Page 30 of Lies Among Gods

He pulled her closer, his hand firm against the small of her back. His warmth seemed to seep into her, a heady contrast to the coolness of the night air. He led her in the dance with an effortless, practiced grace, twirling her through the crowded floor. For the length of the song, she was cocooned in his attention, the rest of the hall a glittering blur.

As the final, shimmering notes of the waltz dissolved, Asmodeus spun her away in a blur of movement. Then, his touch, surprisingly cool against her skin, lingered as he bent his head, pressing a swift, almost fiery kiss to the back of her hand. He took her hand and, with a practiced glide, navigated them to the edge of the room.

He plucked two crystal flutes of champagne from a passing silver tray, handing one to Lyra. “Meet the ladies who makethe Hedone Temple the most fun in the city. These are my priestesses."

A dazzling circle of women instantly surrounded Lyra, all stunning, all dressed in fabrics that screamed ‘indulgence’. They were his priestesses; their dresses a softer shade of burgundy, their smiles wide and unwavering. Lyra realized, with a quick sweep of her eyes, that there were no male priests in his immediate entourage—only these beautiful, devoted women.

"Lyra, darling, you are absolutely breathtaking,” gushed one woman, touching the emerald velvet with a look of genuine awe. “God Asmodeus chose perfectly."

"The dress is divine, of course, but it’s the way you wear it,” another chimed in. “You have the aura of a true goddess."

A third leaned in conspiratorially. “Honestly, Goddess Lyra, we’ve been dying to meet you."

Another beautiful woman fussed with her hair, smoothing it down. “Your hair is so soft.”

“You have the prettiest eyes I have ever seen.” Another sighed.

Lyra smiled, feeling the familiar mix of flattery and profound uncertainty. Their admiration was lavish and seemingly sincere, but after weeks of media and family expectations, she couldn’t shake the question:Was any of this truly about her, or was she simply the most exciting, newest accessory the God of Lust had acquired?She raised her champagne flute in a polite, noncommittal toast, the cold glass a small anchor in the glittering chaos.

Chapter twenty-five

CHAPTER 20

After many years of conflict, we soon descended into chaos. The Goddess of Peace, Seren Halcyon, graced our lands, and in her presence voices softened, arguments ceased, and dissent learned to quiet itself. Peace flourished only because the gods willed it so, and we learned quickly that peace was not a right, but a reward.

Snippet from “The Book of Natural History” By Priestess Antonella Killoran

The music and chatter of the ball faded into a dull roar as the priestesses kept gushing over Asmodeus and herself. Lyra’s eyes shifted, catching a soft whisper of silvery light, she watched the Goddess of Peace approach. Seren Halcyon moved with an ethereal grace, her presence a quiet ripple through the crowd. She was a stunning contrast to the decadent glamour of Asmodeus’s entourage; her gown was a soft, flowing dove gray, and the silver sheen of her hair caught the light like moonlight on water as it draped down her back.

Seren stopped directly in front of Lyra, her baby-blue eyes—eyes that held the tranquil depth of a quiet lake—fixed on hers.Lyra felt a sudden, inexplicable calm, as if the air around Seren actively absorbed all the surrounding noise and anxiety.Is this her power, the power to put mortals at ease by just standing in front of us?

Seren's lips curved into a gentle, knowing smile. She reached out, her cool hand slipping into Lyra’s, the contact sending a profound sense of stillness through Lyra’s racing heart.

"Hello,” Seren said, her voice a low, rational tone that carried authority without raising volume. Her eyes swept over Asmodeus and his circle of glittering priestesses. “Asmodeus, as always, charming to see you and your priestesses.”

“Seren,” Asmodeus murmured, grabbing her hand and brushing a kiss on the inside of her palm. “You remain one of my favorite visual indulgences.”

Lyra watched a rosy blush bloom across Seren’s cheeks; her laughter was a bright, tinkling sound. “Asmodeus,” Seren chirped, “sometimes I can’t figure out if you’re a snake or a snack.”

“Why choose, darling? I’ve always excelled at both.”

Seren shook her head. “I would love to drag our newest addition away and have a little chat with her. So please excuse us.”

Asmodeus’s possessive grin didn’t falter, but a faint, unreadable shadow crossed his eyes, a momentary flicker of annoyance quickly masked. His priestesses, however, instantly sobered, stepping back with a swift deference that spoke volumes about Seren’s quiet power.

Seren tugged gently on Lyra’s hand, leading her away from the group. They walked around the edge of the crowd quietly, Seren’s movement so poised and deliberate that it seemed to create a pocket of peace in the chaotic hall. Lyra’s eyes flicked from Seren’s calm face to the dizzying kaleidoscope of the dance floor. Vibrant gowns were a blur against the sharp lines ofdark suits. The air thrummed with the muffled beat of music and the scent of expensive perfume. Lyra, unsure whether she should speak or keep quiet, simply studied Seren. Her baby-blue eyes, her silvery-grey hair, and the air of utter, unshakeable composure.

They reached a quieter corner near a massive, decorative column. Seren released Lyra’s hand and leaned back slightly against the marble, her eyes reflecting the chandelier light, waiting patiently. Lyra found herself simply breathing; the deep, even inhaling a luxury she hadn’t realized she’d been denied since arriving.

Seren’s eyes were locked on the dance floor. Seren finally stopped and said, “I’ve got a six-sense for trouble—and right now, all of it is wrapped up in you."

Lyra's brow furrowed. “What do you mean?"

Seren replied, “Careful which heart you follow; some hearts are meant to be shared while others are meant to be held carefully."

Lyra’s brow furrowed, a visible crease forming as her eyes, sharp and assessing. “What about my own heart?”

"You take care of your own heart, your own path.” Seren said. “Just a wise word about choosing which path you take carefully and which heart you choose to share yours with.”