The Moon Goddess

Moon Goddess - Chapter 5

" Selene?, who is she". Apate pretended that she did not know her. Lucia's voice trembled, " I felt she dislikes me. Apate explained her opinion."Lucia, I think it was the rumor about you, your tarnished reputation. Overtime Selene heard stories that had painted you in an unfavorable light. I believe this tales have formed a negative impression of your character and as Robert's relative she would not want you to be with him. Apate started to circle around Lucia, her movements graceful yet unsettling. Perhaps there is someone else she favored even more." She insinuated, her words dripping with subtle malice. Lucia's heart skipped a beat, her mind racing to process Apate's words. "But who?". Lucia's voice trembling with anxiety. Apate explained with certainty. "Well my dear, she could be someone Selene has known for long time. Someone well dignified, wealthy with good upbringing. Lucia's face looked dismayed. The weight of her past is impossible to bear. Her mistakes hung over her like dark clouds casting a shadow of her present. Lucia began, her voice barely a whisper, "I feel so lost". My past mistakes has cost me dearly, and now I can't help but feel I no longer deserve someone like Robert. Apate's touched provided a small comfort." My dear Lucia, love is not a transaction, It is not earned or deserved. It is a choice that someone makes, fully aware of our imperfection. If Robert truly loves you, he will see beyond your mistakes. However, Selene's reaction towards you is a give away, maybe Robert is hiding something from you and Selene already knew about it. Lucia's brows furrowed, " What do you mean Apate?", Robert and I have been together for years, We've shared much love and happiness.." Apate smirked enjoying the effect her words were having on Lucia. Oh Lucia sometimes love blinds us to the truth. Perhaps there is a better girl, someone who truly understands Robert, someone who can fulfill his deepest desires. Lucia's voice started to stammer. " But.. but Robert did not give me a reason to doubt him". her voice filled with confusion. Apate leaned back in the chair, a sly smile gracing her lips. "Ah my dear Lucia, that's the irony of it all, Sometimes the very person we trust the most is the one who hides the truth from us. Maybe Robert has reason he hasn't shared with you. Reason that would make you question everything you thought you knew. " Lucia's started crying in despair. " But I've always been a good partner to Robert, I've tried to support him in every possible way". Apate stood up to see the poor lady desperate and hopeless. " Lucia, sometimes love, loyalty and support are just not enough for some people". Unfortunately my dear, there are individuals who values money, power and luxury over everything else. They are willing to compromise their loyalty for financial gain." Lucia's feeling became intense, her mind consumed with doubt and insecurity. Her heart raced with a mixture of fear and confusion.As Lucia's emotions spiraled, she couldn't shake the feeling that Apate was slowly retreating leaving her alone with her doubts. It was Apate's nature to sow discord and manipulate emotions and she unknowingly fallen prey to her again. Tears streamed down Lucia's cheeks as she grappled with her emotions. She clung to the fading hope that Robert's love was true, but doubt has gnawed at her, threatening to consume her entirely. In that moment, Lucia felt the weight of the world on her shoulders and the pain of a love teering on the edge of uncertainty. As the candle's flame flickered, casting eerie shadows across the room. Lucia's heart cried out for clarity and resolution. Would Robert's love endure ? Would he chose her over another? Only time can tell, it would reveal the truth, but for now Lucia was left alone in a sea of despair, wrestling with the tormenting whispers of her own thoughts. Images of another woman, beautiful and captivating filled her mind. Apate's words filled her ears, taunting her vulnerability. " Do you really think you are good enough for him "? What if Apate was right the other woman is everything she's not. Lucia's self esteem crumbled under the weight of an imagined competition. She started over analyzing things. Her once comfortable and secure world had become a labyrinth of paranoia, and Lucia felt trapped within it's walls. The thought of being replaced, of loosing the love she held so dear, speared her soul. She questioned her worth and wondered why she was not enough for Robert. As the night deepened, Lucia found herself lost in a storm of thoughts. Unable to break free from the web Apate spun around her mind. She knew she needed to confront Robert, to voice her fears but fear of the truth terrified her more. Would her suspicions be confirmed? In that moment Lucia realized the power of overthinking. It had consumed her, turning her insecurities into monster that threatened to destroy her relationship. She knew she have to find a way to overcome it, to trust her own worth and the love she shared with Robert. But until then, she remained lost in the maze of doubts, desperately seeking a way out of Apate's manipulating clutches.

As the morning sunlight gently filtered through the curtains. Lucia stirred awake, her mind still clouded by the torment she experienced last night. Apate's words echoed in her thoughts leaving her feeling wounded and insecure. With a heavy heart, she mustered the strength to rise from her bed, her body feeling weighed down by self doubt. Every step felt like uphill battle as Lucia tried to pull herself together.As she stood before the mirror, Lucia gazed at her reflection, searching for the flaws that Apate cruelly pointed out. There maybe a woman much better than her, the woman that Robert may potentially replace her. She slowly made her way to the kitchen, her footsteps heavy with anxiety. The familiar routine of preparing breakfast felt like a mere distraction. The aroma of the freshly brewed coffee failed to provide it's usual comfort. Even the cheerful chirping of the birds outside felt like a mocking reminder of the happiness she once knew. With a trembling hand, Lucia reached for her phone, her heart pounding with apprehension. She hesitated fearing what she might discover. As she scrolled through her messages, she found herself analyzing every word every interaction, searching for a sign that Apate's words held a grain of truth. Each text message, each photo seemed to taunt her, fueling her insecurities. Doubts crept into her mind, whispering that perhaps Robert was indeed in love with someone else, someone better, someone more worthy. She fought back tears as she battled the internal conflict between trusting her intuition and succumbing to Apate's manipulative influence. In the midst of emotional turmoil Lucia's phone rang startling her from her thoughts. It was Robert, his voice filled with warmth and concern. ' Hello, my love , it's me' Robert. He was trying to steady his voice. The weight of his infidelity has been suffocating him lately. There was a momentary pause on the other end before Lucia responded. ' Hi Robert, is everything okay?" Robert's heart sank at the weariness he detected on her tone. He compose himself so he can continue, his words stumbling out in a rush. "I.. I just wanted to check on you". You seemed different lately and I've been worried about you, Is everything alright?" Lucia's silence was deafening while Robert's anxiety lingered. He nervously clenched his fist, his mind racing with thoughts of the secret he had been keeping. Finally Lucia sighed softly, her voice tinged with a mix of sadness and resignation. "No Robert, everything is not all right" There is something I need to talk to you about" A lump formed on Robert's throat, as he braced himself for what was about to happen. He knew that this moment would be inevitable, but the reality of what has to come was far more daunting than he had anticipated. " I noticed a change in you too, Robert". Lucia continued, her voice trembling with a mix of hurt and anger. " Is there something you would want to tell me". I don't know if we can ever fully recover, but I'm willing to listen. We need to have an honest conversation no matter how difficult it may be". Lucia's intuition was way too strong that she can feel red flags by simply analyzing the situation. Robert nervously found courage and asked Lucia if they can talk personally in private. After their phone conversation, Robert was left in a state of confusion. Admitting his infidelity weighed heavily on his mind, but he couldn't shake the fear of the consequences it might bring. His conscience tugged at him, urging him to be honest and face the truth head on. However the uncertainty of how Lucia would react kept him wavering on the edge.

Lucia felt that everything in her life was crumbling, her carefully constructed world is falling into pieces. As she circulated to the crowd snippets of conversation reached her ears. People talking about her unhappy past, her mistakes and how her name was exposed and tarnished being judged by those who doesn't even know about the truth. The once vibrant atmosphere of the neighborhood was filled with faces that hold both pity and judgement. On the other hand there was Robert her longtime confidant and fiance, the one she believed to be her rock beyond the chaos. But even him seemed to have betrayed her trust.

Lucia stepped into the dimly lit interior of the ancient church, the scent of the incense hung in the air, mingling with the soft whispers of her footsteps. Kneeling before the ornate altar, She closed her eyes, shutting out the world around her, as she sought solace with the walls of the sacred space. With each whispered prayer, the flickering candlelight seemed to burn brighter, casting dancing shadows upon the aged stone walls. In the sacred moment, Lucia found solace in the realization that the answer she sought were not external, but within herself. She understood the path forward lay in trusting her own intuition, in embracing her inner strength and finding courage to follow her heart. As Lucia bowed her head in prayer, a soft rustle of silk caught her attention and she looked up her eyes widening in astonishment. Approaching her with grace and elegance was a woman of unparalleled beauty. Her radiant presence seemed to illuminate the dimly lit church. Her long flowing hair cascaded like a golden waterfall down her shoulders. Her eyes a mesmerizing shade of sapphire, sparkled with compassion and understanding. Lucia couldn't hardly believe her eyes, for it was as if an angel has descended upon the sacred space to offer her solace. Without a word the lady took a seat beside Lucia. She reached out with a gentle touch, taking Lucia's trembling hand in her own. The touch was like a balm to Lucia's wounded spirit offering comfort and understanding. " I couldn't help but notice the heaviness in your eyes" the stranger began softly. My name is Aphrodite and I am here to listened if you'd like to share. Something about her presence felt comforting as if they were destined to meet at that moment.

In the silence of the church, the lady listened attentively. With each word Lucia felt the burden being lifted. It was replaced by renewed sense of hope. "You are not alone Lucia." Aphrodite reassured her, " Depression can be overwhelming battle, but I am here to remind you that you are deserving of love, happiness and healing. Your pain is valid and you are stronger than you realize". Lucia's eyes filled with tears, as she absorbed Aphrodite's words. It was a spark of hope, ignited within her, illuminating the darkness that had consumed her for a long time. Lucia couldn't help but ask a question to the Goddess of love. " Why do some people find joy in making other people's life difficult? When they haven't been on the same situation ?. Aprodite's voice was filled with sadness. " Lucia, the world is a complex place, people are driven by different desires and motivation. Some seek power and others crave for wealth. This desires can blind them. Money and power have a way of distorting once perception. They create false sense of superiority, leading individuals to believe that they are above others. " Lucia was listening intently while her heart was heavy with the weight of Aphrodite's words. Aphrodite leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper. " Lucia life is a fleeting moment, a delicate dance between joy and sorrow, those who think highly of themselves failed to realize that all things are temporary. Remain calm and strong and always hold on to your faith.Doubts and fears are bound to arise but it is how we face them that truly maters.".Lucia's eyes was fixed on the goddess, Aprodite what about Robert, I love him dearly but doubts have clouded my mind, I fear that our relationship may not be as strong as I once believed. " The goddess eyes sparkled with wisdom. " Lucia true love is built on trust and open communication. It is better to be honest with Robert than to have your doubts consume you, speak with him about your feelings but accept whatever would be the outcome. Remember Lucia sometimes the greatest mysteries of life are revealed through vulnerability. From now on Lucia I promised to be by your side, " Aphrodite continued. " Whenever you find yourself in the depths of grief and despair, call upon me and I will offer you guidance. You are not alone in this journey". Lucia couldn't fully comprehend the depth of Aphrodite's words but she felt a new found sense of hope and purpose. As the church bells chimed, Lucia turned to Aphrodite, her eyes filled with gratitude. " Thank you, your presence is a gift and I will hold on to your promise with all of my heart'. Aphrodite smiled warmly, her beauty shinning even brighter. She gracefully departed leaving Lucia with a new found hope and profound belief that she was never truly alone.

In the depths of the underworld Apate and Hecate were hidden behind the shadows, their eyes fixed upon the magic cauldron. The cauldron, a mystical artifact capable of revealing the secrets of the universe. It was currently displaying the scene that has ignited Apate's anger and annoyance to it's fullest. Before them, the cauldron showed Aphrodite and Lucia. Apate's face twisted with fury as she listened to Aphrodite's honey word, her enchanting words weaving a web of desire around Lucia. " How dare that meddling goddess, she thinks she can interfere with my plans. She has always been a source of frustration to us". Apate stood full of anger in her voice " enough is enough" her voice dripping with venom. She started walking around while holding the Doom box tightly on her hand. She narrated her evil scheme. I will get rid of her once and for all. I have deviced a plan so cunning and devious that it will forever banish Aphrodite into the abyss of oblivion. Hecate was concerned, " Aphrodite is a forminable goddess, she is loved by many, how do you plan to achieve such a feat? " A sly smile played upon Apate's lips. " This Doom box is an ancient artifact, I created it long time ago, it was hidden deep within the darkness recesses of the underworld. It has the power to trap any deity within it's confines, stripping them of their divine essence. Hecate's eyes widened in astonishment. " But how will you lure Aphrodite into this trap?. She is known for her cunning and ability to see through deceit." Apate's smile widened, her confidence was unwaivering. "My dear, this is were my mastery of deception comes into play. I shall create an illusion, a grand masquerade were Aphrodite will believe she is attending a divine gathering in her honor. Little does she know, it will be her ultimate downfall". She smiled deviously, on the other hand I will punish her human counterpart, Lucia. I started orchestrating rumors about her, exposing her past, adding deceit and lies. I will plant seeds of doubt in the minds of those close to her, making them question her sincerity and intention. Hecate's eyes turned to grin spreading across her face. " Ah, so you aim to manipulate her relationship, turning her allies into enemies'. Apate's voice grew softer, her voice laced with sinister satisfaction. " I will make her believe that she is loosing her mind. ' Hecate's eyes gleamed with admiration as she leaned forward, her voice filled with anticipation. " Apate this plan of yours is diabolical, I cannot wait to witness the chaos that you will unleash upon Lucia." Apate's smile widened, her eyes glinting with a wicked satisfaction. "Oh Hecate my dear, this is only the beginning. Lucia's world will crumble, I will make her believe that this are all punishment for all her mistakes in the past. I will give reward to those who will make her life difficult, money and position to those who will hate her, I will block all opportunities for her and after I will convince her that all this challenges are from the universe. Apate cannot control her laughter as she was convinced all her plans will materialize perfectly. As the two goddess revealed in their malevolent alliance, the room was filled with eerie silence, a foreboding darkness. The stage was set and the game had begun.

Selene stood alone on the balcony, down the earth were Robert resides, her eyes fixed on the city below. The moon cast a soft glow, illuminating her delicate features as she contemplates her plans. Her obsession with Robert had consumed her every thought. No advice from anyone could sway her determination. She was willing to go on any lengths to make him fall in love with her, even if it meant tearing him away from Lucia. The wind whispered through the night, carrying with it a scent of jasmine. Selene's eyes narrowed as she recalled the advice given to her by Aphrodite. " Selene you mustn't pursue this path". she warned her. " Love cannot be forced and the consequences of your action could be dire". Aphrodite's words repeats echoing into her mind but she dismissed her concern, convinced that her love for Robert is worth any risk. That same night she decided to descent from the heavens and visit Robert. The goddess of moon was brimming with desire. As Selene materialized in Robert's bedroom, a soft glow emanated from her celestial form, casting a silvery luminesce upon the walls. The moon usually a distant observer now seemed to be within an arm's reach, as if she pulled it closer to earth to set a stage for her seductive plan. Robert unaware of the divine presence that had entered her room. His hair framed his face, and the moonlight caressed his features, accentuating his rugged charm. Selene's heart skipped a beat as she gazed upon him, her desire intensified. She awakened Robert from his dreams. His eyes fluttered open and he found himself entranced by the celestial beauty standing before him. The room seemed to fade away, leaving only Selene and Robert in a world of their own. Selene's voice as melodious as a nightingale's song filled the room. "Robert", she whispered her words carrying a hint of enchantment. My love, let our soul bind us till eternity. Selene approached Robert, her steps as graceful as a moonlit waltz. She extended her hand, inviting him to join her in a dance that transcend mortal boundaries. Mesmerized by her beauty, Robert took her hand, they began to sway to an invisible melody, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. As they danced the moon outside seemed to grow brighter, it's radiance intensifying with each step. As the dance reached its crescendo, Selene leaned closer to Robert, her lips brushing against his ear. Her voice, a seductive whisper, send shivers down his spine. Selene, surrender to the allure of the night, she sigh, " Let's go off your inhibitions and embrace the mysteries that lie ahead. Robert's heart raced torn between the desire and his fear to loose himself once again. " Lucia" , he uttered the name of the woman he love, while battling to get out of the spell that Selene has cast upon him. In that moment the moon reached its closest point to the earth. The world outside seemed to hold its breath, As Selene's lips met Robert. A loud call from outside interrupted the scene. " Robert, my love. I am here". Lucia's heart raced as she stood outside Robert's house, on her hand she hold the bag filled with Robert's favorite food. It was a chilly evening, and the wind whispered through the trees adding an eerie touch to the atmosphere. Little did Lucia know that her rival Selene has already set her sight on Robert and was about to make love with his fiancee for the second time, if she had not come on time. Lucia stand outside the gate of Robert's house, her heart pounding with anticipation. As she opened the door, a sense of foreboding washed over her. She wasn't aware that her rival Selene has arrived at Robert's house earlier. Robert's heart leaped with joy as he rushed to greet Lucia at the door. The moment their eyes met a sense of relief washed over him. " Lucia, my love" Robert exclaimed, his voice filled with affection. "I've been waiting for you, please come inside". Lucia's eyes searched Robert's face, seeing a hint of unease beneath his welcoming smile. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss but she pushed her doubts aside. As she entered Lucia's eyes wandered, the air was heavy with unspoken tension and she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She knew that she has to tread carefully for danger lurked in the shadows. Selene was watching their every move in the shadows her eyes burning with jealousy and rage. She had failed to seduce Robert and would stop at nothing to ensure that Lucia will suffer the consequences. She stormed out of the room, her anger fueled. She knew she has to leave Robert's house immediately. With a flick of her wrist her chariot appeared before her, pulled by majestic silver- winged dragons. Selene climbed into her chariot, her frustration still burning within her. She cracked the reins, and the dragons took off, their wings beating against the night sky. The wind whipped through Selene's hair, as she soared through the air, leaving Robert's house far behind. As she flew towards Mount Olympus, Selene's mind raced with thoughts of revenge against Lucia. ' How dare her stop me with my plans, Robert is mine and I will do everything to make it happen. Selene's anger grew with every passing moment fueling her determination to teach Lucia a lesson she would never forget.

The journey to Mount Olympus was swift, soon Selene found herself standing before the grand palace of gods. She stormed through the halls, her presence causing the other deities to shrink back in fear. She had always been calm and composed demeanor, but tonight she was a force to reckon with. As she reached the peak of Mount Olympus her frustration radiated like a storm cloud. Aphrodite sensing the turmoil within her appeared before Selene. She was taken aback by the goddess's presence but quickly composed herself. " Aphrodite", Selene began, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and desperation. " I'm furious and jealous, I was about to make love with Robert when the mortal Lucia came". Aphrodite's eyes was filled with empathy, however was upset. Her disappointed gaze fixed upon Selene." Selene , why do you seek to charm Robert when he is already devoted and committed to Lucia. Such actions go against the very essence of love and it's sacred bonds, love should not trespass upon commitments made. To control someone's heart for your own desire is to mart the fabric of love itself. It brings nothing but pain, heartache and fractured trust. By pursuing Robert against his commitment, you erode the trust he shares with Lucia. Your action would cast shadows upon their love, tainted with deceit and heartbreak. Remember true love blossoms through honesty, trust and fidelity. Selene's heart travelled to moon high above, her heart heavy with the weight of her desires. Her normally calm and serene demeanor was replaced by intense fury. Her silver gown billowed around her as she glided towards Aphrodite, her eyes glowing with anger. " How dare you meddle with my affairs". Selene's voice echoing within the chamber emanating authority. "Robert is mine, fated to be mine alone and I declare war to whoever would interfere even if it is you". Selene stared at Aphrodite, the goddess of love barely flinched. " Do as you please Selene, but remember that love cannot be forced, even if he succumbed to your trickery, his heart will forever yearn for Lucia". The two goddess gazed at each other, their powers crackling and clashing around them. Selene decided to leave, the air filled with tension as she storm out of the grand hall. Her eyes glowed with the remands of argument she had with Aphrodite. Words had been exchanged, fiery accusations flew between them and Selene made her yearn for solace.

Determined to find peace and distance herself to the goddess of love. Selene made her way through the heavenly corridors and descended to the majestic mountaintop. As she left behind the comforting aura of her celestial home, her senses were covered with chilling darkness and a sinister energy permeated the air. With each step down, the surrounding grew increasingly eerie, as if mirroring the bitterness seething within Selene. The vibrant colors of Olympus were long gone replaced by desaturated hues. At the entrance of the underworld a gust of frigid wind welcomed Selene. Her piercing moonlit eyes fell upon Apate. Her sly smile curled up at the corners of her lips. "What brought you here my dear friend". Their eyes met, one filled with rage and the other with mocking amusement. Apate summoned a mirror from the mist. The reflective surface revealed Aphrodite, engaging in deep conversation with Lucia. Between them, Selene noticed an unmistakable alliance forming against her. Apate gestured towards the mirror, exposing Aphrodite's involvement with a note of distain in her voice. " Selene, your fears are not unfounded. Aphrodite your supposed ally has become enchanted to Lucia's charm, she now supports the very mortal who stands in your way. " Selene's heart sank at the revelation. The bond she has shared with Aphrodite, forged through countless eons, now appeared fragile and tainted. A mixture of anger and betrayal surged within her. "Aphrodite.. our enemy" Selene murmured, her voice trembling. "How could she betray me like this?". Apate smirked, her shifting form now resembling a shadowy spectre hovering above Selene. "Enemies can be found even on those closest to us, but remember I am the goddess of deceit. Together we can exploit that enmity and turn it to our advantage". Selene's eyes narrowed, her eyes already formulating a devious plan." Yes Apate we will use Aphrodite's support to Lucia against them both. Show me the way, guide me through the labyrinth of deception. For Robert shall be mine and Lucia will be no more than a distant memory". With a wicked grin, Apate led Selene deeper to the shadows, their whisper of malevolence echoing through the twisting passages. Selene would stop at nothing to reclaim what she believed was rightfully hers, obvious to the webs of deceit that entangled the gods themselves.

Meanwhile in Robert's house, he desperately tried to convince Lucia that there was no other woman in his life. His voice mixed with sincerity and desperation. Tears welled up in Lucia's eyes, her vulnerability seeping into the room, creating an almost suffocating atmosphere. Robert, realizing the gravity of the situation stepped closer to her. ' I love you more than anything, please don't doubt me'. Lucia's eyes flickered with a mix of sadness and confusion. She wanted desperately to trust Robert but her intuition told her otherwise. The weight of the convincing words weighed heavily on her heart. A brittle silence fell between them. Lucia's sadness intensified, as she grappled with conflicting emotions that tore at their connection. She longed for the truth yet threaded at the possibility of her worst fears being confirmed. As seconds ticked by, Lucia's gazed met Roberts both searching for answers in each other's eyes. The room amplified the tension, heavy with unspoken truths and unfulfilled promises. It remained unclear whether Lucia would find solace and acceptance or if the pain of their hidden reality would continue to fester. 'I have to leave now" her voice gentle however the hurt she felt inside her heart was immense. Robert kissed her on the cheeks and whispered to her ears. " I never wanted to hurt you". Lucia nodded and stood up to leave, she looked at Robert with eyes speaking volumes of what she felt on that very moment. As Lucia wandered through the dense forrest, her heart heavy with doubt and pain, the sound of her footsteps seemed to echo her shattered emotions. The golden sunlight filtered through the canopy of trees, casting a melancholic glow in the path ahead. Each step seemed to drag her deeper into the embrace of despair. Lost in thoughts, Lucia barely noticed the figure that showed up before her, it was Apate. " Good morning my friend, Lucia, such a pleasant surprise.