Chapter Text
Prologue
Johanna walked slowly through the streets towards her house, the streets were plunged into the darkness of night and there was no one on the streets at that moment. With her heart racing, she began to quicken her steps when she felt someone behind her, but an arm pulled her tightly against his chest and dragged her into a dimly lit alley.
Despair took over her, unable to understand the words of the man holding her, she tried to free herself from his arms. The man looked at her despair with a malicious smile and with a quick movement the knife he had in his hands cut Johanna's throat.
Johanna tried to grab her throat and stop the bleeding, but she felt like she was choking on her own blood. Her eyes rolled back from lack of air and a few minutes later she stopped struggling, Johanna was dead.
She felt like she was submerged, but something was calling her. She could hear the whispers calling her, Johanna needed to open her eyes, but they weighed like tons on her eyelids.
When she finally managed to open her eyes, she found herself surrounded by a huge temple hall, she slowly stood up clutching her throat, still feeling the cut. Her eyes curiously observed the fourteen chairs that formed a huge circle.
- I see you're awake, child. – a thick but low voice scared Johanna who turned towards the frightened voice.
Gasping, her eyes widened as she looked at the man in front of her. His eyes were dark purple, his long hair was black, he was quite tall and muscular.
Realizing that he was being watched, he gave a mischievous smile: - Don't look too much, my sisters don't like other women looking at me.
- I'm sorry. – She whispered hoarsely, lowering her head in shame.
- Ignore him! – A woman grabbed her chin and fixed her eyes on her – You died a very tragic death, child.
- I… - Johanna opened her eyes wide, feeling the memories come back – Why? Where am I?
Arms slowly wrapped around her shoulders, which were shaking with small sobs: - It's okay now, my dear. You are in our temple, Valar Ñari. We are the fourteen flames, little child.
Johanna opened her eyes wide at the woman hugging her, looking around she quickly realized where she was. Feeling confused, she frowned and hugged herself for some comfort.
- It wasn't your time. – the man spoke again – We need help, child, and you can be our salvation.
Johanna lightly bit her lip and looked into his dark purple eyes: - What's your name?
- I am Balerion, the god of death. – He knelt down next to her and removed a strand of hair from her face – I chose you because you are fascinated by this world. Please, child, help us.
- It's about Dance, isn't it? – Johanna asked fearfully, she remained silent for a long time before taking a deep breath – What do I have to do?
- We're going to send you to an alternate House of the Dragon universe. – the first woman explained – We want you to help us save the dragons and the Targaryens.
- All? – Johanna asked with a curious look.
Giving a sideways smile, Balerion said: - You will know everything you have to do, little child. From this moment on, Johanna Bennett died and Johanna Baratheon was born, daughter of Aethan Baratheon and Vaella Targaryen.
Arrax approached and with a wave a small cup appeared in Johanna's hands, each god and goddess took a black glass dagger and cut the palm of their hand, letting the blood flow into the cup.
Everyone held their injured hands and formed a circle around Johanna, their voices singing a song that she couldn't distinguish. With a sign from Balerion, she slowly drank their blood feeling her own blood burn.
Panting, she felt her strength slowly leave her body and quickly fell to the temple floor. A hand slowly passed through her hair: -Go be happy, my child. Remember who you are, remember your culture and traditions. We will be protecting you from everything up here.