Sirithiele (2)

The lake's ethereal glow reflected off the three figures as they waded into the waters.

Vastarael was the first to slip out of his tunic, as if the entire world held its breath just to watch. His broad shoulders gleamed under the moonlight, the smooth planes of his chest tapering into a perfectly sculpted abdomen that seemed carved by divine hands.

His tall frame exuded power and grace, but it was the tattoo across his chest and shoulder—vivid flowers with thorny vines—that drew Sirithiel's attention. It wasn't just a mark.

The petals shimmered faintly, almost as if alive, with a surreal beauty that made it impossible to look away. Her confidence, which had soared only moments ago, faltered like a bird caught mid-flight.

The goddess's cheeks turned a deep rose as she struggled to maintain composure. She had seen countless handsome beings in her time, even gods who walked the hallowed halls of Mopheria, yet this young man radiated something entirely... different. His golden eyes flickered to hers, a faint smirk playing on his lips, and Sirithiele felt a shiver run down her spine. The way he carried himself, the way the moonlight kissed his features... it was maddening.

"Is something wrong, Lady Sirithiele?" Vastarael asked, his voice rich with mock concern. The corners of his mouth twitched as if he knew exactly what kind of effect he had on her.

If even his own mothers, who were Primordial Gods were fazed by his beauty, then who was a goddess?

Sirithiele stammered, her usual poise shattered. She glanced away, her bronze eyes darting anywhere but him. She felt like a mortal suddenly unworthy of her divine title.

"I... I just didn't expect... you're... very well-formed for a god of your youth."

Phaenora, already in the water, watched the exchange. She leaned back, letting the lake's strange mystical buoyancy support her effortlessly as she crossed her arms.

"Oh, don't let him get to you, Lady Sirithiele. He thrives on this kind of attention."

Vastarael chuckled softly, his deep voice rippling through the night like the lake's waters.

"You wound me, Phaenora. I'm just being polite."

He stepped forward, the water lapping at his waist now, accentuating his toned figure. His white curls, slightly damp, clung to his forehead, making him look even more effortlessly perfect.

Sirithiele's lips parted but no words came out. She was utterly entranced, her mind a whirl of thoughts she would never dare speak aloud. The divine being who had descended with grace and poise moments earlier now found herself hesitating, awkwardly brushing her silver- lavender hair behind her ear.

"You're unusually quiet, Lady Sirithiele," Vastarael teased gently, his smirk widening. "Should I be worried?"

She tried to regain her composure, clearing her throat.

"Not at all,"she managed, though her voice wavered. "I just... It's rare to meet someone so..."

She trailed off, unable to find a word that didn't sound utterly foolish.

"Devastatingly handsome?" Phaenora supplied dryly, floating lazily nearby. She shot Sirithiele a knowing look. "You'll get used to it. Or maybe not. I'm still struggling with it."

Sirithiel opened her mouth to respond, but the words were stuck. Her gaze involuntarily flicked back to Vastarael and she swallowed hard. Even surrounded by the celestial beauty of the lake, he was what stood out.

Sirithiel's confidence had taken a heavy blow. For the first time in her existence, she felt at a loss not because of divine power or mortal fear, but because of the sheer presence of the man before her.

Phaenora, noticing Sirithiel's dazed expression, couldn't suppress a smirk. With the goddess allured by him, now they had a perfect chance for negotiations. That's why the didn't refuse her offer for a shower.

What better way to allure a woman than letting her see a very kind and handsome being?

"Careful, Lady Sirithiele," she quipped, her tone playful. "You might drown if you stare too hard."

Sirithiele blinked, her cheeks deepening in color.

"I... I would never...!" She began, flustered, but her voice faltered again when Vastarael turned to her. He leaned slightly closer, his voice soft but teasing.

"It's all right, Lady Sirithiele. I'll take it as a compliment. And if you do need saving... well, I suppose I'll be here."

Sirithiel's breath hitched and for a fleeting moment, she wondered if she'd ever regain her composure around this impossibly handsome—and infuriatingly charming—man.

Vastarael leaned back, letting the water cradle him effortlessly. The corners of his lips curved into a smile that was equal parts charming and devastating.

For the first time in what felt like ages, he allowed the full effect of his Boon, Ethereal Beauty, to envelop the atmosphere. It wasn't just his appearance. It was the way the air seemed heavier, more intoxicating, with him at the center.

He hated letting his Boon be active at full force but right now, he had no choice.

Sirithiele, still flustered from earlier, found herself sinking deeper into his Boon. Her gaze kept wandering despite herself, lingering on the lines of his toned shoulders, the elegant curve of his neck, and the hypnotic way the droplets of water clung to his skin.

"So, Lady Sirithiele," Vastarael began, his voice low and velvety, the kind of tone that seemed to brush against her skin like silk. "About this... Bioluminescent Manta Ray of yours."

Sirithiel blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his words.

"My... pet?" She echoed, her voice softer than she intended, the word almost hesitant on her tongue.

Phaenora, floating just a little farther back, frowned. This wasn't part of the plan. She opened her mouth to intervene but Vastarael held up a hand without even looking her way. The gesture was gentle yet commanding, and it effectively silenced her.

'What is he planning?'

"Your pet," Vastarael repeated, his smile widening. He tilted his head, his damp curls brushing against his forehead in a way that seemed almost too perfect. "It's a magnificent creature, truly. But, as beautiful as it is, I can't help but feel it might serve a higher purpose with... us."

Sirithiel's brows knitted together, confusion flitting across her delicate features.

"A... higher purpose?"

"Indeed. You see, Lady Sirithiele, you might not know this, but..." He leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I'm of a higher divine lineage than yourself."

Phaenora stiffened, her eyes widening. 'What is he doing?'

She wanted to scream at him but the words wouldn't come. She could only watch as Vastarael's golden gaze bored into Sirithiel's, his Boon working its magic in ways that felt almost otherworldly.

Sirithiele blinked, her cheeks flushing an even deeper shade of pink.

"A... higher lineage? But surely..."

Vastarael reached out, his fingertips lightly brushing against her wrist under the water. The touch was gentle, almost casual, but it sent a jolt of warmth through Sirithiele that made her breath hitch.

"Oh, it's nothing to be embarrassed about. You're a goddess of this lake, a beautiful one, no doubt. But I... well, I'm the son of two Nexuses."

Sirithiel's lips parted, her eyes wide with a mix of awe and disbelief.

"The... Nexuses?"

Her voice was barely a whisper, her mind reeling. Nexuses were the most exalted beings in all of Spheraphase. To be in the presence of one, or even the offspring of one, was beyond anything she'd ever imagined.

It was like a normal worker meeting the son of the CEO of the company she worked in.

"And as such," Vastarael continued, his tone softening as his fingers traced small, almost hypnotic circles against her wrist, "I feel it's only right to... ask for your cooperation. That creature of yours...it's causing quite the disturbance, don't you think? Wouldn't it be better if we took it off your hands?"

Phaenora's jaw tightened, her fists clenching under the water. The Krepsunas were killed in the previous timeline and they didn't come to this one, hence why it was empty.

But still, she didn't know what he was planning. Sirithiele was a goddess, someone who could kill them without knowing at all.

"Veneri..." she began, her voice low with warning, but he ignored her entirely.

Sirithiele's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, her usual sharpness dulled by the sheer presence of the man before her. His touch, his voice, the way his golden eyes seemed to see right through her... it was overwhelming. She wasn't sure if it was his words or the way his thumb now brushed against her skin, but she found herself nodding almost instinctively.

"I... suppose you're right," she murmured, her voice shaky.

"Oh, you're so wise, Lady Sirithiele," Vastarael praised, his smile brightening as he leaned in just a little closer. "It's no wonder you're the goddess of such a beautiful lake. Thank you for letting us enjoy its tranquility."

Sirithiel's heart pounded against her ribcage, her thoughts spiraling. She should have been offended by his audacity, his presumption to give away her pet. But instead, all she could focus on was the way his eyes held hers, the way his voice wrapped around her like a warm embrace, the way his touch sent shivers down her spine.

"Veneri," Phaenora hissed under her breath, finally finding her voice. "This isn't—"

"Everything's fine, Phaenora," Vastarael interrupted smoothly, his gaze never leaving the goddess. "Lady Sirithiele understands, don't you?"

The goddess could only nod, her words failing her. She felt as though she were drowning, not in the lake, but in the sheer magnetism of the man before her.

And Vastarael knew exactly what he was doing. His touch lingered just a moment longer before he pulled back, his smile softening.

"Thank you, Lady Sirithiele," he said, his tone purely sincere. "Your cooperation means more to us than you know."

Sirithiele swallowed hard, her cheeks still flushed.

"Of course," she managed to say, her voice trembling. "Anything... for someone of your lineage. But may I ask for something in return?"

"..."

"It is true my pet has caused chaos among those who came to the lake. It's a protector of my lake and... I need something in return for giving you my pet."

"And what would that be?"

"Visit me in the winter solstice in this lake after 8000 years."