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. 

with only a few hours

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

it because of my lapse in control yesterday? Or

again? 

would be the most severe

felt as another wave of 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 into the limousine next to him. “…Apologies for keeping you waiting, sir.” “Results are all that

you, sir. I’m confident we’ll have no issues.”

tonight

. 

said, forcing a small smile

was so rare to attend events as Eric Reid’s daughter that it was easy to forget how to act during 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. 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

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

me from my thoughts, and I felt as the vehicle

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

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

gently grabbing my

the stone steps and through a set of large double doors that stood at the threshold.

an interior to match its impressive exterior. I admired some of the fine art and decorations they had on display as my father led me

too difficult to accomplish given this was my first time being invited to such a prestigious event. Or, at least, being

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

me, this was normally the easiest part; talking to strangers

was I finding it so

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

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

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

a 

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