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

circles under my eyes. In

control yesterday? Or perhaps the pressure to ensure I didn’t

again? 

the most severe to

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

confident we’ll have no

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

. 

said, forcing a small

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

me that my father considered this mission more important than my best asset. So just

and I felt

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 stop myself from immediately looking

mayor’s house was more 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 restlessness I couldn’t seem to shake. Was

on,” my father said, gently grabbing my elbow. “Everyone

the stone steps and through a set of large double doors

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 through the hallway. But it was we reached another set of

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

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

the easiest part; talking to strangers and leaving a good

why was I finding it so difficult to

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

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

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

a 

remarked to my father. “My word, Eric,