[ WP ] You stand in shackles before the king . `` You have angered the gods for the last time ! '' his high priest declares . Stubborn as you ever are , you look to the sky and defiantly reply , `` Prove it . ''

I have to admit, the lightning bolt slamming into the ground just a few feet from me was a surprise. 
 
 The bigger surprise was the beautiful woman who stepped out of the glow, the fire in her perfect hair not going out but also clearly not burning her. Where most would wear clothing, she was shrouded in light and flame. 
 
 `` Damion,'' she purred into the silence. `` Oh, Damion.'' 
 
 Well, shit. I threw myself on one knee, head down, looking at nothing but the dirt at her feet. I'd definitely fucked up now. She heard my thought and laughed. 
 
 `` Oh yes, honey.'' Her laughter was honey and light. Even just the briefest glimpse of her ankle had me suddenly feeling light-headed as though on the finest drink. `` You've fucked up.'' 
 
 Her rich, golden voice echoed into silence and I risked a brief glance around. As I had thought, she had frozen us in the moment. It was just us here, the only movement mine, hers, and the fire she wore as clothing. 
 
 `` Holy Lady Venus,'' I whispered to the ground. 
 
 She moved closer and I quivered. To even be near the Goddess Venus has been enough to stop the hearts of men and women alike. To be regarded by her for more than a brief moment can set minds afire for the rest of the mortal's brief life, aspiring them to heights unknown before they burn themselves alive. 
 
 Her touch. She gently touched my temple with her silken hand and my entire being collapsed into that touch. The very few atoms that touched each other were all I felt, all I could think of, the only focus to my life, the defining moment of 
 
 She dropped her hand from my temple and I could almost think again. She stepped back and it was a long, quiet moment while she let me come back to myself. I pulled myself back up from the ground onto my knees and wiped the wept tears from my eyes. 
 
 `` Goddess.'' I do n't know if my voice carried but I knew She heard me. `` Forgive me. If I'd known it was you they were going to send I'd have never'' I trailed off. 
 
 [ [ I need to go to bed but I will try to come back to this tomorrow. ] ]
