The Will of Heaven (9)
Athena was caught off guard when the warship descended toward a majestic mountain that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky.
As the ship neared its landing pad, she realized that the entire mountain was the Mors Estate.
The estate was a marvel of engineering and grandeur.
Several towering structures, blending futuristic technology with classical design, were strategically positioned along the slopes, while the mansion itself stood imposingly at the mountain's peak.
The glowing lights from the estate illuminated the dense greenery surrounding it, giving the entire mountain an ethereal glow under the twilight.
When the ship touched down, Athena stepped out into the cool, crisp air. The silence of the mountain was broken only by the faint hum of distant machinery.
Her boots clicked against the polished stone pathway as she approached the mansion, which loomed like a fortress of steel and glass.
As she entered, she was greeted by an unusual sight. No women appeared among the staff, only a mix of male workers and humanoid robots with distinctly feminine programming.
Their metallic forms were sleek and lifelike, their movements fluid as they went about their tasks.
The head steward, a tall man with sharp features and a pristine uniform, bowed respectfully.
Beside him stood the head maid, Dorothy, a kind-faced older woman with an air of calm efficiency. Behind them, a line of uniformed staff stood at attention, waiting to welcome her.
Dorothy is not human.
"Welcome, young madam," the steward said, his voice smooth and formal. "We are honored to have you join us at the Mors Estate."
Athena nodded politely, though her unease lingered.
The grandeur of the estate was overwhelming, and the stark absence of other women added an eerie quality to the atmosphere.
After the formal introductions, she was led through a series of high-tech procedures. At each checkpoint, her genetic data was collected and uploaded to the estate's system.
Biometric scanners, holographic displays, and automated systems ensured her access to every secured facility within the sprawling estate.
Once the formalities were completed, Dorothy stepped forward with a warm smile.
"Young madam, if you'll follow me, I'll show you to your room," she said, her voice gentle but firm.
Athena followed her through the mansion's labyrinthine halls.
The interior was both opulent and cold, with walls of polished marble, shimmering crystal chandeliers, and sleek, modern furnishings.
Every corner exuded wealth, but it also felt impersonal, more like a gallery than a home.
When they finally reached her room, Dorothy opened the door to reveal a space fit for royalty.
The room was vast, with high ceilings, plush furnishings, and a panoramic view of the mountain and the lands beyond.
Soft, ambient lighting gave the room a cozy glow despite its size.
"If there's anything you need, young madam, don't hesitate to call," Dorothy said with a slight bow before retreating, leaving Athena alone to absorb her new surroundings.
Athena let out a slow breath as she sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers brushing over the silky fabric of the sheets.
Her life had changed in an instant, and she wasn't sure if she was ready for the weight of it all.
-
In the stillness of the night, Athena's keen senses detected the subtle creak of the door. Someone had entered her room silently.
Who is so bold as to do bad things at night?
Her assassin instincts kicked in, but she kept her breathing steady and her body relaxed, feigning sleep as she waited for the intruder to make a move.
When a hand reached toward her, she moved with lightning speed.
In an instant, she wrestled the intruder and pinned them to the bed in a deadly lock, her leg firmly snaked around their neck.
Her eyes adjusted to the faint moonlight streaming through the window, and her heart skipped a beat.
A man? Holy shit!
Before she could make sense of it, the room was bathed in sudden brightness as the automated lights flickered on.
Damn, it's blinding!
The man, moving with practiced ease and surprising strength, reversed their positions.
In a blur, Athena found herself pinned beneath him, his weight and grip rendering her struggles futile.
"Who are you, and who let you in?" His voice was low and commanding, laced with suspicion.
Athena glared at him, her voice sharp with indignation. "This is my room. How did it become yours?"
The man froze for a moment, his grip loosening slightly as realization dawned. "Athena Demerin?" he asked his tone a mix of surprise and recognition.
Did he know me?
Then...
Wait...
His face looks familiar...
Shit!
This is my husband!
Why did he return so late?
Athena frowned. "Haven't you seen the face of the woman you married?"
Her gaze shifted to his eyes, which, she now noticed, were unfocused and unmoving. A pang of curiosity, and concern, struck her. "What happened to your eyes?"
He hesitated before replying curtly, "A temporary illness."
Without another word, he released her and stood, moving toward the wardrobe.
His movements were methodical as he retrieved fresh clothes, completely unfazed by the altercation as though it had never happened.
Athena sat up on the bed, watching him warily. She felt her irritation rising, but also a strange sense of intrigue.
This man, her so-called husband, had entered her room unannounced, fought her, and now acted as if it were just another ordinary night.
Wait, this must be the master's bedroom and also his room!
"Who are you exactly?" she asked, breaking the tense silence.
He paused, turning his head slightly toward her. "Mors Jericho. Major General of Planet Sinalta. And, as it seems, your husband."
Athena's lips pressed into a thin line, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and annoyance. "Well, husband, next time, knock before barging into my room."
His lips twitched, almost imperceptibly, into what might have been a smirk. "Noted."
Without another word, he left the room, leaving Athena to sit alone in the glowing light, her mind racing with unanswered questions about the enigmatic man she had married.
That's it?
He won't even argue with me?