by Winter Rose
“It was mass genocide, Luna; thousands upon thousands of supernaturals died.” Eros’ grave tone did nothing for the anxiety that raged in my chest. “Death became an epidemic. Fearing the gods had forsaken them; the Vessels stopped praying.”
“The energy became so imbalanced, that it caused the scales to tip, freeing Hades from his eternal prison.” Shivers crept up my spine as Ehre spoke. “He ruled over the worlds as a tyrannical lord. His power grew so immense, he took whatever and whomever he desired.” He took a deep sip of wine, allowing this information to sink in.
“As Magnar said, the scales must also find a balance, and the opposite of death is new life. Persephone, the goddess of new life, found that her powers grew along with that of deaths.” I had not yet seen Eros so solemn. “With Persephone’s help, the goddesses hatched another plan. Together they formed one last Vessel.”
Everyone in the room turned to look at me, and Eros continued, “With only pure intentions, they each poured into the Vessel their own essence—magic. The Vessel took the shape of a female. Sealed with the harvest moon of Persephone, she held within her the power of the six original goddesses. The Vessel was hidden in the heavens, the world’s last resort in case Persephone’s plan would fail.”
“What plan?” My voice was hoarse. Ehre walked over to me and handed me a goblet filled with water; I cocked a brow. He rolled his eyes and passed it to me.
“Persephone sacrificed herself by seducing Hades. The solitary god was so completely bewitched by the goddess of fertility’s power and beauty, that he did not realize she had trapped him in the Underworld, until it was too late.” I took a deep drink, allowing Magnar to finish. He waited, seeing the questions that burned in my eyes.
“So that is where the story that Hades kidnapped and raped Persephone came from?” I asked, and Eros nodded. “So why don’t Wolves seem to know about their creators?” I asked, realizing that they never really answered my original question, unsure as to why it would be a secret.
“With the help from Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory and Poseidon, Zeus sent the greatest storm the worlds had ever seen. The water he used was taken from the river Lethe. Like the waters in the Underworld, this rain held magic that would wipe the memories of all who drank it,” Magnar replied.
“They wiped the memory of Hades’ reign?” I asked Magnar, completely shocked.
“Not only his reign but for the wars to end, they wiped away our ancestors’ reign from all memory. Our people were given a fresh start, but it came at a price, ” Magnar answered.
“To stop their species from being wiped out, each of the six royal bloodlines accepted a deal with the goddesses before their memories were wiped. When the fates allied, six princes would be born into each of the royal bloodlines. Those princes would become the goddesses’ Guardians. It is said that the Guardians will unite the realms and sacrifice …”
“Their freedom, they will sacrifice their freedom to serve the gods,” Magnar interrupted, throwing Ehre a look. “The six princes are the sworn Guardians to the goddesses’ earthly incarnation. When the time comes, their lives are sworn to protect hers. Their souls have been tied to her own. It is only through their magic that her powers will awaken.”
“But why are you telling me all of this? Wait, I thought that the Jinn were a part of the uprising?” I asked.
“They are,” Ehre practically ground out.
“They are the reason why we are telling you this, Luna.” Magnar gave me a tight smile. My palms started to sweat; a sense of dread gnawed away at the pit of my stomach.
“Just over twenty years ago, the day before the harvest moon celebrations, the Council held their yearly election. Farouk Djinn, the king of the Jinn, called for a vote. Like his forefathers before him, Farouk believed that a monarchy should govern the worlds. That Vessels, who were created by four of the most powerful gods, should not have to compromise with lesser beings. Of course, he knew what the others didn’t.” The lump in my throat became hard to ignore now; it only worsened as Magnar continued,
“After the Council denied the motion, the Jinn cut all ties with democracy.” It began to dawn on me, but my rational brain refused the information.
“How did Farouk know about that if it was wiped from history? How do you know this?” I wanted to be in denial for as long as possible.
Vulcan stepped out of the shadows. “He was there the day we each turned twenty. When the goddesses’ Oracle summoned us to the high temple and told us of the prophecy and forgotten histories, he was there when she sacrificed our earthly bodies, so that our souls could cross over into the heavens to stand before the six goddesses.” I shook my head. “Before them, Farouk spoke the same vows that we did.”
I wanted to run, to stick my fingers in my ears like a child, but for some morbid reason, I listened.
“The goddesses took a piece of each of our souls that day. When the time came to wake the Vessel, they would merge our essence along with hers. With a piece of our soul residing in her, the Vessel will always be able to recognize her Guardians. To know in her heart that what we speak of is the truth.” Vulcan’s gaze was ablaze as he stood before the window, the moon haloing his giant figure. He continued to talk and I felt as though my chest was closing.
“When we woke, more powerful than ever, Farouk knew from that day what he was—what we all were—and that knowledge drove him mad.” I was trapped, stuck to a spot. My body refusing to flee when my mind begged it to.
“Farouk’s decision to leave the Council aligned the fates twenty years ago. The following morning, we each awoke in agony. When these marks appeared on our skin, we knew that the time had come. Unfortunately, so too, did he.” Eros at least had the decency to look concerned as he delivered the news. I started to shake my head. “We knew that we had to stop Farouk, but it was too late.”
Each of the men began to stand; Ehre looked strained like the tale was too painful for him to bear.
“We were able to wipe the memory of the Vessel from his mind, but not without sacrifice.” Ehre nearly choked on his last word. “We began our search for the Vessel; never in our wildest dreams did we imagine that she would come to the earthly realms as a mere babe.”
I had never clung on to a blade harder. Magnar edged closer, his voice pitched low and soothing. “We are on the verge of a great war, little thief. The Elites are not just the League's most specialized unit. That is our cover. We are an army, an army that we have created for one purpose.”
They each moved together so that they formed a straight line before me. Like an impenetrable wall, they stood. Their rippling muscles solid, their gazes unwavering.
“Since the Oracles delivered us the prophecy, we have been building that army. When we awoke from our sleep twenty years ago, screaming in pain, branded with the goddesses’ mark, we knew that the time had come. No species is safe anymore, not until you claim your birthright. The army we built is for you.”
He took a deep breath, he reminded me of a Warrior, preparing himself for battle.
“You, Luna, are the world’s last hope. You are the last Vessel.”
Chapter Fifteen
I ran. I ran, as fast as my legs could carry, giving into my repressed instincts; I didn’t hold back. The world swam by me in a dizzying blur as I tried to get as far away from the castle as possible. The last Vessel? There was no way in the Underworld anything they said was true. I was nothing but a Hybrid Warrior, and I had no power. Let alone a goddess-infused Vessel that was sent to save the world. Crazy-ass Elites.
The frigid evening air slapped across my face, its chill seeping into my bones. The frost under my bare feet crunched as I darted into the maze, alerting my presence to those nearby. If I didn’t catch frostbite before I make it to the portal, it would be a miracle.
I thought back to the room and the four pained shouts that followed me after I made a break for it. Why were none of them following me? I’m sure Vampires are supposed to be fast, let alone Dragons. Maybe
my surprise escape shocked them for a few minutes. Seriously though, what did they expect I would do?
I opened my senses to make sure I was alone.
“Shit,” I cursed, where the Underworld was I? I slowed my pace, trying to catch my bearings. Where will I go? The Estate was no longer my home, and without a sponsor, there would be no chance I’d ever get into the League.
“Luna!” I groaned, of course, they were looking for me, and I was at a dead-end! I had somehow ended up against a mountainside.
“Luna! We just want to talk,” that voice was really close, I was running out of time. A cavern cut out of the side of the mountain seemed to just appear, its entrance impossible to detect until you got close.
“Please be big enough to hide me,” I asked the stone before I stepped inside its embrace.
The floor and wall of the cavern had been smoothed over with a limescale whitewash. I crept further into the cave’s shadowy cover, cautious of other people that may be in there. The floor eventually tapered off into worn down steps; the only sounds were from a nearby water source. I began to descend the stairs; my numb feet stung with each step.
“Luna!” the voice echoed around the space. I was trapped.
One of them had obviously followed me here, and the only way I could go now was down. I began to pick up my pace.
“Please, just let us talk to you.” I twisted my head, sure that I would be able to see whoever it was. Maybe I could take them out? My foot missed its next target, and I slipped. The last thing I could remember was the pain that sliced my temple before darkness stole me.
The smell of sage tugged at my consciousness, and for the second time that day, I was lifted from my body. I looked down on my lifeless, far too pale form. Crimson blood pooled around my head, a stark contrast to my white skin. My chest was still, and my limbs disjointed. Without a doubt, I knew that I was dead.
Music drifted down a misty tunnel; I was drawn to its soulful melody. I spared my body one last glance before I followed the sound. The mist around me sent painful shocks wherever it touched. I tried to turn back, but behind me now, there was only darkness.
I continued to push forward, my body moving of its own accord. With every step that I took, the mist began to burn, until it felt like the skin was melting from my bones. I wanted to scream, I needed it to stop, but my phantom form kept pushing forward. The pain made light swim across my vision; the light soon became all I could feel until it was gone.
I found myself standing at the bottom of a marble staircase in a white temple. Energy so potent pressed against me like a weight, forcing me to bow before six stunning, genuine goddesses.
“You may approach us, Moon child.” A voice, which sounded like thousands of women in chorus filled my mind, and I lifted my eyes to gaze upon Hera, Queen of the Gods.
She lounged at the very top of the stairs, her image shifting. Like water through an open hand, my mortal brain was unable to grasp it. Material that reminded me of starlight draped across her curvaceous body,
“Am I dead?” I asked her.
“Your shell is broken, child, but your essence is here with us.” The voices wrapped around me in a haunting melody.
“Where is here exactly?” I covered my insolent mouth with a hand. “I’m sorry, Your Greatness.” I bowed once more.
Musical laughter flitted around me, “You need not filter yourself around us, daughter. We made you what you are.”
“You are in Olympus, child; like your Guardians before you, we have brought you here to show you the truth.” The goddess who spoke was a step below. Her dress was made of spun sunlight, decorated in golden sheaves. A heart-wrenching expression adorned her face, along with a golden crown.
“Luna, you will soon be the realm’s last hope. My daughter’s sacrifice,” she choked, “has held the balance for as long as possible, but the scales are tipping once more.” Demeter choked on another sob and was comforted by the strongest woman that I have ever laid my eyes on.
“Hush now, love,” she whispered to the crying goddess.
Unlike the others, this goddess looked ready for battle. She wore full armor, her golden breastplate molded to the hard lines of her chest. Her face was partly covered in a helmet, which only added to her foreboding presence. She shifted her statuesque body and placed a hand on the hilt of her sword, as though its touch comforted her. I decided that she was my favorite.
“You are a formidable force, Luna; we have gifted you with more magic than any Vessel has ever received. You will be the world’s greatest weapon, but you still have a lot to learn before this war can be won.” Athena’s voice, unlike the others, was singular, strong, and unwavering.
“It’s true?” I shook my head in disbelief. “What they told me, it’s true?” The goddesses waited while I got my breathing under control. “But how do I … I mean where do I …” Great, I was rambling like a crazy person before the gods.
“Use your Guardians, Luna.” The most divine creature unfurled her body—like a feline would—from the chaise she lay upon. Her movements were purposeful; each step she took was calculated. Aphrodite was seduction personified. “You must bond with your Guardians; right now, your magic is dormant. We made it that way so that you would be safe, undetected until you could grow. Bond with them, Luna, only then will your magic awaken, and your powers freed.”
Her skin was the color of molten gold. Her long, shapely legs gave way to a soft hourglass figure, her curves never-ending. Never in my life had I found a woman attractive, but right, here right now, my body didn’t care.
“But what magic?” I all but whimpered.
“Each one of your Guardians will awaken a channel of each of our powers within you. In turn, your magic will awaken theirs.” Her hair cascaded down her back in golden waves.
“We made a mistake with our first Vessels,” Athena’s solitary voice continued. “Unlike them, you have known growth. You have learned compassion and friendship. You have lived knowing what it is to be mortal; therefore, you respect life.”
“We hid you from those who would seek to destroy you, making sure your magic lay dormant until you came of age. It will no longer be contained and must be harnessed before it is too late.” As Hera spoke, something within me stirred.
“Why now?” I asked. “What is happening to make the scales tip?”
“You must trust in yourself and your Guardians. The journey that you are on is fated. That you are here now means that your existence has been discovered.”
“You need not know everything, child, just trust in your journey.” Hera’s voice stopped my tirade of questions before they began. I was about to argue but was cut off.
“The future is always changing, and you will not benefit from knowing your many paths. Twenty years ago, a decision was made that led to your awakening. You must now bond with your Guardians and accept your birthright.”
“But … how do I form the bond?”
“I made sure your Guardians were delicious morsels for a reason. Do you not feel drawn to them? Do they not make you filled with lust?” Aphrodite winked.
“You mean, I have to have sex … with them all.” I squeaked.
“And what would be the problem with that?” She waggled her brows. “Do not tell me that you don’t find them appealing because I am the goddess of lust, and you reek of it around them.”
“Bonds can be formed without sex, child.” Hestia’s red hair danced around her like live flames. “Your blood will be what ties you to them.”
“Don’t listen to the perpetual virgin, Luna,” Aphrodite huffed.
“Virginity is sacred, something to protect,” Artemis scolded. The irony that the goddess of virginity was defending my own was not lost on me.
“How very dull. I say ravish them, take them all at once. What a delicious way to pop your pomegranate.” Aphrodite flung her head back in laughter, the sound like hundreds of tiny bells twinkling.
“Wait, where are all of the Guardians? I have only met
four; is Farouk still one? The guys mentioned there were six original Vessels?” The goddesses shifted uncomfortably.
“Balhar is my Vessel.” Artemis spoke for the first time. Her robe was not as opaque as the other goddesses, and she had a hunting bow and arrows across her back.
“Do you mean Balhar Kory, the Koray’s old Alpha and last of the royal bloodline?” I was shocked to hear the name. Artemis nodded as she tried to get her grief under control.
Balhar had died just before I was born, and he was the last of the Koray royal line which was why the Kingsleys had taken over.
A single silver tear rolled down Artemis’ cheek. Once it landed on the marble floor, it quickly transformed into a small pool of water. The goddess waved her hand over the glistening surface, and it began to flicker into an image.
A bloodied, broken man was suspended from chains in a wide vee. The shackles that burned their way down to his bone must have been made of silver. His arms spread so wide, his shoulders had dislocated and then set again in the wrong place. With his body slumped forward, long, matted hair hid his face.
The only thing that covered his almost-naked body were wounds, both old and new. Some of them bled freely, the swollen flaps of skin either side refusing to close. Either this was a shifter who had been lashed repeatedly with a silver whip, or he was so malnourished he could no longer heal himself. If I had to guess it would be both.