Earthly Desires

Monica hasst part 2

It’s not the end of the world,” said a thin, reedy voice from the shadows of a hood. Monica knelt on the bare cement floor, her chest tight, every muscle coiled with unease.

“Come,” the voice said again. It was a command, simple and absolute.

Monica hesitated, then rose to her feet. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words died on her tongue. Instead, she held out her bound hands.

“Ahh,” the figure murmured, eyes lingering on her wrists. “There is no need for those.” He pressed his thumb to the inside of her wrists, and with a hiss, the manacles crumbled into dust.

Without another word, he turned and led her down a hallway, then down a flight of stairs, then along a short corridor, and finally down another staircase. Every step echoed ominously in the stone halls, the shadows flickering and stretching as if alive.

At last, they reached a massive silver door. The figure stopped, turning to face her. “Through this door lies your destiny. You will become a god’s champion. But in accepting this fate, you will doom millions to death in the belly of a god… and they will thank you for the privilege.”

Monica’s stomach churned. Her heart pounded. The weight of the choice pressed against her chest, heavier than any chains ever could.