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? 

felt as another wave of nausea

 “Raven!” a voice then yelled from down the

time.

you to finally join me,” my father said as I

for keeping you

matter,” he chuckled, sipping on

that black dress compliments your beauty perfectly. I doubt we’ll have any issues with tonight’s agenda, then?”

sir. I’m confident

tonight

said, forcing a small smile on

“Father.” 

Not to say he wasn’t my father, but my training had

was considered one of the best benefits I possessed. Which was why this event was all the more

many key figures, losing that faceless edge of the past.

crucial thing… It told me that my father considered this mission more important than my best asset. So just what was so special about those missing documents?

and I felt as the vehicle slowed to a

only seconds later that a well-dressed man opened 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

you,” I said, though I was unable to stop myself from immediately

house was more aptly described as a mansion, all things considered. Vines crept up the walls of the

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 seem to shake. Was I still feeling sick from the night

my father said, gently

be

him to lead me up the stone steps and through a set of large double doors that stood

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

another set of doors

event I’d ever personally attended, something that probably wasn’t too difficult to accomplish given

my father inside, as opposed to just

in greeting. I quickly refocused in as a

politely. He was approximately the same age

Lewis,” my father

inviting me to your lovely home. It’s always a delight whenever I’m able

course, of course!” he said,

imagine a charity event without one of our most important sponsors. And I see you brought along a very beautiful date tonight! You lucky man.” I shifted uncomfortably at the comment but was thankful that my father only laughed it off.

is probably my

face immediately went to one of surprise as

Oh, I’m so sorry,” he said. “I didn’t know you had such a lovely a daughter! But I can see why you hide her away.”

*Social*. 

a

was normally the easiest part; talking to strangers and leaving a

why was I finding it so difficult

my lapse in normal etiquette, and I felt as his cold eyes turned towards me. As if silently prompting me to

I quickly shook off

a pleasure to finally meet you. My father speaks of

constantly complain or discredit his policies. But he didn’t need to know that part.

selflessly organising this event,” I continued.

very own beautiful home. I feel as though the donation from our family won’t come close to the generosity you are showing us tonight.” I held out my hand and Lewis immediately took it, planting a