In the Light of the Moon

I jerked awake to banging on metal. Because the room lacked windows, I assumed it was morning based on Zeus standing a few feet away, holding a small lantern. "Morning, dearest. I am going to unlock you—try anything, and you will regret it."

After something clicked on both of my wrists, he hauled me to my feet. I couldn't see my father, but I felt his eyes on me. I hoped he could see with clarity—I wanted him to know what his daughter looks like now. I peered into the cell, trying to get a glimpse of him, but the only thing I made out was steel blue eyes.

I stepped out of the dungeon-like place, and the interior blew me away. I didn't expect a man like Zeus to have such a beautiful mansion. Gold definitely dictated the place. Although, I didn't have much time to take in the details because Zeus pretty much dragged me through the halls and shoved me into a bedroom. "Ask for help from anyone, and I'll make sure your father feels the punishment," Zeus warned and slammed the door shut, the lock clicking behind him.

Well, there goes that plan. I can't risk my father getting injured.

I scanned the room Zeus dumped me in—it was breath-taking. In different circumstances, I would love this place. The room didn't have much more than my bedroom at my manor in the Underworld—just different colors. It had a four-poster bed, an ornate dresser, a tea-table with chairs, and a few couches and such—although this place doesn't have a fireplace.

I immediately tried the windows and balcony doors—I am on the second floor, so jumping would barely hurt. But someone had locked them, and the glass wouldn't shatter no matter how hard I tried. I sighed and sank onto the bed. I still wore my black dress from yesterday, and, surprisingly, it wasn't all that dirty. I tried my powers again, but I still got nothing. How is Zeus doing that?! There has to be something hindering me—even with my little knowledge of the supernatural world; I knew a creature with the ability to block powers doesn't exist.

The lock snapped, and the door swung open. I jumped to my feet, ready to see Zeus' face. But, to my surprise, a girl stepped through the doorway. She seemed around fifteen or sixteen—a maid. She tied her sandy-blonde hair into her maid's cap, and her large, cinnamon eyes peered at me with curiosity. She had pale skin—something you would probably have if you worked inside all day. I thought Zeus would have made his servant's uniforms as skimpy as possible, but her black and white dress was modest. She held a white, folded piece of cloth.

"Hell-hello, I-I'm Camilla. I have your dress and meal from Κύριος των Ουρανών, Κυρία της Σελήνης και του Σκότους." As soon as she walked into the room, she averted her eyes. I've never heard my titles used as one. That's weird. And I assume 'Κύριος των Ουρανών' is Zeus.

This girl is terribly familiar. I wonder if she used to work for me. "Do I know you?"

Camilla's eyes darted up to mine for a split second. Alarm flashed through them before she dropped my gaze. "No. Definitely n-not, Κυρία της Σελήνης και του Σκότους!"

She lied. I wonder if Zeus forbade her from saying anything. Better not push it just in case. "Oh, all right."

Camilla shuffled over, trembling, and laid the dress on the bed. "I-I will be back, Κυρία της Σελήνης και του Σκότους." She scurried out of the room and returned with a small, covered plate. Camilla set that down on the tea-table. Then she went and stood against the wall with her head bowed.

I took the dress and examined it. It was a Greek chiton that had a belt beneath the chest. The cloth seemed like linen and long enough to reach my ankles. I shimmied out of my black dress and into the plain chiton. It fits exactly as I remembered.