The weeks leading up to the grand ceremony were a whirlwind of activity, with Isabella at the center of it all. The estate brimmed with life and excitement, each corner transformed into a flurry of preparations as the gods and Caius poured their energy into ensuring everything was perfect for the event that would cement Isabella's place in history.
Isabella shone brighter with each passing day, her charm drawing the gods closer to her as if she were the sun and they, her orbiting stars. Her laughter echoed throughout the halls, warm and contagious, a stark contrast to the heavy silence that loomed in Anna's forgotten corner of the estate.
The gods had become more than mentors to Isabella; they were her constant companions and her greatest admirers.
The Goddess of Harmony, who had initially visited only to offer advice on the ceremony's music, quickly became an inseparable friend. She spent hours in Isabella's company, their voices harmonizing as they composed a song for the grand event. When Isabella struggled with a particular note, the goddess would clasp her hands reassuringly and say, "You're so close! Just try again, my little star."
"Little star" became a nickname the goddess used often, a term of endearment that made Isabella's smile brighter. They laughed as they worked, the goddess conjuring glittering illusions of birds and flowers to inspire their melody.
The God of Wisdom, usually reserved and methodical, found himself captivated by Isabella's curiosity. He patiently answered her every question, no matter how trivial, guiding her through the history of past saints and the significance of the ceremony. One evening, he presented her with an ancient tome, bound in gold and inscribed with prayers meant only for the chosen saint.
"This," he said with a rare smile, "is a gift to honor the one who will bring light to the world."
Isabella blushed at the praise, running her fingers reverently over the tome's intricate cover.
Even the God of Strength, known for his intimidating demeanor, softened in Isabella's presence. He often challenged her to playful contests, like lifting decorative vases or balancing on one foot while holding a heavy candelabra. "You're stronger than you look, little one," he'd say with a booming laugh when she succeeded, ruffling her hair affectionately.
The gods treated Isabella not only as their protégé but as their equal. They invited her into their divine conversations, asking for her opinion on ceremonial details and praising her insight.
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Caius, meanwhile, was more devoted to Isabella than ever. Whether in his human form or his sleek, silver-furred wolf form, he rarely left her side.
During the long hours of preparation, Caius took it upon himself to guard Isabella's every step. When she practiced her ceremonial walk in the grand hall, he prowled the edges of the room in wolf form, his golden eyes scanning for any hint of danger. Occasionally, he would nudge her hand with his snout, silently encouraging her.
When Isabella laughed and said, "Caius, I think I can walk without tripping, you know," he shifted back into his human form with a teasing smirk. "Maybe so, but you can't blame me for being cautious, can you?"
Their bond was evident to everyone. Caius wasn't just her protector; he was her confidant. She often leaned close to him during discussions with the gods, whispering her thoughts into his ear. He would nod or chuckle softly, his eyes alight with a warmth that he reserved only for her.
One afternoon, when the God of Life mentioned that Isabella might feel overwhelmed during the ceremony, Caius had interrupted with a quiet but firm, "She'll be fine. I'll make sure of it."
The gods exchanged knowing smiles; their approval of Caius's unwavering loyalty clear.
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Late one evening, after a long day of preparations, Caius found himself alone in the grand hall. The torches cast long, flickering shadows on the walls, and the soft hum of celestial magic lingered in the air. It was then that the God of Life entered, his presence a mixture of serene authority and palpable energy. He approached Caius, who was seated near the hearth, his expression uncharacteristically pensive.
"You're quiet tonight, young wolf," the god observed, his voice rich and warm, though lined with curiosity.
Caius stood immediately, offering a respectful bow. "My apologies, my lord. I was... thinking."
The god gestured for Caius to sit again and took the chair opposite him. For a moment, the two sat in silence, the crackling fire filling the space between them. Finally, the god spoke again, his tone contemplative.
"You've grown very close to Isabella," he said, his eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. "She trusts you deeply."
Caius nodded, his gaze fixed on the flames. "She's extraordinary. The strength she carries—it's unmatched. And yet... she suffers so much." His voice faltered, heavy with emotion. "I see it in her eyes sometimes, the weight she bears for the world. She hides it well, but it's there."
The god leaned back, his expression grave. "Yes. The burden of the chosen is not an easy one to bear. Isabella has already endured more than most could in a lifetime. Every step she takes, every smile she offers—it comes at a cost."
Caius clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "It's not fair. She's just a girl. Why must she carry this alone?"
"She doesn't carry it alone," the god said firmly. "We are here for her. You are here for her. But the path of a saint is one of sacrifice. That is the reality of her role."
Caius looked down, his mind swirling with conflicting emotions. "I just wish... I could take some of that pain away. That I could do more for her."
The god studied him for a moment, his gaze penetrating. "You've already done much, Caius. Your loyalty, your protection—they mean more to her than you realize."
There was a pause before the god leaned forward, his tone shifting to one of quiet intensity. "But there is something more you can do."
Caius met the god's eyes, a flicker of determination sparking within him. "Anything. Tell me what I can do."
"You can ensure that she remains safe," the god said, his voice firm. "Isabella's light is fragile, even as it shines so brightly. There are forces in this world—forces of envy, darkness, and malice—that would seek to extinguish it. You must be vigilant."
Caius's mind immediately went to Anna. He didn't want to believe it, but the incidents surrounding Isabella—the scratches, the strange tension—had become too frequent to ignore.
"Anna," Caius said finally, his voice tinged with reluctance. "You think she's... dangerous."
The god's expression darkened slightly. "It's not for us to judge motives, only actions. And Anna's actions, whether deliberate or not, have caused Isabella distress. That alone is enough to warrant concern."
"But she's just a girl," Caius said, though even as he spoke, doubt crept into his voice. "She's weak, broken. I don't think she even knows how to harm anyone."
The god's eyes narrowed, his tone sharpening. "Weakness does not absolve one of responsibility. Even a weak soul can bring ruin if left unchecked. Anna's presence has brought pain to Isabella, and that is something we cannot allow."
Caius was silent for a long moment, his thoughts churning. He thought of Anna's frail figure, her timid demeanor. But he also thought of Isabella's tearful eyes, her whispered confessions of fear.
"She doesn't mean to hurt her," Caius said finally, though his voice lacked conviction.
The god sighed, a note of weariness in his tone. "Perhaps not. But intention matters little when harm is done. Anna is a shadow that looms over Isabella's light, and shadows must be dispelled."
Caius felt a cold weight settle in his chest. He hated the idea of hurting Anna, but the thought of Isabella suffering even a moment more was unbearable.
"I'll protect her," he said quietly, his resolve hardening. "Whatever it takes. I won't let anything happen to her."
The god's expression softened, a faint smile gracing his lips. "You have a good heart, Caius. Isabella is fortunate to have someone as steadfast as you by her side."
As the fire crackled between them, the god rested a hand on Caius's shoulder. "We will protect her together. With the gods, her family, and you at her side, Isabella will rise to her rightful place as the chosen one. And nothing—not even Anna—will stand in her way."
Caius nodded, the firelight reflecting in his golden eyes. For the first time, he felt a grim certainty in his purpose. Isabella deserved the best, and if protecting her meant keeping Anna at bay, he would do it without hesitation.
In the back of his mind, though, a small voice whispered doubts—a voice he silenced as quickly as it came.