The morning sun broke through the forest canopy, spilling golden light across the mossy ground. Victoria stood barefoot in a clearing, her heart pounding with both wonder and dread. The glow that had healed her wounds last night had not faded completely. Even now, her skin shimmered faintly, as though moonlight clung to her like a second layer.
At first, it had felt beautiful—like being wrapped in warmth after years of cold chains. But now, with every breath she took, she felt it stirring restlessly inside her, begging to be released.
She didn't know how.
"Alright," she whispered to herself, pacing the clearing. "If this really is… the Goddess's gift, then I should be able to control it. I just… need to focus."
She held out her hand, staring hard at her palm. Her chest rose and fell, steadying her breath. She thought of the deer from last night, of the gentle way it had trusted her. She thought of Damien, who had always seen her as more than the chains she wore.
A faint light sparked across her fingers. Her heart leapt. Yes…!
But then the light swelled, growing brighter and hotter, until it spilled out of her entire hand. Her control slipped, and panic surged.
"No, no, stop!"
The light burst outward in a violent shockwave. The trees groaned and bent under the sudden force, their leaves scattering like frightened birds. A nearby
boulder cracked down the middle, chunks of stone splitting apart. Victoria stumbled back, her legs trembling.
Her chest burned with power she couldn't contain. Her skin blazed with light, so bright it made her own eyes ache.
"Please—stop!" she cried, clutching her head. But the more she begged, the stronger the energy flared.
Flowers bloomed wildly around her, twisting into unnatural shapes. The air shimmered like a mirage, and for a moment, she thought she saw faces—ethereal, beautiful, too perfect to be real—watching her from the light.
She fell to her knees, gasping, as the brilliance finally sputtered out.
Silence.
The forest around her looked like a storm had torn through. Trees leaned unnaturally, petals covered the ground like snow, and the air was heavy with a sweet, dizzying fragrance.
Victoria pressed her hands against her chest, her heartbeat racing. "I… I can't control it."
Her throat tightened, tears welling in her eyes. If I can't stop this… I'll hurt someone. I'll destroy everything.
She thought of Damien again. His smile. His kindness. His steady voice whenever she was afraid. What would he think if he saw her like this—dangerous, unpredictable, glowing like a creature of myth? Would he still look at her with those same gentle eyes?
Or would he fear her, like everyone else surely would?
Her body shook as she hugged her knees to her chest. She had prayed for freedom for so long, but this… this didn't feel like freedom. It felt like another kind of prison, one built inside her own body.
What if the nobles find me like this? she thought, horror creeping through her veins. What if they already know? What if Damien comes… and I hurt him by accident?
Her tears spilled over, soaking into the dirt. The light inside her pulsed with every sob, flaring faintly as though mocking her. She couldn't escape it. She couldn't even trust herself anymore.
Then, a whisper slid through her mind. Soft. Feminine. Too faint to be real.
Child of my light… do not fear what you are.
Victoria froze, her breath catching. "W-who's there?" she stammered, spinning around. But there was no one. Only the forest.
The voice lingered, like a fading song in the wind. Your beauty is not only for the eyes of others. It is a force, a weapon, a shield. But you must learn balance… or it will consume you.
Her skin prickled with chills. The Goddess? Could it truly be her? Or was she going mad?
Either way, the truth was clear: her powers were real, and they were dangerous.
Victoria rose to her feet, wiping her tears with trembling hands. Her eyes hardened with new resolve. "Then I have to learn," she whispered. "If I don't… this power will destroy me. And everyone I care about."
Her voice faltered as she thought of Damien again. Her chest ached at the memory of his embrace. She missed him already, more than words could hold. But she knew she couldn't go back. Not yet. Not until she was strong enough to control what burned inside her.
Because if she saw him now, if he touched her hand, if she lost control again…
She might lose him forever.
The light flickered once more across her skin, gentle this time, like the Goddess herself was listening. Victoria looked to the horizon. The world was wide, dangerous, and uncertain, but one thing was certain: her journey had only just begun.