The gunshot staccato of the woman’s shoes rang out in the open space as she stalked toward Alice. In the few seconds it took for her to reach her, Alice thought that it seemed odd for a goddess to be wearing stiletto heels. Gods were always pictured with flowing robes and bare feet in the books and movies. This woman was nothing like those gods. She was decked out from head to foot, not a curl out of place, clad in the most expensive fabrics. When she came closer Alice could smell the light scent of lavender.
This woman was clearly a diva. But a diva with incredible powers, and one who had it out for Alice. Wanted her dead.
Dione’s power didn’t work here. Alice had to keep reminding herself of this as the goddess examined her coolly from head to toe, her eyes glittering with spite.
“So you’re Alice Cunningham, not nearly as exciting as I thought.”
“Well good, then maybe we can all go home.”
Dione’s lips curved into a malicious smile. “Oh, I don’t think so. You’ve been a thorn in my side since the start, dear Alice. You’ve been turning the world of the gods upside down ever since you arrived in the magical community. If only you’d stayed where you are with the Regs, all of this unpleasantness could have been avoided.”
“What do you want?” Alice crossed her arms over her chest, hoping the goddess couldn’t see her hands trembling. “What exactly is your problem?”
Dione smirked. “Do you expect me to monologue for a half hour so that someone can come along and interrupt us? I don’t think so.”
Alice shuffled backwards as the goddess advanced, alarm bells were ringing in the back of her mind. Dione looked utterly determined, her eyes fastened on Alice’s throat. “You don’t have magic here.”
“Perhaps not, but I’m still physically stronger than you. It’s not elegant, but it’s a solution. What better time than now to take care of my problem?”
“I’m a guest here,” Alice protested. Her back met the wall, and her shoulder bumped one of the tall pedestal along the edge of the room. There was a loud crash as the urn on top tipped over and shattered on the floor. “Gaia won’t like this.”
“She’ll get over it fast.” Dione laughed. “She doesn’t care about much other than her perfect little paradise.”
This was it. She needed to make her wish now before Dione could attack. Alice tried desperately to think of the right way to put it. Gaia was no better than the rest of them, she liked to play games. If Alice left room for a loop hole, then Gaia would exploit it.
She took a deep breath. “I wish—”
“No!” Dione launched herself forward, her hand connecting painfully with Alice’s lips and teeth, trying to silence her. Alice struck back, more out of surprise than anything, shoving Dione back, lashing out at her face. Her fist connected clumsily, and Dione staggered backwards with a shout of surprise. She clapped her hand to her mouth, blood welling up between her fingers. Her eyes went narrow and bright.
Clearly she hadn’t expected Alice to fight back.
“You’re lucky I don’t have my magic,” Dione mumbled through her fingers. “Although…I am going to enjoy strangling you with my bare hands.”
YOU ARE READING
Goddess Unravelled
Fantasy"Who will we send after the little witch?" The room went silent as one of them stood up from her throne, pacing forward. Her skirts flowed over the marble floors as silently as a whisper. Every eye was drawn to her. "I will go after her and make he...
