Chapter 1
The sand burns my skin as I come to. The sun beats down on my face. I lift my hand to shield my eyes as I make my way to my feet. My hands brush the sand off of my white dress, bracelets clinking against each other lightly. The last thing I remember was praying to the gods while my home was under fire.
There seems to be nothing in sight for miles. It looks like endless sand. I sigh and start to make way towards the horizon. My feet carry me across the sand for what feels like hours. I come to a building with tall pillars covered on hiroglyphs. I walk over to a pillar to examine it. The hiroglyphs appear to be lined with gold rather than traditional pigment.
I cross the threshold of the building and enter. In the center is a circular altar that looks much like a sundial. Around the altar is a pool of water. The water looks overly refreshing. Just one taste would quench my thirst.
"You have journied a long way, faithful one. Come, drink from the waters in my temple. Quench your thirst," a calm, disembodied voice tells me.
With permission granted, I weakly fall to my knees in front of the pool. I cup the shimmering water in my hands and lift it to my lips. The cool water wets my dehydrated lips and soothes my dry throat as it enters my body.
"Thank you, for your hospitality. Where exactly am I?" I ask softly.
"You are in the temple of the God of Annihilation," the calm voice informs me.
I stand to me feet once again and look towards the statue on the back wall. A muscular man with flowing hair, a circlet on his brow, and traditional robes sits on a throne. That must be the god who answered my prayer.
"The God of Annihilation? Zayne?" I ask.
"Yes, and I know you, Nephira of Calphi. You are of the outer provinces of Philos." The man on the statue suddenly animates. He stands up, and the stone that made him fades away. The stone melts into soft flesh, luxurious robes, hold jewlery, and flowing black hair with strands of gold. I gasp in awe at the scene before me. I truly am standing before a god, and he is breathtaking.
"I have answered your prayer. I took you from your home right as the legions made their last push against your small town. I have watched you with great interest, Nephira," Zayne tells me as he approaches me.
"You took interest in me?" I ask him in shock.
"Yes, you hold great potential, Nephira. Very few mortals have the capacity for power that you do. You are skilled with your blade, care for your people, and have the potential to finally end the raids of the legions. Your strength and deadly beauty are of great interest to me," Zayne explains softly.
It's hard for me to process what he's saying. Yes, I am talented with a sword, but I hardly consider myself beautiful. Compared to the girls in the capital city, I look rather plain. My province is poor, so I don't have access to makeup or trinkets for my clothes. This god thinks that I have deadly beauty? As much as it's an honor, it's also hard to believe.
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Your beauty is in your strength, resilience, and intellect. Though if you want jewels and makeup, you can certainly have them."
I arch an eyebrow in question. That can be something we discuss later. Gods always have a price for saving mortals. As charming as he may seem, there must be something he wants from me.
"Many mortals prayed for divine intervention at home. Why didn't you answer sooner? My home could have been saved. Why intervene now and take me? What's your price?" I ask him as I step closer.
"Ah yes, I suppose gods must have a price. You've had a long day. You've been fighting hard, and I'm sure you're weary. We can discuss the price once you rest. Come, I will you to bedchamber where you may rest." Zayne motions for me to follow him. I follow him through a large double door. The room is decorated with small black and gold statues with a large canopy bed.
"Please, make yourself comfortable and rest. Meet me back in the main hall when you wake. We will talk then." Zayne turns and leaves the room.
Softly, I move over to the bed. I sit on the side of the bed and remove my sandals. I sink slightly into the soft mattress as I sit on it. Hopefully, the price isn't too high. The gods tend to be greedy when it comes to helping mortals. Zayne doesn't feel malicious despite being the God of Annihilation. I lay down in the bed and let rest wash over me.
