The Lover of Medusa

Chapter 30

Several weeks have already passed since the incident happened, Medusa and Lyra falls back into their routine, eating breakfast together, heading out into the woods in the afternoon to look for something to eat and take a quick bath in the river, stays outside the cabin to feel the sunset and then eat dinner, Though they had found a new hobby to do, it turns out Medusa loves to read books and she has a lot of it hidden in her treasure box that was underneath their bed, Medusa would read her stories writen on books and scroll, she would read her about adventures, poems and music, she would read her about myth and history, she would read her many things and it never bored her, then one day Medusa had decided to take her somewhere.

"Where are we going?" She asked her, they were holding hands and Medusa was guiding her, making sure to be careful with her, making sure she didn't get hurt or trip.

"You'll see." She whispered holding her other hand and helping her step down, they have been walking for hours, and still they haven't reach their destination, Medusa usually doesn't like to wonder around too far from the cabin, especially when they are together, Medusa said that that creatures that lives in the forest are all dangerous and might smell her, they might attack them.

"Please don't eat me." She teased Medusa making her snort.

"Why would I eat you?" She asked, Lyra finally took the last step before she felt the even ground, she was startled when the temperature in the area suddenly drops. It's a bit cold.

"Well you are taking me somewhere I don't know, and I remember you saying that you that you will eat once i'am strong, and I already am." Medusa stops from walking and looked at her, she felt her breath against her face and Lyra suddenly tensed, Medusa's face was so close to her.

" Would you want me to eat you?" The question made her breath hitch, Medusa's voice have drop into a whisper, she was suddenly serious, Lyra felt Medusa's knuckles against her cheeks. She was caressing her face softly.

" You are right, you have became strong, your cheeks have became rounded, and colors already appeared on it." Medusa's thumb then run along her lips, and a tingling sensation followed it.

" Your lips have became redder, and you look more lively." Lyra shivers when Medusa's hand travels to her neck going to her shoulder and then caressing her arm, her hands were light, and Lyra was confused why was she feeling these king of feelings, why was her heart beating so fast? Why does it feel so good?

"So? Would you like me to eat you now? To lift the curse?" Lyra opened her mouth to answer but suddenly stops, as the words finally sink into her, she almost have forgotten it that she was an offering to Medusa to appease her, she was given to Medusa to lift the curse, she was originally a slave to Medusa, she was her mistress, but during her stay Medusa did not make her feel like a slave at all, but a friend, an important someone.

And now being ask the question, Lyra had also asked herself, is she ready? Would she be willing to sacrifice her life to Medusa? Would Medusa choose to eat her? Would Medusa spare her?

A sudden wave of sadness wash over her, she had forgotten about the curse, she had forgotten her purpose on this place, and it hurts her to think that she had to part ways with Medusa sooner or later, she knows Medusa doesn't wanted to stay cursed, she knows she doesn't want to be alone anymore, but would she really have to choose between the curse and Lyra's life?

"Hey, hey, look at me." Medusa must have sensed her sudden sadness, Lyra turned her gaze towards Medusa, all she can see was Medusa's silhouette and she wanted to know what her expression is, so she reach out and touched her face, her eyebrow were furrowed although Lyra can't say if it's from anger or worry.

"You don't have to think about it too much, I was just joking." She stated, Medusa cupped her face before pressing her forehead against her own.

"Now let's forget about this pressing matter and come with me already, I have a lot to show you." Medusa said grinning as she slowly pulls away from Lyra, they continued to walk forward and as they go deeper into the place, The temperature have drop increasingly that Lyra started to get worried, but Medusa's hand was an assurance for her already, Medusa's grip on her hand were tight and warm, an unspoken promise that says she won't let go of her.

"We're already there, just hang on a minute." She told her, and Lyra started to see silhouette appear one by one, first she saw rocks, then roots, after that the images have became more prominent, firm, it was like she really can see with how clear the silhouette were. This only happens when she is in extremely bright place, the cold temperature also have increased into a humid one, and soon Lyra started to hear water rush, then the birds softly singing their songs, the crickets makes sounds.

"Where are we?" She finally asked again. Medusa stops from walking and turn towards her.

" The first time that the curse was cast upon me I couldn't control it, I accidentally turn people into stones when I asked for their help, some people I turn into stones are kind people, innocent and I couldn't bring to forgive myself from doing that, so I bring them with me and placed them in this paradise." Medusa looked around the place, there was a big willow tree standing in the middle of the river, there are flowers growing in the fields, the water was crystal clear, and you could see gems on the water floor, but the most noticable thing about the place is the statues of women and men that was in the place. They were one of Medusa's Victims that turns into stones because she couldn't control her power yet.

"I....this place is so bright." Lyra said when she was able to see the silhouette clearly.

" When I'm feeling lonely and sad in turn to this place and sit down next to the statues, I would often talk to them and apologize." She stated looking into one of the statues.

"My curse can only be undone after I die, but I was given this instinct and desire to live, to fight for my life, so sometimes I feel bad for them. Was I selfish?" Lyra was silent for a while just taking in the place, the warmth of the sun felt so good to her skin.

" Wanting to live is not selfish at all, in fact you have every right to live your life." She cast her a small smile and sat down of the grass, the ground was warm too, basking in the light of the sun.

" Come sit with me, tell me a story." She invited Medusa who quickly sat down beside her. Medusa then started to tell her stories, epic ones and about love, she didn't even notice her eyes dropping low, soon she find herself asleep with her head against Medusa's shoulder.