Once Upon a Story [ SLOW UPDATES ]

Beautiful Heart

There's one more Greek mythology-themed story left. I thought this wasn't going to end well, but it did. I'm pleasantly surprised. Also, these stories got me researching. I got sources. I feel professional 😂

Prompt
The MC is cursed by a god with lethal touch. Hephaestus agrees to make special gloves if the character does something for him.

Word count: 1871
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Adriana was a priestess living in the city of Corinth. Growing up, she had dedicated her life to serving Aphrodite in her temple. Corinthians coming to pray always felt an aura from the woman when she passed by.

They called her to paidí tis agápis, the child of love. In other's eyes, she was Aphrodite's sent messenger, communicating their prayers to her. Hearing this, Aphrodite became displeased. Who was this woman that they proclaimed her most faithful servant?

Disguised as a dove, she snuck into the temple, watching the priestess work. She quickly understood why they had given Adriana her name. Unlike most Greek women, she was the epitome of beauty with her floor-length chestnut hair, soft hazel eyes, and perfectly curved frame. Her sun-kissed skin glowed under the candlelight, giving off an otherworldly appearance.

But despite her uncanny resemblance to the goddess, Adriana never claimed herself as beautiful. She accepted all the compliments but kept reminding them she was only human.

"Our deity of love and beauty is surely more magnificent than I."

For a woman serving the Queen of vanity, she had none herself. Aphrodite was impressed and gave her faithful servant a gift: a vial containing a powerful aphrodisiac. It was an odd gift to receive, especially for a priestess, but Adrianna saw it as a challenge of faith. She hid the gift and returned to her tasks.

That day is when things went awry.

Another woman, jealous of her attention from the goddess, sought to harm her reputation. She rummaged through Adriana's bedding and found the aphrodisiac. She laced some food with the drug and served Adriana the plate, who gratefully accepted the kind gesture.

It wouldn't take more than a few minutes before she realized something was wrong.

Adriana felt feverish and wouldn't stop sweating. She pieced things together and knew the girl had found the vial. Afraid anything would happen, Adriana decided to flee the temple. She walked out with her hands tightly clutching her chiton, trying to suppress her growing desire.

A figure held her shoulders, forcing her to stop. Slowed down by the effects of the drug, she had no time to react, and the figure swept her away. Aphrodite descended to visit her honoured priestess and raged as she saw a man upon her breast, defiling her at her altar.

"You wretched harlot! How dare you!"

Adriana explained the situation, saying another had tampered with her food. "My whole life, I've dedicated to you. I would never dare bring dishonour upon your name. You must believe this woman's innocence."

Aphrodite would listen to none of it. She cursed Adriana with a lethal touch and vanished from her sight. Adriana sobbed that night. She had lost her honour and would likely lose the child the night had forced upon her.

Knowing she could no longer serve in the temple, she announced her departure to the head priestess, explaining the situation in detail.

"May Tyche accompany you on your journey."

She cut her hair as a final sacrifice and fled. She didn't know where she would end up but hoped to find shelter soon. A few days into her journey, she collapsed.