Chapter 303: Preparing for war (1)
Althea watched the scenery outside her window. She enjoyed seeing the world up close. Before regaining her true memories, she took all this for granted. Only when she remembered her truth did she start to appreciate the little joys of being alive.
Granted, these details came at a price. She lost her Heaven’s Sight, allowing her to see the world from above. But the experience outweighed the cost.
Look at those Eagles soaring unfettered toward the sky. From above, they were akin to specks of dust. But up close, she heard their cries, the flapping of their wings, and how they called their mates. None of these could be experienced from above.
She took a deep breath, smelling the salt and sand below, as the waves gently stroked the coastline. Through her Heaven’s Sight, she only saw large bodies of water. She never knew the wind created waves that made such sounds that calmed the heart and the mind. Neither did she know that it brought sand, shells, and crabs to the shore, which caused the nearby birds to fight over them.
How she hoped to remain like this. What wouldn’t she give to keep feeling the wind brush her face while looking at the sky, and hearing the sea below her?
"Oh Great Heaven, forgive my intrusion."
Alas, she knew things couldn’t remain the same. They weren’t meant to do so. That wasn’t the reason why she chose to descend as a human. The dreamy look in her gaze disappeared, making place for the distant and cold look.
The High Altar, flanked by Silvera and the deputy Altar, entered her chambers and kneeled. Althea noticed Silvera take a peek at her, which – she wished not to feel like this – irritated her. Ever since she woke up, she sensed everyone’s gaze lingering on her. They tried to be covert but to her, they might as well stand before her and stare without a blink. Yet, every time she met Silvera she felt discomfort.
The reason behind her irritation irritated her even more. Each time Silvera appeared, her mind conjured the image of another person before her. The image itself wouldn’t be a problem if her heart didn’t feel restless each time she laid eyes on that blurry figure. Every time she sensed those dark eyes peering into her existence, questioning her resolve. But she had to proceed with her plans. She wouldn’t allow THAT existence to ruin the world her Father left in her care.
"Heaven?"
Althea realized she had remained silent for too long, prompting the Altar to call for attention. Clenching her fist and filling her heart with resolve, she stood before the three kneeling before her.