The duke stood up and approached me, saying, “Goddess, it is an honor to meet you. I apologize for not being able to greet you sooner.”

“Likewise, thank you for opening your home to me, Your Grace.” I replied with a smile.

The duke must have noticed me glancing at the man behind him because he started to ask if I knew him. I quickly denied it before the duke even got the chance to finish his question. I caught a hint of a smile on the man’s face as I defensively answered the duke.

“This is Mikhael. I took him in when he was still a child; he’s like a son to me.”

Mikhael stepped forward, took my hand, and kissed it while bowing. He raised his head slightly to look at me, causing his long hair to sweep to one side and his long lashes to become noticeable. Still holding my right hand, he said, “I am Mikhael; It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, goddess.”

From the very first time I saw this man until now, his red eyes have never failed to mesmerize me.

After the pleasantries, we all sat down on the couch on the right side of the duke’s office. Various kinds of teas and desserts were served, making my mouth water. Mikhael must have noticed me eyeing the blueberry cheesecake because he took a slice and offered it to me. I gladly accepted it and happily took a bite.

The duke sipped his tea and started a conversation, “Is the dessert to your liking?”

“Uh-hum, iz zo gwood.” I replied, still chewing my food and nodding.

“I am made aware of your circumstances, goddess- that you are not from here and seeking a way out of this world.”

I nearly choked on my food when I heard him say those words. I was at a loss for words while the duke continued to talk.

“You don’t have to say anything or explain yourself. We understand that there are still unexplained things in this world, and you are a living proof of that. There’s a reason you were sent here and have been chosen as an heir.”

“What if they just made a mistake?”

“They never made mistakes; you are here for a reason.”

----------

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

In a dark, gloomy dungeon, there was Urania, sitting inside the four-walled prison cell. Her hands and feet were shackled, bound with ancient magic to prevent her from using her divine powers.

She had been held captive for over two weeks with no food or water. Her long white hair had been cut, and her flawless skin was scarred from constant beatings and mistreatment by the other gods.

They wanted her to confess to the murder she was accused of, but she stood her ground and averred that she was innocent against the allegations thrown at her. But they never believed her.

…

In her first month of captivity, she received her verdict.

She was taken from her prison cell by four angel guards and was escorted to a hall full of gods and goddesses.

“Urania, you are sentenced to be exiled from this realm. You’re to be thrown to earth and can never set foot on this place for all eternity.”

“After your death, your soul will be locked on earth and cannot pass through the ‘Tree of Life.’ Your soul will never reincarnate and will vanish in time.”

The highest in the divine council held the golden gavel and banged it once, signaling that the verdict was final and done.

Urania didn’t try to defend herself anymore. She had no energy, no power, and no will to live. She did not care anymore and just accepted whatever decision was made.

The four angel guards came up to her and dragged her out of the hall.

…

They transported her into the Valley of Miriim, the place where the Fountain of Domain resides.

In front of her was a white marble fountain with a man in the center holding a pyramid-like object. Instead of water, the fountain was filled with iridescent light.

An angel guard approached her before she was thrown into the fountain; it was Gabriel, the General of all the angels.

He leaned close to Urania and whispered, “This will be the last thing I do for you. Know that I sympathized with you. Please, live.”

He secretly handed her the magic key for her shackles. Urania closed her eyes, and Gabriel pushed her into the Fountain of Domain.

----------

I woke up crying in the middle of the night, feeling as if I were the one falling endlessly inside that fountain.

I wept, feeling every pain Urania experience in that dream.

I couldn’t breathe as I sobbed uncontrollably. I tried to stand and head over to the balcony to grasp some air.

I held onto the stone railing, closed my eyes, and let the gentle wind caress my face.

I just breathed … and breathed …

“Are you all right?” said the man below my balcony, staring up at me.

I opened my eyes and looked down. “Mikhael.” was the only word I could utter.

To be continued.