FORBIDDEN

12

Lily coughs, stumbling away from Blade as she rubs her temples.

"Ugh, why can't we just take a plane next time?"

Blade fought an incredible urge to crack a smile at how distressed and clumsy she was from traveling through the portal.

"Come on, let's get something to eat."

Lily followed Blade along the stone roads as she silently stare in awe at all the details within her new surroundings. It was still early in the morning, a few moments before the sun would fully rise and people were slowly awakening to start their day. The breeze from the water was refreshing to the warm morning dew covering the city. People were casually biking by them, opening their little stores for customers, and watering their greenery.

"Where are we?" Lily whispered, trying to engulf all the new beauty around her as she was passing by.

"Chania." Blade responded, taking in the blissful moment in front of him, watching her bask in the mild sunlight with her soft brown eyes twinkling as she was eagerly taking in the details around her. For a moment he was proud to think he has a claim on this women, to be in possession of something so pure and angel-like.

"There's someone we need to meet." Blade stated, glancing back at Lily as he strolled into a closed coffee shop.

The shop was filled with variety of greenery and flowers, blossoming and vibrant in its peaked forms. Despite the plants being kept inside of a coffee shop, the growth and vibrancy of how well they've grown shows how they have been well taken care of.

"Blade, what an astonishing surprise." A red-haired woman appeared from behind a counter and elegantly strolled towards them. She was tall, lean and had a caring aura around her that made Lily feel peaceful. The woman was breathtakingly beautiful that she practically glowed, despite the humbleness of her nature. She peered at behind Blade and shot Lily a heart-warming smile.

"I see you've brought some company."

"This is Lily, I've come to ask you for some help."

The woman raised an eyebrow and showed a hint of surprise. "As startling and intriguing that the almighty Blade is asking for help, I can't skip introductions now. The name is Antheia." She smiled at Lily. "Now what possible conflict do you have Blade, that is enough to make you come all the way here to ask me for my help?"

"It is Deimos. He seems to be conjuring some sort of plan, I'm not sure what his intentions are this time."

"Deimos? Is that really what has you troubled? You two have been dueling for centuries, and you've been able to handle yourself each time."

"Things are different this time. He's been more bold. I feel that it has to do with my new-found mate."

Antheia took a startled and puzzled look at Lily. "You have a mate?"

"I don't know what games the Gods are playing, but she recently appeared and so has Deimos' irksome presence. This abruptness in my life seems more than just a series of events. It is why I appear to you; to help me see what intentions lie ahead."

"It's been centuries since your life has gotten this interesting, Blade. Let me see how I can help, let's chatter over some coffee, shall we?" Antheia walked towards the back of her shop as Lily and Blade sat down at an nearby table.

"Is she...like you?" Lily whispered to Blade.

"Something besides a werewolf, you mean? Yes."

"What is she?"

"She's one of the only Goddesses I am able to stand in that realm. As you can see, her strengths revolve around flowers and crops. Antheia has always shown me support over the past centuries."