A Gift from the Goddess

Book 2 – Ch.#5 “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. 

oly. 

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. 

hours later my training session was finally done, leaving me with only a

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

yesterday? Or perhaps the pressure

again? 

the most

nausea ran through me. ! “Raven!” a voice then yelled from down the hall. One of the maids. …A call to inform me that it was time. Not wanting to delay any further, I quickly gathered my things. “Nice of you to finally join me,” my father said as I slid

I’m confident we’ll have

“You’re here tonight as my daughter. Remember

. 

course,” I said, forcing a small smile on my

those times. Not to say he wasn’t my father, but my training had always been very strict growing up to ensure I was as beneficial as possible. My anonymity was considered one of the best benefits I possessed.

that my father considered this mission more important than my best asset. So just what was so special about

and I

was grateful for the gesture as I took him up

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

grabbing my elbow. “Everyone

lead me up the stone steps and through a set of large

had on display as

set 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 being invited to such a prestigious event. Or, at least, being invited to accompany

he said, smiling. “I can’t 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. “Ah, that is probably my mistake,” he said gently. “This is actually my daughter… Raven.” Lewis’ face immediately went to one of surprise as he took in my appearance once more. “Oh… 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*. I needed to be social tonight. This wasn’t a job I could accomplish from

easiest part; talking to strangers and leaving a good

I finding it so

father must have sensed my lapse in normal etiquette, and I felt as his cold eyes turned towards

Those were the words he’d

a pleasure to finally meet you. My father speaks of you often.” …To constantly complain or discredit his policies. But he didn’t need to know that part. “Thank you so much for selflessly organising this event,” I continued. “And to even do so in your very own

a 

my father. “My word, Eric,