The Beloved Goddess

13. Preparations

*Day 2 of the enchantment*

Achelois (POV)

I anxiously walked side by side with Tartarus as we left the room. My muscles would tense up every now and then considering I had no idea where he was leading me to. Just the close proximity of our touch alone was enough to make my heart race.

After a bit of time has gone by I soon felt a small squeeze on my hand. I glanced up to see a smiling Tartarus indicating we have reached our destination. To my surprise it was the same passageway connecting Tartarus to earth where the guardsmen would use to accumulate the human tributes.

"Achelois, we'll be going down to one of the sacrificial villages to acquire your attire for our binding ceremony" Tartarus said to me.

I watched him in disbelief after he had finished speaking causing him to give a slight chuckle on his end. I was shocked at what he just said for a number of reasons. One being he didn't refer to me as 'my pet' and the other being I'm actually going to get to leave this dreadful place even if it's only temporary.

Although this would be my third time going to earth it was difficult for me not to feel a little excitement. I wonder if I can get Tartarus to take me to the sea, Arcadia (utopia) or maybe even Themiscyra (home to the Amazons (female warriors)). However what little excitement I did held before completely dissipated when I realized what would become of the 'sacrificial village'.

"Achelois? Achelois. Achelois!!" I heard my name boomed out forcing me out of my thoughts.

My head shot up to see Tartarus has been calling my name for quite some time now. He was visibly agitated causing me to let go of his hand and take a step back only to be pulled back forcefully into his grip. If it weren't for the throbbing headache I suffered earlier I could have sworn I saw smoke coming out of his ears.

"M...My apologies I...I wasn't paying attention" I stuttered out.

"I'll overlook it this once, just don't let it happen again" Tartarus clamored.

"O....Of course!" I cried.

"You were a lot more attentive when you were being referred to as 'my pet'" Tartarus mumbled under his breath.

I didn't quite make out what he said entirely but I decided to drop it not wanting to impede any further on his goodwill. Unexpectedly Tartarus had placed his large hand over my shoulder as if he wanted to tell me something, but after much reconsideration ended up brushing my hair instead.

Usually I'd feel comfort by his sudden contact, but I couldn't help but feel mortified for ruining our time spent together. Trying to change the subject, I decided to ask if we can go sightseeing while we visit earth.

"Umm do you think we can visit the sea" I asked anxiously while looking at Tartarus.

"No, you'll get swept up by a wave" he answered nonchalantly.

"How about Arcadia?!" I countered.

"No, you'll just wander alone to have someone else snatch you away" Tartarus said fiercely.

"Then Themiscyra?" I whispered.

"Don't think for a second I'll allow you to be near those deplorable Amazons for them to fill your mind with nonsense!" Tartarus asserted while raising his voice.

I looked dumbfounded at him until he grabbed my hand and led us out the passageway. In a blink of an eye we were no longer in Tartarus alternatively we were now in a village.

The village was huge almost as if it were a major city. Everyone was cheerful and were going about their day worry-free.

I was amazed that they were all so lively despite the fact Tartarus had appeared onto their land and will surely bring mass chaos to all those present. It wasn't until I made a quick glimpse at Tartarus to realize his outer appearance had changed. He had now shapeshifted into another being. He was handsome indeed, but I couldn't help but feel surprised at the vast range of his powers.