The weight of the day's events pressed heavily on my mind as I sat alone in the dimly lit room, the remnants of my shattered cabin looming like specters in my thoughts. The clock on the wall ticked relentlessly, each second echoing in the silence. It was almost 3 a.m, and the world outside was cloaked in darkness.
The door swung open, startling me as I heard soft footsteps approach my bedside. With my peripheral vision, I could see Rhea approaching my bed, carefully sitting beside me. Her hands slowly crept onto my lap, gently stroking my fingers with her icy fingers.
"Are you alright, Master?" She asked, her voice laced with concern.
I smiled at her reassuringly "I'm fine, Rhea" I responded softly, trying to mask my emotions with my tone. "I'm going to sleep now" I added.
"Yes master, please sleep well" Rhea replied politely. "I will keep watch over you".
"Thank you, Rhea" I thanked her kindly.
My eyes slowly sliding shut as my breathing became deep and steady. Sleep began to overtake me as images of the events of the day passed through my mind, one by one, creating a hazy veil obscuring everything else. I soon drifted off to sleep as my consciousness slipped away and I sank into peaceful slumber...
Seeing her master asleep, Rhea let out a content smile at the peaceful look upon his face. Seeing him sleeping so peacefully and calmly made her heart soften and warm up with joy.
"Ohh my master~" She murmured quietly, softly biting her lower lips and her blue eyes flickered excitedly at the sight in front of her.
Her hand slowly moved down his torso, she traced the outlines of his muscles beneath his shirt and his chest, feeling his heartbeat. Her breath quickened as her fingers slowly moved downwards.
Her delicate fingertips trailed over the contours of his stomach, gently caressing his abdomen while she trailed downward. She gently traced his abs, feeling the smooth and muscular skin. His muscular physique stirred her senses. but suddenly, her hand paused momentarily as a tingle of realization hit her.
"W-W-What am I doing to master?!" She whispered desperately to herself. "When did I become so bold?!"
She quickly retreated her hand from his body as her cheeks flushed scarlet, staring down at the floor in a mix of panic and embarrassment. She felt extremely flustered and embarrassed about what she had just done.
Quickly, she gathered together what dignity she had left and kneeled on the floor next to the bed, praying silently that her master don't wake up and scold her for such sinful actions....
****
─The Church Of Astalah
"So they have failed?" A deep feminine voice echoed throughout the chamber.
"Y-Yes, Lady Lilithea" a pale figure bowed deeply, his entire body trembling uncontrollably. "H-How do you know?"
In front of him sat a woman. Half her face covered by a red veil which fell past her neck, revealing a set of sharp angular features and piercing crimson eyes. Her blonde hair cascaded loosely around her face. Her skin was paler than snow, almost translucent. She wore a long red dress that draped elegantly over her curves.
"I turned them into ashes myself" She answered nonchalantly, annoyed by this display of incompetence. "Do I need to handle even this myself?" She spoke sternly, her eyes narrowed menacingly.
The man gulped nervously, his lips trembling as he felt her icy stare bore into his soul. A chill suddenly crept across his entire body, causing his muscles to stiffen. He swallowed loudly before replying, "N-No... No Lady Lilithea, please forgive me for letting such incompetence slip. I beg of you, accept my humble apologies."
"Very well, but..." She leaned forwards and stared closely at the young man's shaking form. "If it happens again, you shall face the same fate"
As soon as those words left her lips, a sinister aura emanated from her, as the chamber itself began to shake violently. It was then that the young man understood. He knew exactly what punishment awaited him once she was through with him. He knew full well that the wrath of Lady Lilithea was far scarier than the flames that raged in her eyes.
He couldn't utter any words in response, merely bowing profusely in fear and despair until his forehead rested on the floor in obedience.
"The second ritual will be carried out soon. I won't accept any interruptions this time" She said firmly, her voice laced with fury as she glanced at him and he continued to quiver. "You will not fail me again," She added, her scarlet eyes darkened ominously.
The man nodded frantically, not daring to speak another word. He hurriedly rose to his feet and fled the chamber as fast as his legs would carry him, not daring to spare a glance behind him.
"The ritual must not fail again this time" She muttered silently.