Short Stories for busy people

THE GODS LOVE

"You've got to be kidding me," Lila muttered, staring at the ancient map spread out on the dusty library table. Her best friend, Mark, leaned over her shoulder, his breath hot on her neck. "This is it, Lila. The treasure of the old gods is supposed to be here."

Lila squinted at the faded parchment, her finger tracing the route that had led them through the cobblestone streets of the old town. The place was eerily silent, the only sound being the rustle of leaves from the occasional gust of wind. "But why would they hide it in a place like this?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"Because nobody comes here," Mark replied, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "It's perfect. Think of the power we'd have if we could claim it before anyone else."

The map led them to a narrow alley, the entrance obscured by ivy-covered stones. The air grew thick with a scent that was both sweet and pungent, and the shadows danced around them as if alive. Lila took a deep breath and pushed aside the curtain of vines, revealing a hidden courtyard filled with statues of beings that were both terrifying and eerily beautiful. They were fey creatures, frozen in time, their expressions a blend of joy and malice.

The courtyard was illuminated by a soft, otherworldly glow that emanated from the center, where an ancient fountain stood. Water trickled from the mouths of the fey figures into a pool filled with floating petals. Lila's heart raced as she recognized the sigils etched into the stone. They matched the ones in her grandmother's journal, the ones that spoke of a power so great it could reshape the very fabric of reality.

As they approached, the water in the fountain began to swirl, and the air grew thick with anticipation. The fey figures around the courtyard seemed to lean in closer, their eyes following the two friends as they approached the fountain's edge. The glow grew stronger, and Lila could feel a tingle of energy on her fingertips.

"This is it," Mark said, his voice filled with awe. "The treasure must be here."

Lila reached out to touch the water, her eyes locked on the swirling patterns of light. As her skin made contact, the fountain exploded into life, the water rising up to form a shimmering curtain that blocked their view of the rest of the courtyard. Behind the curtain, she could see shapes moving, the fey creatures coming to life, their laughter echoing through the night.

"Look," Mark whispered, his hand trembling as he pointed to the base of the fountain. A chest had appeared, bound in chains that seemed to be made of pure shadow. The locks glowed with an eerie light, pulsing in time with Lila's heartbeat.

They didn't notice the soft footsteps approaching from the shadows, the figure that had been watching them from the moment they had entered the courtyard. The figure with the knowing smile and eyes that held the secrets of centuries. The figure that was about to change their lives forever.

"Welcome, children," a melodious voice sang out, echoing through the alleyways. A chill ran down Lila's spine as the fey creature stepped into the light, its beauty so intense it was almost painful to look at. It was a woman, yet not quite, with skin that shimmered like moonlit dew and hair that flowed like a river of stars.

"You seek the treasure of the ancients," she said, her eyes dancing with mischief. "But are you ready for the price you must pay?"

Lila's hand hovered over the chest, her heart pounding in her chest. Mark took a step back, his eyes wide with fear. "What price?" he stammered.

The fey woman's smile grew wider, revealing sharp teeth that glinted in the unnatural light. "A simple exchange," she crooned. "The treasure for a taste of your human passion."

Lila felt a strange heat spread through her body, a yearning that was both terrifying and exhilarating. She knew what the fey meant, and part of her was already tempted to give in. Mark grabbed her arm, his grip firm. "We can't," he said. "We don't know what that could do to us."