"The Dark Phoenix Goddesses_02" by Chelsea Castonguay

Kana shivered convulsively as a rush of icy, cold air dragged down her spine. In an instant she was jolted awake, her mind reeling. She hadn’t felt anything, not cold or hot, wet or dry, smooth or rough, in nearly five centuries. The feeling was unnerving, and she hated to think of what it could mean.

            Another blast of cool air hit her, and she sat up, opening her eyes. She gasped in surprise; she was in a beautiful circular room, made of gleaming white marble. One wall was completely open, flanked by two large columns. The cold breeze played with the lavender curtains that hung from the oversized window, setting them dancing like the young girls from Kana’s village used to do in early spring. The room overlooked a gorgeously green valley, lush with vegetation of all sorts, which was still bathed in the inky-blue light of early dawn, but Kana was too nervous to enjoy the view. The bed in which she sat was tall, built out of the floor like a coffin in a mausoleum, flanked by two curving set of stairs and swathed in gauzy white bedclothes. She herself was dressed in a loose-fitting garment made of some soft material, something she would never have chosen for herself. She glanced around to make sure they were alone in the room, and then turned her attention to the sleeping Corte.

            Corte rested beside her, lying on his stomach. His long dark hair which was normally tightly braided was loose, resting on his bare back like a dark shimmering pool of water. Kana reached down and touched his pale pink cheek, and drew back her hand in surprise. Never had Corte’s skin been warm to the touch, and never had he had any such color. Red yes, because of anger, but a contented pink? Never.

            Corte stirred, and she waited silently until he climbed out of the deathly throes of sleep.

            Finally, his deep blue eyes opened and he smiled at her, revealing his even, white teeth.

            “Good morning, love,” he said, his normally smooth voice made husky with sleep. Kana could feel his warm breath on her arm, and she pulled it away as goose bumps rose on her skin.

            “What’s going on, Corte? Where are we?” she asked, her voice ringing with fear. Corte sat up, and gently touched her shoulder. She pulled back, feeling where the warmth from his fingers had been.

            “We are at the home of the Phoenix Goddesses,” he replied. Kana stared at him, until she realized he was joking.

            “Don’t lie to me, Corte!” she said quietly, her voice rumbling across the room like incoming thunder. Corte laughed and took her hand, holding it tightly when she tried to pull away.

            “I am not lying, Kana. They have saved us and brought us here.” Kana stared at Corte, not believing that he would be happy over such a thing.

            “Corte! The Goddesses don’t like men! How can you be happy over this? You’re in danger here!” Corte laughed loudly and reclined back on the fluffy white pillows, crossing his muscled arms behind his head. Kana’s brows knitted together in frustration; if there was anything she hated, it was when Corte laughed at her.

            “The Goddesses have sworn to protect our kind, Kana. This includes men and women. As well as children,” he added fondly, placing his hand on her stomach which had just started to grow round. Kana placed her hands over his, but she couldn’t shake off the feeling of foreboding that clung to her. Corte noticed her hesitation, and he shook his head.

            “You’re always, always doubting, Kana. Can’t you ever just be content with what you have and not question it?” Kana felt her face burn as she flushed in anger. She released Corte’s hand and pulled away, edging toward the side of the bed.

            “My doubts have saved both our lives on more then one occasion, Corte!” she said, her voice dangerously low. Corte sat up, but he didn’t answer. He seemed to be staring over her shoulder, transfixed by what he saw. Kana turned her head, following Corte’s gaze and gasped. She knew without a doubt that the two beings before her were the Goddesses.

                                                            *****

            Jahazra smiled as she swept into the room, followed closely by Cirila. Their robes seemed to be made of air, loosely cascading around their bodies in colors of blue and lavender. Jahazra and Cirila stopped before the bed, both appreciative of the male’s wistful stares. The girl however, watched them with fear and apprehension, and a ripple went through the room as the goddesses exchanged thoughts.

            “She already despises us, Jahazra. I can see it in her eyes. She believes this to be a prison.”

            “She shall come around. They are all worried when they think they could be separated from their mates.”

            “Who are you?” Kana demanded, although she was certain she already knew. The goddess with the dark hair tied back in ribbons moved in front of her sister, and smiled reassuringly.

            “I am Cirila. This is Jahazra,” she said, indicating the goddess in the green robes. Kana stared at both, and her hand moved instinctively over her stomach. Cirila saw her frightened movement and laughed gently.   

            “You needn’t fear us, Kana. We are like you, and we have brought you here to keep you safe. No harm shall ever befall you again.” Instead of being unperturbed, Kana felt more frightened. Cirila was beautiful, but there was something lurking behind her exotic dark eyes that set Kana on edge.        

            Kana heard the sound of footfalls behind her, and she turned to see a small group of men enter the room. Without a word, they walked over to the bed and pulled Corte from it. He went without a fuss, his eyes still transfixed on Jahazra.

            Kana screamed his name, and tried to scramble after him, but she seemed to be frozen in mid-air. She watched helplessly as the guards disappeared with Corte through a concealed door, and then she was released. In an instant, she had crossed the floor and was pounding the marble, desperately trying to find the exit. She felt a presence behind her, and then smelt the gentle smell of lilacs.

            Cirila knelt beside her, and placed her arm around Kana’s shoulder.

            “It has to be like this,” she said softly, her deep brown eyes sympathetic. Kana turned, and with a furious scream, she lashed out, using her razor-sharp talons to scratch the goddess’s cheek. Cirila recoiled as deep crimson blood oozed from the wounds.

            Kana watched in anticipation, waiting for the goddess to become angry and strike back. Instead, the goddess smiled and her pale cheek was instantly restored. She shook her head gently, and vanished. Kana pressed against the wall as Jahazra approached, her eyes narrowed.

            “Kana, you are here now, and you shall accept this. Had it not been for our mercy, you and your mate would both be dead. Accept this,” she repeated, with an air of finality in her tone before she too vanished, leaving behind the soft, lingering scent of fresh blood and lilacs.