Chapter 130 - Decision

I enter Inanna’s simple room. It smells like there is an ongoing ritual—floral incense, herbs, and woodsmoke. A small fire is also burning in the fireplace which fills the room with a comforting heat.

“Welcome to my simple abode, Kaiya,” Inanna greets. She is lying on her bed, thin and weak. Her eyes are unseeing, but sensing my presence all the same.

“I didn’t know that you—”

“—got almost defeated by the Moon Goddess? And all I’ve done is temporarily keep her away?” she asks, her head turned towards me.

She tries to sit up, and I help her up. “I am sorry. I am giving you such trouble, ain’t I?” I ask.

Inanna smiles weakly. “I heard from Gezer and Ninus that you couldn’t copulate with Klevon.”

I nod. “I was hoping there is another way.”

“There is none.”

“Then—”

“Kaiya,” she starts, her tone admonishing. “Have you talked to Klevon after that? Did you explain to him why it’s hard for you to do it?”

I shake my head. “I think he already knows why, and besides, I left in a hurry...”

“... a