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. 

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

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

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

again? 

I knew my punishment would be the

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 into the limousine next to him. “…Apologies for keeping you waiting, sir.” “Results are all that matter,” he chuckled, sipping on a drink in hand. “I can see that black dress compliments your beauty

confident we’ll have no

here tonight as my daughter. Remember

. 

a small smile on my lips. “Father.”

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. Which was why this event was all the more stressful. Tonight, I would end up being introduced to many key figures, losing that faceless edge of the past. Restricting my ability to perform missions in the future. And it also told me

more important than my best asset. So just what was so special about those missing

abruptly, pulling me from my thoughts, and I felt as the vehicle slowed to a stop.

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 together in my free hand to avoid tripping. “Thank you,” I said, though I was unable to

on all sides. It was 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 seem to shake. Was I still feeling sick from the night

on,” my father said, gently grabbing

through

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

that probably wasn’t too difficult to

approached. A man I instantly recognised as he shook hands with my father politely. He was approximately the same age as him but where my father’s features were dark, this man’s were lighter with blonde hair. “Mayor Lewis,” my father replied. “Thank you for inviting me to your lovely home. It’s always a delight whenever I’m able to come visit.” “Of course, of course!” 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

normally the easiest part; talking to strangers

was I finding it so

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

Raven,’ I told myself. Those were the words he’d told me just yesterday.

quickly shook off my underlying discomfort “Mayor Lewis,” I said, forcing my lips to respond. “It’s 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 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,

a 

so charming,” he remarked to my father. “My word, Eric, you’d be best