Cassian's footsteps echoed in the empty hallways as his eyes soaked in the temple's grandness. Golden columns towered over him, soft-cushioned furniture dotted the rooms, and runes pulsed faintly, etched into the marble walls. The silence reminded him he was walking in the corridors of the gods.
A jackalope had led him here to begin the reincarnation process.
How would reincarnation work? Cassian, who had never paid attention to religious teachings, pondered. His father's dismissive words about such matters as 'ramblings for the weak-minded' echoed in his mind. He would be surprised, Cassian sighed.
How many false things had I believed from him?
His fingers brushed the smooth walls until a clear mirror caught his eye. His reflection was translucent, barely holding shape. "I would like a new body soon."
"Would you now?"
The voice drifted behind him, cold and dreadful. Cassian froze as he noticed the black shape behind his reflection. He turned around sharply, and there it was.
The Reaper.
Its black mask loomed inches away, and icy blue eyes stared Cassian down from beneath the eye holes. Smoke pooled around the hems of its tattered robes. It flew closer, and its staff dragged across the floor with a screech like nails on iron.
"Did you think you escaped me?"
Chills ran down Cassian's body. He gripped the mirror frame, panic taking over. The Reaper's threat loomed over him like a terrifying reality. It found me… How?
Run. His instincts screamed. With a burst of energy, he ripped the mirror from the wall and hurled it at the Reaper. It slid aside as the mirror shattered across the crystal floor.
Cassian bolted, escaping narrowly from it. What kind of cruel joke is this?
He glanced over his shoulder and was startled by the shadow looming right behind him. He tripped, crashing to the floor. Rolling over, he froze in terror. He crashed onto the floor face-first and rolled around in terror.
"Leave the mortal alone,"
A firm and commanding new voice echoed behind them. The reaper tilted his head, annoyed.
The voice's owner was a sight to behold. A less grim twin of the Reaper, he was adorned in regal blue robes that moved with grace. Charms on his ivory horn jingled with each step, soothing Cassian. His budding staff glowed faintly in his grasp.
"There are two of you?" Cassian whispered.
The reaper snorted as it floated away. "I like this one, Oriven. He's interesting." Its tone was lighter than before.
Oriven sighed, "I told you not to interfere, Korveth."
"He barely noticed I was here."
Oriven raised his hand, silencing him. "Not another word." Korveth cocked his head and floated back lazily as if reclining on an invisible couch. He still watched them with interest.
"My apologies for the trouble. I am Oriven, god of reincarnation." Stas shimmered faintly across his pale arm as he offered a hand. Cassian ignored it, rising stiffly on his own.
"Oh, wow… Should I bow or something?"
"You need not," Oriven sounded amused. Cassian scratched his neck as he felt his cheeks heat up.
"Chirp!"
A snow-white jackalope darted from Oriven's shoulder, circling Cassian with curious eyes. It nuzzled its head against him, cooing softly.
"Follow me." Oriven's voice, though gentle, left no room for argument. Slowly, Cassian walked behind, petting the jackalope.
"So you are the one letting me live again?" Cassian asked half-mindedly.
Oriven paused slightly. "I am the means by which you live again. I didn't choose you nor save you." The bluntness stung.
Harsh.
"So not everyone gets a second chance?"
"No."
Cassian's spirit sank. "Then why me?" Cassian sounded unsure of himself. He paused, fidgeting with his fingers. Was he so special that he was chosen among others to get the gift of a second life? Oriven didn't answer immediately. He gestured for Cassian to follow him through a doorway.
"I cannot answer all your questions, but I can answer some." His tone softened, like a father talking to his son.
Cassian entered the room, gasping at the view. The ceilings were ridiculously high, and a skylight poured silver rays onto engraved runes that circled the floor. Columns lined the walls with delicate ornaments leading towards the centre.
"Most mortals are destined for death. Some are chosen to live again. Very few are chosen by deities." Oriven's voice was clear and smooth. The cute jackalope nudged Cassian to the centre of the room.
Cassian chuckled nervously, "So some god picked me out of millions?"
"Yes."
The bluntness caught him off guard again.
"A goddess marked you." Oriven continued. Cassian furrowed his eyebrows.
"Marked, like branded?"
"Yes, often physical."
Cassian let out a dry chuckle. "I don't know if I should be thankful or terrified." Korveth's laugh rang out in the room, startling Cassian. "You should be terrified." Korveth leaned lazily on the door frame, swinging his staff slowly.
Oriven ignored him. Soon, you'll live your new life and meet the goddess, but I warn you," his tone sharpened. "Nothing in this life comes for free. The goddess chose you for reasons I do not know. All I would advise you is that you should heed her word, no matter what. Be careful; she is… unpredictable."
That isn't reassuring. "When do I meet her?"
"Shortly after you are reborn. I'll start the process now if you have nothing else to say."
Cassian nodded his head slowly. "Alright, send me away." His voice sounded steadier than he felt.
The doors shut firmly with a thud. Oriven's staff unravelled into a podium, and flowers bloomed along its edges. The room hummed faintly, and the centre light beam pulsed brighter, casting a gentle glow around Cassian. His chest tightened as he felt lightheaded, faintly hearing Oriven chant in the background.
On to the next life. He closed his eyes gently, expecting to open them in his next life.
A deafening boom shook the room, causing the light to falter and dim. Cassian stumbled, snapping his eyes wide open. He wasn't in his new life but still in the temple.
A jagged crack tore across the high ends of the wall, and rubble hung midair as though time had stopped.
A dagger shot through the crack, hurling straight for his chest.