and he looked furious.

  ‘’Isn’t that nice…’’He winced. He could not hide his jealousy now, making his frown look like a mischievous fox. ‘’So many people taking interest in you.’’

  ‘’You sound as if you are jealous’’I scoffed, forming a smile on my face.

  ’You still haven’t realized.’’ His eyes are heavy with anger and hate. It was for sure not the right moment to admit to him that his voice and lips were not in sync.

  Realized what?

  The man was a breath away from me with eyes magnetizing me, calling me closer to him. He was one breath away from me.

  ‘’Was he looking at you like this? The mere mortals, kings’’ His gaze fell to my existence, studying, embracing every part of me.

  Why was my heart so loud?

  His fingers moved around my hands and lowered around my waist.

  I had no voice.

  And the breath was now gone when his lips fell on my cheek.

  ‘’She…kissed you like this didn’t she?’’

  My heart was beating like an instrument as his warm lips fell on my deep cold skin.

  ‘’You act like a child’’I narrowed and pushed him away.

  ‘’Am I not enough?’’His face leaned on my shoulder.

  Am I not enough?

  His words stung like a knife to my heart as his eager charming expression was hanging by thread, connecting to my…was he looking at my scars?

  I shouldn’t be doing this. I knew I shouldn’t. And yet my hand was the one to grab him by his purple chiton, my body pulled him closer to me and my lips fell to his.

  If this was a trick, if this was an intervention, I would go down on my own terms.

  The kiss tasted like poison, sharp like a million knives stabbing my entire body but I could not get away from his warm touch.

  I opened my eyes and saw his face painted in red with eyes so wide that were darting. All so flushed from a kiss. My kiss.

  ‘’I…’’ Paris mouthed, breaking the kiss.

  I should go. I shouldn’t. I didn’t want this. I will transform you into a little songbird and will have you locked up in a cage. So many possibilities.

  ‘’Forget it.’’He spat and with his hand cupping my cheek, he kissed me back, his free arm pulling me close to his chest. He did not hide his hunger as his breath became harsher, his hands searching for every detail of my body. My arms, my chest, my waist, and then his fingers dug at my hips. Each touch felt like the sun was bathing me with its heated light. And I could not stop craving it.

  I could remember how he begged back then. How flustered he was when I was trying to step on his game.

  For a moment he stopped to look at me once more, his frown carved deep into his brow, his breathing calm. And yet his hands were shaking. With a wince of his eyes, I could not help but notice that the color yellow filled his pupil, his iris, and his sclera. There was a pair of beautiful yellow gemstones.

  I did not speak about it, knowing if I did I might be in bigger trouble.

  So, I traced my fingers around his golden hair and smiled.

  ‘’You look beautiful under the moon,’’ I admitted.

  He blinked confused as he let out a scoff and kissed me again, this time on my neck, causing my body to feel a sudden cold down my spine.

  ‘’You have no idea’’He muffled with a smile and his hands started caressing my legs.’’How long I…’’His voice shook and I shut him with one more kiss on the lips. This gave him the idea to move his kisses lower to my chin, to my neck, at my collarbone and his fingers traced the upper part of my dress, trying to slip…

  Suddenly a sound of flipping wings made us stop and our eyes fell to the window where a big white dove was watching both of us. I was ready to laugh it out but Paris faced it as if he was... terrified of it.

  ‘’This was a mistake’’He whispered.

  What?

  His hands let go of me and without even staring at me he rushed and left me all alone.