The Moon Goddess

Moon Goddess - Chapter 2

Hecate was worried about Apate's decision. She moved closer to Apate while looking concerned about her fiedish plan. " I implore you to reconsider your scheme. The consequences could be dire if you proceed without careful thought." Hecate's voice sound apprehensive and alarmed. Apate smiled, insidiously " I understand your apprehensions, but I have pondered this matter deeply. " she laughed loud to convince Hecate that no further reevaluation is necessary. "Be careful" Hecate warned her friend of a dreadful outcome.

Selene readied her chariot to pull the moon that night. Her heart still confused but definite to carry out her plan. She will reveal herself to Robert tonight. Her excitement can't be hidden as she looked amazingly beautiful. She radiates an aura of enchantment and elegance. She was dressed in celestial garment, the fabric seems to embrace her form perfectly. As she readied herself to meet her secret love, her steps were light and almost floating. She carried a sense of power and divinity, tempered by a gentle vulnerability that enhances her irresistible allure. She slowly moved and drove her chariot to place the moon where it belong. Her eyes wondered as it shimmered with anticipation. In the lush moonlit garden, bathe with exquisite light , Robert stands waiting for Lucia to arrive. The air is filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers. Robert gazed at the star seeking solace in a distant glow. The elegance of the moon was unmatched as it's brightness was divine. Ever since when he was young Robert was fascinated by the fairness of the moon. Unbeknownst to him the goddess herself, was watching from the shadows with affection and hesitance. "Robert", the gentleman's heart skipped a beat as he turned searching for the source of the enchanting voice. " Lucia"?, he uttered quite uncertain as the voice was different to his beloved. There he saw a breathtaking beauty, her presence captivated the senses and left an edible mark upon the souls of those who are fortunate to witness. Her features are delicate, sculptured by a precision of a master artist. Her lips are soft and inviting, her skin glowed with mystical brightness.Her presence invoke a sense of awe and wonder."Who are you"?, Robert asked as he was expecting it would be Lucia. Selene stepped forward and her radiant presence captivated Robert, his breath catching in his throat. "It is I Selene, goddess of moon. I had watched you from afar and my heart became entwined with yours". The sweet voice of the moon goddess echoed like a boundless magic. Robert cannot remove his eyes to the ethereal presence of her latent beauty. She touched Robert's cheek, her delicate fingers reaching out to familiarize his face. A surge of warmth course through him, as if the moon's gentle caress awakens his desire. "This is wrong" he slowly moved away as he remembered his heart was owned by a loving beautiful soul, Lucia. " I am in love with someone else, besides I am but a mortal." He uttered words as an excuse to convince the goddess her love is impossible. "But love doesn't discriminate, it embraced the souls that are intertwine, regardless of mortal or divine . " Selene implied to answer their differences but not the emotion that Robert felt towards another woman."Your heart and spirit awakened something within me that I taught was lost forever" her melancholic tone suggested frustration. She felt the need to walk away, I envy your capacity to feel such profound emotion".tears welled in her eyes. " Though my heart breaks, I cannot deny your mortal desires". Her voice was like a mere whisper in the evening breeze. Robert felt an extreme emptiness which he couldn't explain. Something within him broke, her radiant beauty, subtle sound of her soothing voice, and shimmering eyes where he saw profound love and emptiness. His heart was bewildered as the moon goddess gradually vanished into the twilight. Robert was left alone within the fading light, though he turned down the love of the goddess, his heart became heavy with regret. In the tranquil garden, Robert stood until the break of dawn, wondering what happened. Lucia did not show up. The day breaks but Robert was bewildered with what has transpired. A poignant tale of what might have been unfolded and dissolved into the depths of the starlit night.

The sun morning rose, casting a pale sober light upon a world steeped in melancholy. It was a sad morning, a stark contrast to the vibrant hues that usually adorned the sky. Robert look outside the window. There he saw a lone figure sitting in the bench." Lucia", he immediately grabbed his shirt, he ran outside excited to hug his muse who did not show up last night. As he walked close to where he saw her seated, the figure disappeared. In the garden where he was suppose to meet her, the same garden where he saw her a while ago and suddenly she disappeared. The sun cast rays upon the exquisite garden, where colors bloomed and fragrance dance in the air. Robert' stood wondering with his heart longing, Lucia's presence is still elusive. He called out her name, his voice carrying through the tranquil stillness, but only the rustling leaves responded. With each passing moment, Robert's anxiousness deepened. Every corner he turned, yielded no trace of his beloved. Where can Lucia be? a question puzzled him as this was the first time his fiancee did not show up. Robert went inside the house took shower and decided to drop by to Lucia's place. As he walk close, he was contemplating and wondering if the moon goddess has anything to do with the turn of events. Was it part of her plan ? Robert's fear grew as he felt the immense longing of the moon goddess to be with him and what she could possibly do to separate him from Lucia and claim him as her own. Robert's mind started playing up for fear of loosing Lucia. His apprehension was unfounded, his conviction in the moon goddess intention remained unshakable. In front of the trullo where Lucia live, Robert called her name and waited for the beautiful lady to come out. Lucia slowly opened the door walked through the gate to welcome his beloved. Her eyes seemed tired and she looked muddled as if there is something bothering her. She kissed Robert in the cheeks while he hugged her tight as if he never wanted to let go. His feeling was intense , mixed emotion, his tears fell in his eyes with disbelief that she is alright. From that moment on Robert tried to banish the shadow that plagued his mind. " I promise to nurture our love forever', He found solace in the arms of Lucia knowing that their love is unyielding and true. Lucia looked at Robert and felt pity for his love, thinking he must be in great trouble. She brush off the tears in his eyes with her loving hands and asked. "Why are you crying?' His voice trembled " Nothing I just missed you so much ". He fixed his mind that what he was thinking is a mere paranoia. The moon goddess's heart belong to the vast expanse of the night sky. She maybe infatuated with him but would not seek to harm Lucia.

The two entered Lucia's house, she prepared his favorite desert and coffee. The aroma of the freshly brewed coffee and delectable cake was tempting to Robert's appetite. He did not eat last night worrying about Lucia. Being served such a treat is a reward for him. As they sip the steaming cup of coffee, their eyes locked, filled with quiet adoration that only they could understand. Their hands intertwined, fingers delicately tracing patterns on each others skin, a silent language of affection. Their smile were soft and genuine, reflecting a deep bond tested by time and shared experiences. Between sip and stolen glances, they engaged in light banter and playful teasing. Their laughter like a melody floated through the air. They occasionally reached to each other's plates savoring the flavor of Lucia's special delicacy. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in the depths of each others eyes, their gazes filled with tenderness and shared sense of belonging. Lucia's heart skipped a beat, but as the conversation began to flow, she realized that her mind was preoccupied. There was something important that she needed to remember, but the details eluded her, slipping to her mental grasps. As they delve into their discussion about dreams, passion and how deeply they love one another, Lucia's mind continued to wander. She tried to shake off the feeling that she forgotten something crucial. However each passing moment, her unease grew. "Are you okay"? Robert can no longer hold his curiosity by asking her a direct question. I'm sorry, but there is something I can't seem to remember, her voice tinged in frustration. "It's important I know it is, but it's slipping away from me". Robert took her hand tenderly and uttered. "It's fine, Lucia. Take your time". Lucia closed her eyes, her brow furrowed in concentration. "I know it involved you and it is something significant." her voice filled with mix confusion and determination. "It's alright, sometimes our memories play trick on us.". Robert's voice was reassuring but at the back of his mind he cannot avoid the fact that the goddess of moon may be involved and was part of it.

In the afternoon the couple decided to stroll on the garden. There where nature's vibrant colors danced with gentle breeze, love and joy unfolded. The garden was adorned by blooming flowers of various hues, their fragrance perfuming the air and creating a delightful ambiance. Lucia and Robert laid a checkered blanket to seat on. The place was bright and radiant but the lovers eyes were even brighter, it creates an atmosphere of pure happiness and contentment. "How I wish life would be like this forever, with you by my side I am complete, nothing that I can ever ask for". Robert's voice trembled as he prayed no celestial being will come back to bother them.Lucia looked at Robert with love that encompasses all. " If time comes that you may doubt my love for you, please remember I would have done it for a significant reason." Lucia's voice was sad as if she started remembering what she was contemplating a while ago. Lucia slowly moved forward, holding Roberts face while looking straight to his eyes. She touched each and every part of his face, his eyes nose, lips as if she is trying to memorize each and every detail . "I love you so much, that if I have to live my life again, I will be looking for nothing in this world but you. " Robert's heart beat faster as her words were foreshadowing a sorrowful event. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the garden. Lush greenery surrounded a vibrant array of flowers, their petal swaying gently in warm breeze. The atmosphere was serene yet beneath the surface, an undercurrent of melancholy lingered. She shift her gaze to the lovely sunflowers which stand out to the rest of the flowers in the garden. Robert stand up and moved to the flower where he saw Lucia was looking at. He picked the loveliest of all the sunflowers came back to where Lucia was seated. He gently touched her hair and place the lovely flower in Lucia's ear. He say no word this time but his eyes tell everything he ever wanted to speak.

In the evening, Selene pulled the moon close to the earth, It shone brightly overhead, it's color silvery white , which lightens up the entire universe. Robert lay awake in bed consumed by unease. He quietly laid his head, unknowningly, Selene had whispered her intentions into his dreams, planting fear and doubt. Images of Lucia disappearing into the ethereal glow. On his dream was Selene dressed in white while walking in the aisle. She looked so happy on a wedding dress, while her beauty stands out from the rest, Robert wearing toxedo was looking for Lucia. Selene's radiant and heavenly robe alighted gracefully. The moon's soft glow illuminated the scene, casting an otherworldly ambiance upon the woodland clearing. As the moon goddess approached, her silver eyes sparkling with celestial wisdom. Robert caught his throat. She possessed a beauty that surpassed a mortal comprehension. However not her beauty and charm can outweigh his true love for Lucia. He found himself caught in surreal predicament. He has to marry the goddess of moon, Selene. Robert's heart was pounding within his chest. The air was thick with intoxicating scent of blossoms, carried by a gentle breeze that whispered to the trees. Robert gaze wandered, his eyes searching the crowd for her beloved Lucia. As Selene slowly walked in the aisle, Robert's eyes was drawn to a mysterious figure, her eyes captivating held a depth that seemed to speak directly to his soul. It was Lucia. Robert's heart rebelled against the binding ties. His gaze never wavered from Lucia, who was weeping while being held by a mysterious lady wearing black. It was Apate the goddess of manipulation.Lucia's eyes stood vacant and distant under the enchanting influence of Apate. Robert's feelings burned with a fierce determination to rescue Lucia from the evil goddess who was firmly holding her arms. Her grip tightened as the poor lady cannot do anything but weep. Robert's heart broke at sight of hopelessness while Selene walked closer Robert focused and gained control of his thoughts swayed and convinced himself that this was just a dream. His eyes darted around seeking an escape." I cannot go through with this". his voice echoing in through the wedding garden. " The atmosphere grew heavy, the dream world quivering at the man's defiance. The goddess's expression shifted from affection to disappointment, her divine feature etched with sorrow. Robert found himself in the threshold of dream and reality. As he opened his eyes, he let out a deep sigh, grateful to have escaped the clutches of a loveless union. He looked outside the window and saw a girl sitting outside, the same spot she saw Lucia seated yesterday.

The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the tranquil garden. A gentle wind rustled the leaves of the surrounding trees, creating a soothing symphony. Drawing close to the wooden bench, Robert saw the same exact woman he saw on his dreams. The lady in black, who looks disappointed and diconsolate There was something unsettling about her presence. Her eyes possess an otherworldly gleam, a glint of darkness that sent a shive down Robert's spine. Robert approached the woman cautiously, he noticed an aura of malevolence that seemed to emanate in her whole being.The woman turned her head slowly, her gaze locking into Robert's like a predator honing in on his prey. A wicked smile curled upon her lips, lurking a hint of malice. The sunlight seemed to waver casting strange shadows across her features as if it was morphing to something sinister. "You don't know me but I know you very well', Apate's voice was a melodic blend of sweetness and malice. She stood up and looked directly into Robert's eyes. "I came here with a proposition and I want you to think about it very carefully" Robert's eyes started to flicker with uncertainty." What is going on? " a question incomprehensible to a common mortal. First the goddess of moon proposing love to him, then an unknown celestial being asking him to decide about something too vague to comprehend. Apate goddess of deceit and manipulation who reveled in the misery of mortal and delighted in their downfall stared at Robert and started talking metaphor. She held a sunflower on her hand " What did you observe on this beautiful flower?", Robert did not utter a single word, he was contemplating of what the villain was after. Apate continued her dialogue" Like love the flower will wither like an intoxicating force. It ignites your heart with warmth and passion within and make you feel invincible. But like a delicate flower, it will wither and fade in the relentless grasp of time. It's petals slowly witling in front of Robert's naked eyes.. " Love is like a fleeting illusion, a fragile emotion that crumbles beneath the weight of reality, a distraction that keeps mortal from reaching their true potential". Apate continued to convince Robert that what she has to offer is far much better that his love for Lucia. " As a child you had been denied of wealth and richness. You had endured so much sacrifice and hardship. " Did it not cross your mind how it feels to posses all that you desire?. "Wealth is a mighty fortress, an impenetrable shield that guard against the storm of life" . Love may bring fleeting joy but it cannot grand you dominance and pride" her voice grew more hypnotic, " Imagine a world where love is but a pawn on the game of power, I can grant you all the wealth and luxury you could ever imagine. But you need to forget your beloved and start giving your full attention to Selene. " I will come back for your decision. She smiled victoriously as if she already fulfilled her mission.A seed of doubt was planted into Robert's mind and the evil goddess slowly vanished into thin air.

Robert went inside the house bewildered by the conversation she had with Apate. He entered the room, it was dimly lit with dusty ray of sunlight filtering through the worn-out curtains. The air hung heavy with a sense of melancholy as if the walls themselves held the weight of sorrowful memories. As his gazed wandered around the room, his eyes settled on a faded photograph, framed and displayed on an old wooden shelf. He saw his picture when he was a boy, his face etched with poverty and hardship. A sigh escaped his lips laden with weight of remembrance. He recalled the ragged clothes, the times when hunger gnawed at his belly, the mocking laugher of other children and the cruel taunts over his misfortune. The lack of warmth, comfort and security had been his daily companion. He looked outside the window and realized the sad truth, it was the missed opportunities that pained the most. He knew it was a tough choice, being offered a proposal were he can have everything he wanted, everything he never had. For the longest time he had been content, his happiness never depend on earthly material things, just Lucia he is his happiness. Robert's eyes welled up in tears, the sadness that consumed his childhood leaving behind scars that time could never heal. Can he leave the only person who accepted him? the woman who never asked anything but his love and loyalty. It was in this moment that Robert's mind began to wander, delving deep into the depths of his own desire. He questioned the essence of his own being, grappling with the dichotomy between love and material wealth. In that moment, Robert's heart made a choice The allure of material possessions though tempting could never eclipse the profound power of love.

He immediately went on a quick shower fell a sleep and when he woke up it was already evening. He put on a simple shirt and faded pants and hurried to see his beloved.The air was heavy with anticipation as he approached Lucia's house. The moon's radiant orb in the midnight sky cast a soft glow upon the world, illuminating his path. Each step he took quickened his heartbeat. As he reached Lucia's house, a nervous excitement coursed through his veins. Lucia opened the door slowly and there she stood, a vision of beauty and desire.Her eyes sparkled in anticipation mirroring his own. Without a word she took his hand and led him inside. The warmth of her touch sent shiver down his spine, he felt his body respond to her presence. The flickering candlelight danced across the room, casting soft shadows on the walls creating an atmosphere of intimacy and vulnerability. They stood face to face, their eyes locked in a silent exchange of love and longing. Robert slowly reached out and traced the contours of her face with his fingertips, memorizing every curve and line. She leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering close, savoring the tenderness of his caress. Their lips met in a gentle kiss a sweet exploration of each others desires. The taste of her, softness of her lips ignited a fire within him. With each kiss their passion grew and their bodies move in perfect harmony. Their clothes falling to the floor and on the dim room their bodies intertwined. Every touch and every whisper was a testament of their love, a language only they can understood.Time seemed to lose it's meaning as they surrendered themselves to the moment. Their body moved as one, a symphony of desire and pleasure. As they reached the pinnacle of their passion, their souls entwined, they were consumed by profound sense of connection. In the intimate space, they were no longer two separate beings, but a single entity bound by desire and intimacy. A soft breeze whispered through the open window, carrying with it the distant melody of chirping crickets and fragrance of blossoming flowers. The curtains danced , casting fleeting patterns of moonlight on the walls, as nature itself celebrated their love.

As the tendrils of exhaustion began to claim Robert's being, his eyelid grew heavy and he succumbed to the gentle lull of sleep. He found himself standing upon a vast space under the glow of the moonlight.The luminous orb above seemed to pulsate energy casting an enchanting radiance upon the dreamer. As Robert gazed upon the moon, a figure materialized before him. It was radiant and glowing, It was the moon goddess herself, resplendent in her celestial beauty. Her eyes as deep and enchanting as the night sky held a mysterious allure that captivated his very soul.She moved with grace. Her voice echoing to Roberts very being, the moon goddess started singing a haunting melody, a sirens call reaching the depths of his heart. Robert got mesmerized by her enchanting voice, he felt an irresistible pull to follow her into the unknown. As Robert ventured to the nocturnal odyssey, the boundaries between reality and dream began to blur. The moon goddess spoke her words carrying a melody that echoed through the dream realm. From the folds of her celestial robes, the moon goddess produced a series of exquisite, opulent gifts. Each one is a reflection of the man's deepest desires. From the canvass of heaven, the moon goddess conjured a magnificent mansion, it's architecture a testament of grandeur and refinement. Robert's eyes widened as he beheld sprawling estate adorned with glistening marble, ornate gardens and fountains that danced to the melody of the night. Next she gestured towards a sleek automobile, it's body gleaming under the moonlight. The car was a masterpiece of engineering, embodying both power and elegance. Robert recalled how he fancied having a mansion and car since childhood, how he had been deprived of such luxury. His hard work did not materialized, he felt anguish knowing that it was not enough to achieve such valuable dream. He realized power and wealth can be best achieved by sticking with those who were capable of providing it. Somehow he felt despair as his wants in life are laid before his very eyes with a hurtful condition. To leave the woman he love. The moon goddess can read what Robert was thinking and her allure did not cease there. She unveiled a vision of a towering empire, an empire built on innovation and success. Robert marveled on the sight of the company, it's name emblazoned in golden letters, symbolizing wealth and influence that spanned the globe.With a voice as melodic as moonlit lullaby, the moon goddess spoke, her words carrying a promise laden with desire. She offered the man the keys to this lavish realm, promising to bestow upon him all this splendors, but only if he would give her his heart, love and his unwaivering devotion. Robert stood transfixed, torn between the brilliance of material riches and the understanding that true love could never be bought or bartered. He gazed into the moon goddess eyes, searching for answer that lay within her celestial depths. Just then he started murmuring words that awakened her beloved sleeping next to him.

Lucia woke up overhearing Robert's mentioning Selene's name. She touched his arms and shake him a bit to wake him up on his dreams. " Robert, you are on a bad dream" Lucia's voice was a mixture of worry and disappointment, a nightmare to any woman to hear his loved one saying another woman's name. She went to the kitchen and open the fridge to hand Robert a cold water to drink. He starred at Robert but the remands of his dream clung to her consciousness like a haunting melody, refusing to fade into the depths of her mind. She felt a fang of betrayal, the taste of bitterness seeping into her veins. Robert whispering another woman's name echoed into her ears. With trembling hands Robert reached out to touch Lucia 's shoulder, shattering the silence that enveloped the room. Tears welled up into Lucia's eyes, her voice quivering with hurt. He reached out to caress her cheek, his touch gentle and comforting. " I may not be enough, the simple routine could really be stale". Her voice breaking up as she knew Robert was looking for something more than what she can offer. Slowly she stood looking at the window, there outside she saw the brilliance of the night but instead of the actual bright moon, she saw a lady smiling, with victorious grin, destined to intimidate her. Robert moved close to her and embraced her, " there is no other woman who resides in my heart but you." Lucia turned to look at his face, " I want to believe you, we had been to the most difficult part of our relationship, I always pray seeking strength and hoping we will be together till the end". She could no longer contain her emotion, her tears dropped continuously while her voice was breaking up. "I can feel your words and hurts to think it does not match to what you are saying ". Lucia's honesty annoyed Robert that he decided to leave. He dressed up quickly to stop the conversation. His pride was touched by Lucia's accusation. "I need to go". Robert's face was a mixture of anger and hurt. "You wouldn't understand even if I explain, you are judging me from a simple, single instance." The air was heavy and his heart ached at the thought of loosing the woman he loved. Robert searched for words to convince her but rather preferred to be silent The flickering candlelight dance across his face, revealing a mixture of resignation and heartbreak. He knew he failed to convince her. He kissed her gently in her cheek however that did not abate the hurt Lucia was feeling at that very moment. "I will see you tomorrow, but please never doubt my love for you, " Robert''s voice was full of reassurance."We will never go this far if it was not true". Robert turned away, his footsteps echoing softly as he walked out of the room. Lucia was left standing alone amidst the fading candlelight. In that moment she felt alone for the very first time.

The rays of early morning filtered through the half drawn curtains, casting a soft melancholic glow upon the room. The air hung heavy with unspoken emotion echoing the weight that rested upon the heart of Lucia. Her sleep had been restless, disturbed by the remands of a painful confrontation with Robert. As she gradually emerged from the depths of slumber, her eyes fluttered open revealing the profound sadness that was etched upon her delicate feature. The soft sigh that escape her lips carried the weight of a million unspoken words. She rose from the bed meeting the coolness of the wooden floor. She moved towards the window compelled by an unseen force and pulled the curtains apart allowing the full force of daylight to wash over her. The brilliance of the new day and the heaviness of her heart don't seem to dissipate.The soft breeze that caressed her face carried the scent of the blooming flowers. It was a source of comfort but now an unsettling reminder of the fragility of love. She moved closer to the window were her eyes got fixated on a lady sitting at the bench feeding birds with crumbs of bread from her right hand. She wore a flowing black gown and has a beguiling ethereal beauty. Her long ebony hair billowed around her like a dark halo. Her eyes sparkled with a dangerous glint. Lucia got intrigued that she went outside to speak to her. It was Apate, her presence once again created an aura of an eerie charm that commanded attention, her voice dipped with honeyed persuasion. "Lucia", Apate purred her velvety voice enveloping the air. " You are radiant and beautiful this morning despite of what you feel inside, your beauty did not fade a bit." Lucia got curious to why the lady in black knew what happened last night. "But tell me, have you considered what lies beneath the surface? " Apate's question created a doubt on Lucia's mind. "Who are you ? her voice was like trembling delicate bird's song. " I am Apate, from now on I will be you trusted friend" Lucia's expression grew uncertain. Apate continued with a seductive undertone. "I have come to.unveil the hidden truths that lie within your heart".