Pherenike - Chapter 31

When she was just a cub and appeared small and harmless, the lion had been taken into the palace of Lykke, nestled in Pherenike’ arms. Sometimes, they would pass near the lion’s yard, and Pherenike would take her to see the young male and female lions living there.

They seemed like a playful and affectionate pair, as if they had always been there, as if no other lions had ever existed in that place.

It was during these visits that Atalanta heard from passing daemons and the nymphs living in the oak tree inside the enclosure about the day her father died.

[“Your father was a very handsome lion, almost like a lion coming down to the banks of the Salonica River, pulling the goddess’ chariot. We liked him. The humans liked him too. But when he died, his majestic fangs were broken, his mouth gaping, his face bloodied. The arrow, shot by the prince, pierced his golden eye. The other eye remained open, as if looking at the enclosure where he had lived his entire life…”]

At that time, Actor had made a sort of choice. He was a prince who prioritized humans. Even if what he wanted to save was a being listed as mere property in the king’s inventory.

Atalanta understood that the prince, who was not favored by the daemons and nymphs for killing the male lion, had his reasons. However, she told Pherenike that understanding and hatred are always separate things. It’s not about hating because of misunderstanding, nor is it about understanding someone and not hating them.

[“Being his wife means I can no longer live in my own home.”]

[“To me, wherever you are, that’s your home.”]

[“Well, that house will always belong to Aktor Nikandros. Keeping you in Actor’s house means placing you under his authority, which isn’t very safe.”]

[“Will I become your weakness?”]

[“You’re a strong lioness, you can’t be a weakness.”]

[“You mean it is a weakness?”]

[“It just means I won’t be able to treat you as well as I want to.”]

In her dream, Pherenike found herself lost in a dark maze, wandering aimlessly in a cave. The daemons passed by with laughter, rustling her hair with a breeze.

[“Pherenike, where am I destined to go?”]

[“To Paetusa. It’s much freer than Lykke, as you once said, and Deucalion can be with you. But if you wish, we can also return to your homeland. If you still miss it.”]

[“I always miss it, Pherenike.”]

[“Then our parting is a good thing.”]

[“But what I miss most won’t be there anymore.”]

[“The landscape?”]

[“What I truly miss is the time and the lions, not the place.”]

Wherever I am, I will miss you. Truly. So, I don’t want to go too far away… Atalanta’s gentle voice comforted her.

Pherenike knew she wouldn’t be able to leave her.

[“And Deucalion isn’t so bad, even though we hardly understand each other.”]

[“He will take care of you, just like I do.”]

[“Because he cherishes you.”]

[“Will you protect him, just as you do for me?”]

The lion promised to do so. Suddenly, Pherenike awoke from her dark dream.

Only a few steps away from their resting place, Deucalion was sitting with one knee up, watching over them like a sentinel of the forest. He lifted his head, which had been resting against the bedpost.

It was unclear how long he had been there, watching her sleep. The light streaming through the window had darkened.

Pherenike’s gaze shifted from the control device still fastened to his ankles and the broken chains hanging from his ankle. His Orthea was still suppressed. Then, it was his bare hands without the aid of his Orthea who did that. Deucalion’s reddened hands caught her attention.

“I thought you had already disappeared.”

Deucalion laughed hollowly.

“I felt like I was losing my mind.”

“Deucalion.”

“If I can’t see you…”

Pherenike rose from the lion’s side and approached him. Atalanta, following her like a cat, came to their side and sat down.

“Don’t go.”

Without a word, she took his hand. He twisted his hand from her grasp, snatched her and pulled her onto his lap.

“Don’t go, Pherenike.”

“…”

“Just say the word, and we can leave together. Just once, say you’ll do it.”

“We’ll be alright.”

“Just say you want it, and whatever vows you made before the goddess won’t matter.”

“Even if we can’t be together.”

Deucalion looked at her as if he had been pierced by a sword. Or as if she was holding that sword.

Despite feeling a ripping pain inside, Pherenike calmly held his hand and let her Althea flow through her fingertips.

Atalanta, who had been resting her chin on the floor, gently licked the light that spilled onto the floor.