Ophidian's Genesis (UNDER REVISION)

CHAPTER 3

Amid the unsettling silence, whispers drifted through the starry night, carrying secrets. There was a figure on a stone platform, glowing dreamily in the moonlight, who appeared to be kissed by the moonlight that covered her pale skin.

The trees prayed to Mother Terra, "Mother Terra, grant this forsaken soul another chance," their pleas blending with the soft breeze of night. Vines suddenly slithered out and wrapped around her body. They provided her a strange comfort, a bizarre mixture of warmth and chill, rather than a confining force.

A melodic voice spoke up in the cold zephyrs, "Cannenta, mend her heart, body, and soul. Purge the taint that ails her." A tingling feeling that rejuvenated her blood and instilled newfound energy in her skin occurred when the vines touched her, healing her wounds and relieving her of burdens.

A woman's voice called, "Awaken."

The teen stirred with the command, her eyes flickering open to the peaceful night. A veiled woman with half of her face hidden from view stood in front of her.

The mysterious being stepped forward and said, "Your essence is pure. Your spirit is cleansed." "What is your name, child?"

Still heavy-lidded, whilst the vines retracted away from her, the child spoke of her name, "Seline... I am Seline."

The woman took off her cloak to reveal herself, in an attempt to show that Seline is safe in her presence, "What a beauty you are, Seline. I'm Alana." Her vision cleared even more, she could see details of this woman's face. Every pore and blemish, if you could even call that. Alana's hair is perfectly curled with a few gray hairs present. The woman's cheeks are full, her face round. Seline just now realized that this woman's stature was tall and plump-but a bit muscular. Seline's eyes glimmered in awe. 'What a woman.' She thought.

This woman was so beautiful she couldn't even start to describe how gorgeous she was. Tan skin and beautiful curly hair, "You're a beauty." Seline blurted out. Alana smiled widely and chuckled, "You and me both." Alana gave Seline some space, "Can you stand? I need to clothe you or you'll freeze."

Seline didn't even realize it but she was embarrassed, and attempted to sit up, "I think." She winced out. Slowly, she stood. Alana gave her clothing and she put it on. It was a sundress, a jacket, and a pair of boots. "Thank you." Seline almost bowed. "Don't mention it." Alana gave her a respectful nod. "I don't know how to thank you enough." Seline says, still stunned.

Alana shook her head, "Come." She started to walk. Seline followed like the obedient girl she is.

They walked through the forest, the air alive with the soft hum of nature. Alana's confident stride contrasted Seline's hesitant steps, her gaze darting around the unfamiliar woods. They came to a sudden stop before an unassuming patch of earth.

Before Seline could question, Alana raised her hand and muttered words in an ancient tongue. The ground beneath them trembled, and slowly, a grand mansion emerged from the earth as if summoned by the forest itself.

"Wow," Seline breathed, awe-struck by the sight.

Alana led her inside, the mansion's interior a perfect blend of elegance and mystique. A grand chandelier, made of antlers and adorned with glowing orbs, hung from the ceiling. Vines crept up the walls, their leaves whispering to the pixies that tended to the plants. The air was filled with the aroma of herbs and the faint rustle of unseen creatures.

Entering the beautiful mansion, Seline was all speechless. She'd never seen such a place with elegance and mystique. The chandelier looked as if it were made of deer antlers and wood, perfectly placed with powerfully lit candles. The staircase on both sides with red carpeting. Vines spread throughout the walls, and the plants in the pot were being tended to and lived in by pixies.