Chapter 12. Bask in Her Presence

"Queen, when you're back again during the next blood moon, be sure to bring us those new chocolates from Switzerland," Stheno said. They called Medusa their queen because she possessed greater power and strength than the two of them.

"What, you gorgons actually eat chocolate?" Medusa teased the pair.

"Oh, come on, we've been stuck in this cave for millennia. The least you can do for us is bring us some entertainment from the outside world," Euryale said.

"Alright, alright," Medusa chuckled and adjusted her turban.

For a week, she had only been exchanging messages with Aleysia, as her voice had sounded different due to her transformation into her full gorgon form. She didn't want to frighten Aleysia, so she kept refusing her wishes to call or hear her voice.

Stheno and Euryale had been teasing Medusa relentlessly for the past week because of what she did with her phone. As she was the only one who could freely roam the world due to her still-intact human appearance, ever since they had been sealed in the cave, and this time is the first time Medusa actually has someone to talk to on her phone.

Because, mostly during the blood moon, Medusa would always spend her time in the cave, cursing Poseidon or swearing at Athena, or engaging in a blame game with her sisters.

Even after countless millennia, Medusa still couldn't believe she had been betrayed behind her back. She had been Athena's most beautiful girlfriend, yet the goddess had cheated on her with someone less worthy.

"At least she's less annoying this time," Stheno remarked.

"I agree. I mean, why does she keep dwelling on us cheating on her? It was Athena who came to seduce us. Who wouldn't have given in to the advances of one of the most majestic and beautiful goddesses, Athena?" Euryale said, rolling her eyes.

"That must've been crazy," Stheno replied.

"But I think Athena loved her the most. I mean, look at us. She cursed us to be this horrendous, and we can't turn back to our human bodies," Euryale said to Stheno. "You look ugly than me, though."

"Medusa has been the most beautiful since forever, so it's only natural for Athena to have wanted to keep her face and body intact," Stheno sighed.

"I know. Without those snakes, she could easily be the most beautiful woman on Earth," Euryale said.

"Most beautiful, my ass. Athena and Artemis are still roaming freely in the world. Any mortal who sees them would be on their knees," Medusa said, putting down her phone.

"You have a girlfriend, huh, Queen?" Stheno teased.

"No, I just found her cute," Medusa said, slipping away before the teasing got out of control.

After a week in the cave, the power of the blood moon finally receded, and Medusa could regain control of her full power once again. As she prepared to leave, Stheno and Euryale were always saddened to see her go, for with their monstrous forms, it was not easy for them to venture out of the cave.

That's why Medusa always found a house near the sea whenever she moved, as it would be easier for Stheno and Euryale to venture out from the deeper ocean and breathe the outside world around Medusa's properties, if only for a moment, before retreating back to the safety of the cave.

"Don't forget the chocolate, Queen!" Stheno reminded her.

"Alright!" Medusa said as she walked outside the cave. A large ship was passing by the entrance, and Medusa swiftly leapt onto it, just as the cave's entrance slowly closed, returning to the depths of the sea.

A group of seven new employees were joining the ship, having been selected after a series of tests. This was their first voyage, as the ship was headed to London to pick up some goods before returning to Morocco. However, a helicopter was waiting on the ship, and the people from the company's headquarters were already on board, waiting.

The senior employee informed the new hires that the CEO and the company's shareholders were on the helicopter, further confusing the newcomers when the ship suddenly stopped in the middle of the ocean.

"What are we doing, stopping here?" one of the new employees asked the senior employee closest to them.

"Oh, we've come to pick up our goddess," she replied with a smile, as the others began to wonder if this was some kind of cult.

"Goddess? Is this company a cult?" Another new hire came in, already regretting their decision to join.

"You'll see," the female senior employee said cryptically.

Not long after, a woman suddenly emerged from the sea, elegantly jumping out of the water and landing gracefully on the ship. The new hires' jaws dropped, their breath caught in their throats, and their hearts began to race as they gazed upon her stunning beauty.

"I told you," the female senior employee said, struggling to maintain her composure.

As usual, Medusa allowed the people on the ship to bask in her presence for a moment before Timothy handed her a coat, and she walked towards the waiting helicopter, where Bernard was already standing by to assist her in boarding. The helicopter then quickly departed, heading towards the nearest airport, Gibraltar International Airport.

"To the US," Medusa stated, and the helicopter took flight to the nearest airport, Gibraltar International Airport.

-

At the Gibraltar International Airport, a Boeing 747-8 private jet belonging to Medusa was already waiting. This aircraft was exclusively reserved for use by Medusa, her family, or their business partners. Medusa's schedule and plans could override any existing bookings on the plane.

Medusa preferred a larger, more spacious private jet over the smaller, cramped models like the Gulfstream or Bombardier. Having spent a long time inside a cave, she had developed a certain trauma associated with confined spaces. Thus, she opted for the Boeing as her personal aircraft.

The private jet had a sleek, aerodynamic shape with a distinctly curved fuselage, giving it an elegant, almost futuristic appearance. The overall color scheme was a deep, glossy black, creating a bold, sophisticated look, especially when contrasted against the warm, golden hues of the sunset.

This was one of the most expensive private jets in the world, and its interior exuded an impressive level of luxury and sophistication. The main sleeping area was a spacious and elegantly appointed master bedroom suite, featuring a large, comfortable bed with high-end bedding and accents. The room was bathed in warm ambient lighting, creating a soothing, relaxing atmosphere.

Beyond the sleeping quarters, the jet's interior layout included a well-appointed lounge area, providing ample seating and social space for passengers to relax and entertain. The lounge likely featured high-quality furnishings, plush seating, and perhaps even entertainment systems to enhance the comfort and experience.

Adjacent to the lounge, there was a dedicated conference or meeting area, which would allow passengers to conduct business or hold private discussions in a discreet, professional setting while in flight. This conference space likely featured appropriate technology, such as telecommunication equipment, to facilitate productivity and collaboration.

Additionally, the private jet boasted a separate dining area, where Medusa or the family head could enjoy gourmet meals prepared by a dedicated onboard chef. The dining space was elegantly designed, with high-quality furniture and finishes that complemented the overall aesthetic of the aircraft.

"Tell them to wear the blindfold whenever I go out of the room or eat in the dining area," Medusa instructed Bernard as they walked out from the helicopter to the private jet.

"Yes, madam," Bernard answered.

The flight from Gibraltar to San Francisco would take 14 hours, and they would need to stop at London Biggin Hill Airport for refueling before continuing on to San Francisco International Airport. The plane was equipped with six flight attendants to serve them, one butler to handle everything, and two pilots to fly them to San Francisco.

"Aleysia..." Medusa sighed in relief, feeling happy when hearing Aleysia's voice.

"Ariadne, are you okay?" Aleysia asked on the other end of the phone.

"I'm fine, just really busy. I'll call you in... twenty minutes," Medusa said softly as she walked closer to the plane.

"Okay, it's so loud; where are you?" Aleysia asked.

"About to get into a plane, I'll call you in twenty minutes. Okay?" Medusa said, and quickly hung up before boarding the aircraft.

As Medusa stepped onto her private Boeing 747-8, she made her way towards the rear of the aircraft, approaching the lavishly appointed lounge area. The plush, supple leather sofa beckoned her to sink into its comfortable embrace. Placing her phone on the sleek, polished coffee table in front of her, she allowed herself to finally relax and unwind.

Medusa sank back into the cushions, her body instantly responding to the soothing support. The sofa seemed to mold to her frame, cradling her in a welcoming embrace. She took a deep, steady breath, feeling the tension in her muscles begin to dissipate, as if the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders.

"Get me a champagne," she said to the flight attendant, who was discreetly following her into the lounge.

"Yes, madam," the female attendant replied quickly, hurrying to fetch the requested beverage.

Bernard and Timothy, Medusa's most trusted people, did not follow her into the lounge. They knew from experience that their mistress preferred solitude after returning from the boundaries of the cave. This was her time to simply enjoy the freedom and fresh air of the outside world.

The attendant returned momentarily, pouring the champagne with practiced precision. "Leave the bottle and leave me alone," Medusa instructed, her tone brooking no argument.

"Yes, madam," the attendant responded, swiftly leaving the lounge to attend to the other people; Bernard and Timothy, ensuring they were comfortably seated before the plane took flight.

Now alone in the luxurious space, Medusa savored the first sip of the chilled, effervescent liquid, relishing the way it danced on her tongue. The familiar warmth of the alcohol coupled with the plush comfort of the sofa allowed her to sink deeper into a state of tranquility, her mind finally at ease after the moonblood phase.