Bullets of sweat decorated my skin when I woke up. A quick glance from the wall clock on my left tells me that it's just 3:04 am.

My heart pounded in my chest like nobody's business and I can feel the rush of blood in my head. I shook my head and shifted on my bed.

I can't even sleep peacefully. I guess I'm to scared of what might happen if I fall into a deep slumber.

''That bitch Eris will pay for this, she's been taking way to much from me including sleep'' I huffed a heavy sigh and pulled the blanket up my chin and closed my eyes.

I guess I fell asleep since I can already hear birds chirping outside of my window and the wall clock proved that I slept 5 hours more after my 3 am precautionary wake -up-or -you'll -get- possessed call.

I sat up straight and stretched my arms upwards while yawning. ''That feels good.''
I lazily went out of bed and walked to the bathroom to freshen up. I brushed my teeth and combed my hair with my fingers.

My eyes looked dull, sad and exceptionally gloomy and those damn bags underneath doesn't really do anything to make me look better. I sighed.

''Coffee. Coffee will fix this.'' I nodded to my self and went out of the bathroom to the door and slowly opened it. As expected two Erinyes are on guard. Paul and Von.

Paul has a stocky built reminding me of The Rock which is a little comical since his face looks kind and innocent complete with a boyish smile and kind eyes and a thick golden brown hair that falls just above his shoulder, he's not that handsome but the more you get to know him the more you'd appreciate his looks.

Von on the other hand is tall and willowy. His icy-blonde hair is cropped in a military cut that goes well with his high cheekbones and a jaw line that can split a diamond into two. I'm pretty sure he'd make an amazing model with that beautiful face of his. He can easily match up with Damon's face but both of them have different traits.

Von's face is a little feminine and there is an air of finesse around him. Damon on the other hand is a little on the rough side. His beauty is rugged and edgy. His aura is brooding and his presence always demands attention.

. . .and Damon's kisses tastes as good as sin

Shut up.

''We're not saying anything.'' Paul said, looking down on me. I must've voiced out my thoughts.

I smiled at him and completely let myself out of my room ''I was talking to myself'' I admitted, shrugging nonchalantly. Von snorted and when I looked at him he pretended as if he did no such thing, I cut my eyes at him and walked past him.

The two tall man tailed me until I reached the expansive kitchen with a color scheme of black and silver. It looked intimidating yet sophisticated, very much like all the Erinyes I had known since setting foot in this fortress.

I turned on my heel and faced my two guards. ''You guys hungry? I'll cook.'' The bigger man smiled as he walk toward the long dining table and pulled a chair for himself.

''I don't know about him'' he said, jerking his thumb toward Von behind him as he settle on his chair ''but I'm not turning that offer down.'' I smiled at him and he return it with a grin.

Von obviously faked a cough and placed his hands behind him ''since you offered, I would say yes too. It's not very gentlemanly to refuse such a nice offer.''

I had to smile at that one. He just look so adorable when he tries to act all cool and composed and besides, who can refuse food, right?

''Right. I'm sure it's about being a gentleman'' I gave Von  teasing look before I moved in front of the modern stove.

20 minutes later and I managed to cook a decent frittata for three paired with garlic bread. I'm not really sure if it go well together but what the hell, food is food.

''Here,'' I said pushing their plate in front of them ''if you don't like it, please don't be a dick and pretend that you do. I'm very sensitive in the morning.''

Paul shrugged and pulled the plate closer to him ''am not a picky eater'' he stated before wolfing down a forkful of his share ''mmm this is actually good.''

That made me smile. I really like it when people appreciate something that I made. I lookk at Von and his face is all serious and caoncentrated. ''What? Mr. Gentleman doesn't like it?'' I commented a little annoyed. Von made a noncommital sound and continued on eating.

Ungrateful asshole!

Paul chuckled when he saw me glaring at Von ''don't mind him. I'm sure he likes it, otherwise he will not be sitting there if he didn't''

I opened my mouth for a comeback but I saw a woman walking toward us.

She's beautiful, tall and slim. Her midnight black hair is pulled in a high ponytail, she's wearing a black lace dress that falls just above her knees and her white peep-toe stilettos goes well with it.

''Good morning boys'' she greeted. Her voice is raspy and low.

Von jerked his chin upward while Paul gave her a small smile. She smiled at them before looking at me. ''The council requests for your precense'' she said bluntly.

I look at her and pursed my lips ''what is it about?''

Ignoring my question she looks at my two guards and said ''I'll take her with me; you guys enjoy your breakfast.'' She grabbed me by the arm and marched away from the kitchen and into one of those long ass hallways.

I'm starting to get annoyed.

She continues to drag me past the hallway and rounded a corner until we reached an arched entry way ''sorry to drag you out in the middle of your breakfast '' she apologized letting go of my arm ''but this is urgent.''

''It's okay. What is it anyway?'' I asked her. She smiles at me tightly before heaving a heavy sigh.

''The council wants to look for the weapon that can kill Eris'' she stated after a minute, facing me completely. My eyes rounded in shock but my curiosity piqued.

I can't contain my own need to find that damned weapon so I asked ''really? What kind of weapon is that?''

Zues must've heard my prayers.

''It's called dagger of the divine light. Legend says that it can kill any evil god, the problem is no body knows where it is or if it even existed'' she explains, her lips forming a lopsided frown.

If that weapon really existed, we need to find it no matter what. It is the only way we can get rid of Eris without killing me, but how?

''Is there any information or even a clue we can work on?'' I sounded like an overly eager kid. She raised one perfectly kept eyebrow and smiled at me sympathetically.

''That's what the elders called you for'' she jerked her head toward the pathway that leads to a door ''let's go in'' she led the way and I realized that we are in sort of a garden. She pushed the door and it groaned as it gave way.

I suddenly felt nauseous and my stomach begins to churn. My hands shake a little so I fisted it on my side. When we walked in I wasn't surprised that the room is expansive and decorated well with flowers and antique vases, what surprised me is that Damon isn't here. I was expecting he'd be here since his one of the elders but he wasn't.

Where is he?

The rest of the elders are already sitted on a long table wearing their usual poker faces. I suddenly locked eyes with the head elder. A woman who looks like a fragile doll, only when she's not speaking or giving commands. The silence seems to be alive and actively moving all over the place.

Is this how death sentenced prisoners feel like while they walk toward their unforgiving faith?

As I sit next to the head elder, I'm reminded that I don't know any of their names except Damon and my two tall as a light post body guards. I should discuss that matter next time I get a chance.

''How was your sleep last night?'' She inquired, surely meaning if there have been a nightmare or any indication that Eris is making another attempt to possess me. I looked at her and willed myself to smile politely.

''I slept well. No nightmares'' I assured her. Keeping my voice casual and steady. I don't wanna seem weak in front of them, I have this urge to prove them that sparing my life is not a waste. She nodded stiffly as her bright red hair bounced lightly.

She clears her throat and moved forward leaning against the edge of the table, lacing her fingers together.

The silence hummed in anticipation, the room seems to hold its breath, eagerly waiting for the words to be uttered.

''This will be our last hope, but it's worth a shot'' she started ''as you all know, the dagger of divine light still belongs in legends and myths and trying to find it is like looking for a needle in a hay stack. I've walked this earth longer than any of you have but I've never seen it'' there's a hint vof dejectedness in her voice and I can say that it's taking a toll on her too. I know it's wrong to say that I find comfort in someone else's struggle but, hey, at least my burden is a shared pain and it makes me feel thankful that someone is here to suffer with me. It makes me feel less scared and alone.

All the elders are lost in their own thoughts and I can almost see the words dangling on their lips but no one dared to speak as they patiently waited for the head elder to finish her words.

''You can know say what it is that you've all been thinking'' she prodded and they did.

●💀●  

The council's plan made me restless. Hearing their plan made me more scared of what will happen when they all decided that we need to seek the help of yet another mythological creatures walking this earth, they are called The Moirai.

It would have been another weight lifted from my shoulder, another reason to keep me going and to keep me fighting but the problem is they are Eris' sisters.

I mean, come on, Eris wants to take over my body and now they want to ask help from her sisters?

I don't know weather their trying to save me or they secretly wanted me dead. But I can't say it like that now can I? So I just nodded like an obedient kid.

''Raven, drink this'' the low raspy voice of the Erinyes I'm with called me back to reality and into the kitchen where we're at. I frowned. She knows my name but I don't know hers.

I accepted the tea and asked ''what's your name?'' My question was so sudden she was a little caught off guard.

She smiles at me freely and I noted that genuine smile suits her better.

She sips her tea and responded ''sorry, I forget my manners sometimes or maybe it comes with the age. Anyway I'm Cassandra.''

Even her name is beautiful.

I chuckled at her response ''if it comes with your age I don't think it shows. How old are you anyway?''

She sips her tea again and pursed her lips, thinking. ''A thousand or so'' she uttered after a few seconds, my brow arched.

''You're as old as Damon?'' She looked at me like I just told her that my father is Santa Claus, her eyes shinning with amusement.

She set her tea cup down on the island and rested her elbows there before saying '' we weren't born Raven nor created. Our existence comes from the blood of sinners especially when that sinner is a really evil person''

I was equally intrigued and amazed by what Cassandra said. Does it mean that when an ultimate sinner dies they just appear from that sinner's blood?

Poof, just like that?

As if reading my mind, she suddenly said ''yes, we just rise from that sinners blood but not as babies, more like teenagers''

I look at her shocked as my mouth hangs open. But then again I have rainbow for eyes so why am I being shocked? It's cool, it's normal.

She smiles at me apologetically before placing her hand on my shoulder ''don't dwell on it. Go back to your room and rest, I'll send Von and Paul shortly after. We'll head out by noon, just when Damon gets back here.'' The smile on my face collapsed by the mere mention of his name and she quickly caught on.

She gave me a tight smile ''I'm not supposed to say anything because Damon warned us'' she started quietly and my body automatically went from auto pilot mode to full alert red code mode ''but if you want to know the answers to your questions I suggest you visit the library on the third floor and look through the resricted files'' her brows rose and fell as she pulls her chin down as if saying 'now don't be dumb and do as I say' at least that's how I see it.

I smiled at her, pulled her into an awkward sisterly hug and said thank you before I made my exit from the kitchen.

I almost ran on my way to the stairs with anticipation and my undying need to  dig deep and to know more.

I walked briskly but steady. Soon enough I found myself climbing the wide spiral staircase two at a time. I scowled as I realized just how many steps I have to climb.

Haven't they heard of elevators?

By the time I landed the last step my lungs are on the verge of collapsing, my knees feel like jell-O and I'm dripping with sweat. Unlike the first two floors that are filled with long hallways and countless rooms, 3rd floor looks like it's dedicated solely for the library.

The ceiling is high and domed reminding me of a cathedral. The tall and wide glass windows illuminate the whole floor with the soft golden glow of the 11am sun.

The remaining walls are painted with deep rich red and covered with huge oil paintings and I just have to stop on my tracks and marvel the beauty of each and every painting.

I can stay here longer but I need to know what's in the restricted area that can answer my questions so I started toward the wooden door varnished with deep brown with brass handles, I pushed it until it gave way.

My jaw dropped when my eyes were greeted with shelves after shelves after shelves of books.

Holy cow, it will take me forever to finish all of it.

I gulped as I started walking to find the restricted section, passing by shelves filled with books thin and thick. I was tempted to grab one book, sit on one of the desks and read. I wonder if each one of the erinyes have already read each book in here being immortals and all.

I walked aimlessly inside the library, absorbing each detail of every nook and cranny. The appeal is intimidating but there's a certain hominess to it that can keep you at ease

I'm starting to get dizzy from looking up so much when I spotted a glass wall that separates this area crowded with book shelves to another space with lesser but much more wider shelves.

Slowly I walked forward until I reached the entrance and saw the sign that says 'restricted' in bold capital letters. I quicken my pace and immediately racked my brain for any idea where to start. Cassandra said nothing specific but if I want to know something about Damon maybe I should start with fine-tooth combing the letter 'd' shelf.

And so I did.

The first few rows were mostly old documents dating back 1729. some books are written in foreign languages in old yellowing pages. They all looked so fragile and delicate; I should keep in mind to be extra careful with it.

I'm almost at the end of the isle and I'm still scanning the books from top to bottom. I'm about to grab another book but when I pulled it a couple of other books fell and it almost hit me.

"Shit" I hissed and immediately crouched down to pick it up. There are only three books left when one caught my eye. It is covered with leather that obviously had seen better days and there is also a piece of string tied around it. I set all of the books I gathered and picked the one with leather cover.

It is dusty and the leather itself is battered with a lot of cracks and scratches. I untied the string and opened it. I felt the air in my lungs escape as I read the hand written words on the first page.

Journal of Damon St. Pierre.

My heart drummed in my chest with anticipation. This might be the one I'm looking for; this might tell me what exactly it is that I'm missing out.

I gulped and turn one page to another until I saw a sketch of a woman's retreating form as if walking away with a caption at the bottom that says 'my beloved'

Strange, I thought. It seems familiar.

I turn another page and that's where my heart stopped.

It is sketch of a woman who resembles me. it may look different with the hairstyle and the ball gown but I'm sure, we share the same face.

Emilia Hawthorne. She is Emilia Hawthorne, she is Damon's one true love.

 Then it struck me. The oil canvas in The Block, why Damon reacted that way when I turned to face him while he explains the meaning of Desiderata and all the times when he says things that doesn't really make sense at that time and then. . .

Then the kiss. The reason why he kissed me that day when I was trying to master my skill.

Something ached inside of me. I feel betrayed and let down.

 Don't be stupid, it was just a kiss.

But he said I should trust him. He said he'd tell me when he's ready.

My free hand clenched. Stop it, stop it Raven. there is no reason for you to feel that way.

I closed the journal and tucked it under my upper arm. I cant finish reading this in here.

"Raven" the voice vibrated through the walls and I almost jumped out of skin.

"Jesus, Paul? What the hell?" I half shouted half hissed. Paul smiles apologetically at me as he scratch the back of his neck

"Sorry, but Cassandra told me you'd be here. She sent to to come get you and to say Damon just arrived"

I'm not really sure what happed first, if my heart jumped or my breathing stopped all I know is I'm  not sure if I can face him.

●💀●

Hi there lovely modern bookworms 🙋🙋🙋 Im really sorry to update this late but I've been busy.

I made this chapter longer, so please forgive me 😘😘😘

What do you think of this chapter? Talk to me 😁🙌

Iloveyou all
E💞