The Van Helsing Conjecture – Excerpt No. 77

26 November 2024

“Artemis,” Clara said. “If you ever want to talk one-on-one, let me know.”

That was a bit of a misnomer since it was nigh impossible to keep secrets from oneself. But the other goddesses were not always tracking what Clara was up to… especially when I’m with Evelyn…

While there was a flash of comprehension. Artemis, like a prisoner of war, would not allow herself to aid the enemy… I’m not sure that I am the enemy…

A dramatic, high-contrast cinematic photograph of Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, wearing a flowing, crisply pleated Roman toga with a golden clasp at her shoulder, and a delicate, intricately designed gold bracelet adorning one arm. Her piercing eyes glow like smoldering embers, radiating an otherworldly intensity. Her hands are bound by rusty iron shackles, held together by a heavy chain that drags behind her, as if being led by an unseen force. The lighting is dim, with deep shadows accentuating the textures of her clothing and the metallic restraints. The atmosphere is tense and foreboding, with Artemis's determined expression conveying a sense of defiance and resistance. The overall aesthetic is dark, moody, and cinematic, with a focus on highlighting the goddess's strong features and the stark contrast between her elegance and her predicament.

Disclaimer: This novel is an work in progress and readers may encounter grammatical errors and inconsistencies. Please view this a draft and not a published work.