The whispers won’t stop, every night, like a bunch of parasites. The flickers of silver
candlelight illuminate the mortal's ritual circle, painted meticulously in a red hue, placing her
objects of sacrifice in its center. She has the essentials, of course, food, drink, and a droplet of
her blood to connect to the spirit world. Now comes the interesting part of her prayer: the object
she wishes to represent her fear. I’ve seen an amusing assortment of trinkets since humans
began worshipping me, wreaths, togas, model ships, weapons, and one of them even used
Drachmae. I’ve taken a particular interest in this woman, the whispers seemed to share my
sentiments, watching as she performed on stage for her audience. Kora Galanis, the Jewel of
Athens. Known across the empire for her performances, she had it all. And yet, here she is.
Making an offering to the goddess of madness.

Melinoë, mistress of the mad, goddess of nightmares, feared by even the bravest
mortals. And lost little Kora, is praying to me. She must be truly desperate, or she’s lost her
mind. I wonder what spurred my summoning. She finally places her final tribute into the circle, a
delicate purple flower, the petals slowly wilting away as the color drains. Interesting, what an
interesting mortal. A fear of death, fading away, or maybe she fears being forgotten. No, oh no I
see it in her eyes. It’s something far stranger. Kora, the legendary actress, Jewel of Athens,
fears the adoration of the masses. Their cheers, gaze, praise, but she is especially terrified of
their attention. Well, well, an actress who fears her audience, what a conundrum. Perhaps I’ll
gran her an audience, but I know what her request is. Sliding off the tree branch I perched upon,
I slowly float into the center of her circle as a flash of shadow indicates my arrival.

Standing from my kneeling position I cross my arms, one black as night and the other
pale as a corpse, offering her a small smile to greet her. “Ahhh, another mortal unable to face
her fear. Tell me, little human, why have you called my name?” I ask, my red and gray eyes
looking down at the small woman. Diving to her knees she bows her head, almost too panicked
to speak. “I beg you, lady Melinoë, please allow me my request..! I wish to be forgotten by the
public, to return to my life of solitude! I can’t take their eyes anymore!” She begged like she was
begging for forgiveness. It’s quite a sad sight, such a bright star collapsing into herself in such a
way. Going as far as to make an offering to a goddess of madness for escapism. Alas, she
made her offering and her request. All I can do is grant her wish. But by divine being’s natures, I
simply can’t grant her wish, no matter how badly I wish to. I must add a caveat, whether it be for
cruelty or entertainment's sake I don’t know. With a sad smile, I snap my fingers, and her wish is
made. “Enjoy your newfound silence, Kora,” I say as I return to the shadows, perched on the
branches of a tree once more. The woman, with a smile as wide as can be, runs out of the
forest thinking her life is back to normal. Unaware of what the truth behind our agreement
entails. She’s been granted her anonymity, no one will recognize her. Not her fans, her co-
workers, or her family. Deific law – any mortal wish must include a caveat – so cruel for the sake
of cruelty. I wish things could be different, little jewel, but even gods have rules.