Cursed Medusa, whose gaze turns people to stone, has spent centuries imprisoned in the underground Mirror Tomb. Only young Elara, with mirror specked eyes, can look straight at her, and the two form a precious bond over figs. Brutally murdered by her abusive husband Dorian, Elara bequeaths her body and two children to Medusa on her deathbed. Taking Elara’s shape, Medusa becomes the Veiled Lady, protecting village women and children and punishing wrong doers. She raises Lyra and Nico through drought and imperial conscription. At great cost to her power, she brings rain to the island and sends her serpent scouts to bring home soldiers from the war. She watches generations live and pass away. When the borrowed body fades, Medusa returns to the Mirror Tomb. Centuries later, modern day Tessa with the same unique eyes offers her figs, and Medusa finally learns she is worshipped as the people’s protective Veiled Mother Goddess.
