Now that I understand why I was sent here and what my purpose is, everything makes more sense. I'm no longer confused, and I can finally think clearly—logically, not on impulse. I need to use my knowledge and push the goddess's power to its full potential. Obviously in a positive way. My mission is to help the creatures of Bestia prosper. I will do that… and then I will go home.
I feel terrible knowing I have to hide and avoid forming connections with anyone, but it's for the best. As I walk farther away from Talon—away from everything I faced and everyone I met before the goddess—I feel a sharp sting near my hipbone. I stop and check, and there it is: a new mark. A feather.
I break down.
The ache in my chest is unbearable, crushing, like I'm abandoning a piece of my heart. I never want to hurt anyone. It's just sad that this is how things have to be.
I've put a good amount of distance between Talon and me now. I'm confident he won't be able to sense or track me here. The trees are tall and thick, the land lower and shaded. First, I need water. Once I find that, I can decide where to set up temporary shelter—at least until I figure out where I truly want to settle while I'm here.
Eriu said I could manifest anything, so the first thing I try to make is a backpack.
Nothing.
What the hell?
Am I doing this wrong?
I try again, this time with something simpler. I think of a dagger.
It appears.
A mirror.
It pops into existence.
Okay. Maybe I'm just rusty at this. I need more practice. Or maybe the goddess is intentionally limiting me because she agrees with my plan to disappear—to stay hidden. Smart. Annoying, but smart.
This world feels familiar and foreign at the same time. I wanted to leave a mark in my world, and I still will—just in this one. The thought excites me. I follow a river downstream until it opens into a clearing filled with wildflowers, lush green grass, and trees that look almost like maples. The view looks like a painting.
I decide this will do—for now.
I try to manifest a tent beneath a shady tree overlooking the river. What appears instead is a teepee made of vines and leaves.
…Seriously?
It's cozy, sure, but I was picturing something grand. I was being modest, too—I even considered an RV. Are my thoughts and the goddess's power out of sync? Practice. Definitely more practice.
I try again. New clothes: camo pants, hiking boots, a tank top, a sweater.
What I get is a crop-top sports bra, underwear, and workout shorts.
Fantastic.
I try food next. Burgers. Steak. Lobster. Desserts.
I get a buffet, alright—of fruits, vegetables, tofu, and veggie patties.
This is getting really annoying. Still… I sigh and thank the goddess anyway. I should be grateful for what I'm given.
I manifest a warm cot. At least this time, I get one—made of feathers, straw, and some kind of cloth. It's comfortable. I accept it.
When I lie down, the world is quiet again. Too quiet. No one bothering me. No danger. No chaos.
I wonder if they're all looking for me.
I can't let that get to me. For the first time in a long while, I feel like I'm in control of my life again. This peace—I can't take it for granted. Maybe it's because I'm finally free. Not pressured to choose. Not pulled in every direction.
Exhaustion takes over, and I fall asleep.
I wake up after what feels like the best sleep I've had in ages. I manifest coffee.
It appears in a coconut husk.
Of course.
At this point, I don't know if I'm the problem or if Eriu's power is malfunctioning. Either way, I'll survive. Librarian wisdom.
I decide to keep moving, maybe find my way out of this forest. For once, I let my instincts—and my heart—lead. I feel her presence guiding me, making the forest feel familiar. A turn here. A jump there. A short run. A stumble.
Then suddenly, I'm there.
Hidden behind thick green vines and blooming flowers, I step into the heart of the forest. Tall trees sway gently in the breeze. Sunlight filters through the canopy, turning the grass into a sea of golden sparks. A stream winds into a small brook, and farther in, I find a hidden waterfall.
It feels… meant for me.
A refuge.
A sanctuary.
I can see myself living here—away from noise, away from drama. Not yet, though. First, I need to help the goddess fulfill her duty to Bestia.
I manifest a small cabin. Warm. Homey. Enough space to breathe.
This time, it appears exactly as I imagined.
Finally. A place I can call mine.
For a while, I let myself go. I run around like a kid. Splash in the water. Eat strawberries until my hands are stained red. I live. I feel like myself again—the girl who finds joy in small things, who sees good everywhere, who craves adventure.
Then the happiness spikes.
Too much.
I lie in the grass, silent tears streaming down my face. My chest feels tight, like it might burst. My body trembles, tense with the weight of it all.
It hurts.
Too much of a good thing is cruel.