First Devotee

"I'm here to recruit you," he stated, keeping his explanation concise.

"What?" Lucy was clearly puzzled.

"Let's start from the beginning. I've decided to stay in this Believer life and strive for progress, to protect everyone," he began.

"But just yesterday, you were set on leaving this life. What changed?" Lucy inquired with concern.

"Nothing significant. Let's just say I had a revelation."

"Anyway, I'm here to recruit you into a new religion. You'd be the first devotee," he proposed.

"No," Lucy promptly responded, leaving Lucian taken aback.

"Why?"

"I already believe in the God of Sun, and I don't want to place my faith elsewhere. My God blesses me and purifies my heart every week during prayers," she explained, gesturing with her fist to her chest.

"I understand that completely, but please," he implored.

"No, sorry Lucian," she said firmly.

Lucian couldn't help but feel a sense of doubt about his ability to fulfill Selena's task. He wondered why she gave him the task in the first place, knowing that Lucy was devoted to the God of Sun.

Suddenly, Lucy's eyes turned pure white, and she was transported into the realm Lucian had visited before.

Seeing this, Lucian, though aware that Selena wasn't malevolent, couldn't help but worry about Lucy's well-being.

In the realm, Lucy found herself seated on a chair amidst structures reminiscent of ancient Greek architecture. Large white pillars surrounded her, set against a backdrop of darkness with sporadic wisps of fog. Light beamed strongly in front of her.

Facing her was Selena, her radiance even more intense than before, yet her white robe and silvery-white hair still distinct.

"Welcome, Lucy," Selena's ethereal voice echoed in the place.

Lucy's thoughts raced, uncertain of what was happening. Who is this? Did I die?

"I am the Goddess of Moon," Selena cryptically revealed, prompting Lucy to make the connection.

O-oh, what do I do now? She's the one who granted Lucian his Pacts. I'm face to face with a GODDESS. How do I act? What do I do?

"No need to be afraid of me, Lucy. I've known you for quite some time, and I hope you'll become my first devotee, continuing to assist Lucian," Selena assured her.

Lucy could only listen, the shock leaving her temporarily speechless. Summoning the courage, she finally spoke the truth, realizing that the Goddess might already be aware, "I am already devoted to the God of Sun. I'm sorry."

Selena remained calm and instructed, "Alright. But first, take a look at this."

With her final word, the surroundings shattered, and Lucy was transported into a surreal realm where images flowed around her.

When Lucy's eyes returned to their normal state, she found herself staring at Lucian with wide-eyed astonishment and an open mouth in shape of an 'O'.

"Alright," she said, her tone simple.

"What happened in there!?" Lucian pressed, concerned.

"I cannot say..." Lucy's voice trailed off, leaving the explanation incomplete.

Lucian didn't press any further, recognizing that she wouldn't divulge more. Instead, he changed the subject, "Coffee, tea, or water?"

"No, no, no. I'll make it. Just give me a few minutes," she declined, her hands gesturing to and fro in a dismissive manner.

They sat in silence for a few minutes before Lucy finally regained her composure. She spoke, "Praise the Moon."

Lucian remained baffled, uncertain about the sudden change in Lucy's resolve to become a devotee of Selena.

Instinctively, he followed suit, saying, "Praise the Moon," while forming a crescent shape with his hand and placing it on his chest.

Lucy rose, her movements slower than usual, as if she were not entirely present. She began to prepare two cups of coffee.

As the coffee brewed, Lucian felt the urge to smoke once more. He lit the cigarette, half-expecting Lucy to ask him to put it out or go outside. Surprisingly, she said nothing.

"Could you bring me an ashtray?" he requested.

"Sure..." She fetched the ashtray and placed it on the table before returning to the kitchen and leaning against the counter.

Whatever happened in there must've been quite shocking. I might inquire with Selena later.

After the coffee finished brewing, she carefully arranged the cups on the table and gently took Lucian's hand, guiding him to stand up.

His mind raced with questions, Ehm, what's going on?

In her room, she settled onto the bed, and Lucian joined her.

"I'm sorry, but I need this right now," she confessed.

Lucian's uncertainty held him back from speaking. Then, without warning, she tugged him, drawing him down onto the bed alongside her.

As she shifted, Lucian found himself cradling her, their bodies fitting together seamlessly. Her hand held his, creating an intimate connection.

Confusion and surprise flooded Lucian's thoughts, What on earth is happening?

Then he heard her sobs, each breath a struggle amid the tears. She fought to maintain silence, but the emotions overwhelmed her, leading to a heartrending release into the pillow.

"Why are you crying? What happened?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

With effort, she turned her face from the pillow, her eyes still glistening with tears. "I saw you die. Not once. Not twice. I don't know how many times... Then I saw something else, but I can't tell you that."

Selena is quite a bully.

She shifted her position, turning to face him, her eyes searching his for comfort. "It's alright. I witnessed my own demise, too, multiple times. Yet here I am, alive and breathing."

Her tears ceased, and she gently wiped them away. "I once lost a dear friend. I won't let it happen again. I promise," she vowed.

While he was relieved to see her composure return, his curiosity piqued. He wondered who this previous friend was and the circumstances surrounding their passing.

"I'm truly sorry you had to experience that. And I regret that Selena exposed you to whatever she did in that realm," he expressed with empathy.

"It's not your fault, Lucian. If 'She' hadn't intervened, trust me, it would have led to far worse outcomes," she assured him.

She shifted once more, seeking comfort in his embrace, and they lay in quiet companionship until both drifted into slumber, wrapped in the warmth of friendship.