Page 38 of Pandora: Alien Games

“You’re the one, the vision from our prophecy. It’s a deep honor to be in your presence.”

“Why didn’t you come see me if I’m so important?”

As he moved and my eyes adjusted to the light, I noticed his relaxed white robe and all the golden bracelets that lined his arms. Golden rings with blue stones made from the same rock as the door decorated each of his fingers.

“I’m tethered to this space. I am a Ra. Worshiping is my vocation. Come, Pandora. Let’s have tea and talk. It’s such a joy to see a messenger of the Gods in flesh and blood.”

The tall creature walked in front of me. He appeared to float, barely touching the floor. The room was so wide it was difficult to see the paintings on each of the walls. I still couldn’t understand how it was possible for light to flood the room and still have a ceiling.

“What should I call you?”

“Huh? Oh, yes. Names. It’s been so long since someone asked me my name. What are names and why are we so defined by them?”

He glowed. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. Everything else melted away. All I saw were his huge blue in blue eyes with long, golden-colored lashes.

“Hecla. When names were still important, they called me Hecla. It’s weird to pronounce it again. Eons have passed since I felt the need to say my name again.”

“Hecla, I’m Pandora.”

“I know. I know.” His voice sounded like an echo, calm and strong.

Hecla signaled toward a low couch covered with colorful blankets and pillows. Two cups made of delicate crystal and wrapped in a metal filigree stood next to a tall tea pot. At least I hope the substance that smelled sweet like cinnamon was tea.

“Sit, sit,” Hecla whispered, motioning toward the couch.

I pulled my legs under my behind and allowed myself to take in the colors and scents.

Hecla took my cup. “Focus.”

I gazed at his long fingers, each ending in a small claw painted in deep blue.

“You’re not like the others,” I said.

“Who is?”

As I watched him pour tea, I saw a golden flower blooming inside my cup.

“How did you do that?”

“Take a sip.”

My eyes focused on his mouth. It was full and beautiful with small white teeth, each of them sharp.

“We Ra are spiritual leaders, but my ancestors were once hunters. We gave up on meat and the pleasure of the flesh.”

That was a statement I had no answer to.

“Why me, Hecla?”

“Oh, my little star, you are special. You are so much more than we believe you are.”

“I landed here on accident. I crashed.”

Hecla leaned back. A deep, full, hearty laugh filled his wide chest. “Accidents are the way the Gods make things happen.”

“I’m nothing special, Hecla. This… everything scares me. And I miss Ashok.”

Hecla stretched his long hand toward me. His long slender fingers were close to mine.

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