I closed my eyes and let out a long, shuddering breath. The needle slipped through my numb fingers and clattered onto the rough pavement. Nothingness swirled around me, bringing the first peace I'd felt in my short, miserable life. No one would miss me, and if any did...? Well, there was always someone else to beat or rape. They'd move on quickly. But then...gods? Since when did nothingness have so many gods? Chosen by the goddess of Fate, I'm thrust into a world of magic and wonder alongside nine other heroes. A world where the gods reign supreme, and evil is vanquished before it can spread its blight. Can such a place truly exist? Could life really be worth living? I've heard that the brightest lights cast the longest shadows, but my life has been nothing but darkness. Perhaps this new world will be the chance I need to find the light, to see the other side. Discord: https://discord.gg/PX3xqJdZMY
*A/N: As I'm sure you've figured out by now, the tags on this novel aren't for show. This chapter especially contains some dark and potentially disturbing themes, getting a little more graphic than I usually go. Just thought I'd give you a heads-up.
The doors of the Drunken Lily opened to reveal a grand lobby, trimmed with gold and darkly stained wood. Several marble statues depicting scantily clad women stood as sentinels in the corners, overlooking the waiting seats and front counter. Two sets of stairs ascended around the counter, joining together in a grand staircase that provided access to the upper floors. Several dozen human men milled about the polished stone floor, clutching numbered wooden cards and waiting for the mistress to call them forward.
Soltair's shining armor drew immediate attention, prompting a beefy man to approach. He wore a sleeveless leather vest and had a short sword and club strapped to his belt.