Chapter 19
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Serenity rushed down the marble steps from the Light Temple with her cheeks flushed and a happy smile on her face. The sun was setting, tinting the white stairs golden and crimson while the entire patio shone in the late evening's warm light. The air filled with the Maenad's soft voices, the priestesses singing their lovely song of love and devotion to the Light Deities – to thank them for another day of love and protection.
Serenity closed her eyes and couldn't help but spin happily under the warm evening sun, a light giggle bubbling from her soft lips.
She had never felt that free in her life – had never felt that happy.
Each day she spent in Elysium filled her with utter bliss and a feeling of completeness. The horrors that had dominated her dreams for the past months had simply vanished under Elysium's sweet care, and her nights were now filled with dreams and lovely pleasure rather than secrets and nightmares. She let out a happy sigh, opening her eyes. She smiled happily as she gazed up to where she knew her quarters lay – where she knew Endymion would eagerly wait for her return. Hidden away from preying eyes, Elysium appeared to be the only place where she could love him openly. Bound to secrecy by the lay of the Gods, the Priests and Priestess were not allowed to spill their secret to the outer world – Helios himself had assured her of that. She had never thought it possible, but finally, Endymion and herself were able to openly express their love. And no one really cared. It really was as Helios had told her: Elysium did not judge by heritage or status. The people who lived here seemed to love all creatures by the Gods creation alike – and they did not differ between gladiator or Roman, Domina or slave. Serenity clearly remembered the first time Endymion had kissed her openly in front of Helios, the Maenads, Lita and Nephrite. Serenity's eyes had widened in shock at his forwardness, had felt his fingers hot around her nape as he titled her head perfectly to silence any protest that lay readily on her lips. She faintly heard Lita's shocked gasp, and Nephrite's deep chuckle. When Endymion's lips had finally lefts hers, he had smiled at her, his blue eyes shining with mischief. With a flushed face, Serenity turned around to look at Helios, her mind working to find a good excuse for the gladiator's inappropriate behavior – but finding none. One of Helios' silver-white brows had been lifted, his amber eyes cooly observing the scene before him. He had locked eyes with Endymion, a strange expression shining through them, before he had shifted his gaze to look at Serenity. The moment their eyes met, Helios' cool mask lost its spark of irritation, and his features softened. He had smiled at her reassuringly.
"Do not be afraid, Serenity." he had said, his eyes soft. "It is a secret that the Gods have revealed to us long before. Love bears the greatest light in this world – my people and I cherish and celebrate it like no other power in this world. It should not be left in hiding. Be assured that Elysium's lips will be sealed to the outer world."
Until then, she had never realized how much she had suffered under their hidden love. For the first time in forever, she was free to do what she wanted. Was free to love who she wanted. And she loved him, and only him. She wished they could stay here forever: under Elysium's protection, to love each other freely and without regret – wherever and whenever they wanted.
Serenity took in a deep breath and closed her eyes. She smiled as the last rays of sunlight caressed her face.
Finally, she thought. Finally, she was free. It was a beautiful feeling.
She let out a long breath, and opened her eyes again. The sun had fully sunken, and the warm aftermath slowly parted from this world, giving way to the spreading darkness. Serenity looked to the sky. The moon could already be seen. She smiled at the sight. For her, even the sun's shiny appearance could never compare to the moon's beauty.
She was about to leave the patio to return to her quarters, to Endymion, when a singing voice suddenly made her stop.
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"Come Little Children,
I'll take thee away
Into a land of enchantment.
Come Little Children,
The time's come to play.
Here in my garden of shadows."
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Serenity turned around, her eyes wide and full of wonder as she listened to the beautiful voice. The song filled the air and seemed to reach straight to her soul. Both hands went to her chest, clutching the fabric above her heart as she continued to listen.
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"Follow sweet children, I'll show thee the way.
Through all the pain and the sorrows.
Weep not dear children, for life is that way.
Murdering beauty and passions."
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She opened her eyes, scanning her surroundings. She was alone, no soldier could be seen. Not even on the high walls where some of them normally patrolled. The voice continued to sing. It was soft and beautiful – calling out to her. Her curiosity got the better of her and she followed it. She only realized where her feet were taking her when she was standing right in front of the Temple of Darkness. She had always ever been to the Temple of Light, never once had she tried to step into this other part of Elysium. She knew it was not forbidden – Helios himself had told her that they were guests in Elysium and thus invited to both Temples if they chose to visit. Serenity cocked her head. It was strange that the idea of going to the Temple of Darkness had never crossed her mind even once.
Until now.
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"Hush now dear children, it must be this way.
To weary of life and deceptions.
Rest now my children, for soon we'll away,
Into the calm and the quiet."
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The captivating voice came from inside the Temple. Serenity felt how her legs moved, leading her inside. The Temple was similar, no, it was exactly like the Temple of Light. The only difference were the Gods that stood at the sides, gigantic marble images of Dark Deities that were worshipped in this place. At the end of the great hall, elevated on a square pedestal, the divine patrons of the temple stood, in equal size and imposing depiction as Sol in the Temple of Light. The two Deities was locked in a passionate embrace. Serenity slowly moved forward to get a better look.
The divine woman was Nox, she realized, Goddess of Night. Her beautiful naked body was covered by nothing but her black wings while she had her head thrown back, captured in the heights of pleasure. In her embrace, she held Scotus, God of Darkness. He had his handsome face close to her marble neck, his nose almost touching, but his eyes were intently fixed onto her face. A mischievous smile played at the corners of his marble lips as he watched his lover. Moving closer, Serenity realized that more Gods and Goddesses sat or were kneeling to their feet: Nemesis, Moros, Eris, Momus, Hypnos, The Keres, and many more… all of their children could be found together. Truly a family born from night and darkness.
It was a beautiful sculpture. The fires that hung on either wall of the hall caused flickers of light to reflect upon the marble surface, flickering softly and causing the impression that the statues are almost alive and in the midst of lively passion.
The voice continued to sing, luring her further.
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"Come little children,
I'll take thee away, into a land of enchantment.
Come little children, the time's come to play.
Here in my garden of shadows."
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Curious, Serenity followed the voice and went past the massive sculpture of Nox and Scrutus. Her soft steps echoed from the high walls, mingling with the enchanting singing voice. She reached another entrance further at the back of the Temple. The doors were open and led to a room which had no ceiling, letting the night in. In the center of the room, a woman with black hair was kneeling and her arms were spread upwards as if she wanted to reach the dark sky itself. Serenity recognized her. The woman was Nehelenia, the Dark Priestess.
Serenity pressed herself against the wall, hiding in the shadows and she peeked through the door, watching the dark-haired woman sing. She was so focused on the woman in the center of this room that she did not realize how someone came up behind her. A shocked gasp escaped her mouth as an arm suddenly encircled her waist. Her panicked scream was muffled by a hand that tightly clasped around her mouth. She tried to squirm free, but the strong grip around her forced her body to still.
"Shh." someone whispered into her hear, warm breath fanning over her ear. "The Dark Priestess does not want to be interrupted during her first night prayer." someone murmured in a deep, rough voice.
It was then that Serenity recognized who held her so close, causing her to try to get free even more desperately. It was Hawk's Eye – one of Nehelenia's dark guards. But Hawk's Eye just tightened his hold around her and pressed her against his form more determinedly, effortlessly caging her. There was no way to escape.
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"Follow sweet children, I'll show thee the way.
Through all the pain and the sorrows.
Weep not dear children, for life is that way.
Murdering beauty and passions.
Hush now dear children, it must be this way.
To weary of life and deceptions.
Rest now my children, for soon we'll away,
Into the calm and the quiet."
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"Isn't it beautiful?" Hawk whispered into her ear, his voice slightly losing the rough edge it normally held. "The darkness is nothing to be afraid of. It is beautiful, luring… sinful."
Serenity shuddered as he felt his nose against her neck, and when she felt how his breathing grew heavier.
"Surely you already know about it, don't you, Daughter of Selene?" he murmured with a deep chuckle. "Surely you know how light shines the brightest when united with darkness."
Serenity felt his cool armor press against her bare back. She struggled more determinedly against his firm hold, desperate to get away from this man. She did not like him. Did not like what he said to her. Did not like the way he talked to her. But she was powerless against his hold, powerless against his firm grip around her body and his hand that muffled her panicked cries. She felt hot tears prickle in the corners of her eyes, felt how the desperation of the situation sunk into her heart. She squeezed her eyes shut. She thought of Endymion, and she prayed to the Gods for someone to come to her rescue.
Anyone.
"Let her go Hawk's Eye." a firm voice ordered. The moment the words were spoken, the dark soldier immediately stepped away from her, the sudden release causing Serenity to stumble to the floor. Her heart beat frantically against her chest as she caught her breath. She looked up to see that Nehelenia had turned around to face them. Her beautiful face shone in the darkness as her dark eyes were firmly fixed upon Serenity on the floor.
"This is now way to treat our guest." she chided softly, and Serenity couldn't help but detect the amusement in the other woman's voice.
"Apologies, my Priestess." Hawk's Eye replied. Serenity turned around to look at him. The soldier was standing only some feet away from her, a mischievous smile curling his lips. Serenity couldn't help the feeling that he was not feeling sorry for his actions.
Nehelenia strode towards them, her body moving slowly and sensuously. Serenity realized that she had not seen the Dark Priestess since their arrival. She had almost forgotten how beautiful the other woman was, with her dark hair that contrasted against her marble skin, and with a voluptuous body that surely had every man on his knees in seconds.
Nehelenia stopped in front of Hawk's Eye. Serenity saw his eyes darkening with lust as the Priestess smiled up at him.
"Fly now, my brave soldier." she whispered in a breathy voice that only caused Hawk's Eye to darken further. "And wait until I call you again. I want to speak to our guest in private."
Hawk's Eye nodded his agreement, and the smile on Nehelenia's face broadened. She then kissed him, a long and passionate kiss that caused Hawk's Eye to moan into the Priestess mouth. Serenity flushed a little at the sight and she turned her head away. After some more moments, she heard the dark soldier leave, leaving Serenity alone with the Dark Priestess.
"He is such a loyal soldier." Nehelenia sighed which made Serenity to look back at her, her face still flushed.
Nehelenia stared at her for some more moments in silence before he motioned her to stand.
"I hope he did not frighten you, Serenity." she told her with concern in her voice, but Serenity did not fail to notice the cold amusement that still lingered behind Nehelenia's dark eyes.
Serenity stood and swallowed before she answered.
"I should have not trespassed." was her reply, her voice sounding weaker than she had wished for. "My apologies, Dark Priestess. I did not wish to intrude."
Serenity did not feel comfortable in the Priestess' presence. She therefore quickly nodded her head and whirled around, eager to leave the Dark Temple.
A shrill laughter echoed from the high walls, making Serenity cringe.
"Nonsense!" Nehelenia laughed and moved quickly around to block Serenity's way out.
Serenity took a few steps backwards, feeling caged. Nehelenia's smirk broadened as she saw the discomfort on the young woman's face.
She stepped closer to Serenity, her dark eyes merciless as they rooted the silver-haired beauty to the spot.
"Do I make you feel uncomfortable, child?"
Her voice was innocent, but her expression was that of a predator.
Serenity swallowed the lump in her throat before she answered.
"Yes." she breathed. The honest answer made the feral grin on Nehelenia's face broaden.
"Clever girl."
An amused chuckle left her lips, and her eyes briefly moved towards the night sky that hung above them.
"It was just a matter of time until you entered the Temple of Darkness." she said as her eyes settled back onto Serenity. "It lies in your nature."
Serenity looked at her confused, shaking her silver head a little.
"Light is drawn to the darkness, darkness is drawn to the light." Nehelenia explained with a shrug of her shoulders. "The one can't exist without the other. As a daughter of Selene and a Priestess of Her Doctrine, you surely know that already."
"I'm not a priestess." Serenity was quick to correct.
Nehelenia flashed a smile and shook her head.
"Then who are you?" she challenged lightly.
Serenity opened her mouth, but closed it again. Did she have an answer to that question?
The Dark Priestess cocked her head and eyed her closely, making Serenity uncomfortable.
"A Domina?" she wondered out loud, but immediately shook her head.
"No, certainly not." she answered before Serenity was able to.
She stepped closer, causing Serenity to take a step back.
"You lack the arrogance and the strength of such a position."
Serenity did not know whether it was a compliment or not. The way Nehelenia had said it made it definitely feel like an insult.
"A Goddess, perhaps?" the dark-haired beauty continued as she slowly moved closer. "As I heard some of those gullible Light Priestesses think that you are."
A haughty laugh escaped her mouth, her eyes shining with amusement.
"Surely not." she was quick to answer her own question. "You lack the power more than anything. Be it physical or the one from the mind."
Serenity's eyes narrowed.
"I never proclaimed myself as Goddess, Dark Priestess." she hissed, her silvery eyes shining with disdain. "I would never insult the Gods in such a way."
Nehelenia lifted one dark brow in response.
"Oh so there is fire within you after all, isn't there?" she stated with amusement.
She titled her head to the left, eying Serenity up and down.
"Mmmh, so let's see what else we have got." she drawled.
She stepped in front of her, causing Serenity to press herself against the cold wall behind her.
"Do you think you are an object of desire, little Serenity?" she whispered, her face too close for Serenity's liking.
Serenity turned her head away.
"Do you think every man falls down to his knee at the sight of you?" she heard Nehelenia whisper, her breath warm as it fanned across her ear. Nehelenia stood so close that Serenity was overwhelmed by the other woman's scent. She smelled alluring, like sandalwood and fresh herbs. She couldn't help but close her eyes.
Serenity let out a gasp as she felt Nehelenia's sharp nail graze the side of her neck.
"Do you think men desire you?" the black-haired woman continued lowly, seductively. "Do you think your beauty alone can turn their heads, that your soft curves and seductive smile can conquer a man's heart and thus, the world?"
"I'd never want to." Serenity whispered.
Nehelenia pressed her body against Serenity, making it harder for the young beauty to breathe. Nehelenia chuckled against the side of Serenity's neck, making Serenity shiver.
"Ah…" she laughed lowly. "But you still think you could."
It was a statement, not a question.
"Do you think you are more beautiful than me?"
The question caught Serenity off-guard. Surprised, her head snapped back, her eyes wide as she directly looked into Nehelenia's dark eyes.
Before she could answer, Nehelenia suddenly forcefully whirled her around. A shocked cry escaped Serenity's rosy lips as her back pressed against Nehelenia's front. Nehelenia's held her in a vice grip, her lower arm caging Serenity by the neck, holding her effortlessly. Serenity's hands immediately went to Nehelenia's arm, pulling desperately as the woman tightened her hold.
"Let's have a look now, shall we?" Nehelenia chirped into Serenity's ear. Serenity struggled against the firm hold as the Dark Priestess moved them a little to the left.
"Open your eyes and tell me what you see." Nehelenia demanded.
Serenity felt how the vice grip loosened a little, and she opened her eyes. She saw her reflection in a reflective surface some feet away from them, could see how she was held by the dark-haired woman and how Nehelenia stared at her over her shoulder.
"Compare yourself to me in my mirror." Nehelenia urged, an evil smile on her lips. "Mirrors cannot lie."
"Let… go" Serenity heard her raspy voice plead.
"You think you are fairer than me." Nehelenia laughed, but her eyes were cold and dark and absent of amusement. "Who would look at you, standing next to me?"
Serenity gasped as the grip around her tightened at the woman's words. She looked into the mirror – she, a vision of white and silver in stark contrast against Nehelenia's overwhelming darkness.
"Oh I see the way they look at you." Nehelenia continued, completely unaffected by Serenity's struggle. "But they don't lust after your beauty little girl. They lust after your innocence. The allure of the innocent has always been one of the greatest forms of attraction for men."
Nehelenia let out a dismissive snort, and Serenity could see through the mirror how her once beautiful face contorted with disgust.
"You are so pure… so innocent." she spat out in disgust. "I see why men are attracted to you. But once your innocent façade is gone, my dear, nothing is left. They will not look at you twice. You are plain. Of no interest. But I… I am what they secretly yearn for in the darkest of the night, when all light is distinguished. It is me they seek. It is my silvery voice that lures them further to their demise, under my control. It is my beauty that will last until time has lost all meaning."
She brought her crimson lips to Serenity's ear, her eyes never leaving hers in the mirror.
"Your light is nothing compared my darkness." she whispered lowly. "You are weak."
"NEHELENIA!" a strong male voice boomed.
Nehelenia let her go, and Serenity immediately stumbled away from the vile woman.
Helios was standing at the entrance, his amber eyes liquid fire as he glared at his sister.
Serenity held one delicate hand to her throat, her eyes wide and fearful as she stared at the dark-haired woman. Nehelenia wore an innocent smile on her face, her features calm and beautiful as ever.
"What leads you to my realm, White Priest?" she asked in a sing-song voice.
Helios continued to glare at her before his gaze shifted onto Serenity. His expression immediately morphed into worry as he rushed forward to her side.
"Are you okay?" he asked her softly, caressing her cheek. Serenity had silvery tears in her eyes, but nodded her head.
Helios breathed a sigh of relief and nodded his head. He offered her a gentle smile that was able to lighten her heart a little.
"Go to your chambers." he told her. "Don't come here again. Okay?"
He wouldn't have told her that. She would never enter the Dark Temple again.
She nodded her head, and Helios gently wiped away one stray tear from her face.
"Go now." he whispered.
Serenity hesitated a moment before her eyes went back to look at Nehelenia. The Dark Priestess was still standing in front of her mirror, her cool eyes observing the scene in front of her with annoyance.
She looked back at Helios who was smiling at her. Serenity nodded her head and hurriedly left the room, never looking back once.
"Pathetic little girl." Nehelenia whispered and rolled her eyes.
As soon as Serenity had left the praying room, the smile fell from Helios' face and his features darkened dangerously. The young man slowly moved closer towards Nehelenia who was watching him approach through dark eyes.
"What were you thinking?" Helios demanded lowly, his golden eyes shimmering with liquid fire.
Nehelenia let her hand run through her thick black hair and shrugged her shoulder.
"I was just having a little fun with your little light priestess." she replied nonchalantly and smoothed the wrinkles out of her long black dress.
"I really don't see why you want to protect her. She's just a pathetic little…"
A load smacking sound echoed through the praying room. Nehelenia lay on the floor, her dark eyes wide in shock as she looked up to see her brother towering above her. Her hand moved to her cheek, the stinging sensation pulsing through her entire body.
"May your Gods have mercy with you if you dare and lay a single finger on her again, Nehelenia." Helios hissed, his gentle features marred with darkness. "Because I won't."
He left without another word, leaving Nehelenia on the ground.
The Dark Priestess narrowed her eyes to dangerous slits.
"You think you know the language of darkness, brother." she hissed. "You know nothing while I wrote the book."
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Endymion groaned as his back hit the floor again. Every muscle in his body screamed at him to give up and rest. It took some moments before his breathing would return. The sheer impact of his fall had caused his breath to leave his body at once. For the briefest of moments, he saw stars appear before his closed eyes. He heard how someone approached him. Out of instinct, he rolled around, causing Helios' wooden weapon to crash against the cold stony floor.
"Good!" he heard him praise.
Endymion forced his eyes to open, immediately spotting his weapon some feet away from him. Helios stood some feet away from him, ready to strike again. Endymion, still lying on the ground, quickly moved his legs to catch Helios feet, making the younger man lose balance. A shocked cry was heard, and Endymion used the short moment of surprise and Helios' distraction to jump to his feet. He tackled the young man to the ground and ran to his wooden sword. He reached for it and swiftly turned around, only to find Helios back on his feet. Endymion had to suppress his sigh of annoyance. How could this young man be so quick. The force alone that Endymion had used to tackle him to the ground should have been enough for Helios to catch his breath for at least some more seconds.
Helios chuckled as he noticed Endymion's frustration.
"You opponent is the teacher. Your ego, however" he told him, pointing meaningful at the young gladiator. "is your true enemy."
Endymion gritted his teeth, his eyes darkening. He stretched out one hand, motioning Helios to attack. The White Priest smiled at him, his amber eyes glistering with mischief.
He moved quickly, like a flash of light. His wooden sword pointed at Endymion who prepared himself for the attack. Just seconds before Helios was in his reach, however, the young man ducked beneath Endymion's outstretched arm, and he whirled around until he was standing behind him. It was too fast for Endymion to realize, until he felt the wooden sword come down with power against his back, making him cry out.
"Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night." Helios advised as he watched Endymion collect himself. "And when you move, fall like a thunderbolt."
Helios was quick to attack anew, but this time, Endymion was prepared.
He sidestepped the other man and jumped to avoid Helios' low blow. He caught the other man's surprise which made him smirk. He used his wooden shield to send a blow towards Helios torso, the impact making the White Priest groan and splutter in pain. Endymion's gaze turned triumphant as he raised his sword to attack again. Too late did he realize that it took Helios just the smallest of movements to avoid his attack again. The young man brought his wooden sword with force onto Endymion's wrist, causing a fierce cry of pain to escape the Thracian's lips and causing him to let go of his weapon and him to fall to his knees.
He faintly felt how Helios whirled around until he was standing right behind him. The younger man grabbed his dark hair and forcefully yanked his head back, leaving Endymion's neck completely exposed. Helios knelt down behind him, a smirk on his face as he let the edge of his wooden sword press against Endymion's sensitive skin.
"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." he breathed against Endymion's ear, causing a frustrated growl to escape the Thracian's strained throat.
Helios chuckled and let go of him.
"I win."
How Endymion hated these words. For weeks now, he had been fighting against Helios. Never once had he managed to defeat him. Helios was a good teacher. He was like Artemis in some ways: challenging and merciless as they trained. But Helios was an expert in foresight. It was as if he knew what Endymion would do before he would know himself.
He had never encountered such an opponent.
And it was frustrating.
"You are brave, cunning." Helios praised as he offered Endymion a hand to help him up.
Endymion took it and let himself pull back to his feet. He walked to fetch his satchel of water, drinking eagerly.
"But bravery without forethought causes a man to fight blindly and desperately like a mad bull. Such an opponent must not be encountered with brute force, but may be lured into an ambush and slain."
Endymion removed the leathern vessel from his lips, lifting one dark brow.
"Did you just compare me with a mad bull?" he challenged, causing Helios to laugh. It was a carefree, genuine laugh and Endymion couldn't help but admit that he liked the sound.
"At the moment, you are following your intuition during the fight." he retorted and shrugged his shoulders.
"Like a mad bull." Endymion added with a frown.
Helios laughed again, his eyes sparkling with amusement. But he did not answer.
Endymion rolled his eyes, but could not help the smile that formed on his lips. He did not know when exactly it happened, but he couldn't deny that he liked the young White Priest. First, he had been furious with him. Had downright hated him for preventing Serenity's and his escape while only muttering purple words of Elysium's law and what the God wanted and what they didn't want. It had been tiresome, had been frustrating more than anything. But as time went by, Endymion realized with every fight they fought that Helios genuinely wanted to help him. He was bound by this place's laws, but he did not shy away from helping them as best as he could. Endymion also knew that Helios cared for Serenity, that he wanted her to become one of his Light Priestesses – and idea that Endymion deeply scorned. She was his, bound to him and he knew, deep down in his heart, that if she would not stay here without him. She might be happy here, but he was her happiness. This was something that Helios and his temple could not give her. And whenever they would be together, he could see it in the other man's eyes that Helios knew it as well.
"You have fought well, Endymion." Helios said and put a firm hand onto the Thracian's shoulder, smiling up at him encouragingly. "You are improving by the day."
"Not fast enough." Endymion sighed and shook his head.
A wave of sadness washed over Helios' face.
"Warriors create themselves through trial and error, through pain and suffering. In the end, they are able to conquer their own faults." the White Priest offered. "Give yourself time."
Endymion realized the truth of his words, but it did not change the fact that time was running fast. Any day, Diamond could send word and send soldiers to retrieve Serenity so that she would be brought back to Capua. There was no way he could save her from this place. He would need to defeat Helios before so that they would have the chance to escape the Dominus' clutches.
"Diamond is still occupied in the North, trying to control his troops." Helios said as if he had read his mind. "The Roman soldiers do not trust him. Rumors have spread that Diamond had been the one to kill his father to gain power over his army. The troops loved Tiberius. It will take Diamond some time more to convince them of the truth."
Endymion raised his dark brows.
"You don't think he killed Tiberius?" he couldn't help but ask.
Helios stayed silent for some more moments before he shook his head.
"No. He didn't." was his simple reply. His amber eyes then shifted back to Endymion, looking at him intently. "What do you think? You spent some time with both men."
Endymion recalled his time in Capua. Serenity's father had been an impressive man – skilled and just, and deeply loved and respected by everyone. He had a calm and collected nature, able to hold his emotions always at bay. He was a strategic leader, and a kind man. A combination of traits that could only be rarely found. Endymion had liked the Roman General. He had managed to look behind his status and heritage just as much as Tiberius had managed to see Endymion as more than just a slave.
Diamond on the other hand… He was so completely different from his father. Diamond was passionate and rash, ready to strike out without thinking twice. Diamond was cruel and ruthless, arrogant, as he used his strategic strength and intelligence to get what he wanted – no matter the cost. But Endymion had noticed that the man had managed to create a mask of indifference towards the world, but that his strange indigo eyes had always betrayed him – had always revealed his true feelings. He clearly remembered the evening when they had played against each other, how Diamond had openly respected and praised him for his intelligence. How he had smiled at him, happy that he had found an opponent worthy of him. But Endymion also remembered the expression that had crossed his face as Diamond had talked about his father. The young Thracian would never forget the sadness, the hurt that lay beneath his well-worn mask of indifference. And Endymion couldn't help but feel … honored … that Diamond had shown him this side of him.
"No." Endymion finally answered. "Even though Diamond always seemed to detest his father, I know that he loved him nonetheless."
Helios let out a long sigh and nodded.
"After his wife's death, Tiberius often came here." Helios said. "As this was the place where she grew up, he somehow felt connected to her even after she had parted from this world. My father, the former High Priest of this sacred place, was a close friend of him. I remember how Tiberius sought his advice, especially regarding Diamond. He even brought him twice. He always had a temper of his own, I remember. But he was a happy child, back then, and we used to play by the fountain nearby. He was strong and cunning, fearless and intelligent. I remember how I admired him deeply."
Helios let out a soft laugh at the memory.
"I never realized how he suffered under his father's hand. Tiberius had never been a cruel man, had never hit him or done him wrong. But he had been a harsh man, had always expected Diamond to be better than the rest. He had not done it to humiliate him, but he had wanted him to grow stronger than any Roman soldier. I know that he wanted to protect him from what was about to come, from the teasing and mockery that would await him at a later age when people would hold his original heritage against him. Romans can be quite ruthless, I'm sure you have already realized that much."
Endymion's hands clenched to fists, and he nodded his head.
Of course he knew.
Helios let out another sigh, his expression turning sad.
"Everything went well, and Diamond developed into a strong and intelligent young man. But as his feelings for Serenity grew in intensity, as he realized that he was no longer satisfied with being seen as her brother, my father advised Tiberius to send Serenity to stay at the Temple of Selene. Tiberius was all too willing to accept it – fearing how the Roman Empire would frown upon such a tie. No one really knows if Serenity and Diamond are bound by blood or simply heritage. But the stakes were too high. The moment Serenity was sent away, Diamond broke with his father. Separating him from his beloved sister, from the only person he truly felt connected to… it was something that he was not able to forgive. Ever. Since then, he tried to step out of his father's shadow. And when he finally did, he realized that there was no sun. There was no light. He loved his father. Always did, always will."
Endymion looked away, not knowing how to feel about what Helios had just shared with him.
"So the rebels killed Serenity's father." Endymion said, his eyes growing dark.
"I didn't say that." Helios replied.
Endymion turned around to look at him, his brows drawn together in confusion.
Again, Helios only smiled at him.
"The hour is late, Endymion." he finally said. "Turn your thoughts to different matters. A heavy heart weighs a man's sword. Collect your energy instead, to fight me tomorrow evening again."
The corners of Endymion's lips twitched.
"Perhaps I'll win this time."
Helios offered him another shiny smile and nodded his head.
"Perhaps."
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Endymion let out a soft sigh as the cold water gently floated through his fingers. It was cool and calming. It would wash away the strains of the day. He disrobed and sat down at the edge of the House's Frigidarium. After his fights with Helios, he would always seek out Elysium's Thermae, bathing chambers full of rich mosaics and lit by fire, to wash away sweat and pain in the cool water before he would return to Serenity.
His tanned hand dipped into the cool water. He smiled softly. The room was calm and quiet. He would bring Serenity here someday. His beauty would surely enjoy this just as much as he did. He watched his arm closely, frowning a little as he saw the purple bruise appear on his skin.
He let himself slide into the cold water and moved to the other side of the pool. He let his hurting back rest against the wall and closed his eyes. The cool water truly was a relief against his pain.
He had been so close today, he thought. So close of defeating Helios. Since his victory against Theokoles, he truly had believed himself invincible. Oh, how wrong he had been. Never in his wildest dreams had he dared to believe that a man, younger in age and smaller in built, would turn out to be his worst opponent.
"My brother truly can be a nuisance, don't you agree?" a voice said.
Surprised, Endymion's shot open. The Dark Priestess was standing at the entrance, and Endymion's eyes widened at the sight of the sheer dark dress she wore. Revealing more than hiding.
He immediately turned his head away from her, focusing on the wall to his right.
"What are you doing here?" he demanded, the hands that he held under water balling to fists. He did not like this woman and he was glad that had been able to avoid her since their arrival.
Nehelenia laughed softly.
"This is my home." was her simple reply.
Endymion swallowed.
"Apologies, Dark Priestess." he pressed out. "I was not aware that you wanted to take a bath tonight. If you gave me just a few minutes then…"
But he was interrupted by another soft giggle.
"Don't act like that, Endymion." she chided softly. "Surely there is nothing that is foreign to your eyes. There is no need to cut your well-deserved bath short on my behalf."
He heard her move, and realized that she was sitting down next to him at the edge of the pool. Endymion looked at her as she hiked up her sheer gown to reveal smooth legs as she sat down, moaning softly as her feet entered the cold water.
"Mhh…" she sighed and smiled. "There is nothing more refreshing than a cool bath at night, don't you agree?"
"It is, Dark Priestess." Endymion agreed politely.
Another giggle escaped her mouth.
"Oh please don't call me that." she told him as she smiled down at him. "Please call me Nehelenia. Would you do that?"
Endymion gazed up at her, and nodded his head.
Happiness radiated from her, and her dark eyes shone with amusement.
"So Endymion." she asked him, lifting one leg to play a little with the cool water. "How do you like Elysium?"
"It's a good prison." Endymion replied shortly.
"A prison?" Nehelenia gasped in surprise. "Well that surely is a comparison I have never heard before. Most people would die to spend only one day in their lives here."
"I'm not like most people." Endymion stated coolly.
Nehelenia rested her elbow on her knee and bowed down to better look at him. Endymion saw how her breasts almost spilled from the deep cleavage, and he forced himself to turn his eyes away to look into her eyes. They danced with amusement.
"I'm very well aware of that." she breathed in a raspy voice.
Endymion took in a sharp breath and turned his gaze away from her.
"I leave you to your bath then, Dark Priestess." Endymion said and tried to exit the pool as quickly as he could.
He felt how sharp nails dug into his shoulder, holding him in place.
"Don't be silly, Endymion." she laughed.
"I really don't think…" he began and turned around to explain to her as politely as possible that he had no intention of spending more time than necessary with her in these rooms.
But the moment he turned around, Nehelenia unclasped her gown, and the dark material cascaded down to her feet, leaving her naked. Nehelenia smirked as he saw the expression on his face. Her sensuous body had never failed to entice a man. She slowly let herself sink into the cool water, sighing softly as the cool water enveloped her. She opened her eyes again, a look of irritation entered her eyes as she saw how Endymion had already moved to exit the pool again.
"Where are you going?" she laughed and grabbed his hand, pulling him back.
A look of annoyance crossed his face.
"Let go of me." he demanded in a strong voice.
Nehelenia smirked and let go. She moved around him, blocking his root of escape.
"It truly is impolite towards your host to treat me like that." she said with faint hurt, her mouth forming into a pout. "Or have I done you wrong, Endymion? In case yes, please accept my deepest apologies. It was never my intention to cause you discomfort."
Endymion looked at her, her face and eyes sad. He let out a long sigh and shook his head.
"My apologies." he told her. "Your brother and you have showed us nothing but kindness. My intention was not to act impolite."
Immediately, the pout morphed into a shiny smile.
"Easily forgiven." she laughed and moved back to let herself lean against the pool's wall.
"I saw my brother and you fight the other day." she said after some more moments of silence. "I hope he did not trick you into it."
Endymion placed himself against the opposite wall, as far away from her as possible.
"Helios is helping me to improve my fighting skills." he answered nonchalantly.
"Is that so?" Nehelenia said, cocking one brow. "Well I guess he is rather skilled. But everyone in Elysium knows that my dark soldiers are far better. You should try and find with them if you really want to improve your skills."
Endymion remained silent, his eyes narrowing a little.
Nehelenia giggled.
"Oh please don't feel insulted on Helios' behalf." she smiled and shrugged her slender shoulders. "I know that my brother is clever and fights with foresight. He needs it because he is of smaller built. But my soldiers, they add strength and force to the fight. That's what makes them the best. Hawk's Eye… he is swift and deadly as his name giver. He could eat out his enemy's heart if he wanted to. Fish Eye… well, I have never seen someone as sleeky and glossy as him. His dirty tricks have always secured his victory. And Tiger's Eye… he is the strongest of them all. He moves like a big cat, silently and deadly before he let his sharp claws end his opponents' lives with bloody remains the only thing left of his enemy."
Endymion watched her with furrowed brow as she so casually talked about wars and death.
"You must have witnessed many of their fights to have such unbroken confidence in them." he said.
Nehelenia opened her eyes again to look at him, a strange spark of satisfaction within them.
"When I became the Dark Priestess and I had to choose my dark soldiers, I let them fight against each other. Only the best three of them remained."
"And the rest?" Endymion asked.
"My dark soldiers cut out their hearts and offered them to me as a sign of their loyalty." she said with burning, glowing eyes. "We offered them as blood sacrifice to Pluto, King of the Underworld."
Endymion turned his head away in disgust.
"You are a cruel woman." was all he said.
"Mmmh, I don't think you truly mean that." he heard her say.
Confused, he moved his head back to look at her, only realizing that she had moved right on front of him, her long black tresses floating on the water's surface, surrounding him.
"Is that really what you think?" she challenged with a smile on her face. "Or what might be proper to think?"
He couldn't reply – the intensity of her dark gaze rooting him to the spot.
"You are a gladiator." she whispered seductively. "I'm sure you have done worse."
Endymion's gaze hardened.
"I did it because I was forced to." he growled.
The smile on Nehelenia's face broadened.
"Is that so?" she whispered and moved even closer. Endymion could feel her supple breast touch his chest under the water's surface.
"I believe a big part of you enjoys the fights, the bloodshed." she breathed. "I believe the truth is that the moment your sharp sword tears flesh and muscles apart is the most glorious feeling you have ever felt."
Endymion swallowed, and he felt how his heartbeat increased.
"Tell me, Son of Mars…" she whispered and pressed her naked body against his, her lips faintly grazing the shell of his ear. "How does it feel to see the light part from your enemy's eyes? How does it feel when the power surges through your veins, knowing that with one blow, you can defeat anyone and anything that stands in your way?"
Endymion felt how her sharp nails trailed a line down his torso, moving dangerously close to his member.
"You don't have to pretend with me." Nehelenia breathed, her other hand lightly stroking the side of his face. "I admire you for your dark desires. I worship you for every life you take, for every single drop of blood that you shed."
Her lips hovered above his, her hot breath fanning over his lips.
"Tell me what you really want, Endymion." she whispered. "And I will give it to you."
The moment her hand wrapped around his member did Endymion awake from his stupor. He forcefully pushed her away with all his might, his eyes liquid fire as he glared at her.
Nehelenia wore a confused and dark look on her face.
"You are disgusting." he spat.
"Don't you ever touch me again!" Endymion all but growled. "Or I'll kill you!"
The powerful threat made Nehelenia flinch in response and she moved further away from him, frightened.
Endymion hurried out of the pool and grabbed his pants.
He never looked back at the poisonous woman.
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Endymion stepped into her room, his eyes dark and haunted as he scanned the room for her. He walked to the balcony, finding her standing under the starlit sky.
Serenity looked up in surprise, a smile immediately on her face as she spotted him. It was her smile, her scent, her body that he craved for.
"Endymion" she said in surprise, her happy smile immediately replaced by a worried look as she took in his tousled appearance. "What is wrong?"
It was her concern, her loving and caring sparkling eyes that was his undoing.
The beautiful sky was full of shining stars. And she was looking at him.
It took him only few long strides until he reached her. Without a word, he captured her lips in a passionate, devouring kiss. Serenity moaned into his mouth, happily obliging to his demanding wants. She had long realized that Endymion was the dominating part of their lovemaking, his grip and actions tight and strong and he demanded her complete submission. And Serenity was only too happy to give all that he asked of her.
Serenity let out a gasp of surprise as he suddenly lifted her onto the stone wall, hiking her nightgown up. She moaned in pleasure as he pressed her more forcefully against him, letting his arousal come in contact with her hot core.
"This is what the mere sight of you… the mere thought of you… does to me." he whispered harshly against her ear, biting down a little and causing a cry of pleasure and pain to escape her sweet lips.
He gripped her more firmly, thrusting his enlarged member rhythmically against her. He kissed her again, his tongue hot and demanding as he overwhelmed her with his need for her. She pressed her legs against the sides of his torso, and it took Endymion only a moment to free himself from his confines.
He groaned loudly as he finally filled her, his head thrown back in pure bliss of the sensation of her walls clenching tightly around him. When he opened his gaze, his dark eyes immediately locked with hers. Her pleasure-filled face was so beautiful, so divine, it never ceased to take his breath away for this one perfect moment. His hand reached to brush her straps from her silvery shoulders, the dress falling to her stomach and revealing her perfect pert breasts. He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist to keep her secure from falling down the high wall. His eyes never left hers as he began to thrust into her, his actions immediately causing Serenity to moan loudly. She wrapped her legs tightly around his back, following his movements as she let herself fall slightly back, her body only held by his strong grip and preventing her from falling. They never broke eye contact as he pounded into her, his dark eyes wild and burning with desire as he looked down at her. It didn't take long until they reached their climax. Endymion shouted her name as he came inside her, feeling how she dug her nails deeply into the skin of his arms as she reached her own peak. He leisurely thrust into her some times more, riding out his intense climax, before he stilled completely.
Breathing heavily, he bowed his head to kiss her on the forehead.
"I love you, Serenity." he whispered, his words reflected in the depth of his stormy blue eyes.
She smiled at him.
A sky full of stars. And he was looking at her.
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Dark eyes watched the couple on the balcony – burning black liquid filled with hatred.
"I will destroy you, Son of Mars." she whispered into the darkness. "You and your little innocent girl."
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Diamond leant over the makeshift table, brooding over the maps that were sprawled out in front of him. He carefully moved one wooden piece to the Northern border, trying to detect any flaw in his plan.
"It should work." Saphire next to him encouraged. "The moment Praetor Seiya makes his move, he and his troops will be destroyed. And Rome will celebrate you for your victory."
Diamond stared down at the map, his brows furrowed in concentration.
He suddenly whipped the map and wooden pieces forcedully from the desk, an angry cry on his lips.
"It does not matter!" he shouted in frustration and let his hand run through his silver hair. "The soldiers still don't respect me! How will they fight for me on both borders, against Seiya, if they do not even respect me?!"
Saphire pressed his lips to a thin line.
"Make them." he replied darkly.
Diamond let out a dismissive laugh and shook his head. He took his goblet of wine from Saphire's hand and emptied it in one gulp.
"How?" he demanded, almost pleaded. "How do you make someone love you?!"
Saphire lifted his chin high.
"Sometimes it is better to be feared than loved, Dominus."
Diamond stared at him for a moment longer, before he shook his head.
"No." he answered as a response to Saphire's unvoiced suggestion.
"Dominus…" Saphire tried again. "Think about it. It would secure…"
"NO!" Diamond boomed, throwing his goblet of wine against the tent's side. "I will not do it!"
Saphire sighed and shook his head.
"You would not be the first to secure your soldiers' loyalty like that." he said. "Many famous generals have done it."
Diamond ran a frustrated hand over his face.
He knew what Saphire was suggesting. The mere thought of it was making a cold shudder to wash through his body.
Decimation – the removal of the tenth.
There surely was nothing more effective and cruel than this.
It was a military discipline used by many Roman commanders to punish units of their troops for treason, desertion and mutiny. A cohort of soldiers, selected for punishment, would be gathered together and divided into groups of ten. Each group would be given 9 black and 1 white stones. The unlucky soldier who drew the white stone was sentenced to be executed by his nine comrades, often by stoning or clubbing. As the punishment fell by lot, all soldiers in a group sentenced to decimation were potentially liable for execution, regardless of individual degrees of fault, rank, or heritage.
It was a vile act – but it would discourage any other soldier to ever question the commander's status again.
"I'm not such a kind of man." Diamond whispered and shook his head determinedly. "Decimation will not be performed under my command."
Saphire sighed in frustration, but nodded his head eventually.
"Life was easier back in Capua." Diamond sighed and let himself fall onto a chair nearby. He clutched the small necklace around his neck, looking into space.
"I miss her." he whispered, his eyes turning sad. "I want to see her."
The skin beneath Saphire's right head twitched.
"She surely is safe in the confines of Elysium." he replied dutifully. "At the moment, our problems here at the Norther border are more pressing, Dominus."
Diamond just nodded his head in response, but remained silent.
Saphire let out another sigh and retrieved a letter from his pockets.
"If not Decimation, maybe this would be another option." he said and held the letter out for Diamond to take.
The silver-haired man raised one brow in confusion.
"What is it?"
"A letter from Senator Quintus Gracchus." Saphire was quick to reply, causing Diamond to roll his eyes.
"What does the old man want, I wonder?" he asked drily.
Saphire hesitated a moment before he replied cautiously.
"He offers his daughter's hand in marriage."
"Lavinia?" Diamond asked with mild interest. "I haven't seen her in months."
"You were rather close." Saphire offered.
Diamond huffed and shook his head.
"She was a distraction – nothing more." he replied grimly. "I never promised her anything."
"And still…" Saphire probed. "She is beautiful and comes from an old wealthy family. An association like that would surely secure your position in Rome. No one would ever doubt your claim to your father's heritage with a wife like her. And don't forget the wealth that would come along. Lavinia is Quintus' only child. His death would mean your rising."
He knelt down beside his Dominus, looking at him through eager eyes.
"Isn't that what you always wanted?" he whispered. "It is here, right in front of you. You just need to stretch out your hand and take it."
Diamond looked at him with uncertain eyes. A flicker of doubt appeared in the depths of his eyes, but vanished just as quickly as it had appeared. He shook his head no.
"Send a letter to Quintus that I no doubt feel honored by his offer, but that I will not accept it."
"Dominus" Saphire urged, his eyes pleading.
Diamond abruptly stood and walked towards the desk, his back turned towards his body-slave.
"Send the letter, Saphire." he sighed, his shoulder tensing under the strain he was feeling.
Saphire stepped forward, not yet ready to give up.
"Diamond." he dared to address his companion informally. "I beg you. The Gods finally show mercy. Think twice before taking this decision. A marriage to Lavinia could solve all your problems. This is all you ever wanted. Don't throw it away. She would make a fine wife."
Diamond let out a mirthless chuckle.
"She is not the one I want." he whispered.
He then turned around, looking into the pleading eyes of his body-slave… of his friend.
"You have never once betrayed you Saphire." he said, the whisper of a smile on his face. "I will heed your advice and give it another night's sleep."
Saphire's face split into a smile, and he nodded his agreement.
He was about to turn around and leave when Diamond suddenly stopped him.
"What's that?" Diamond asked in irritation, his eyes focused on the other letter that peeked out of Saphire's pocket. Saphire's face went pale, his lips pressed to a thin line as he turned around to face his Dominus.
Diamond looked at him in irritation before anger dawned on his face.
"This is Elysium's seal." he growled, his indigo eyes glistering darkly.
Saphire did not move, the young body-slave rooted to his spot at his Dominus' dangerous stare.
"I will not ask again." Diamond hissed.
Saphire closed his eyes and slowly retrieved the letter from his pocket. He held it out to Diamond who forcefully snatched it away from him.
Diamond unfolded the letter, his eyes scanning the lines.
When he looked up, his eyes were filled with hatred and betrayal as he looked at Saphire.
"How could you keep this from me?" he whispered, his fingers tightening around the sheet of paper.
"Diamond…" Saphire pleaded, his young face marred with guilt. "I didn't want to keep it from you. I just wanted you to make the decision about Lavinia first before you"
"Not. Another. Word!" Diamond interrupted him sharply. Lowly. Dangerously.
His indigo eyes shone darkly as he turned around to exit the tent.
"Dominus!" Saphire cried out after him, his voice desperate.
Diamond stopped, but he did not turn around.
"We are leaving immediately." he said in a cold voice, not turning once. "We will talk about this later, slave."
Saphire cringed at the word, his heart filling with despair as he watched Diamond leave without another word.
He turned, his eyes falling onto the letter that lay on Diamond's desk.
His hands clenched to fists and his eyes darkened.
How he hated her.
How the mere image of her still managed to drive Diamond crazy. He should have killed her during the Rebels' attack as well – not only her father!
His hand angrily reached out towards the letter, a frustrated cry on his lips as he threw it into the farthest coner.
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My dear friend,
forgiveness for interrupting your tasks at the Northern Border. But I have worrying news to share with you. My brother, Helios, White Priest of Elysium, does not seem to stand to our agreement. Word reached me that he intends to keep Serenity in Elysium as one of his Light Priestesses. He has even sided with the Thracian gladiator, Endymion, and trains him well to prevent her from returning to Capua and her brother's loving arms.
Come to Elysium before it's too late, Diamond
Come and save her from my brother's insanity!
With all my love
Nehelenia
Dark Priestess of Elysium
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Author's Note
Happy Easter everyone!
Hope you liked the chapter :)
The song I used in this chapter was from Hocus Pocus - I'm sure some of you know it.
I love it - it's so eery and fit perfectly.
xxx
J