đAzuria
~ATHENA
I sat in the backseat of Master's car, my face pressed against the cool window, and it felt like I was dreaming. Everything outside was so breathtakingly beautiful, like a painting come to life. The moon was a silver crescent, casting a gentle glow over the rolling hills and fields, and the stars twinkled like diamonds scattered across the velvet expanse.
I felt a lump form in my throat as I gazed up at the night sky, a sense of wonder and longing washing over me. It had been six long years since I'd seen the outside world, since I'd felt the warmth of the sun on my skin or the wind in my hair. Six years since my life had been taken away from me, and locked away in that dark, cold underground cavern.
Master's piercing gaze met mine in the rearview mirror, his expression unreadable and cold. I quickly looked away, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. I didn't know where we were headed, but I knew I was grateful for this moment, this chance to see the world again, to breathe the fresh air and feel the wind in my face.
As the car wound its way through the countryside, I pressed my face closer to the window, drinking in the beauty of the night sky. The stars seemed to twinkle in time with my heartbeat, and I felt a sense of peace wash over me, like the world was full of possibility, full of magic.
The city's vibrant life whizzed by, a blur of lights and sounds that seemed to match the turmoil in my chest. My heart ached as I continued to gaze up at the night sky. Memories flooded my mind, memories of nights as a child, lying in the backyard with both my parents, my papa pointing out constellations and making wishes on shooting stars. My mama's stories about the moon and the moon goddess, the magic that happened whenever the stars aligned, still echoes in my mind.
But life had been cruel towards me, taking both my parents away from me with those evil people who had kidnapped me off the streets, locking me away in that dark, cold cavern. I felt a lump form in my throat as I thought about all the moments I'd missed, all the milestones I'd never get to experience. Birthdays, holidays, laughter, tears, they were all lost to the darkness. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, and I sobbed silently, not wanting Master and Enzo to see how broken I was.
As I gazed out the window, the city's lights seemed to fade into the background, and all I saw was the vast expanse of my own sorrow. I thought about the dreams I'd let die, the memories I'd let fade, and the people I'd loved and lost. The weight of it all felt crushing, like a physical force pressing down on my chest.
But as I looked up, I caught Enzo's eye in the rearview mirror, and he smiled, a small, gentle smile that made me feel a little less alone. I sniffled, trying to compose myself, and asked, "You must be my Master's friend... or maybe his brother?" My voice was barely above a whisper, but Enzo's smile widened, and he replied, "I'm his best friend."
I felt a flutter in my chest because of this stranger who seemed to care because I was so used to being ignored. "Okay." I whispered, feeling a sense of wonder at this simple exchange.
Enzo chuckled, and Master sighed, his expression unyielding. I felt a pang of uncertainty, wondering what he thought of me, this broken, foolish girl who couldn't even control her emotions. But I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the stars twinkling outside, and asked, "Don't you think fishes might be able to live on land if they just tried hard enough to breathe in air?" The question hung in the air, met with silence, except for Enzo's snicker and Master's irritated look.
My gaze drifting to Master's side profile, his piercing eyes fixed on the road ahead as I stared at him through the rear view mirror. He was the most captivating man I've ever laid eyes on, with sharp features and a jawline that seemed chiseled from marble. But despite his striking appearance, he didn't seem to like me much which was understandable. I was totally okay with that. Not everyone liked me, not even my parents. Because if they had liked me they wouldn't have left me alone in this vast and cruel world.
Enzo's gentle voice broke the silence. "What is your name?" His curiosity warmed my chest, it was a question no one had ever asked me before. Usually, people only cared about my unusual eyes like a mismatched puzzle.
"I don't have a name." I replied, uncertainty laced with my voice. "Our masters give us our names."
Enzo hummed thoughtfully, his eyes never leaving the road. "So you're basically nameless?"
I shook my head, my long hair rustling against the seat as I adjusted the purple veil that covered my nose downward. "My name is Athena, but it's tradition for our master to rename us."
Master shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his frowning face darkening like a stormy sky. I remembered rolling my eyes at him earlier in the hallway to the restroom, and guilt washed over me. I had judged him unfairly, I had judged him based on first glance and I was wrong because master was nice. Even though his words were limited and he doesn't seem to enjoy my presence much. I still got the feeling that he was a good person. After all, he paid 5 million for my freedom without wanting anything in return.
"I'm so sorry, Master." I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I rolled my eyes at you earlier and that was so wrong of me. I thought you were judging me based off my eyes which were different from others and I understand they might have freaked you out so I just rolled my eyes.âŚ." I trailed off because it felt as if I was talking to myself. "I'm sorry but I promise I'm a decent person." I assured, only to be rewarded with silence but Enzo gave me a small smile which I saw through the rear view mirror and I appreciated him for that.
The silence that followed was oppressive, punctuated only by the sound of tires hitting the gravel road.
Another moment of silence passed, and I couldn't help but blurt out, "Wouldn't it be amazing if we were riding dinosaurs instead of-"
Master's voice cut me off, cold and menacing, like a winter's night. "I will fucking throw you out of this car if you don't shut that hole on your fucking face." His eyes flashed with warning, and I sealed my lips, feeling a mix of fear and embarrassment. The rest of the car ride was silent, except for the sound of my racing heart.