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

me that it was time. Not

me,” my father said as

for keeping

 “Results are all that matter,” he chuckled, sipping on a drink in hand.

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

you, sir. I’m confident we’ll have no

corrected. “You’re here tonight as my daughter. Remember

said, forcing a small smile on

“Father.” 

was easy to forget how to act during those times. Not to say

the best benefits I possessed. Which was

key figures, losing that faceless edge of the past. Restricting my

 And it also told me one very crucial thing… It told me that my father considered this mission more important than

he said abruptly, pulling me from my thoughts, and I felt as the vehicle slowed

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

you,” I said, though I was unable to stop myself from immediately looking around at my

as a mansion, all things considered. Vines crept up the walls of the three-story building, surrounded by a meticulously manicured garden on all

about this place that felt… different. Something in the air. Like

on,” my father said, gently

be inside.”

through

the fine art and decorations they had on

was we reached another set of doors that I became truly

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 being invited

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

someone said in greeting. I quickly refocused in

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

Lewis,” my father replied.

inviting me to your lovely home. It’s always

course!” he said,

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

is probably my mistake,”

Lewis’ face immediately went to one of surprise as he took in

you had such a lovely a daughter! But I can see why you hide her away.”

*Social*. 

social tonight. This wasn’t a job

me, this was normally the easiest part; talking to

finding it so difficult

towards me. As if silently prompting me to get it together. Smile, Raven,’ I told myself. Those were the words he’d told me just

I quickly shook off my underlying

said, forcing my lips to respond. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. My father speaks of you

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

so much for selflessly organising this event,” I

even do so in your 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