Rona.
I stood on the balcony, metres above the ground as the harsh waves slammed into the rocks.
"What am I going to do now?" I muttered, gripping the railings. "Everything's a total mess!"
How am I supposed to work for a literal god for two years!
Me? The Progenitor's assistant?
What was I even supposed to do? Scrub his feet? Remind him of how powerful he is?
I technically am a professional ass kisser, had a lot of practice with the Investors when my company was just a start-up.
But this was wilder than what I could've ever thought.
I sank into the chaise lounge burying my face in my hands, "This is a disaster."
As exhaustion creeped in, my eyes slowly flickered shut.
Who knew souls needed sleep too.
"Goodnight,"
—
I jolted awake as the grandfather clock on the wall choked out a decadent tune.
My eyes met a pair of glowing red orbs.
I screamed, yanking the quilt over my head.
Wait.
Quilt?
The soft, feathery mattress beneath me was not the chaise lounge I laid in last night.
How did I end up on the bed?
"Careful now," he smiled like he hadn't just violated my right to privacy.
Then again, he probably owned the entire space.
I groaned, sinking deeper into the bed. "I thought the door was only supposed to let me in."
"You should know by now," He lowered his head, faces inches away from mine, "The rules don't apply to me."
His voice was deep and gravelly, the kind that made sleep with a gun under your pillow.
"Thanks for reminding me," I said drily, throwing the covers aside.
"Of course ," he replied, amused, "We absolutely can't let you forget that."
"Considering how your face was the first thing I saw, I'd say you're doing a pretty good job."
"You seem quite lively for someone who almost died." he gestured around the room. "Made yourself quite at home."
"I'll be stuck here for the next two years, gotta make the most of it."
He stared around the room, I could catch a trace of sadness in his gaze in that split second. "It looked exactly like it used to." He whispered.
At that moment, he looked dangerously human and it scared me more than the version of him seated on his throne.
He cleared his throat, the lingering emotions on his face disappeared like it was never there.
"For today's itinerary." He pointed between us. "We'll be going on a little field trip."
I crinkled my nose, staring at my dress in disdain. "I'll be going like... this?"
It could barely be called a dress at this point. Piece of rag would be a much better choice of wording.
"Of course not."
He glanced at the door on the far side of the room, "Get changed first."
"Do baths exist here?"
"I'm a god," he replied dryly. "Not a decaying zombie."
He disappeared before I could even blink.
I will neverget used to that.
—
I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. This was a thousand- a million times better than what I ever imagined.
Every single thing was immaculate. I could even see my reflection on the tiles.
This place would be an architect's heaven.
I took a soak in the tub, scrubbing every inch of my skin. The once‑clear water darkened into a murky brown.
I wrapped a towel around myself and strolled into the dressing room.
The vibrant colors assaulted my eyes, a very stark contrast to my usual wardrobe.
Silk. Cashmere. Cotton.
I skimmed through the sections of clothes, "It wouldn't hurt to try something new." I murmured, picking up a dress from the hanger.
Now, what exactly would the dead wear on a field trip?
—
I followed the glowing runes back to the throne room. It wasn't hard to remember.
The doors were wide open. I froze as I heard voices from inside.
"The sightings of decayed souls in the eastern hemisphere have increased drastically," he said.
"They're evolving, becoming more violent."
My heart hammered in my chest as I pressed myself against the wall.
Decayed souls.
Those dark, twisted things beyond the river.
I had a feeling I wasn't supposed to eavesdrop on this conversation, but my legs wouldn't move and my lips were clamped shut.
"What's your take on this?" The Progenitor asked.
The man paused, I could hear his heavy breathing through the distance. "I believe something, or someone is causing it-"
"But you don't know who." The Progenitor cut in, "utilise every resource in your hands to find out the cause. Now."
"Yes, My Lord."
There was a long pause as nobody spoke.
"Well, are you going to come out now little human?"
My breath hitched, When did he find out.
Familiar red eyes met mine. "Look what we have here."
He leaned closer, his breath brushing against my cheek.
"I didn't do anything." I retorted, "I was just waiting for you."
He chuckled, inching closer.
"You should know this, little human," he whispered. "But never eavesdrop on a god."