Unknown Happen Stance

Chapter 49: Goddess of Wisdom

(Athena up above, Skylights, imagine a silver bejewled belt where the bodice and skirt split off.)
Every love spell in existence was created by Aphrodite and her son Eros, but instead of fostering true love, these spells only caused chaos and confusion that often led to ultimate destruction.

In the library, Mal leafed through the old history books, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Here it is: Medea! Aside from Circe, she's the second starting line of magical human witches and enchantresses. Those humans who possess magic come from her and her lineage. She has several lines of children. It's said that her first two sons and her first husband were killed because of Eros's infatuation spell, which made her rage skyrocket. I need to find Medea; maybe she's still alive. I wonder if Arthur's half-sister Morganna is actually a new grandchild—maybe that's why she has such a bitter demeanor."

Suddenly, the mirror in front of her shifted, revealing the image of Athena, shimmering in the reflective surface.

"Mal, I tracked my renegade niece to your room; I guess she's already fled," Athena remarked, her voice calm yet laced with concern.

"She did! And she just tried to bewitch me. I think I fought most of it off," Mal replied, her heart racing. "Venta, being Aphrodite's daughter and your younger sister, it makes sense that you call her your niece. I'm so glad you're here. Do you think you could check me over, Goddess of Wisdom and Heroism, just to make sure?"

"Owla, expand and scan," Athena commanded, as a small owl flew off her shoulder, a symbol of her wisdom. It circled around Mal, sensing the changes in her system before returning to perch on Athena's arm, nodding its approval.

"Hmmm, she tried, but it seems your mother's very dark essence is gradually dissolving everything tied about your heart. Your most unstable relationship is with Evie; you're drifting further apart. How many times have you sat and talked with your three island friends?"

"Barely just once, cousin Athena," Mal admitted, a sense of sadness washing over her.

"Good. Speak with Belle; she will arrange a time for all four of you to sit down and chat, darling." Athena's expression softened. "In the meantime, take this—my enchanted pendant of valor. It will minimize Venta's pull towards her goals and give you a boost in courage. I sense you will need it." Athena extended a delicate owl feather pendant that shimmered with a magical essence.

"An owl feather pendant?" Mal asked intrigued as she took it and its string in hand.

"Yes, owls are key symbols of wisdom, and wisdom often leads to courage. You only need to confirm this by speaking with Hercules and his great-great-grandfather, that remarkable human being Perseus. Is there anyone else I should check in on?"

"Could you make sure Audrey's okay? Venta might have gone after her since she couldn't really get to me," Mal replied, her concern for her rival evident.

"For the daughter of my Uncle Hades, always," Athena assured her before she and the owl disappeared from the palace library on Auradon campus.

"At least someone powerful believes in me from my family lineage," Mal whispered, feeling a renewed sense of hope.

Athena embodied the best traits of Zeus and Hera—compassion, skill, and intrigue. Despite her wisdom, she had never resorted to violence, not even toward Medusa when she helped send Perseus on his mission to confront her. Athena was known for transforming negative perspectives into positive outcomes for others in need.

Moments later, Athena entered Audrey's dorm room through the reflective surface of a window.

"Hello, Audrey," she cooed wisely.

"Athena! Where did you come from? My mirror shattered!" Audrey exclaimed, taking a startled step back.

"Sweetheart, mirrors are just one way I communicate and teleport. I can use other reflective surfaces," Athena explained gracefully. She continued, "I encountered a young mortal like yourself—proud, boastful, and loudly claiming that her weaving was more exquisite than mine. You should be cautious about what you prioritize, Princess. If any other goddess had been challenged by the declaration that a mere mortal could make treasures more beautiful than theirs, my acquaintance—"

"Arachne would have been killed instead of simply becoming a spider to leave her majestic mark on the world," Audrey interjected, admiring Athena's wisdom. "You give judgment, but you also offer mercy, allowing those who have offended you to still utilize their skills. I wish I had sisters like that. Hercules is lucky to learn from a half-sister like you as a demi-god. But why are you here?"

"Your Queen of Auradon, my cousin Mal, asked me to drop in on you. I bring a warning from her: you might be visited by my troublesome niece, the daughter of Aphrodite, for whom I constantly have to clean up my younger sister's messes—starting first and foremost with the chaos from the ancient Trojan War. She's spreading her destructive love infatuation spells everywhere. Mal was sincerely concerned for you."

"She was?!" Audrey replied in shock, a knot forming in her stomach at the unexpected gesture. She couldn't believe that Mal had sent a goddess to check on her.

"My niece's name is Venta. Do not heed her voice. As Aurora's daughter, you possess a special gift—you have vision dreams. Heed their signals; a gift once given can never be taken away. Take this owl feather; it will enhance your valor. It is a thin shield, but it's all you need. Be careful, be wary, and stay cautious," Athena advised, her orange gaze steady.

Audrey met Athena's wise eyes, the color resembling that of the common owl, a bird often associated with wisdom. "If you get back to Mal anytime soon, please tell her 'thank you' for me," Audrey said with a nod as she accepted the owl pendant.

Athena nodded in acknowledgment before disappearing with her owl, leaving Audrey alone feeling both empowered and apprehensive.

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