In a remote village, a woman named Althea discovered a strange, ancient tome. The book, bound in dark leather and inscribed with symbols of an unknown language, seemed to vibrate with a sinister energy.

Althea became obsessed with the book, spending countless hours deciphering its cryptic symbols. With each passing day, the book seemed to exert an increasingly powerful influence on her.

As she delved deeper into the tome, a dark hunger for power began to take root within her. She found herself craving the strength and authority the book promised.

Althea began to change. Her once kind eyes now flashed with an insatiable lust for power. Her friends and family were worried, but Althea was beyond caring.

The tome revealed to her rituals to feed on the souls of the wicked. Althea succumbed to her new thirst and began hunting those she deemed sinful.

With each soul she devoured, Althea became more powerful. She reveled in her newfound strength, oblivious to the demon she was slowly becoming.

The once humble woman transformed into a formidable demon, feared by all. Yet, the power she possessed was not enough. Althea yearned for more.

Althea discovered a temple dedicated to a dragon goddess. She was drawn to it, sensing the immense power that lay within.

The goddess's power promised a transformation beyond her imagination. Althea eagerly embraced the change, allowing the dragon goddess's power to consume her.

Althea transformed again, taking on the form of a majestic dragon. Her strength multiplied, surpassing even the gods and demons. She was unstoppable.

With her new form, Althea ruled the world unchallenged. She was a terrifying force, both awe-inspiring and fear-inducing. Yet, her thirst for power remained unquenched.

Althea's ambition grew beyond her world. She desired to rule the universe, to have all existence bend to her will. The dragon goddess within her roared in agreement.

So, Althea spread her influence, her dominion expanding to the farthest reaches of the universe. Fear and respect for her echoed through the stars.

Althea, the village woman turned demon turned dragon goddess, had achieved what she desired. Power beyond comprehension, a rule unchallenged, an existence eternal.

But in her quest for power, Althea had lost much. Her humanity, her compassion, her connection to those she once loved. She was alone at the top.

She looked upon her dominion, her heart filled with a hollow victory. Her subjects feared her, respected her, but none loved her. None could reach her.

Althea, now the most powerful being, realized the cost of her ambition. Power, she understood, was meaningless without those to share it with.

But it was too late to turn back. She was trapped in her own desires, a slave to the power she had so eagerly sought.

Her heart ached with the weight of her choices. Yet, she knew she couldn't undo them. She was the dragon goddess, the ruler of all, forevermore.

Althea's story spread across the universe, a cautionary tale of unbridled ambition. Her name echoed through the stars, a reminder of the price of power.

The ancient tome that started it all remained in her possession, a symbol of her journey. It was a testament to her transformation and her triumphs.

Yet, it was also a reminder of the woman she once was, a memory of her humble beginnings. A reminder of the cost of her ambition.

Althea, the dragon goddess, ruled her dominion with an iron fist, feared by all. Yet, within her, a woman yearned for the simple life she once knew.

As she gazed upon the stars, Althea wondered if, given the chance, she would choose the same path again. She didn't know the answer.

The universe continued its dance under Althea's rule. And Althea, the village woman turned dragon goddess, remained a beacon of power and a symbol of ambition.