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 nausea ran through me.

then yelled from down

the maids. …A call to inform me that it was time. Not wanting to delay any further, I quickly

of you to finally join me,” my father said as I slid into the limousine

for keeping you waiting,

 “Results are all that matter,” he chuckled, sipping

I

sir. I’m confident

“You’re here tonight as my daughter. Remember that.”

forcing a small smile on my lips.

“Father.” 

Not to say he wasn’t my father, but my training had always been very strict growing up to ensure I was as beneficial

was considered one of the best benefits I possessed. Which was

faceless edge of the past. Restricting my

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

pulling me from my thoughts, and I felt as the vehicle

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

unable to stop myself from immediately looking around

huge. The mayor’s house was more aptly described as a mansion, all things considered. Vines crept

was something else about this place that felt… different. Something in the air. Like a feeling of

my father said,

be inside.”

steps and through a

the fine art and decorations they had on display as my father led me through

it was we reached another set of doors that I became truly surprised.

up to accommodate the large volume of people in attendance. It was by far the most expensive looking event I’d ever personally attended, something that probably wasn’t too difficult to accomplish given this was my first time

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

someone said in greeting. I quickly refocused in as

was approximately the same age as him but where my

Lewis,” my father

lovely home. It’s always a delight whenever I’m

course, of course!” he

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

probably my mistake,” he said

Raven.” Lewis’ face immediately went to one of surprise as he took in my

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

*Social*. 

This wasn’t a

easiest part; talking to strangers and leaving a good

finding it so difficult to concentrate?

felt as his cold eyes turned towards me. As if

I quickly shook

to respond. “It’s a pleasure to finally

policies. But he didn’t need to know that

you so much for selflessly organising this event,”

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