The first thing that hit them was the color.
The Realm of the Gods stretched out in impossible hues. The ground beneath their feet shimmered pink, alive with flowing veins of light that pulsed like the surface itself had a heartbeat. Above them, the sky was not violet anymore, but a thick and dreamlike green that spread in smooth waves like liquid glass. Floating unicorns drifted lazily in the air, wings glittering as they moved through streams of golden clouds.
Mortis tilted his horn back and smirked. "Finally, some actual taste worth staring at. I was getting sick of Piper."
Piper whipped him on the forehead with her palm. "You absolute idiot! Keep talking like that and I'll mount your head on a wall."
Mortis yelped, rubbing the spot and grinning anyway. "Still worth it."
Despite the banter, the group fell silent. Kuina's eyes darted around, stunned. She could feel the weight of her new white armor pressing against her body with every breath. The white axe on her back seemed heavier than anything she had ever carried. She shifted her shoulders, fighting to ignore the discomfort.
"This place is gorgeous," Piper admitted, voice softer than usual. "But where do we go from here? Kuina, you know the way?"
Kuina shook her head slowly. "No, Piper. I'm searching just like you. Whoever brought us here has to guide us eventually."
Kylie stepped forward, her voice confident. "No need to wait. I've been here before. Follow me."
Everyone stared at her in shock, but she didn't falter. Her wings spread, catching the strange green glow of the skies, and she rose into the air. One by one, the others followed. Silence carried them for about one hundred and fifty meters, each woman lost in her own thoughts as the Realm unfolded around them.
Then it appeared.
A castle loomed in the distance, enormous, its walls glowing in swirls of purple and pink. Raw energy radiated from it, vibrating in the air. Unicorns circled its towers like guardians, their eyes fierce and unblinking. Armed soldiers lined the perimeter, their weapons gleaming like shards of stars.
Kuina narrowed her eyes, landing in the grass. Something caught her gaze immediately.
A colossal sign stretched across the gates. Letters written in light spelled out: WELCOME, KUINA AND FRIENDS. Beneath it, a gigantic portrait of Kuina in her new armor glowed, every detail perfect. Her red hair flared like fire, her axe gleamed white, and her expression was frozen in a look of merciless strength.
Kuina blinked hard. "When did they take that picture?"
Kylie's eyes lit up with hearts. "You look breathtaking, Kuina. Absolutely divine."
Piper scoffed. "We already know she is a goddess, love. No need to drool."
Mira smiled with noble grace, resting a hand on her hip. Clara, however, stood stiff, her golden aura flaring faintly as her eyes burned holes into the castle.
Lika noticed and reached for her hand. "Clara, are you alright? You look angry."
Clara clenched her fists. "This place brings back memories I wish I could forget. You all must understand. All the gods live here. Five of them. Ortus, the strongest among them. If she wanted us here, it means she has been watching us for a long time." She paused, her tone colder. "Fifteen years have passed since I last saw her. Back then, whoever stood against her… died. I was fortunate enough to be strong enough to defend my temple. And my graveyard."
Molly cracked her neck, speaking with reckless bravado. "Alright then. No fear. Let's smash her."
Kuina raised a hand sharply. "No. I speak with her. Only me. None of you interfere unless I command it. Is that clear?"
Molly frowned. "Don't decide for me. I want to tear her apart."
Kuina's voice dropped into steel. "I asked… is that clear?"
Heat rushed into Molly's face. She swallowed and nodded. "Yes… Kuina."
"Good. Now move. We fly."
They launched into the sky again, wings beating, hearts heavy. The closer they came, the more signs appeared. Huge banners bearing Kuina's face draped the castle walls. Some smaller ones featured Mira, Kylie, and even Piper. But Clara, Lika, and Molly were absent entirely.
Kuina landed first, her boots echoing on the polished pink stone. She turned to Clara. "Clara, who exactly are these gods?"
Clara exhaled sharply. "Not the kind of beings you want to provoke. There is Ortus, goddess of sex. Arrito, god of hope. Prestik, god of speed. Lissia, goddess of flowers. And James, god of rage."
Kuina froze. Her stomach clenched.
"James?"
Clara shrugged. "He is new. Became a god not long ago. Some say he was recruited from the mortal world."
Kuina's heart pounded. Her fists clenched until her knuckles turned white. Memories flashed: hallways of school, fists slamming into her ribs, laughter, humiliation. The face of James, the bully who had tormented her. The system's warning replayed in her head.
"Don't tell me… James, the bastard who tortured me in school… became a god?"
Silence hung. Kylie's eyes flickered with something unreadable.
Kuina whipped her head toward her. "Kylie. You know something."
Kylie flinched, then forced a laugh. "No. Nothing, love. Of course not."
Kuina's jaw tightened. "If it is him… perfect. He came at the right time." A small, vicious smile touched her lips.
The guards at the gates stepped aside without a word, letting them pass. The doors swung open.
Inside, a blast of fireworks erupted. Music thundered from nowhere, bright and mocking. The vast interior stretched endlessly, decorated with banners of shifting colors, walls glowing with unnatural life. A massive portrait of Ortus herself hung over the hall. She posed nude from the waist up, lips curled, blowing a kiss toward the audience. Next to it, a blurred but unmistakable portrait of Kuina, also partially nude, shimmered under the lights.
Kuina froze, her face twisting. "What the hell…"
Kylie's smile grew wider. Piper and Mortis rolled their eyes. Mira's mouth parted in shock. Clara and Molly looked furious.
A flying waiter zipped over with a tray of glittering drinks. Each glass glowed with starlight. The girls took them hesitantly as the waiter floated away.
Then the air cracked.
From above, a figure descended, slow and deliberate. Purple hair spilled like a river down her back. Her ears sharpened to points, her teeth glinting sharp as knives. She wore only the barest hints of clothing, short dark fabric at her hips, her chest completely uncovered, skin glowing faintly violet.
Ortus landed softly before them, her smirk broad and wicked. "Hello, darlings. Welcome to the fashion show of the century. Each of you looks stunning. Hypnotic. Delicious. Mwah." She blew a kiss with exaggerated flair.
She extended a hand toward Kuina. "Let us be civil. You are my guest of honor."
Kuina clasped her hand tightly. "Thank you for the invitation. But tell me. Why are there so many pictures of me here?"
Ortus giggled. "Oh, sweetheart. Not only of you. We have portraits of other models too. You are not the only redhead."
Kuina's voice darkened. "But mine are massive. All the others are small."
Ortus winked. "That is because you hold a very big place in my heart, baby. No time to explain. But why not introduce me to your friends?"
Reluctantly, Kuina gestured. "Kylie."
Kylie waved with her most dazzling smile.
"Piper and Mortis."
Piper offered a sly grin. Mortis only looked away, unimpressed.
Ortus chuckled. "Adorable. And this sweet one must be Lika." She bent down, stroking Lika's hair. "Such a cute one. Delightful."
Lika blushed. "Nice to meet you, Ortus."
"And Clara…" Ortus turned, her smirk fading into a brief glare. But just as quickly, she replaced it with a polite smile and reached out her hand. "Clara. Long time."
Clara crossed her arms, refusing the gesture. "Keep your filthy hand away from me, monster. I should never have come."
Ortus laughed loud, throwing her head back. "Still chained to the past? I told you, I have changed. Truly. But when you are ready to believe me, I will be here. And that curse of yours… oh, I must say, it suits you. Permanent nudity. It makes you even more divine."
Gasps rippled through the group.
Kuina snapped her head toward Clara. "You cursed her? That was you?"
Ortus smirked. "Yes. But not everyone earns such a gift. Only those who anger me deeply. And I cannot undo it."
Mira stepped forward, her brow arched. "Then why are you walking around with everything exposed? Have you no shame?"
Ortus grinned at her. "Mira, queen of fire. Your curls are exquisite, so sensual. You make me want to devour you. But as for your question… if I wore a bra, you would not be asking. That is the point. Attention, darling. Always attention."
Mira let out a short laugh. "You are ridiculous."
Ortus turned then to Molly. Her eyes glowed faintly, scanning, measuring. Suddenly her expression twisted. She whispered with venom. "A criminal. I see a criminal before me. A virgin. Did I not say? Virgins are forbidden in my show."
Molly blinked, taken aback. "So what? I just never felt like it was the right time. That is not a crime."
The air snapped with raw energy. Purple waves flared from Ortus, shaking the hall. Music cut off. Guests turned to stare. Molly's smirk faltered. Sweat trickled down her cheek.
"What… what is this power?" she whispered. Her body locked in place.
Ortus lifted her with a flick of her fingers, telekinetic force wrapping her tight. Molly kicked helplessly. "A virgin cannot stand in my presence. Your sentence is death."
Kuina roared and lunged forward, axe swinging. The blade met an invisible barrier of crushing energy. The others froze, paralyzed by the weight of Ortus's aura. Only Kuina managed to stand.
"Release her now!" Kuina shouted.
Ortus tilted her head, amused. "Is that what you want? Very well. She will have a chance. Either she chooses one of you to take to bed tonight… or she dies. Her choice."
"Then let her choose," Kuina spat.
Ortus snapped her fingers. Molly dropped hard to the ground, trembling. Tears spilled from her eyes. For a moment, she even lost control, humiliation staining her.
Kuina knelt quickly, fury burning. "How dare you? We were all virgins once. Even you."
Ortus smirked wickedly. "Not me, darling. I was never born as one."
Kuina's glare could have cut stone. "You disgust me. Stay away from us."
Kylie touched Kuina's shoulder gently. "Love, calm down. Ortus means well, in her own way. It is just her ideology."
Kuina turned on her. "Do you know her too, Kylie? Like Clara?"
Kylie hesitated. "Kind of. I will explain later. After the show."
"No." Kuina's voice cracked like thunder. "You answer me now."
Ortus interjected, her grin wide. "No need to pressure her. Kylie once worked for me. I sent her to scatter the bottles, to bring women like you here. You, Kuina, were her greatest find. She quit without telling me, though. Naughty girl."
The group fell into silence. Kuina's eyes widened. "Is this true?"
Kylie smirked faintly, guilt shadowing her face. "Yes. But I promise, I will explain everything later. Please, my love."
Before Kuina could respond, Mira's hand struck across Kylie's cheek. "Shame on you. You should have told us. At least told Kuina."
Ortus's eyes flared. "Do not touch her again. That was your only warning."
Kuina stepped between them, axe raised. "Step back, Ortus."
For the first time, Ortus's smirk wavered. She whispered under her breath. "She is not afraid of me. Incredible."
Kylie stayed silent, head bowed, accepting the slap.
Ortus clapped her hands. "Enough drama. You have ten minutes. Then I will explain the show. Until then… Molly, pick your partner. Choose who will take your innocence, or die. Those are the rules." She vanished into violet smoke.
Molly sniffled, wiping her eyes. "I do not know why I cried. But I am scared. I am truly scared."
Kuina brushed her forehead softly. "Look at me. You do not have to choose anyone. You do not have to join the show."
"She has to," Kylie snapped. "We need her."
Piper shoved her lightly. "Shut it, Kylie. She is traumatized. Give her space."
Kylie crossed her arms, growling. "Whatever. I am going for a walk." She flew off into the distance.
Lika crouched beside Molly, pulling her into a warm embrace. "Take your time. But Ortus will kill you if you refuse. I do not want to lose you."
Molly looked up, cheeks wet, voice trembling. "Then… I choose you, Lika. I want it to be you."
Everyone froze. Lika's face went crimson, but her voice steadied. "Of course. I will do anything to keep you alive. I will teach you. Gently." She kissed Molly softly on the cheek.
High above, Ortus hovered unseen, smirking. "Lika, hm? I expected Kuina or Piper. But perhaps she prefers tenderness."
Lika took Molly's hand, guiding her to a nearby chamber. Molly blushed furiously, whispering, "Please… be gentle with me."
The door closed behind them.
Kuina exhaled sharply, still burning with rage. Mira and Clara watched Ortus's lingering shadow with disgust. Piper comforted Mortis, who was too busy flirting with a passing unicorn to notice much.
Kuina's gaze turned to the empty air where Kylie had vanished. Her voice was low, trembling between anger and heartbreak. "Where did you go, Kylie? What else are you hiding?"
The Realm of the Gods pulsed with music again. The fashion show had yet to begin.
To be continued