Surrounded by countless stars, a lone figure lay upon the cold ground beside a stream of running water, her expression filled with unmistakable glee.
Several kittens gathered around her, wing softly, cleaning themselves, and rubbing their heads against the woman who usually showered them with affection and care. But today, she was far too occupied to notice them.
Before her hovered an orb of light, projecting the image of a young man in his early twenties, fast asleep on his bed.
Even after seven hours, she had not looked away. The smile on her lips never faded, as though watching him was the greatest joy she had ever known.
Then, a faint flicker of light stirred behind her. In the vast, starlit space, another figure erged.
This one appeared younger, a woman in her late teens with an athletic build and darker skin compared to the one lying down.
A spear rested firmly in her left hand. Her eyes narrowed as she spoke, her tone sharp yet composed. "You are going far too far now, Freya."
Her voice failed to draw any reaction. The goddess remained as she was, idly swaying her feet while watching the boy with quiet obsession.
Being ignored did not sit well with the spear wielder. With a sudden motion, she struck the ground with her weapon. A sharp tallic ring echoed outward, and the orb of light shattered into nothingness.
Only then did Freya turn to look at her guest. Her honey-blond hair slipped gently over her shoulder as her oceanic eyes softened with warmth.
"Arti~ When did you arrive?"
The woman, Arti, more formally known as the Moon Goddess Artemis, frowned slightly, her posture straightening as she spoke with restrained authority.
"You continue to violate the laws with increasing disregard. You are manipulating a devotee for your own selfish interests."
Freya let her long, slender legs fall off the edge of the steps, gently swaying them from side to side. "Why do you accuse as though I have brainwashed my dearest Veronica? She already harbored feelings for Kyle. I rely fanned the flas a little." She added a playful wink near the end, which only served to further agitate the Huntress.
"This is improper, Freya. Once he discovers the truth, he will cease speaking with you."
Freya scoffed lightly. "I know exactly how to earn his forgiveness, dear. You should concern yourself instead. Why do you pursue him when you deny even the simplest indulgences?"
Artemis’s eyes turned cold, her voice steady and composed. "I respect Kyle for what he has done for . My feelings are not confined to the physical intimacy you so eagerly seek."
Freya rolled her eyes. "Well, he would certainly appreciate a little warmth... but sadly, I cannot be there with him." She let out a soft sigh, her fingers drifting to scratch the nearest kitten’s head, earning a gentle, contented purr in return.
Artemis narrowed her eyes at the woman before speaking, her tone firm. "You do realize this matter will be raised during the next solstice, do you not? We cannot allow Kyle to fall under everyone’s scrutiny, or they may delve far deeper than intended."
The warmth in Freya’s eyes vanished instantly. The space around them dimd as darkness seeped in. The flowing water froze solid, and the stars above shattered into drifting fragnts.
Her eyes turned red, dark veins surfacing along their edges as Freya spoke in a low, dangerous voice. "I will not allow that."
"You lack the authority to prevent it," Artemis replied without hesitation. "Not even the old man could truly intervene if the council were to reach a mutual accord."
Freya clenched her teeth, the realization settling in as she understood why Artemis had co.
The Goddess of Maidenhood made her stance clear. "Cease your interference with the mortal plane if you wish for him to live a peaceful life."
Freya turned away, clicking her tongue in mild irritation. "I have rely been guiding her..."
Even without turning back, she could already imagine Artemis’s expression. With a quiet sigh, she added, "But fine... I will stop for the ti being. Do not expect to stop watching, though."
Artemis hesitated briefly before speaking again, a hint of curiosity slipping into her otherwise composed voice. "I have been quite curious about this form of sorcery you have attained. Did you acquire it from the Vault?"
Freya’s lips curved into a warm smile as she glanced over her shoulder. "Would you like to share it with you, dear?"
Artemis blinked, caught off guard, but before she could respond—
"Apologies, but I do not feel inclined to share my Kyle. So, you may leave."
Artemis gritted her teeth but remained silent. There was no point pressing further. Whatever bound her and her benefactor went far beyond sothing as simple as visual surveillance.
(A/N:- Copium...)
...
"Ah..." Kyle jolted awake.
His mind was completely blank, a sharp whistle ringing endlessly in his ears.
He shook his head and rubbed his eyes, forcing clarity to return.
As his senses steadied, he muttered, "System... how long was I out?"
[26 hours, host.]
"...!!" Kyle’s eyes widened. He grabbed his phone, and sure enough—
It was 6:36... but not the sa day.
He had slept for an entire day?
What the hell... was he really that exhausted?
[The golden limb had been supplying your body with nourishnt, host. However, your body has not yet adapted to surviving solely on Genesis. The gap caused by your inexperience required extended rest.]
Kyle groaned. "I missed my classes..."
Scrolling through his phone, he saw several ssages. A few were from his brother, while another number he didn’t recognize had asked if he was alright.
For so reason, he had a feeling it was either Veronica or Amanda.
He groaned again. This was ssed up.
Just then, his phone rang.
Blake.
Kyle coughed lightly, clearing his voice. He couldn’t let that taunting bastard know he had just woken up. Then he answered.
{Were you dead?}
Kyle let out a dry chuckle. "Yeah. Just got back from the afterlife since my dear brother decided to call."
{Humor’s dead too. Anyway, I’m coming over with Corella. Clean that dumpster for the sake of my reputation.}
Kyle froze.
Then he slowly looked around his house.
Yeah... it definitely needed cleaning.
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