“Jason has complete control over his vice. I am confident he has been successfully rehabilitated.”
“Hmm.” Artemis nodded. “I knew you were the right choice for this assignment. Congratulations. A novice acolyte could not have performed the deep spiritual cleansing you did.”
Eyes focused on the folded clothes within her suitcase, Selene hummed affirmatively.
“Why do I sense unhappiness within you?”
“Artemis, I have to tell you something. I… made a mistake last night. Or maybe you might call it an accident. There was an accident.”
The older woman steadied Selene’s trembling hands with her own.
“What happened, child? This is a safe place. You can tell me anything.”
“We kissed. Jason and I kissed. I kissed him.” The words bubbled out of her, extricating themselves and flooding her with relief.
Artemis’s eyes widened, although her face remained impassive. “Go on.”
“I was trying to jog his happiest memory. I got too close. We were dancing, and I kissed him. He stopped the kiss, thank the goddess. But it happened.”
“How did you feel about the kiss?”
Selene’s cheeks warmed. She wasn’t expecting Artemis to ask her that question. She placed a cool hand to her cheek. “It was pleasant and shocking. Afterward, I knew it was wrong but when it was happening it felt like jumping over a waterfall. Exhilarating. Weightless. Almost as if I couldn’t stop it if I tried.”
“With an inevitable crash waiting for you at the bottom.” Artemis laughed.
“Can you forgive me?” Selene pressed a hand to her chest.
Artemis started. “Forgive you? Whatever for?”
“Men are off-limits to our order.”
She tipped her curly gray head. “The encounter ended after the kiss?”
“Yes. But in full disclosure, it was quite passionate.”
“Do you know why we remain celibate here?”
“In honor of the goddess. Our virtue is an offering to her and in exchange, she gives us power.”
Artemis nodded. “Your encounter went too far. You kissed. But you are here and your virtue is intact.” She spread her hands. “It is understandable that the experience was confusing to you, but the fact that you told me about it immediately speaks boldly of your character. I am not concerned at all about this incident. You are a very talented spiritual leader, Selene. Add this experience to the many things to come that will help you grow in your faith and abilities.”
Selene nodded. “Oh, thank you,Preotka.” She turned back to her bag feeling light as air. “I should unpack.”
“Unless…” Artemis folded her long, graceful arms over her cardigan and narrowed her eyes on Selene.
Selene blinked at her mentor.
“Love is a rare and powerful gift from the goddess. If you genuinely have feelings for Jason, and he returns those feelings, perhaps it is a sign from above that there is a more important role for you in this life than priestess.”
Selene gave a breathy laugh. “What could be more important than priestess?”
Artemis didn’t miss a beat. “Devoted wife, loving mother, conscientious princess, practitioner of true love. My dear Selene, if you have been blessed with love, do not allow it to slip through your fingers.”
“But how would I know? I know nothing of love.” Selene bit her lip. “Artemis, have you ever… been in love?”
Artemis shook her head. “Only with the pack.”
Selene dropped her arms to her sides in frustration and stared at her feet. “This is silly. It was only a kiss. Nothing more.”
