Rising

Chapter 2

We walked side by side in the now familiar park of the estate, laughing.

"The most amusing part was when Mr. Abram's button popped off his pants and his trousers fell down! I almost feared it might hit someone!" the governor was saying, talking about the last dance.He was right; it had been a truly hilarious moment. Mr. Abram, usually so composed and servile, had turned as red as the tip of his ears that evening. He seemed like he wanted to bury himself beneath the intricately patterned tiles of the ballroom. I glanced at my attire for a brief moment; I was wearing my armor, which to an inattentive eye might appear to be an entire leather suit, but it was actually made of lightweight plates. It was black, and two stylized orange and gleaming suns were placed on the sides. As always, I was wearing high heels; my motto had always been "fight with style!" I never engaged in combat to kill; I fought solely to defend the Governor.It had been one hundred and thirty-two years since I became the youngest general in the army of Lys. Technology had evolved significantly over the centuries, allowing with its advanced studies and equipment for Devertech devices to materialize any kind of weapon in the hands of its possessor, with the option to change it as they pleased. The Devertech was an inconspicuous button that could be embedded in armor, pendants, jewelry, watches, and more. It had various functions depending on the user's needs. The materials that covered it and its color varied according to the buyer's taste. It had been constructed by the finest scientists of Lys and Siyah, and it contained the most precious pieces of modern microtechnology. It could function as a phone, scanner, navigator, seeker, and in many other ways beyond those already mentioned. All other ranks and the army were equipped with a Devertech, including me, of course.I was very skilled in handling any type of weapon, as I had devoted my entire life to training to wield them all without difficulty. The only types I enjoyed handling were highly resistant and lightweight shields – which could block any type of bullet or arrow – accompanied by a sword. However, my Devertech wasn't intended for summoning weapons, as I possessed very particular and unique types. From legends, they were known as astral weapons, and I could summon them only through the amber ring given to me on my fifteenth birthday. They had been forged by the Sun itself, whom I could call to my side whenever I needed. I had learned to erect strong and impenetrable barriers, both visible and invisible, thanks to my gift. It was impossible for me to die of old age, but my opinion on that matter was quite contrary. The thought of having watched my mother die while I had maintained my youthful appearance tormented me for years.Every time I formed a connection with someone, I had to let them go when their time came, knowing that my fate would be different. So, I had tried not to get too attached to mortals, but without success. Amidst all that tragedy, there was a consolation right there beside me, smiling with his white and perfectly aligned teeth partially hidden by his thin lips. He had a perfect nose and gray, almost white, eyes that shone brighter than ever. Black hair fell over his face, emphasizing his handsome features. Over the years, he had grown muscular and tall, so alluring that it was hard to believe he truly existed. His name was Deimos. It was difficult for me to recognize him as the little defenseless child I had known long ago. Every part of me was drawn to him without a rational reason, but it wasn't limited to his attractive appearance alone. I admired his manners, so elegant, diplomatic, and composed in every situation. His deep and warm voice, his way of expressing himself and observing, most of the time in silence. I loved his moody and often distant nature, so enigmatic that I felt light-years away even when we were inches apart.