A last visit

You wake in the early dawn, before any of the girls are up, save for Ferra. As you sit up, the golem girl rises beside you. There’s a stillness in the air, a tension. It’s as if time itself is holding its breath. You stand, gathering your clothing from among the piles on the floor, and dress, looking over the peacefully sleeping forms of the others. No one has stirred, which surprises you a little.

In your mind, Lilith seems to yawn. You wake up too early sometimes. I know it’s a big day, but would it kill you to sleep in a bit? Also, isn’t it awfully bright for this time of day?

You see light coming through the shades over the windows, more light than you’d expect at this hour. You finish dressing, and head for the door, with Ferra trailing wordlessly along with you. When you open the door and walk outside, you’re not particularly surprised by who you see waiting there.

Poena leans casually against a tree, her glowing body the source of the light. As you emerge, she turns to you, her depthless eyes studying you as you approach. Eventually, she nods, speaking in a somber tone.

“Today is the day, it seems. Today there is a great weight upon your shoulders, my champion. Every trial you’ve been through, every obstacle you’ve faced, every decision you’ve made, has led you to this point. One way or another, it is decided today.”

Oh, so no pressure, then.

Poena cracks a very slight smile. “Flippant as always, succubus? Yes, the stakes are high, but my champion is prepared, and ready. Aren’t you, champion?”

You nod. “I am. I’d be lying if I said I was confident, however.”

Ferra takes your hand. “I have confidence in you, master. There’s no obstacle we can’t overcome.”

She’s right. We’ll put the stink mage in his place!

Poena looks between you and Ferra. “Your companion is well chosen. And she speaks the truth. This will not be easy, but I am confident in your abilities.”

You take a deep breath. “It has to be done, fate or not. And if it falls to me, then that’s what happens.”

Poena steps closer, towering over you. She reaches out with a clawed hand and caresses your cheek. You shiver at her touch, both hot and cold, rough and smooth, hard and soft. She looks into your eyes, holding you spellbound. Then she leans down, planting a kiss on your forehead. As she steps back, you shiver, feeling the chilling, searing touch of her lips lingering upon your skin. The world seems brighter, more focused. Was that a blessing? A boon?

A promise?

As your mind reels, Poena repeats the gesture with Ferra. When she steps away, you see a slightly glazed look in the golem girl’s eyes for just a moment. She locks eyes with Poena, and something unspoken passes between them. After another moment, Ferra nods.

Lilith shivers in your mind. Oooh, I liked that…can we do it again?

Poena raises an eyebrow. “Perhaps. But there are other fates for you, succubus. Win the day, and we shall see.”

The glow around her begins to brighten, her demonic, draconic form shimmering and fading. The light grows almost painful, but you can’t look away. Poena’s voice echoes once more through your head.

Farewell, my champion. Should we meet again, it will be to celebrate a victory. Win or lose, know this; you have done well. Great reward awaits the victor in this conflict. The world hangs in the balance, and you are the deciding factor. Good luck, I shall be watching.

And with that, her light vanishes. You stand there for a moment, blinking in the dim light of dawn. Finally, you sigh, and turn back to the in, muttering to yourself.