Celestial Touch

Chapter 1 I'll Take You To Sphinx Palace A ten years old girl walked into the crowd of people in the market who were hustling and bustling around their daily business. Selene's face was pale as a sheet and her body frail due to hunger. When she woke up four days ago, she found herself in the woods. Having no memories of her parents nor what happened. The hem of her dress was covered with mud and the brown color of it became dirtier than before. She had nothing, she had no one or someone she knew. While walking amongst the crowd, a body bumped into her, sending her and the body to the ground. Selene whimpered in pain and held her belly. Actually, the man and another man were engaged in fighting each other, not caring about the child they just hit. A fine low voice suddenly sounded in Selene's ear, "Matthew… let the dog alone. He isn't worth my time." Selene ears peck up as if she has found her savior. With immediate speed she rushed towards the man who was wearing a hood over his head. The tall fine man who was called Matthew tried pushing the filthy looking child away from his master but the kid was faster and fragile to hold. The man in hood quirked his lips as the girl rushed towards him. Before she saw him, he had seen her. He could feel that familiar energy around this child, the feeling he felt four days ago. "Don't worry yourself Matt," he added and smiled. Matthew turned to look at his master with a frown. "She's just a human child, there's nothing…" " I don't need your opinion." He replied and watched the girl stand before him. Going on his heels, he saw her tender looking and young face. A smile plastered on his lips, he held her little wrist and walked away from the open place. Matthew was more confused as he watched them like a stranger. He soon followed his master but with a suspicious glare towards the girl. The man in the hood took Selene to a small house which was much like an inn. Selene didn't know why she was comfortable with him, it was as if they had known each other before. Selene sat on a wooden chair while the man who was in hood sat on a clean black couch. " Where are your parents?" He asked. " Master, it isn't right for a child to be in our possession, it might offend the Queen if she finds out." Matthew said. He wanted to give a clear picture why this child shouldn't be in their home. " I'll be needing her help anyways." Was the curt reply Matthew received from his master and he rolled his eyes in a coy manner. "I don't know." Selene replied to his question which left his thoughts hanging in a thread. "I'm hungry." Selene said and looked in the direction where Matthew was leaning against the wall with a glare and frown on his face. "Get her some food. I'll be back." He said and disappeared into thin black smoke. After the hooded man left, Matthew walked towards Selene and held her by her dress collar. "Stay away from my master or I'll do it myself!" He threatened the poor girl who was staring at him unshaken by his words. "I'm hungry." She replied again. Her big bright eyes gazed at Matthew with hope. When Matthew felt she was just a mere child, he then walked in to get some food for her to eat. A few minutes later. The man returned just the same way he had left but this time, he returned with someone. Standing beside the man in the hood was a woman in a golden silk dress. Her eyes glowed with power and her skin shimmered with beauty. The dress starts from her perfect shoulders tightly hugging her body down to her bosom. The dress sparkled under the warm light in the room and her scepter signified her royalty. The woman was really a sight to behold as she stared at the little girl. Her golden hair mixed with black wavy ones pleased Selene's eyes. "In exchange for me taking her as my own, you must grant me a powerful gift." Her eyes glowed and her lips spoke strength. "My gifts are unlimited." The man said and removed his hood. Selene was awestruck by this beautiful sight before her. Though she was young, she suddenly started admiring both men and woman. "May I know your name, little one?" The man asked and approached her. "Selene." Hypolita: "..." "Selene? What a rare name." The woman said and folded her hands above her breast. "Yes." The hooded man nodded. Matthew soon returned with a bowl of porridge. On his face was an irritated expression which didn't suit his calm personality. Placing the bowl on the table before Selene, he nonchalantly placed the glass of water with a frown. "Matthew…I won't be needing you. Head back to Devontae." The hooded man said and moved his attention to Selene. Matthew's anger and resentment towards the girl became visible on his handsome face. "I'm entitled to always be by your side. I'm not leaving." He grumbled. Selene rushed down the food like a hungry horse. Meanwhile, Queen Hypolita kept staring at the child that caught the hooded man's attention. "I'm leaving now. You can bring her and my gift when you're ready." She said in spite before bursting into golden bubbles. Like that, she left. "Wait outside." The hooded man ordered Matthew who was still fuming in anger. The latter kindly obeyed and went out. The man sat on the chair before Selene who was done with her bowl of porridge. "From now onwards, you have a family. The Queen of the humans." He said and stretched out his hands to pat Selene on her head. Selene moved her head sideways avoiding his hand. The scarf on her head was still there and might loosen soon. "What's your name Mr?" She asked to draw his attention away from her head. "Your little mind is curious." He whispered and put his hands forward to place it on Selene's head. This time, Selene wasn't fast enough. His large palm rested on her head and gently patted it. Selene remained quiet as she felt soothed. Bringing his hands down to his sides, he noticed a glowing string beside her face. He was about to remove the scarf when Matthew burst into the room. The man gritted his teeth in anger and turned on his heels. "What again Matt…" "Zeus has returned." He said with a contradictory expression on his face. "We must leave now." He added in a low voice. The man nodded, "okay. You go back." He added before taking a glance at Selene who was staring at them with crystal clear eyes. "I'll bring you to Phinx Palace." He said and held Selene's little hands. Within the span of seconds, Selene found herself in a white painted hallway with crystal chandeliers and ceramic floor. Just then, Queen Hypolita appeared before them with a stern look. "Take care of her." She ordered two young maidens in white flowing dresses. The maids bowed to their queen in unison and walked towards Selene who was holding onto the man. When the maids came near, her grip on his pants tightened subconsciously. "Don't take me away…" She murmured with teary eyes. "Lord Dusan, I have a meeting with the seven elders of Sphinx." Queen Hypolita said impatiently and waved her hands in the air. Selene immediately disappeared before Lord Dusan. Selene felt feather light as it seemed as if she was traveling in a wormhole. The eigengrau color she was seeing was unpleasant and being alone hurt. Soon, she found herself in a beautifully painted room. By the windows were beautiful plants with white flowers and healthy green leaves. The floor was too clean for her to step on with mud filled clothes and the large room was like no other. The golden silky curtains were drawn open revealing the ethereal palace of Sphinx. Beautiful lakes and shrubs could be clearly seen from the floor to ceiling window. *** "Queen Hypolita must not mistreat my Ward no matter the offense she commits." Lord Dusan listed what Queen Hypolita must do in order to receive his gift. Queen Hypolita laughed in sarcasm as she heard what Lord Dusan said. She kept wondering what's so special about this little girl that she was yet to know. "You care a lot about this child. May I know why?" Queen Hypolita asked with a tricky approach. The atmosphere of the hall suddenly became heavy and the aura emitting from Lord Dusan could swallow up the human queen. "You know your limits Hypolita! Keep your nose out of my business." Lord Dusan's cold voice rang in Queen Hypolita's ear sending chills through her spine. Also hearing the Lord addressing her without her honorary title, Hypolita shut up her mouth before inciting wrath upon herself. Among the five kingdoms, Lord Dusan was among the most powerful lords that soared the land. Unlike her, she was just a mere human Queen. "I will." She replied hurriedly. "Your gift has been granted." Lord Dusan said and disappeared from there. Queen Hypolita waited for some minutes to feel anything strange in her body but nothing happened. She was a human and has no idea how other creatures' powers work except her own magic. "It seems I will be visiting Devontae soon." She said with a visible mocking smirk on her face. Chapter 2 I'm Your Queen, You're My Princess Selene was still awestruck by the beauty of Sphinx Palace. A flash of sadness suddenly appeared in her eyes. She was still flabbergasted how and why she couldn't recall any memories of her parents nor where she had grown up. She felt the cold ceramic floor under her tiny feet and the refreshing air coming through the large crystalline window. The evergreen shrubs were eye-catching and the clear clouds could match to none she had seen her entire life. The scarf was still hanging loose on her head revealing her tiny fringe of hair beside her face. The sudden banging of the door made her turn on her heels hurriedly and meet the fiery eyes of Queen Hippolyta. "Selena…Oh Selene…" She exaggerated and touched her temple as if reasoning about something. "I wonder why Lord Dusan caught so much interest in a mere human child. Weak as a stranded dog in winter." She mouthed and shot a glare at the girl. "It's Selene," Selene said politely. Queen Hippolyta furrowed her eyebrows in question. "Selene or Selena... whichever I call you, it doesn't matter." She replied and approached Selene. Her golden hair mixed with black bounced gracefully, mimicking her footsteps. Queen Hypolita held her scepter lazily and halted right in front of Selene. Selene kept her eyes fixed to Queen Hippolyta's without flinching. "If the Lord Dusan took interest in you, I also do. I'm your Queen, you're my Princess from now on." *** Black dragons soar the sky in many. Their majestic wings flapping with strength and their eyes red as that of a burning coal. Amongst the dark dragons, a sight beholding white eagle flapped its wings with dominion. At the summit of Devontae Palace stood Lord Dusan. On his face was a dark expression, his cold gaze and daring eyes kept watching his eagle soar the sky angrily. Four days ago, Zeus had returned only god knows where it went to. Dusan noticed its loftiness at first but didn't say anything. The next day, Zeus went rampart with rage and Dusan had no other choice but to let it out of the Palace. "Zeus is yet to calm," said Matthew who was standing beside his Lord. He also was wondering what happened that day and why Zeus reacted this way. Dusan's lips quirk up with a smile and his eyes staring deep into Zeus' , seeing deep into its soul. The magic was still evident inside Zeus. "Ask Eric to find out where Zeus went. If this madness continues for days, Zeus might go feral." Lord Dusan ordered Matthew who quickly left. Dusan had been ruling Devontae for thousands of years and he had never seen such magic so dangerous that could eat deep into one's soul. His eyes were dark, high and sharp cheekbones, well defined jaw lines and dark inky black hair which was dark as night. He also thought back to the little child he took to Phinx Palace earlier. The same magic was still emitting from her but in a more calmer way. After deliberating for sometime, he disappeared into thin air leaving some traces of black almost invisible tendrils. ** Matthew pushed the large black wooden door in his front only to wrench his nose in irritation. If he wasn't ordered by Lord Dusan, he wouldn't have smelt this place. Ever Since he became the right hand man of the Demon Lord, this was the only place he disliked because of the odor. "Eric…I wonder how you live in such a dirty place….. oh, foolish me, I forgot you're a troll, hehehe." Matthew bad-mouthed while stepping into the room. He stepped inside and walked towards the bed which he saw empty. 'Foolish troll.' He thought inwardly. "The Lord asks to find out where Zeus went. The fella hasn't been in his right mind." Matthew said loudly but got his echoed voice as a response. The room was built in a way that it seems as if it was carved from a cave. On the ground were diamonds of different sizes and colors. Infact, Matthew was so amazed that he forgot he was here to deliver a message. He went on his knee and picked up a blue diamond. A smile appeared on his lips and stylishly put the diamond into his pocket. It'll look beautiful in a necklace. A sudden whoosh behind made him stand up immediately. "Eric, don't play hide and seek." Matthew said. His voice was having a sign of threat and also fear in it. "Give back diamonds. Not for you." The creature behind Matthew said in broken English. Its voice, hoarse and cold to the extent that it cuts deep into Matthew's skin like a knife. "Diamond? Did I take the diamond? Matthew clearly knew trolls were great in searching for diamonds. He intentionally took the diamond to lure the nasty troll out of its hiding. Trolls were good at hiding themselves especially in a world they're severely hunted for. Matthew turned to look at the not so good looking skinny troll. Its large eyes… were lilac in color, skin pale white, like gray and voice as hoarse as the wind at night. "Tell him, Zeus is controlled by Elf power. I feel magic from here. Zeus up, me down here, feel it." The troll said and walked towards the diamonds Matthew had scattered on the dusty ground. "You can feel the magic from down here? How's that possible," Matthew sneered as he looked at the place again. "Unbelievable." "Troll family with elves." Eric simply replied. "Okay. You're family? Like from the same family?" Matthew asked. He was the poke nosing type. "Go read books. Children know the story. Shame on you." The troll fired back and continued what he was doing. " Okay. What should we do to stop him from acting wild? Zeus might turn feral." "Dusan blood. Cure." The troll replied and packed the diamonds into a thick sack. "I leave for the market." It said and leapt upwards where he usually uses it when going out. . . . "It's dangerous to go close to him." Matthew fidgeted when Lord Dusan said he would give Zeus his blood. "I'm not a demon Lord for no reason. If you can't tolerate me…I'll take you back to the Church." Dusan replied to his lofty right hand man. Matthew's eyes widened in surprise and quickly comported himself. Only few knew about his origin, though he wasn't surprised that the demon lord knew about his origin, he was shocked when he said ' I'll take you back to the church.' Before Matthew's eyes, Zeus suddenly hit the ground with great force. To his shock, it was only a snap of Dusan's finger that brought down the raging bird. If there's anyone who's as powerful as the celestial Lord, it was Lord Dusan. This fact made him follow the demon lord many years ago when the church was in hunt for him. Zeus struggled to pull itself out from the invincible force holding it but was only pulled down to the ground. Dusan came to stand in its front, his eyes glowing red like that of the black dragons. Striking his wrist, the cut rushed out blood which didn't flow, instead, the blood moved through the air like a smoke tendril. Going in a zigzag pattern with full force. Zeus wasn't just a bird, it was a magical bird only the demon lord can tame. Dusan was still wondering what the elf were up to. In fact, he will be visiting them soon. "Use the sword!" Said Dusan as he led the blood towards the giant beak of Zeus. Matthew quickly threw the sword at Zeus, going deep into its wings which was tightly held by Dusan's power. The giant bird roared in pain, giving way for the blood to go into its mouth. At first, Zeus roared tremendously to the extent that Matthew was already scared the nasty troll had given him the wrong prescription. After some time, the bird suddenly became numb. It was as if it was more dead than alive. "Did we get it wrong or …?" Matthew questioned himself as well as the Demon lord and the stinky troll. "Ask the Horn Clan to take Zeus under their care. I shall visit Devontae soon." Lord Dusan said and disappeared into thin air leaving his grumbling right hand man behind. The Horn Clan were also part of the demons residing in Devontae but are outlanders who survive by taming pets which in turn, they get paid. Matthew took a long look at the giant bird on the ground and frowned. The Horn Clan only tames pets. Small mysterious beasts or spiritual beasts and not a giant magical bird like Zeus. Matthew was about to leave to deliver the message when a small group of young men in black arrived at the scene. He pinched his brow in astonishment. How did they know Lord Dusan summoned them?. "We're the Horn Clan members. We have come here by order of Lord Dusan to take Zeus under our care till his return." One of the men said and snapped his fingers. Within the blink of an eye, Zeus was nowhere to be found." "We take our leaves." The man said and left with hurried footsteps. Mathew shrugged his shoulders in nonchalance and sighed. "Guess I'll wait for Lord Dusan to return." He said to himself and started walking away. Unknown to Matthew, far from the spot he was standing a few minutes ago, some creatures were lingering in the woods and it seems they were after one person. It was no other than the grumbling Matthew.