Quoted By:
<span class="mu-s">“Do you seriously expect me to ‘strike fear’ into the hearts of all these monsters down here?”</span> you said with a raised eyebrow. <span class="mu-s">“I’ve seen my baby pictures. I wasn’t so scary that a realm full of monsters should be afraid of me, prophecy or not.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“That’s right.”</span> Ben chimed in. <span class="mu-r">“If anything, she’s gotten way cuter since then.”</span>
Your cheeks went red, and you let out a cough to cover your own embarrassment. While his words weren’t doing you any favors, you let them hang in the air for a moment. There was no sense in denying such a lovely compliment.
<span class="mu-s">“It’s possible to be physically beautiful and physically powerful at the same time.”</span> Young said, tossing her hair as if to punctuate the point. <span class="mu-s">“How do you think the succubi were able to compete with the vampires for so long?”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Are succubi really that powerful?”</span> Ben asked.
<span class="mu-s">“Yes.”</span> you and Young said at exactly the same time. It left you with mixed emotions.
Young gave you a polite, and only slightly awkward smile before she went on.
<span class="mu-i">“Believe it or not, a succubus used to rule the Monster Metropolis long ago. She was known as Shiklah, the Monster Queen.”</span> Shaggy pointed out. The dog was resting on a plush, bright blue doggy bed in the corner of the room, keeping an eye on all of you from his place on the floor.
<span class="mu-s">“Let’s save that little history lesson for later, shall we?”</span> Young said, quickly changing the subject.
Shaggy let out a huff and rested his head back on the pillow.
<span class="mu-s">“Speaking of history lessons,”</span> you put in. <span class="mu-s">“What’s with you all and this dumb prophecy? Where did it even come from?”</span>
<span class="mu-s">“I heard that it was first foretold by a Cyclopean seer during the Hyborian Age.”</span>
Your eyes widened.
<span class="mu-s">“Seriously? That was way back when during Conan and Red Sonja’s time, right?”</span>
Ben scratched the side of his head.
<span class="mu-r">“Who?”</span>
<span class="mu-s">“They were great warriors from an age long passed, and their tales have been passed down for generations.”</span> Young explained.
From the way she leaned closer, Ana appeared to be greatly interested in this topic.
<span class="mu-s">“And they’re totally awesome! Dad used to tell me stories about them before bed.”</span> you added. <span class="mu-s">“I almost dyed my hair red just to be more like Sonja. Mom almost killed me for that.”</span>
You let out a laugh, but it quickly petered out when you remembered the current state of your household. Even then, they had been lying to you. It colored your rosiest of memories in an ugly light. You’ve never had a reason to doubt them before, but now…
Ben placed a comforting hand on your shoulder, and you nearly forgot yourself and leaned into it. There would be time for hugs and consolations later, you decided.
<span class="mu-s">“Cindy, it doesn’t matter where the prophecy came from, who made it up, or whether it's true or not.”</span> Young continued.
<span class="mu-s">“It doesn’t?”</span> you blurted out.
