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Chapter Three

NERISSA

"Hello, Nerissa." Cupid greets happily. The God of Love can make anyone feel things but his voice rolls down my back in the best way. Noticing how intense Cupid's gaze is on me, my cheeks can't help but to heat up — just slightly. We don't get many major Gods in Lani, they are often too preoccupied with day to day duties but for some reason Cupid has always found interest in me.

I know it is not good to think of men in such a vulgar way but Cupid is hot. He is exactly what the god of love should appear as — dashingly handsome but a sprinkle of chaos glints in his eye. "What is that thing you have there?"

"A book?" I giggle. "You should pick one up sometime."

"I do, occasionally." He smirks before gesturing to the ground beside me. "May I?"

I nod. "Please do."

He lays on the emerald grass and gently caresses my back. The feeling brings a soft smile to my face as my eyes close. He is always so loving, I know that is his job but it is so true. He has so much love for the world to begin with but when he focuses on you it is easy to get trapped in. He is always kind and good with kids and somebody you can rely on. Where there is a dependable and safe side, though like love, there is a chaotic and unpredictable side as well. I am scared of risks but it seems the Cupid lives to take them.

That is why he has found me so interesting because I am the opposite of him. Plus, he knows that I will never test the waters without going to Phane's Temple and asking permission for me to give myself over to a man. Phanes knows what's best for me, I allow him to tell me when I am making the right or wrong decision. I have faith in him and so far he hasn't given me an indication that I should be with Cupid. I am sure he would approve if I straight up ask in my prayers. He has answered all my prayers. Every single one of them. Giving me exactly what I need and that is why I thanked him heavily for it.

"You hide your wings so well. Why? They're the biggest, most beautiful. I don't understand, Rissa." He asks as I stop reading to glance back at my wingless appearance.

"Well, you know. Special occasions and such."

The sun beames off his amazingly golden, strawberry-blonde hair and I find myself having an urge to brush my fingers through it. I have always dreamt of love and everything it can bring to me. I read about it, and it sounds lovely but I have yet to ever really experience it. Intimacy is an undoubtedly scary thing, I can not imagine being so personal with anyone but Phanes.

Cupid is my best friend, I suppose and maybe a part of me did not want to ruin that. He is a little younger than me by a decade but we have known each other for a century now. In the century we have known each other there has always been this feeling between us that wasn't platonic. It is hard to tell with Cupid, though, because he is a flirtatious being. Either way, I am okay at the idea of Cupid and I being more, one day. But there is a little nagging space that questions whether or not he is my full potential? Is he all I'll ever deserve?

"Lani to Nerissa, are you there?" He questions softly before pulling my chin to meet his eyes.

"I'm here, just enjoying the quiet." I whisper softly and he flashes me a bright smile. We sit in silence as we stare into each other's eyes. His are a lot like mine in color — beautiful and piercing blue. It compliments him extremely well.

Cupid brushes a strand of my golden hair out of the way as I peer at him, his warm thumb caresses my cheek, my lips part at the soothing sensation. Cupid leans forward and my heart lurches heavily in my throat as I pull away sharply. "I'm sorry, I can't."

"What?" He says sharply. I gather my book, quickly and then stand up. "When are you going to stop denying me and give me what I want?"

"What exactly is it that you want?" I ask as I gaze down at him.

"You. It has always been you."

"You know better than to go against the great Phanes's word. We both do." I reply as I lick my bottom lip. "We need to keep things in line, Cupid. Our needs come last no matter your feelings for me. Besides, you have not asked for his permission yet, to have me in this way."

I cross my arms while watching the six-foot-four man stand up. He towers over me, it feels like. "One day, you will be mine. I promise you, Princess. You cannot deny me forever."

I scoff with a raised eyebrow. "Talk to me when you ask for the greater god's permission. I am not denying you, stupid Cupid, I am telling you to earn me."

Then, I turn on my heels, whilst flipping my hair in his face, and strutting off. I can hear him let out a sigh, he says my name but I turn the corner paying no mind to the god. Who did he think he was? I can tell you right now who he wasn't.

You just don't lean in for a kiss without consent. He must have lost his mind thinking I would go against my creator. That isn't the risen angel I am made to be. I do not care who you are but you will respect me. Even if you are a god.

I go back into the library, needing to find sanctuary after that offense. The librarian's daughter, Helu, asks me what is wrong and if she can get me anything. I reply with a simple, "Hibiscus tea, please. Two sugars."

She hurries off to get what I asked for as I sit in the bay window. It is coated by a series of vines and flowers. She brings back the tea in what feels like seconds. I offer her my smile before sipping on the cup. She gives me one back before going to disappear in the stacks of books.

The tea relaxes me as I read my book. As if Mother Nature can feel my shift of emotion, the sound of rain splinters the silence. I love the smell of rain, the way it clings to everything that it touches. It meant Mother Nature was listening to me. I could use her right about now.

I decide to stay in and wait until the rain stops which doesn't take too long. I am readying myself to journey back home when I am offered a coat. I politely decline. They didn't want my hair to be ruined, which I appreciate, but I just want to feel the cool air on my skin. I say my goodbyes and hold the book to my chest tightly. The sun is setting, as Eve comes to fruition.

I don't know why but a weird feeling, that I do not appreciate, settles into my stomach. Deciding to take the back way to the palace I decide to cut through a small street. I smile as I wave to some families and give them a quick excuse as to my hurry to get home. I am not in the mood for any conversation considering Cupid's actions.

Speaking of, I need to let him know as soon as possible that I am uncomfortable with his actions. They are not okay and they go against what I believe in, what I thought he believed in too. Continuing to walk, I hear someone following behind. I don't even bother to glance back, it is, probably the women and children rushing home for dinner.

I see many of those as I pass. It is adorable. I love seeing their happiness and joy on their faces as they hug their fathers after he has come back from a long day at work. It is refreshing. I turn the corner but someone takes hold of my arms. It is shocking that I do not scream immediately, I attempt to twist out of their grasp before a rag is placed over my mouth. I scream but it is too late and I see the world blur and then I am falling backwards into darkness.

CHAPTER FOUR