The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!

Penelope
by Kathleen McCluskey

Penelope lived on the isle of Corfu and loved frolicking in the surf of the Aegean. She was a happy and carefree soul. Frequently removing her tunic so the sun could kiss her skin, she would sleep on the sand and dream of Helios, God of the sun.

On a typical sun worshipping day she once again slumbered on the beach. She dreamt of Helios. She was willingly allowing herself to be seduced by the God. He wrapped his muscular arms around her and lifted her into the clouds. He only released his grip when they arrived on Mt. Olympus. They made love upon the altar of Zeus. The ancient writing on the archaic shrine began to twist in a circular pattern. Penelope was oblivious to anything happening except for the love of Helios.

As Helios and Penelope lay out of breath she realized that this was not a dream. She tried to scream but no sound would come, panicked she looked at her lover longingly for help. Helios placed his finger across her lips and smiled. He stood and waved his hand. As the clouds parted she could see all the gods standing around the altar. Embarrassed by her nudity she tried to cover herself but could not move. She was being restrained by invisible hands.

As the winds began to howl and lightning flashed a loud booming voice spoke, “You have opened yourself up to my son. You dream of him and summoned him. Now my children gather to witness the birth of a new Phoenix. You have been chosen by Helios to enjoy some of his power over the sun and flames.” Zeus commanded the winds to lift Penelope, lightning struck her from opposing directions. Her long, beautiful, black hair began to singe and smolder. Flames erupted from her as she climbed higher and higher into the heavens. Helios smiled as once again the love of the phoenix would be his.

Fiction © Copyright Kathleen McCluskey
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com 

More from Kathleen McCluskey:

The Long Fall: Book 1: The Inception of Horror

Lucifer always cunning and intelligent challenges father to a battle of wits. Being the angel of light he casts a judgemental eye upon mankind. He begins a war with his fellow archangels and God. Michael, along with his siblings defend their home and mankind from their deranged brother. Broad swords and hand to hand combat drench heaven in blood. The four apocalyptic steeds are released, each having their own destructive power. Betrayal and lust are at biblical levels. Understand the very creation of evil and the consequenses that transpire in the first of THE LONG FALL series.

Available on Amazon!