A Gift from the Goddess

“Raven, wake up.It’s midday already,” continued the voice I’d just heard. I pulled myself up and winced, touching my forehead gently. A loud thumping pulsed painfully inside as a headache immediately looked to greet me. It seemed this day was already off to a great start. 

“Raven!” the voice called again. 

“I’m awake!” I yelled back. 

Two minutes. That’s all I was asking for. Two minutes to wake up and process… whatever the hell *that* had been. I could still recall it vividly, witnessing what I could only assume was the form I took when I became the beast. Perhaps this was my consciousness manifesting it. 

Appearing inside my nightmare due to how prevalent it had been on my mind prior to sleeping.

 After all, they say that dreams hold significance to the things you are worried about when awake. 

Nonetheless, it was still surprising to see its appearance for the first time; if that depiction was even accurate at all. A coat of fur as dark as my hair with fearsome eyes. Was that truly the last thing some people saw before their death? 

I shuddered at that thought. Regardless, I had to do my best to push it out of my mind as there were more important things to worry about today. 

And with that final thought, the door then swung open revealing an older man with greying hair. He might have even been considered handsome for his age if it weren’t for the several scars marring his face…. 

“Get the fuck out of bed and get your ass to the gym,” he said sharply

.…

And if it weren’t for his terrible attitude. My eyes narrowed slightly at the intrusion, but I kept my calm. I’d found it better not to get angry with my new tutor, Gavin. 

Though nowhere near as competent as his deceased predecessor, he still was a formidable opponent in a fight. One with a temper as short as his patience. And with that overbearing attitude, probably compensating for something else just as short.

“I have an event tonight, sir,” I explained politely, forcing myself to appease him. 

“I’m expected to make an appearance in front of many important people. The boss should have already told you that I need to look my best.”  He snorted in a laugh. 

“No amount of make-up is going to help you if you keep sitting on your lazy ass. Besides, I don’t see how training would interfere with the event.” 

“And when I’m presented to these people covered in bruises from training, how do you suppose I explain that without a formal investigation being started? …*Sir*” I tilted my head and stared him down, waiting for his reply. 

But instead of his brow furrowing slightly in the realisation that I was correct, like what I was expecting, instead he did the complete opposite. 

…He smirked. 

“Well, I don’t suppose there’ll be any issues running laps, then?”. Goddammit. 

Four hours later my training session was finally done, leaving me with only a few hours to get ready for the charity event. 

And whilst Gavin’s inability to give me even a single day off certainly was a hindrance, what was most important now was to ensure I looked immaculate for the special assignment I’d be working come nightfall. 

Something easier said than done given the dark circles under my eyes. In preparation for the mission, I’d memorised everything that the manilla folder had listed on this foreign mayor, Victor Lycroft. 

But despite that information, and despite the fact I’d had many missions far more difficult than this before, I still felt… off. 

Was it because of my lapse in control yesterday? Or perhaps the pressure to ensure I didn’t fail  again? 

Or was it because I knew my punishment would be the most severe to date if I came home empty-handed? 

wave of

a voice then yelled from down the hall.

inform me that it was time. Not wanting to

said as I slid into the limousine next to

keeping

matter,” he chuckled, sipping on a drink

compliments your beauty perfectly. I doubt we’ll

I’m confident we’ll have no

corrected. “You’re here tonight as

said, forcing a small smile on

“Father.” 

forget how to act during those times. Not to say he wasn’t my

benefits I possessed. Which was why this event was all the more stressful.

introduced to many key figures, losing that faceless edge of the past. Restricting my ability

me one very crucial thing… It told me that my father considered this mission more important than my best asset. So just what was so special

from my thoughts, and I felt as the vehicle

the limousine door and offered me his hand to help me out. Not that this was strange for this type of upper-class event. In fact, I was grateful for the gesture as I took him up on it, grabbing my floor-length dress

was unable to stop myself from immediately looking around at my

was huge. The mayor’s house was more aptly described as a mansion, all things considered. Vines crept up the walls of the three-story building, surrounded by a meticulously manicured garden on

stunning, even more so than the summer homes my father owned. But there was something else about this place that felt… different. Something in the air. Like a feeling of restlessness I couldn’t

on,” my father said, gently

be inside.”

me up the stone steps and through a set of large

of the same; an interior to match its impressive exterior. I admired some of the fine

another set of doors that I became

most expensive looking event I’d ever personally attended, something that probably wasn’t too difficult

least, being invited to accompany my father inside, as opposed to just running perimeter security

someone said in greeting. I quickly refocused

hands with my father politely. He was approximately the same age as him but where my father’s features were dark,

my father replied.

inviting me to your lovely home. It’s always

of course!”

important sponsors. And I see you brought along a very beautiful date tonight! You lucky man.” I shifted uncomfortably at the comment but

probably my mistake,” he said

 “This is actually my daughter… Raven.” Lewis’ face immediately went to one of surprise as he took in my appearance once

he said. “I didn’t know you had such a lovely a daughter! But I can see

*Social*. 

This wasn’t a job I

part; talking to strangers and leaving a good impression.

it so difficult to

etiquette, and I felt as his cold eyes turned towards me. As if silently prompting me to get it together. Smile, Raven,’ I told myself.

shook

a pleasure to finally meet you. My

his policies. But he didn’t need

much for selflessly organising this event,” I continued.

come close to the generosity you are showing us tonight.” I held out my hand and Lewis immediately took it, planting a small kiss in greeting on the back of