Lyra,what a nice name

Lyra's Point of view.

I guess over here in Joaska personal maids are given some kind of edge over regular maids.

I was shown to my corner earlier and I realized how much difference a personal maid’s room was from a regular maid’s.

There were no bunk beds, although the room was still full of several single beds each maid had their own corner.

I made use of a rag to wipe my body clean, I rubbed the perfume Thalia gifted to me a few months ago on my neck, wrists and pits.

I wore a petticoat, then a cream coloured gown, made from wool.

I wore a linen cap to keep my hair out of the way. I tucked my neck handkerchief into the neckline of the gown then slipped on my stockings and leather shoes.

I tried retracing my steps hoping to see a maid along the way then ask about Thalia but I got lost.

I kept on roaming around the maze-like corridors until I stumbled upon a double door.

Stepping into the library, I was greeted with a large, elegant room filled with tall, wooden shelves packed with leather-bound books. A grand chandelier hangs from the high ceiling, casting a warm light.

In the center, there are mahogany tables with velvet chairs, perfect for reading. A fireplace with an ornate mantel and a large painting above it adds to the cozy atmosphere. Tall windows with heavy curtains let in natural light, and a plush Persian rug covers the floor.

I ran my hands across the shelves, my fingers came to a halt in one specific book.

“Midnight Howls.” A famous book by Orin Darkhowl.

According to Thalia’s brother Talon.

This book held a lot of secrets about werewolves in their destiny chart. Which explained their mating bond, history, weakness and hierarchy.

I pulled the book from the shelf and flipped to the first page.

“Life doesn't end at death; it begins in a place unknown. — ORIN DARKHOWL.” I read aloud.

I turned to the second page and continued reading aloud:

CHAPTER ONE - HISTORY OF THE MOON

The history of the gods and goddesses of the moon spans various cultures and mythologies.

Selene (Greek Mythology):

Selene is the Greek goddess of the moon, often depicted as a beautiful woman with a crescent moon on her head, riding a chariot across the night sky. She is the daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, and the sister of Helios (the sun god) and Eos (the dawn goddess). Selene had many romantic liaisons, the most famous being her love for the mortal shepherd Endymion, whom she put into an eternal sleep to keep him forever youthful.

Artemis (Greek Mythology):

Artemis is another Greek goddess associated with the moon, particularly in her aspect as a huntress and protector of wild animals and young women. She is the daughter of Zeus and Leto, and the twin sister of Apollo. Although not originally a lunar deity, Artemis later absorbed some of Selene's attributes and became closely associated with the moon.

Luna (Roman Mythology):

Luna is the Roman counterpart to the Greek Selene. Like Selene, Luna is depicted as a beautiful woman driving a chariot across the night sky. She is also sometimes associated with the Roman goddess Diana, who, like Artemis, took on lunar attributes over time.

Chandra (Hindu Mythology):

Chandra, also known as Soma, is a lunar deity in Hindu mythology. He is often depicted as a young, beautiful god who rides a chariot pulled by white horses. Chandra is associated with the moon's phases, fertility, and the mind. He plays a significant role in many Hindu myths and is one of the nine planetary deities, or Navagraha.

Hecate (Greek Mythology):

Hecate is a complex goddess associated with magic, witchcraft, the night, and the moon. Although not exclusively a moon goddess, she is often depicted with lunar symbols and is considered a guardian of the crossroads and the underworld. Hecate's association with the moon links her to its mysterious and liminal aspects.

Tsukuyomi (Japanese Mythology):

Tsukuyomi is the moon god in Japanese Shinto mythology. He is the brother of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and Susanoo, the storm god. Tsukuyomi is less prominently featured in myths compared to his siblings, but he represents the moon's serene and contemplative nature.

Coyolxauhqui (Aztec Mythology):

Coyolxauhqui is the Aztec moon goddess, depicted as a dismembered woman. According to Aztec mythology, she led her brothers in an attack against their mother, Coatlicue, and was killed and dismembered by her brother Huitzilopochtli, the god of the sun and war. Her story symbolizes the moon's phases and its struggle against the sun.

Chang'e (Chinese Mythology):

Chang'e is the Chinese goddess of the moon, known for her story of immortality. According to legend, she consumed a potion of immortality and floated to the moon, where she now resides. Chang'e is often depicted with a rabbit, known as the Jade Rabbit, who also lives on the moon and pounds the elixir of life.

“I didn't know maids were given the privilege to learn how to read in Zurik.” I heard a familiar voice say.

In Zurik it is believed that maids are to remain illiterate so as to avoid them from having the wisdom to understand certain important files and documents that may put the royal family in jeopardy. It also limits the amount of traitors they have.

The sanction for such maids is death by hanging.

Realizing the gravity of the situation I turned to trace the voice that spoke to me earlier.

When I saw who the person was, I just stood there rooted to the ground, stupefied.

“You are the maid that escorted Princess Thalia, am I right?” He asked. “Just wanting to confirm that you are not a worker in Blackstorm's household.” He explained.

I nodded my head in response, he smiled then started making his way towards me.

“What's your name?” He asked, still walking majestically towards me.

“Lyra.” I forced myself to speak.

“Lyra.” He repeated. “What a nice name.”