CH14 - Sweet Olivia

Rambling in the darkness of the cavern, a woman cries pitifully. The chain around her neck reminds her of the burden of her sight. The gift she has had her entire life wasn't hers but borrowed from the Gods. Stolen without permission to benefit the lives of others.

The Oracle, the man she had spent her entire life worshipping, couldn't bring himself to touch her. She obeyed all the scriptures to be worthy of his praise. But the fact he could barely stomach looking at her ripped the heart and soul from her. Everything she has struggled for in her life has fallen short. She has failed in the eyes of her God, her savior.

To have dreamt of Sera for months and then to see her run from these caverns was terrifying. She felt disgusting the way her terror dripped down her legs at the knowledge the monsters were close and that their hungry faces were about to devour someone who turned from the faith.

But she has yet to; she has followed the scriptures without fail. She had washed and prepared her body in ways kept sacred. Her flesh was washed and scrubbed mercilessly. She was not unspoiled and freshly shaved in youthful splendor.

She was completely untouched and knew that eventually, maintaining her composure, the Oracle would want her. She waits for him daily, naked, pure, and shaven, for the moment of his desire.

Moving from the far corner of the room to the wash basin, she begins to clean once more in the wash basin. Dipping the cloth in the soapy water, she cleans herself again. The redness of her skin as she scrubs and cleans the stench of fear from her body.

She needs to remain perfumed, desired, and wanted. Only through his hands and his desire will she find eternal peace. Only through the Oracle are lives lifted to a greater purpose.

She will transcend to a more significant plane of existence through his touch alone, for only those most loyal to the Oracle, most devoted to his needs and desires, are rewarded.

It is why she remained untouched and never even had her cheek caressed by another. She wanted all enjoyment, all her firsts, to be his. There is something magnificent about living a life in service to a living God.

To know the power that seeps through his being will course through hers in mutual ecstasy is endearing. It is the dedication of a lifetime and why they are plucked in their late twenties in the prime of their sexual lives.

Knowing they serve a greater purpose than any other living creature. It is their essence and purity alone that sustains the Oracle's life. It is the position of a Seer to share with the Oracle the purest gift they have to give. The one she desires to provide more than anything. Even though his eyes can be distant and harsh in his form, his scent is intoxicating.

A soft whimper escapes her lips as the lights emanating from the small ancient glass orbs flicker. They, at times, dim and wane with the long nights. The magic within them is sustained by the burned and processed fats of the sinners.

The terrible nightmares of Sera and her death replayed in her mind are offered soon. Soon the lights will burn brightly once more once the horrors are satiated and have their fill of her spent and destroyed flesh.

She smiles at the idea that they dream the same torment because it softens the flesh. It helps the processing of the fat. The breakdown of the meat is why the purity of life and service must be honored.

She must always obey her Oracle and give him anything he desires. Only through his grace will she live a long life in freedom after months of purity shared. Closing her eyes, she pauses as the lights flicker softly.

The lights dim to the slightest flicker of existence above her bed as she hears soft footsteps moving toward her. Her breath is caught in her throat as she witnesses the delicate features of an older woman approach her. Her tension immediately softens as she sees only Olivia carrying a single-lit candle.

"I am sorry that the lights are flickering, Seer," Olivia says sweetly as she walks into the room.

"It's okay; I know they will be bright soon. It will only be a few days."

"Yes," Olivia smiles as she places the candle beside the young woman. Picking out a cloth from her pocket, she hands over some meats. "Please take this, as I am sure you are hungry."

Taking the food quickly, the young woman eats hungrily, as busy as the Oracle is. He hadn't fed her over the past few days. He is attending to his flock; of course, he has more pressing things on his mind. He has to tend to the needs of his entire congregation.

"I was hoping you could do something for me," Olivia asks absentmindedly, "That is, of course, if you believe I am worthy of it."

"What can I help with? You have been helping me so much these weeks." The younger woman watches as Olivia bites hard on her lower lips. She appears to pause as she seems almost struggles to find the words. She wants to do more for her; the way the Oracle talks about Olivia with awe and deep respect is enough for the Seer to see her glory.

"I don't know if you knew I have children," Olivia admits.

"No, I did not."

Could I send them in here? So they could visit you? I am forbidden to let them see a Seer unless it is outside the cave. But I know the Gods would make an exception if you permit it."

"Of course, I am here to be of service."

"Thank you," Olivia admits with a wicked smile.

"So will I," the young woman says, uneasy by the look moments before the lights flicker off.

A piercing howl echoes throughout the caverns as the young girl loses control of herself again. The flickering candle is her only light source as she realizes she is alone in the light. The candle's scent has a bittersweet aroma reminiscent of when her father made pork fat candles when she was younger.

Heavy footsteps move across the floor as a sickening stench fills the room. Crawling back into the bed, the girl is terrified as creatures stretch forward. Feeling slime dripping from the ceiling, the young girl looks up.

To see a faceless monster drop from above to ravage and feast upon her. For with her blessing, Olivia's children came to devour her. To take away the essence that she saved her entire life for the Oracle. All because some petulant child stole Sera from them.