Page 69 of Peacock Me Like a Hurricane

I am taken aback by this unexpected possession, but Laverna’s voice whispers in my mind, praising the vessel that I have offered her. She explains that during Beltane’s celebration of rebirth, it is not uncommon for gods and goddesses to possess those who seek their guidance. However, she also warns me that many witches falsely call upon deities who they want to be rather than who they truly are.

As I survey the rest of the circle, I notice that my vision is hindered in certain areas. There’s a thick cloud hovering over one couple, foretelling a storm ahead. Another pair is surrounded by the scent of a pack and the rustling of trees, while another duo is engulfed in a bright light so intense that it blocks my view entirely.

As I watch the figures in the circle, I can feel the intense energy emanating from them. Their bodies are entwined in a passionate embrace, their purple and sparkly light casting an otherworldly glow around them. But amidst the beauty of their bond, I sense a dark presence trying to break through. Laverna, my goddess companion, urges me to assist her in letting thisdarkness enter. But I refuse, knowing it will bring harm and suffering.

Suddenly, Wilde appears before me with his familiar predator-like stride. We have a complicated history, as he once offered to help me end my life during one of my quests. Unsure if it was meant as a joke or a serious offer, I no longer trust him.

Laverna’s voice echoes in my head, excited at the sight of Wilde. She sees the god within him and believes he is a perfect mate for me. But I know better than to trust her judgement.

“It’s been too long, milady,” says Wilde with a sly smile. My heart races as I realize it truly is him, not the god Laverna had hoped for.

My heart races as I stand before him, the lingering fear from his previous “help” still present. Despite my nerves, I resist the urge to flee. Breaking the circle could have disastrous consequences with multiple powerful magicians inside.

But it seems fate has brought us together for a reason. He sees a spark within me, a potential match for a mischievous goddess from a distant land. As he speaks, his emerald eyes glint with mischief and I can see the image of horns sprouting from his head.

Wilde is infused with the spirit of Loki, the god of chaos and deception. My mind immediately conjures images of his power and influence, causing Laverna, the goddess who resides within me, to stir with glee.

I am suddenly aware of the magnitude of Deli’s abilities - she can call upon multiple pantheons of gods and goddesses simultaneously. And they come with so much power that they could easily take over even without being called upon.

The realization hits me like a ton of bricks - our High Priestess is not just a sorceress, but a powerful one at that. A chill runs down my spine as I wonder what other deities she might bring forth and how we will control their powers.

The clone clears his throat, snapping me out of my thoughts. His impatience is evident in his glowing eyes as he waits for me to respond. I struggle against Laverna’s urge to take over completely, but I know I made a choice when I offered myself as a chalice willingly. Now, I must honor that decision and allow her access to my body and soul.

Regrets, I have a few.

As soon as he appeared, I knew I had made a mistake. Doubt and fear flooded my mind as the goddess Deli’s words echoed in my head. But it was too late. The God of Mischief, Laverna, had already arrived.

I could feel his amused gaze on me as he spoke, his words laced with mischief and deceit. And just like always, I couldn’t trust either of them.

Laverna’s hand reached out to touch my cheek, and I couldn’t help but flinch away from her touch. My skin still burned from the last time she had used me for her own gain.

But this time, it seemed like they were here for a different purpose. They claimed to have been summoned, and that they were here to help me see the truth about myself. But how could I believe them when their entire existence revolved around trickery and manipulation?

I tried to protest, to tell them that I wanted no part in their games. But Laverna just laughed at my feeble attempts to resist. She was going to use me again, whether I liked it or not.

And so I resigned myself to their presence, knowing that somehow, they would guide me down a path of deception and deceit once again.

As each woman called out to her chosen goddess, the forest came alive with the sounds and smells of their presence. Deli’s voice echoed through the trees as she summoned Bast, while Calista’s seductive tone carried on the wind as she called for Diana. Sari’s deception was palpable as she pretended to callupon Freya, but in reality, she had shifted back to Kali. Each goddess held immense power and danger, and yet the women had chosen them based on their personalities rather than their abilities.

But now that they were all together in this clearing, a sense of unease settled over the group. Laverna and Loki seemed like insignificant players compared to these powerful beings. What could they possibly want from this union? And what would happen if one of them decided they didn’t want to let go?

Forced into a mating ceremony with Wilde, who had almost killed her before, fear and anger coursed through our narrator. Despite her desperate plea to the Goddess to spare her from this fate, it seemed as though she was merely a pawn in a larger game. But for what purpose, and at what cost?

He takes my face in his hands and I gasp, seeing him through the eyes of the Goddess. He is beautiful, as are they all, but his beauty is marred by the actions he took. Everything about him looks ethereal and gentle, but I know that is an illusion created by the master of illusions.

Wilde hunted me in my home, and allowed me to go further with my blackness than anyone else ever has. Do I deserve this for blaming him for following my request?

“I should not ask, but I feel compelled to ask for your forgiveness.” His eyes plead with me.

Laverna and Loki laugh inside us, calling us insignificant specks who focus on things that do not make the Universe bat a lash.

We are but specks on the wheel of time.

As Laverna forcefully guides me forward, I resist and struggle to break free from her grasp. She whispers in my mind, reminding me of my commitments and promising the benefits of obedience once we are through. My thoughts drift to Wilde and I wonder how many of his lovers have witnessed this sideof him. Am I just another victim or have I provoked him with my own arrogance? Closing my eyes, I try to follow Laverna’s instructions, desperate for this ordeal to be over.

But Loki’s voice cuts through our mental connection, mocking humanity’s trivial concerns and reminding me that only the future matters. Anger surges within me as I break free from Laverna’s grip, refusing to accept Loki’s arrogant dismissal of what happened to me.

Wilde tries to apologize and make amends for his role in allowing the demon inside him to harm me. But I cannot forgive him for gleefully participating in my self-destruction, despite my pleas for him to stop. His hands trace over the bruises he left on my neck and I feel a surge of rage towards him.

---