The maidens’ shared sleeping room was abuzz with gossip and speculation the entire night. 

“A monster! Do you think it was cursed by the gods?”

“How often do you think it’s come here to watch us?”

“A soldier told me that he saw the beast. It’s the size of three grown men!” 

“Maybe it is on a mission for revenge!”

“I bet it needs human blood to survive.”

“Maybe it’s taken Zoe to bear its horrible offspring!” 

Even with the promise of an early morning meeting, none were able to sleep. There was too much to talk about. Even those who had abstained from conversation found no rest. How were they supposed to sleep knowing that an actual monster was on the loose? Unsurprisingly, all of the maidens and servants entered the dining hall at the crack of dawn with bleary eyes and tired faces. 

Unlike before, this meeting was not held by Timone. Kalliope, the head priestess, stood before them. Her vulture-like features appeared more grim than usual. 

“Hello ladies,” she greeted the room at large. “I know that you have all been exceedingly worried since our meeting last night. I understand your concern. A murderer entering the temple to commit crimes is worth being upset about.”

She sighed heavily. Kalliope often portrayed emotions for the purposes of manipulating others, but she seemed genuinely morose as she stood before them. Her genuine distress sent shivers down Ava’s spine.

“As mentioned before, it will likely take months for a team of soldiers to nativage the mountains and destroy the monster. For your safety, we have decided to take immediate, preventative measures in the meantime.” 

Ava’s heart stopped when Kalliope spoke her name.

“Dearest Ava, please come forward.” 

Ava could feel bile rising in her throat as she peered around the room. All eyes were on her as she silently made her way to the front of the room. 

What is happening? She thought to herself. What could they possibly want me for? 

Ava took her place next to the head priestess, who subsequently wrapped a wiry arm around her. 

“Ava has been living in this temple since her infancy. Rita, the former head priestess, had her stay here rather than give her to an orphanage. It was an unprecedented decision, but we now see that this was part of Eupheme’s divine plan.” 

Kalliope cast weary eyes to Timone. He stared smugly at her before she continued her speech. “Through divine prophecy, we have learned Eupheme’s plan for Ava. After residing here for so long, she now holds part of the goddess’s power. Eupheme has decided that Ava will enter the mountains on her own. It is Eupheme’s will that she act as a sacrifice to keep all members of the temple safe.”

Kalliope turned to face the young maiden standing beside her. “Ava, do you accept the calling Eupheme has for you?”

She answered without hesitation. “I do.” 

“Then it is settled. This evening, at twilight, you will enter the mountains. May Eupheme’s blessing be upon you, dear child.” Kalliope kissed Ava on the top of her blonde head before leaning close to her ear. “I’m sorry,” she whispered earnestly to her. “I’m so sorry.”  

-

Ava did not perform chores for the rest of the day. Instead, she was pampered as a goddess would be. She was brought the finest fruits and meats, as younger servants massaged her with scented oils. Other’s braided her flaxen hair, weaving flowers and jewels into her locks. Golden bracelets, finer than anything she’d ever seen, were placed on her wrists. 

Hardly anyone spoke to her. What could they possibly have to say? After tending to her needs, each would kiss her cheek and give her a word of thanks. 

“We are grateful for your sacrifice. We’ll be praying for you in the mountains.”

She all knew what they’d be praying for, that her death would be quick and painless. That the monster would not have its way with her, but end her life before any torture could be inflicted.

Ava felt like a lamb for slaughter; she had nowhere to go and no one to help her. There was nothing to do but wait for her ultimate fate. In the face of death, there was only one regret that clung to her mind. Damalia. She wouldn’t even have the chance to say goodbye. 

Would Damalia learn of her untimely death? Surely, word would spread around Arlen. Would she regret leaving Ava so suddenly? She was sure she’d meant something to the woman at some point in time. Even if Damalia’s affections had changed, she would surely mourn for the passing of her dove, right?

Ava wished she could leave a note. She wanted something to express her final feelings, her hopes, her desires, and her regrets. Something to leave a semblance of comfort to her friend- but it was impossible. Who would write it for her? So many things had to remain unsaid. It brought tears to her eyes, which the other maidens were kind enough to ignore. 

The sky was orange when the ladies of the temple gathered below the foot of the mountains. Each woman silently planted a kiss on Ava’s cheek, a final goodbye; a final thank you for the sacrifice she was making.

“Be swift, Ava,” Kalliope whispered to her. “May Eupheme bless you on your journey.”

With no food or water to nourish her, Ava started her ascent. She didn’t turn back to the group. She had no words to say.