A week has passed since that afternoon. Things have fortunately calmed down. There were no further complications regarding that event, either. Not that there was any chance left for escalation, seeing how Aria hounded my steps everywhere I went in the mansion. Which would have been reassuring if she wasn’t staring daggers into my back.

  The wood elf woman was terrifying when stuck in a bad mood, and since my accidental revelation about my blood magic, she seemed to be in a perpetual cycle of bad mood. She was literally scaring away any unassuming person who would try to interact with me inside the mansion using her thousand miles glare. Not that there were many such people after the scandal.

  Apparently, about half of the main house members labeled me as a troublesome, disrespectful and downright dangerous elf-witch.

  I remembered the other day, when Dura run into us in the mansion’s garden only to be scared away at the sight of the older elf.

  I sighed deeply at the memory. Fresh frustration welling up inside my chest. If Aria won’t stop her antics, I won’t be able to make any new acquaintances at all.

  I wanted to complain to her… but… how could I do that after what happened merely a week ago? I sighed again, turning over to my back while staring up at the ceiling of my room.

  Of course, I realized well enough that Aria was likely intentionally limiting my socializing with other people. So… it would be quite meaningless to complain to her about this. In her eyes, I was a danger to everyone, even to myself. A potential danger she wasn’t ready to trust again. She even took my staff… hoping to limit my power if the worst come to pass.

  Truth be told, for a while I wasn’t exactly certain about my own powers. At least not after meddling with blood magic accidentally. Even now, I could feel its pulsing call of power, and this was a week after my impromptu introduction to blood magic. It was a constant reminder, drumming in the back of my head. It wanted to be used.

  My initial fear and distrust towards this unusual type of magic was degrading overtime with the constant reminder of its presence. While at first even the thought of using it again made me flinch, now, as I got used to its presence, the sensation caused little more than a passing flicker of annoyance. I knew that if things continued this way, I would likely grow numb to the thought of wielding blood magic entirely. My heart clenched with the thought, but my mind couldn’t truly care about this issue.

  These were the side effects of the unholy litany I recalled in my mind. The corrupting powers of blood magic, which made the wielders of such powers grow numb to the sight of blood. This was an interesting bit of information which I strangely learned from Bella, of all people. The lovely girl kept coming over to me and regaling me with children's tales that in one way or another included the concept of dark magic, among them blood magic as well.

  Aria didn’t mind it either, since it was good for me to learn about what was considered forbidden magic and what not. As she tended to say, get a bit of common sense into that stupid head of mine.

  I pressed my lips into a thin line, silently accepting the consequences of my thoughtless actions. In a world like this, not being affected by the sight of blood could be considered a boon, even.

  I sighed, shaking my head limply. Of course, such blatant disregard for blood and potential gore will make me stand out even more.

  That is a problem for a future me, however… For my present self, the most important issue was entirely different. I wanted to make things right with Aria, the only issue was that I had absolutely no clue how to do it. The woman was scratchy on the best of days and now… now she was extremely suspicious of my actions.

  Honestly, I was seriously considering just running away at this point. I had the funds for it, since in this last week, Emrum brought me my wage from working with the Bronze Company, and a lot of extra gifts from the king.

  I got a box of beautiful jewellery along with a ceremonial invitation to the royal palace. Both were results of my newly gained title.

  The container in itself was a work of art. It was made from silver, its upper part covered in pretty engravings depicting various blooming flowers. What it contained, however… that made me sweat drop.

  There was a white gold necklace made with exquisite craftmanship, enlacing a button sized diamond that was apparently matching my eyes. Whoever choose that particular necklace clearly put some thought into the process. The jewellery box also contained three white gold rings with matching styles, but without the diamonds, and to my surprise, a sizeable piece of chiseled sapphire. The deep blue gemstone had a smooth and comfortingly cold surface. Its size fit my palm perfectly so that I could easily close my hand around it.

  I felt weird getting such presents. I mean, did someone notice how much I contemplated the idea of stealing that particular sapphire piece back in the noble district’s main street? The one built into that statue at the middle of the square?

  I shook my head weakly, throwing a confused glance towards the jewellery box innocently sitting on the table next to two bags of gold pieces.

  Regarding the ceremonial invitation, there will be a small gathering of sorts kept by the royal princess and I was invited as a special guest of sorts. My presence here and my newly gained noble title have caused quite an uproar in the noble society of the kingdom. I could only hope that said uproar was a blatant overstatement, and nothing similar to what I experienced in the Dimhollow house.

  I don’t even know how to mention this gathering to Aria… the woman will predictably throw a fit hearing this.

  Whatever…

  Well, at least she told me a few things about Lord Axis after I pressed her to continue her half-assed explanation.

  It turns out that Lord Axis is one of the ancient gods who were supposed to be the first creators of this world. That much I already know, but it was good to have it confirmed from a different source than the god himself… or herself well… both?

  Yeah, apparently Lord Axis, while having many names which is natural for a being so old is most commonly called the Two Faced God. Well, at least among the long-lived races, that is how they refer to him… her, whatever!

  Lord Axis, like all ancient gods, is unique. For example, he has two avatars instead of one. Avatars are otherwise known as godly forms, physical manifestations of a godly being, and there had been no other known instance of a god having more than a singular avatar at the same time.

  The elves explain this phenomenon as having more than one domain or godly jurisdictions. In the case of Lord Axis, presiding over both creation and chaos might be the reason why he or she could manifest two avatars at the same time. One avatar always being in a female form while the other appearing as a male and that is how you differentiate the aspects. Because while their gender never changes, their general appearance holds little consistency. Meaning that one time they can appear as dwarfs, while the next they will look like elves or humans… However, there seems to be a preferred form to both aspects, which they use most often. Regarding the aspect of creation, his avatar more often than not seems to manifest as a dwarven smith, while the aspect of chaos apparently prefers her avatar to look like a dark elf of all things.

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  I didn’t really like that particular revelation as you would imagine, but it gets better. This so-called aspect of chaos is one of the major gods of the dark elves.

  Now… as you undoubtedly figured out by now. The male aspect is the one that presides over creation, while the female is the one that presides over chaos. Isn’t that a surprise? I couldn’t help but chuckle at the notion, but my smile froze on my face as I remembered the fact that, yes, I was a woman now.

  After the awkward moment passed, I returned to my initial thoughts.

  I was a bit surprised by the present turn of events. I mean, I expected creation to have a closer connection to the feminine form, because of motherhood and all those things. Carrying a child in one’s womb for nine months was no small feat... The thought made me feel strange as I glimpsed over the idea that I could potentially experience something similar in this life. I shook my head lightly. I didn’t want to linger on that thought for now.

  Anyway, based on Aria’s explanation in this case, creation was interpreted more like something you made with vision and intention and formed by your very hand. Inventing new things is apparently more of a man's thing.

  Regarding the other part… well, I guess chaos has something to do with the spontaneity of women and the ability to thrive in a vivid environment.

  An ability I definitely envied as I struggled to connect with the crazies in this house.

  I sighed again, then rolled back to my stomach with an outstretched yawn.

  Lastly, the most important part of the new informations I gathered on Lord Axis is that no matter which aspect of Axis you interact with, both aspects will know about it. Both sides of Axis are closely intertwined, like two sides of the same coin. They are essentially one being in two forms, they can even influence each other’s decisions from the distance.

  My eyes ticked at the thought. Having a certain suspicion regarding the true reason why I initially ended up as a woman in this life. I had a feeling that it had nothing to do with a dubious prophecy, especially one that nobody seems to know or care about, at least nobody so far.

  As if in reaction to my thoughts, a prickling sense of electricity jolted up my back, eliciting a surprised yelp from me. — “Ah?!” — I jerked on the bed, looking left and right with a puzzled expression. — “What the hell was that” — I mumbled, trying to massage the sore spot on my back. Was that static electricity from rubbing my hair against the blanket? That didn’t seem right, but what else could there be…

  Suddenly, I felt a sense of overbearing amusement. A new presence that still held a sense of unmistakable familiarity. My eyes widened as I scrambled to sit up on the bed. A sharp pain burst through my head as words of power appeared in my mind, slithering through my shattered thoughts and seeing them for what they were. Taken aback by the pain and the following revolting sensation, I held no power against the infiltrating thoughts as they squirmed into my mind with ease, leaving me shaken and breathless, helplessly watching from the side.

  A feminine voice echoed in my mind with an authoritative tone. — “Oh? Did the girl finally figure it out?” — There was another voice, a familiar one. It was less intrusive, but equally powerful. The voice of Lord Axis, I realized. — “It seems so.”

  I felt both beings focus on me, and I shuddered under their combined attention.

  My thoughts regarding blood magic unnaturally came to the forefront of my mind, as if they were pulled there by the hands of an unknown power. There was a satisfied smirk as the voice of the woman continued. — “I see you liked my little gift. How cute. If you wanted my favour, you should have said so to begin with instead of playing coy.” — The sultry voice chuckled, and I could feel her thoughts slither over mine again until they stopped on a recent memory. It was my suspicion about my new gender, which made me feel quite uncomfortable. — “Ah, yes. It took you a while to figure it out, one would think we made you to be a blond. Idiot girl.” — Aria’s voice echoed through my head, making me flinch and look around the room in panic, only to realize that she wasn’t here.

  Another feminine chuckle sounded in my mind. — “Aren’t you precious? Don’t be afraid, girl. She is not here now.” — Then she added with a brief pause. — “I was merely playing with your senses.”

  “Now stop struggling and let me see you closely.” — She demanded, and I tensed up hearing her words.

  Her purring voice seeped into my mind, and I could almost feel the heat of her breath on the tip of my ears. — “It will hurt less if you relax.” — “What?” — I shouted, my face flushed registering the shameless innuendo. Then there was another burst of pain spreading across my head. I clutched my head, taking deep breaths to fight against the pain that carved through my mind ceaselessly, making my sight flicker. My thoughts, every memory I experienced in this new life, danced in front of me with supernatural speed. At some point, I collapsed back into my bed, laying limp on top of the sheets with a glazed look in my eyes. The worst of the pain have passed by then, leaving me engulfed by the slithering sensation. It almost felt like a weird, suffocating hug.

  I felt a warm comforting touch on my left cheek, while staring into thin air, knowing perfectly well that there was nobody touching my face, but still feeling the unmistakable sensation.

  “Don’t worry, little elfling. We made a pact after all. You are my pact-witch.” — She purred and I could feel a comforting stroke on my head. She paused for a second, then added thoughtfully. — “I mean, you sure made a pact with Creation, we are practically the same as your elf mommy told you. You can call me Chaos, or Lady Axis, if that makes it easier for you. We wouldn’t want you to get all confused, sweety.”

  There was a heavy silence, as the echoes of pain still lingered through the silence of my mind. She watched my memories… all of them since I arrived to this world, but why would she do that?

  “Oh, that is my reward, you see. The element of chaos your presence generates in this world is like the sweetest of nectars to me.” — There was another pause, as I tried to understand her words. She must have grown bored with waiting as she continued on a whim. — “I wanted to say hi to you for a while now, you know, but I decided to wait until you figure it out. Didn’t expect to take this long, though. No matter. Seeing you squirm in the last few days cheered me up, so I won’t even punish you for being such a scatterbrain.”

  My thoughts froze as her words finally sank into my consciousness. What sort of evil god would enjoy…

  “What was that?” — Her words froze the blood in my veins as my thoughts scattered. — “Oh, aren’t you lively? Calling me an evil god to my face, how bold…” — There was an ominous pause, then she continued. — “Yes, I am an evil god, goddess, mind you. However, you shouldn’t forget that this evil goddess is the one that gave you half of your powers. Meaning, that I can take it back. Would you like to try out your chances in this world without those powers of yours, Se-lo-ra? Then again, who knows? You might be fine, those goblins seemed to really like you after all...”

  I gulped drily, my body turning stiff at the mention of those damn things.

  The woman chuckled, seeing my horrified expression. — “But to hear someone actually call me that, is refreshing.” — There was a thoughtful silence before the woman continued with a leveled tone. — “We share the same goal, you see. I want this world saved, just as my boring brother wants to. After all, where would I play if the world comes to an end? What we differ are merely the means we would use to reach the same goal. In my eyes, everything is but a means to an end. As it should be in yours, sweetheart.”

  My body shivered, and I noticed the familiar signs of mana deprivation. I frowned. Where did my mana…? There was a frustrated sigh, and I turned my attention back to the woman in my mind. — “Whatever, it seems we have overstayed our welcome. To be cast out because of your lack of power… How refreshingly blasphemous, most of my followers would be ecstatic for me to invade their minds, you know? You should be a bit more thankful. I expect you to entertain me while attempting to save the world, by that I mean to struggle and squirm as much as you can. Until then, I will savour your memories. Next time you want to talk to us, you better go to one of our temples. It is getting tiring to seek you out girl, you are our pet, not the other way around. Keep that in mind, or there will be consequences.”

  As the snarky voice of the goddess cut off, the deep voice of Axis… more specifically Creation, sounded in an apologetic tone. — “There is a temple of creation in the dwarven capital. There is also a secret altar to chaos hidden under the various catacombs of the temple. You can contact us there, the priests will know of your arrival. Be well, my child.”

  The other voice of Axis also cut off, along with the unusual strain on my magic reserves. When I was sure that the voices in my head indeed disappeared. I slumped back into my bed limply, slowly thinking over what had just happened.

  There was only one conclusion.

  “I am so screwed.”