An elevator welcomes me inside the tree. I can see myself in the mirror present in the elevator. Brown eyes, long auburn hair flowing down my neck and a pretty face greet me. A few quick scans (fingerprints, cornea, blood, passwords) later the elevator starts moving downwards.

  Inside the harsh facility, an unremarkable receptionist greets me. "Loki, long time no see. What can I help you with ?" I say, " Aphrodite. " He counters," I will make her aware of your presence. " "Tell her I'll be an hour. "

  The underground hides in plain sight. It is everywhere, selective by design — a gathering of specialists, climbers, and predators who sit just beneath the visible hierarchy. Management handles logistics. In return, they collect favors. Eventually.

  I would usually wear a T-suit to hide my identity but Aphrodite knows me and there is nothing you can hide from the management.

  This particular branch or facility has brutalist architecture, Soviet era and whatnot. I go to my room for starters. Rooms have different styles as specified by the users. My room is nothing special, it is only suffocatingly ornate: gilded walls, towering mirrors, chandeliers dripping with crystal light. Velvet and carved wood layered the space until luxury stopped feeling beautiful and starts feeling deliberate.

  Vanity has never disappointed me.

  I take a shower, use some harsh chemicals to remove any DNA of that woman. I have one of the robotic assistants take care of the clothes and armor. I put on a sharply tailored burgundy Victorian suit with gold embroidery and silk accents, its high collar, fitted waistcoat, and ornate details projecting controlled aristocratic power and deliberate opulence. I dye my hair red and my eyes too.

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  I look cruel, I am cruel.

  I meet the goddess of love in her room- Greek , white marble and regal. It is far bigger than mine, has a lake by it, a simulated sky, Sun and grass even though we are a few hundred meters below soil. She has access to better amenities for she is of the middle echelon while I'm barely in the lower one.

  She is as beautiful as ever, takes my breath away everytime . Adorned by a white gown, white hair and white eyes.

  Surreal.

  We sit opposite each other separated by a mahogany table near the river.

  "I have awakened."

  "I see. "

  "...."

  A servant comes up to us and serves us tea.

  " Why do you wear blood ?" She asks.

  " She was strong. Stronger than you I presume, comparable to the upper echelons. "

  She looks shocked at first, then she quickly gathers herself.

  "How did you do it, that should be impossible? This is a major event. A person as strong as that vanishing will affect things."

  "Good timing. She was ambushed, they thought I was her ally-- misgauged my strength. She was about to die, I let her die."

  "Excellent timing." She said.

  "This is good tea."

  "You will grow stronger, her potent parasite will transfer to you. Have you understood your powers ?"

  "A little. I have an inkling, but I just awakened yesterday so it is hard to say."

  "You are extremely lucky. You need to rest, a lot. Your body needs to adapt to the awakening, not to mention the high amount of essence that you just gathered. You might even get a part of her ability and awaken abilities of your own. "

  "I understand."

  " Where is her body ?"

  "In the ocean, I found her near the abandoned factory south of here."

  "Alright, I will have some people take care of that. Send me the details about her afterwards. "

  "I'm in your debt."

  "You always are."

  There is no point in staying any longer, not today at least. I wish my old friend goodbye and go to my room. I change my clothes and feel my toil catch up to me.

  I go to sleep. I dream about that woman, then I find myself in the void once again.

  Lucid dream. Of course.