Chapter 7: Strange Being

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"I love you," Cindy suddenly declared, holding Aurianna's hands tightly.

A sense of unease crept over Aurianna as Cindy's breathing grew labored, and she inched closer, groping her thigh. A mixture of confusion, nervousness, and fear clouded Aurianna's expression. What had triggered this sudden change in Cindy's behavior? They had been engaged in a normal conversation just moments ago. Why was she acting this way?

Cindy's breath, hot against Aurianna's face, and her flushed complexion only heightened Aurianna's concern. Something was definitely amiss. "Cindy..." Aurianna began, her voice laced with worry.

"I love you, Aurianna," Cindy whispered into her ear, her words barely audible.

Shock and bewilderment washed over Aurianna as she gazed at Cindy. Where had this come from? What was the meaning behind these unexpected declarations? Aurianna attempted to remove Cindy's hand from her thigh, but Cindy's grip tightened, refusing to let go.

A rush of emotions flooded Aurianna's mind. Confusion, concern, and a growing sense of discomfort mingled within her. She needed to understand what was happening, to address this sudden shift in their dynamic. Summoning her courage, Aurianna mustered her strength and gently but firmly spoke up.

"Cindy, this behavior is making me uncomfortable," Aurianna expressed, her voice steady but tinged with apprehension. "We were having a friendly conversation, and I didn't expect things to take this turn. Can you please explain what's going on?"

A flicker of realization washed over Cindy as she recognized Aurianna's unease. Her grip on Aurianna's thigh gradually loosened, allowing Aurianna to retract her hand. Stepping back, Cindy's expression morphed from intensity to a mixture of anger and sadness.

"Do you have any idea how jealous I was when Kent took your virginity?" Cindy uttered with a tone that carried a tinge of frustration. "I wanted to pummel him into the ground, tear him apart, but I could only watch helplessly since he's as strong as me." Her voice wavered with a hint of sadness, yet an undercurrent of anger lingered. "But don't worry, we can escape together and start a new life as a family."

A beam of hope crossed Cindy's face as she reached out, once again taking hold of Aurianna's hands. Her eyes sparkled, but there was a touch of desperation that bordered on the edge of madness.

"What on earth are you saying, Cindy?" Aurianna questioned, her shock still palpable. Cindy had never displayed such behavior before. Among her three companions, Cindy had always been the kindest and friendliest towards her. Aurianna paused, taking a deep breath to compose herself. She needed to approach this situation rationally and with a level head. However, finding that calm eluded her. Cindy's earlier words replayed in her mind, causing a deep furrow to etch across her brow. "So, Cindy knew all this time?" she pondered inwardly.

Aurianna's gaze sharpened as she locked eyes with Cindy, her tone turning cold and distant. "I'm sorry, but I don't share the same feelings for you," she stated bluntly.

The atmosphere grew heavy with tension as the weight of their diverging emotions hung in the air. Aurianna's response seemed to catch Cindy off guard, momentarily deflating her hopeful demeanor. The reality of the situation settled in, their friendship now confronted with the harsh truth of unreciprocated love.

Aurianna knew that delicate steps needed to be taken to preserve their bond. She reached out, placing a hand on Cindy's shoulder with a mix of empathy and firmness in her touch. "Cindy, I value our friendship deeply," Aurianna began, her voice carrying a soft yet resolute tone. "But it's important for us to be honest with each other. I can't force myself to feel something I don't, and it wouldn't be fair to either of us if we pursued a relationship based on anything less than genuine love. Alao i’m not into girls."

Cindy's sudden confession sent a chilling wave down Aurianna's spine, reminiscent of the unsettling vibes Kent had emitted that fateful night. Aurianna's instinct screamed at her to escape the situation as swiftly as possible, desperate to avoid a repetition of the events that had unfolded just days ago.

"Why, Aurianna? What did I do wrong? Why can't you love me? What am I lacking...? Why can't you love women?" Cindy's voice turned cold, her gaze piercing, causing Aurianna's body to tremble involuntarily.

Aurianna felt a sense of unease wash over her. Cindy seemed to have lost touch with reason, unwilling to listen or understand. Aurianna's mind raced, grappling with the best course of action to diffuse the escalating tension. But before she could respond, Cindy spoke again, her words tinged with possessiveness.

"No, it doesn't matter right now. You'll learn to love me eventually. We can escape together, and I promise I'll protect you. I won't let that idiot Derek lay a finger on your body and defile it. It belongs to me and me alone!"

A sense of dread tightened Aurianna's chest as she witnessed Cindy's demeanor grow more aggressive and possessive. Aurianna knew she needed to find a way out of this situation, to assert her boundaries and protect her own well-being. But as Cindy pinned her to the ground, attempting to kiss her, Aurianna shook her head vehemently, refusing to succumb to Cindy's advances. espite Aurianna's resistance, Cindy's hands began to wander over Aurianna's body, exploring her thighs.

With a predatory gaze akin to Kent's, Cindy continued to ravage Aurianna's body with her hands, planting kisses on her neck, driven by lustful desire. Struggling against Cindy's grip, Aurianna pushed back, her voice trembling but filled with determination. "Cindy, this is not what I want, and it's not how you should be treating me. Please, stop."

The atmosphere hung heavy with tension as Aurianna's words hung in the air, pleading for reason and respect. But Cindy seemed blinded by her desires, her hands continuing to wander over Aurianna's body, violating her personal space.

Aurianna's heart raced, her instincts urging her to fight back. Summoning every ounce of strength, she managed to free herself from Cindy's grasp, scrambling to her feet. Her expression hardened, her gaze unwavering as she stared at Cindy with a mix of anger and disappointment.

"This is not who you are, Cindy," Aurianna asserted, her voice steady but laced with sadness. "I thought I knew you better than this. I cannot and will not accept this kind of behavior. We need to have a serious conversation about boundaries and respect."

"What on earth do you think you know about me?! Making up these illusions about my personality and behavior? If you were truly my friend, you would have accepted my confession. I mean, isn't that what friends do, right?" Cindy's words were accompanied by a deranged smile, and Aurianna couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Cindy, you're out of your mind, all of you are!" Aurianna shouted, forcefully pushing Cindy away. She was furious at the chaotic turn of events. Did they all see her as some object to impose their love upon?!

"Oh, Aurianna, once we're back, I'm going to keep you locked up, my precious princess. My sweet love, you'll never be able to escape," Cindy declared, her voice filled with a mixture of tenderness and anger. She gently trailed her hand along the side of Aurianna's face before abruptly gripping her chin, a menacing tone creeping into her voice. "But if you dare try to run away, I'll make sure you suffer or I'll cripple you."

Aurianna was filled with even more revulsion towards Cindy. Just because she was a hero didn't grant her the right to imprison someone in the name of love! That wasn't love at all!

"Let go of me! Release me! You're just the same as Kent, a disgusting maniac!! " Aurianna exclaimed in frustration, her voice laced with anger as she unleashed a swift kick towards Cindy.

Cindy completely disregarded Aurianna's protests, pouncing on her and forcibly attempting to undress her. Aurianna's delicate, exposed breasts caught Cindy's lustful gaze, causing her to lick her lips. Overwhelmed by desire, Cindy had transformed into an animal consumed by sexual cravings. Aurianna, however, was determined not to allow Cindy to have her way.

Frantically scanning the surroundings of the tent, Aurianna sought anything that could halt Cindy's advances. Her eyes landed on a nearby wine bottle, and she swiftly seized it while Cindy was preoccupied with removing her own clothes. Closing in on Cindy, Aurianna smashed the bottle against Cindy's temple, delivering a powerful blow that immediately rendered her unconscious. Shards of broken glass and wine splattered across Cindy's body.

Releasing the bottle, Aurianna quickly retrieved spare clothes from her ring and hastily dressed herself. With a sense of urgency, she darted into the forest from behind the tent, pushing her legs to their limits in a desperate bid to create distance between herself and Cindy. Aurianna knew all too well that Cindy wouldn't be defeated so easily, so it was crucial to put as much distance as possible between them.

The weight of the revelation that her own brother and the heroes she had once idolized harbored such perverse desires towards her filled Aurianna with an overwhelming sense of repulsion. Disgust and betrayal gnawed at her core as she pressed on, determined to escape and find solace in a place where she could be shielded from those who sought to exploit her.

Amidst her relentless sprint, Aurianna couldn't help but ponder the Hero, Derek, in comparison. The thought of being unable to escape his clutches left her with a deep sense of despair. Nevertheless, she pushed these distressing thoughts aside and focused on the task at hand. Her worn-out boots scraped against the rocky terrain, while branches and undergrowth left trails of scratches upon her skin. However, Aurianna paid little attention to the physical discomfort. Her only objective was to keep running, to put as much distance as possible between herself and the vile beings she had encountered.

With each stride, a singular goal resonated within Aurianna's mind. She repeated it like a mantra, reaffirming her determination. "I must reach the palace. There, at least, I can find refuge and escape the clutches of these abhorrent creatures," she muttered to herself, clinging to this glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. The image of the palace became a beacon of safety in her thoughts, urging her forward.

Through the dense forest, she continued her relentless journey, thoughts echoing repeatedly as she moved. Step by step, she willed herself closer to the sanctuary she sought, drawing strength from the belief that within those palace walls, she might finally find respite from the horrors that haunted her every step.

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"I'm feeling so weak and famished," Aurianna mused to herself, her eyes growing hazy. She had been running nonstop, or so it seemed. Her stomach twisted with hunger, and her weary legs throbbed with pain, as if engulfed in flames.

She tried her best to brush off the sensations, but they proved overpowering. Eventually, she succumbed to exhaustion, collapsing beneath the sheltering branches of a tree. Fatigue settled upon her, a heavy blanket from the night.

Amidst the darkness, the towering trees swayed in rhythm with the evening breeze, accompanied by the haunting howls of wolves and the melodious chirping of crickets. It was during this ethereal scene that two mysterious figures traversed the forest, their eyes falling upon Aurianna, sprawled on the ground, her weariness evident.

"Seems to be a human," one of them remarked, studying Aurianna's appearance intently.

"Are you absolutely certain?" the other a man queried, his suspicions lingering and his partner nodded.

"Humans aren't usually blessed with such beauty; she might be a fairy," the man responded, sounding unsure.

"But why is she the size of a human then?" the skeptic woman inquired, her doubt still lingering.

"Well, in my humble opinion," the man insisted with conviction, while the woman couldn't help but let out a weary sigh.

"She could very well be a half-breed," the woman speculated, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "These days, it's not uncommon to come across such individuals. Humans have developed a certain penchant for subjugating other races and indulging in relationships with those they find visually appealing. So, it wouldn't be all that surprising," she added, feeling rather certain of her assessment. After all, humans rarely possessed the same enchanting beauty as this young girl.

"Alright then, what do we do with her?" the man inquired, his gaze fixed upon Aurianna's limp form.

The woman tentatively reached out and made contact with Aurianna, only to recoil in astonishment. Gathering her composure, she turned to the young man and proposed, "Let's take her back to our place. It's evident she's in dire need of sustenance."

"Here we go," the man replied, mustering a sense of determination as he lifted Aurianna onto his back, ready to carry her along.

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"Mmmmm," Aurianna grumbled groggily as her consciousness gradually returned, the remnants of pain still lingering in her body. As the bright sunlight spilled into the room, she found herself lying on a luxuriously soft bed. The door, a sturdy construction of oak planks bound together with iron bands, caught her attention. It boasted a double-sided iron bolt with a keyed lock, while a small open window at eye level invited the golden rays of sunlight to dance within the space. Beneath her feet, an irregular flagstone tile floor added an intriguing touch to the room's ambiance.

Her eyes couldn't help but notice the crude arrows carved into the walls on either side of the door, their primitive markings pointing directly at the entrance she had recently passed through. A flickering oil lantern occupied the center of the room, its gentle glow casting shadows and revealing that its oil reserve was nearing its end, leaving approximately half an hour of illumination remaining.

The air in the room felt clear and refreshing, prompting Aurianna to jolt up in surprise. Her gaze darted to the left, where she discovered a peculiar young man standing by the bedside. With two adorable dog ears atop his head and wolf-like feet complete with a swaying tail, he was instantly captivated by Aurianna's ethereal beauty. In the dimness of the previous night, he hadn't been able to see her features clearly, but now, bathed in the radiant daylight, she truly resembled a fairy come to life.

"Oh, you're awake, big fairy," the young man uttered, his voice filled with awe.

"A demon!" Aurianna gasped, her entire body trembling with fear as the realization sank in. The instinct to escape surged within her, overpowering her senses. Frantically, she scrambled out of the bed, her mind spinning with thoughts. Could this demon have captured her, seeking revenge for her role in slaying the Demon King? Stripped of her Saintess powers and reduced to a mere human, she felt an overwhelming vulnerability, like a fragile leaf in the wind.

The truth was, she had never pursued any other skills or abilities. Everyone had assured her that her Saintess powers were more than enough. Little did she know how ill-prepared she was for this situation.

But then, a calming voice cut through her panic. "No need to be scared. We have no intention of devouring you," the voice assured, resonating with beauty. Aurianna's gaze darted towards the source, and her eyes widened in astonishment. Before her stood a stunning demon, possessing the upper body of a bronze-skinned woman and the lower body of a spider. Short black hair framed her face, accentuating her captivating dark purple eyes that locked onto Aurianna's with an intense gaze. In her frantic search for an escape route, Aurianna realized that the demons had cunningly positioned themselves near all possible exits.

Just then, a growl emanated from Aurianna's stomach, betraying her hunger. The woman's lips curled into a gentle smile upon hearing the sound. "Come and join us for breakfast, dear," she warmly invited, her voice laced with a hint of kindness amidst the enigmatic setting.

Resigned to her current circumstances, Aurianna nodded in agreement. With her hunger gnawing at her, the prospect of food was too enticing to resist. Besides, this could be an opportunity to explore the house and seek a possible means of escape. She followed closely behind Azarath as they made their way to a small dining table, the other demon, Adrien, trailing along.

Taking her seat at the expansive dining table, Azarath initiated the introductions. "My name is Azarath, and this is my son, Adrien," she said, gesturing towards him with a graceful motion.

Aurianna eyed them both with a hint of suspicion, finding it difficult to fathom how these two beings could be related. Their appearances were nothing alike! However, she sensed no ill intentions emanating from them. In fact, Azarath had been kind enough to provide a brief tour of the house, offering explanations for some of its intriguing designs.

Returning the courtesy, Aurianna replied politely, "My name is Aurianna." Though still guarded, she could detect no malicious intent from the demons.

"Okay, Aurianna, it's a pleasure to meet you," Azarath responded warmly, her smile conveying a genuine kindness. "Please, have a seat and satisfy your hunger. I can imagine you must be famished."

As Aurianna gazed upon the mouthwatering spread before her, her stomach let out another grumble of hunger. The sight of the fried eggs, succulent roasted meat, and a steaming cup of tea was enough to tempt her senses. She cautiously sniffed the food, eyeing it with a mix of longing and suspicion.

‘It may appear delectable, but I must remain vigilant in case it's laced with poison or part of a trap,’ Aurianna thought to herself, her gaze alternating between the food and Azarath. Though the demons had shown no malicious intent so far, Aurianna couldn't ignore the fact that they were still demons. The possibility of the food being poisoned lingered in her mind.

With a reassuring smile, Azarath sensed Aurianna's apprehension and spoke up, "Don't worry, dear. The food is perfectly safe." She then took a confident bite of the roast meat to further emphasize her point.

Hearing Azarath's reassurance and witnessing her devouring the food without any hesitation, Aurianna's hunger got the better of her. She began to eat crudely, both due to her ravenous state and her reluctance to reveal her noble background. Nonetheless, she couldn't deny the delectable flavors that filled her senses, allowing her to enjoy the meal with genuine satisfaction.

As Aurianna reached for a plate of scrambled eggs, Azarath's question interrupted her thoughts. "So, what brings you into this forest? You appeared to be in terrible sha-" Before Azarath could finish her sentence, Adrien unexpectedly moved closer to Aurianna, causing her to instinctively back away, feeling a surge of discomfort.

"Are you a slave?" Adrien blurted out, his curiosity getting the better of him. However, before Aurianna could respond, he fired another question her way, "Did you manage to escape from your pursuers?"

Reluctant to reveal her true identity as a human, Aurianna simply nodded in agreement to both of Adrien's inquiries. Her guarded approach left Azarath peering at her with suspicion. The absence of any visible slave mark raised doubts in her mind.

"It seems she must have been a recent capture," Azarath concluded, shrugging her shoulders. "Perhaps she managed to escape before they had a chance to brand her."

Adrien, lost in his own thoughts, contemplated the situation. "It's a common occurrence around these parts," he interjected with a hint of disdain in his voice. "Humans have grown increasingly arrogant in recent years, particularly since they acquired their hero. Their newfound audacity has led them to launch unprovoked attacks on other races."

Aurianna's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? How is that possible?" she questioned, her voice filled with astonishment. "Wasn't it the other races who initially instigated conflicts with the humans?”

"Have you been living under a rock?!" Adrien exclaimed, clearly taken aback by Aurianna's disbelief. "It's common knowledge that the humans initiated the attacks and began kidnapping other races as slaves!"

Calmly sipping her tea, Azarath interjected, shedding light on the political landscape. "In the past, the church served as a check on the human kingdoms. However, a recent announcement by the Church of Sandeph indicates their desire to assume control over the kingdoms. As a response, the king has declared war against them."

Adrien's expression contorted with disdain as he chimed in, "Mother, it's evident that the human king fears the church's power and influence and wants to eliminate them."

Nodding in agreement, Azarath continued, her voice tinged with conflicting emotions. "You're correct, Adrien. However, the outcome of this conflict remains uncertain." Pausing for a moment, a conflicted expression crossed her face as she continued, her voice tinged with apprehension. "But if the church were to fall, the humans would no longer be constrained in their aggression towards other races. This would undoubtedly lead to uprisings and unrest across the continent, plunging it into chaos."

Azarath's gaze fixed upon the wall before her, her eyes seemingly peering beyond its surface. Though physically constrained, her vision seemed to extend into a realm where the consequences of such a scenario played out vividly before her eyes.

Adrien shook his head with disapproval. "Yes, and it appears that another Saintess from the Sandeph High Land is destined to be sacrificed."

Aurianna's eyes widened in shock and confusion. "Sacrificed? What do you mean?"

Adrien sighed heavily, his voice filled with sorrow. "Every 50 years, when a Saintess is born, she tragically meets her demise before reaching the age of 25. It is believed that when a Saintess passes away, the land where she dies becomes blessed with abundant life. These human practices are ruthless..."

Azarath's voice dripped with mockery as she added, "But there's more to the story. The humans are often too impatient to wait for the natural course of events. They frequently take matters into their own hands and deliberately end the lives of the Saintesses. It's a despicable and greedy act, extinguishing the very beings who possess the power to heal their diseases and ailments."

Azarath's tone took on a mocking edge as she observed Aurianna, who now had her gaze averted. Her face bore a somber expression, struggling to comprehend the unsettling revelations. Doubt crept into her mind, questioning the validity of the demons' words. Could they be spreading falsehoods?

Azarath's tone grew somber as she continued, her words dripping with bitterness. "There have been instances where Saintesses have been horrifically violated before their untimely deaths, simply because they possessed beauty, victims of such wretchedness.. It is a tragedy that befalls these unfortunate girls. The church attempted to intervene and save them, only for them to be repeatedly deceived time and time again by the king."

Having finished her tea, Azarath rose from her seat and walked over to a nearby counter, retrieving a tea tray to prepare herself a fresh batch.

Azarath's laughter echoed softly in the room, tinged with a hint of bitterness. "It appears that the so-called goddess of these humans takes pleasure in toying with innocent lives," she remarked, her voice laced with a mix of amusement and sarcasm.

Aurianna, overwhelmed by the weight of the revelations, abruptly rose from her seat and made her way back to her room, her appetite completely vanished. The news had shaken her to the core, leaving her unable to process the information she had just learned. In a daze, she rose from her seat and silently made her way back to her room, seeking solace in solitude.

Left alone in the dining room, Adrien turned his attention to his mother, his gaze fixed upon her. Azarath, still standing, savored the taste of her freshly brewed tea, a sense of satisfaction playing across her features.

"I know you've recognized her as the Saintess, Mother. Is she the one you've been searching for?" Adrien inquired, his voice filled with curiosity and concern.

Azarath's eyes sparkled with a sense of pride as she met her son's gaze. "Ah, my perceptive son. Yes, I'm afraid this young woman is indeed the one I saw in my vision. And it seems her circumstances are even more dire than I anticipated. A poor child, destined for a fate fraught with hardship and pain."

Adrien's voice carried a hint of hope as he proposed, "But Mother, if we know that she is destined to die, why don't we try to save her?"

Azarath's voice remained composed as she responded to Adrien's suggestion. "Why should we save her? She is nothing more than a naive fool, deceived by those around her. I see no reason to risk our lives for someone who has been blind to the truth and ready to embrace such ignorance," she stated firmly, her tone conveying a hint of disappointment.

Adrien's expression showed a mix of frustration and concern, eager to voice his disagreement. However, before he could utter a word, Azarath raised her hand, signaling him to halt.

"No, my son," she interrupted, her voice tinged with a touch of firmness. "Even if we were to save her, her survival would be highly unlikely. "It appears that she has now become a target of the Goddess Paige herself. We cannot intervene unless the other gods choose to intercede on her behalf."

Azarath let out a sigh, gently placing her empty tea cup on the table. Her gaze grew distant as she contemplated the gravity of the situation. "She is an anomaly, a presence that should not exist in this world. Her presence alone is a disruption in the natural order of this world. My visions have always been accurate, and I fear that if she were to survive, it would bring about the destruction and chaos of our world. I just know it."

Adrien nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of his mother's words. "I understand, Mother," he whispered, his voice filled with a mix of resignation and acceptance.

As Adrien left the room, Azarath's gaze lingered in the direction of Aurianna's room. The memories of her initial vision when she first made contact with Aurianna flooded her mind.

As Azarath replayed the terrifying vision in her mind, a sense of dread washed over her. She recalled the chilling image of the figure with cold, emotionless white eyes overseeing a mountain of lifeless bodies from different races sent shivers down her spine. A sinister smile played upon the figure's lips as waves of soldiers charged forward, only to be swiftly extinguished by a blinding light, that snuffed out their lives. The vision haunted Azarath's thoughts. The anguished cries of countless trapped souls resonated within her being. Their cries echoed through the nightmare, their pleas for release falling on deaf ears. A stark reminder of the impending doom that could unfold.

But what struck her with even greater terror was the presence of another being beside the first. This entity wore a sinister grin, and its clock-like eyes seemed to possess an all-seeing power, piercing through reality itself. Even as a Demon goddess, Azarath couldn't help but feel an overwhelming fear coursing through her veins. The mere thought of crossing paths with such a being sent chills down her spine. It was an existence that held the power to snuff out her life with a mere flick of its finger.

The familiarity of that presence troubled Azarath further, intensifying her unease. Trembling, she questioned herself, "Could that being be a Pearl? Am I overthinking this? Why would such a supreme entity manifest itself in this realm?" Her breath came in ragged gasps, and sweat trickled down her face, mirroring her inner turmoil.

Azarath's eyes darted frantically around her surroundings, searching for any signs of that terrifying presence. As she confirmed that it wasn't in close proximity, a small sense of relief washed over her, allowing her trembling body to gradually calm. "It must be something else," she muttered, her voice quivering. "I'm just letting my imagination run wild. There's no reason for that being to be here."

However, despite her attempts to reassure herself, the lingering fear and the unsettling familiarity of the presence continued to weigh heavily on Azarath's mind, casting a shadow over the fragile peace she had momentarily found.

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