PREFACE
Thunder clapped and lightning illuminated the sky Dark storm clouds rolled through, swirling and rumbling with the aftershocksofZeus’disappointment.
The gods had come for blood and they’d beendenied Morta smiled, the upward movementofher lips a surprisingand almostuncomfortablesensation.Ithadbeenfartoolongsinceshesmiled.
Waterdrippedfromsomewhereinthedistanceandtheflutterofwingbeatsindicatedthatshewasn’talone.Thecreatures whoresidedinthe cave scurriedawayfromher,givingher distance.Animals couldalways sense her power far easier than humans.Eventhegodsthemselvesunderestimatedher.Theyalwayshadbuttheywouldn’tanylonger.
Morta was done lettingthemthinktheyheld the power inthis world Ithad beencenturies since she’dunleashed evena fractionofwhatshe was capable of. The smile continued atthe corner ofher lips as she considered whatshe’d done. She couldalreadytastethedestruction
Thesmellofdecaytingedwiththesweetnessofover-ripefruitfilledhernostrils.Morta’sgrinfadedandshespuntoface thenewcomer.Hersensesprickled.Newcomers.“Youbothcame.”
“How couldwe not,sister?” Decima’s haughtytone echoedoffthe dampstone “Youwere supposedtolether die That washerpath.”
“Itwas nother pathandyouknow it Nona saidshe was inconclusive” Morta’s tone was sharpdespite the factthather voicewaslittlemorethanawhisper.
“We’veneverallowedonetolivewhodidn’thaveadefinedpath Itdefiesthewaythingsare”Decimamoveddeeperinto thecave.“Incaseyouhaven’tnoticed,we’vebeenlosingpower.Thegodstakemoreeachday,challengingourauthorityand demandingmoreofthehumans.Andnowthey’reaimingforthefae.Wecouldloseeverything.”
Morta rounded onher sister, a phantombreeze makingthe sheer fabric ofher dress billow around her like waves ona stormysea.Decimatookastepback,knowingfullwellthepowerheryoungersistercouldweild.“Iamnotyourenemy,”she warned
ThatfaintsmilereappearedonMorta’slips,thesightsendingachilldownDecima’sspine.“Thegodscouldendus.You knowthis It’sonlytheirthinallegiancethatmaintainsthebalancewehold Araisgoingtodisrupteverything She’sgoingto lightthefirethatburnsitalldown.”
“That’s exactlywhywe toldyoutoendher,” Nona cutin,joiningher sisters inthe cave.The eldestfate was dressedin humanfashion Her roughtanpeplos was dotted withwater spots She tucked a darkcurl behind her ear before lockingher gazeonMorta.
Once,all thefates hadsharedMorta’s blankstarebutbargains over theyears hadrestoredthevisionoftheeldest Only Mortaresisted,maintainingfew alliancesandowingevenfewer favors.Bothofher sisters wereinthepockets ofkings and gods.Theirfreewillnearlyeliminated.
“What’sdoneisdone,”Mortasaid.“Shelives.”
“Doesshe?”Nonainquired.“Hermagicwasstrippedfromher.She’samereshellofwhatsheshouldbe.Whatkindoflife isthat?Howcouldanycreatureofmagiclivewithoutthatpartofus?”
“She’stheonetheOracleforetold,”Mortasaid.“Shewillchallengethegodsthemselves.”
“That’samyth,”Nonareplied.“I’dhaveseenitinherlifelinewhenIreaditifitweretrue.”
“Readitagain.”Mortaheldoutathreadthatshimmeredandglowed,illuminatingthedarkcavewithalightlikethesun. Shecouldn’tseethelight,butshecouldfeelit Shecouldsenseit SheknewthechangeinAra’sthreadwasirreversible And sheknewshe’dmadetherightchoice.
Theotherfatesgaspedbeforeapproachingwithcaution Satisfactionspread throughMorta. Her giftwasn’tviewed as importantas her sisters’and itcame withenoughfear that mostpeopleavoidedher She’sspentherentireexitancehatingherselfforwhatshehadtododayafterday Shewasthefinalact.Theonewhocutthethread.Theonewhowascursedbywailingmournersandfearedmorethanany ofthegods.
But this was her salvation Her way of offering something in place of all the hurt she’d caused Her way of forging somethingnewinsteadofendingthings.
“Thiswasretribution,wasn’tit?”Decimaasked,eventhoughsheknewtheanswer “ThisisaboutDeclan,isn’tit?”
Mortaflinched.WhatsheandDeclanhadsharedwasnothingshortoftragedy.Ithadbeenafactor,butitwasn’ttheonly motivation Her listofmisdeeds would take multiple humanlifetimes to amend “Itis whatmustbe done” She offered the threadtohersisters,knowingtheywouldn’tbeabletoresist.“Takemeasure.”
DecimatookholdofthethreadwhileNonawatchedwithnarrowedeyes.Silently,thefateweighedthethread,lettingher fingersreadthestorieswovenintothelife Herbreathinggrewrapidandherfingersshookuntilshesteppedaway Herwide eyesfoundhersistersbeforeshesuckedinabreath.“Thishasneverhappenedbefore.”
NonasnatchedthethreadfromMorta’sgraspbutdroppeditimmediately,herjawopeninginsurprise “It’simpossible Her magicwasstripped.”
“ItisastheOracleforetold,”Decimasaid.
Mortapickedupthethreadandsentitbacktowhereitcamefrom.“Everythingisabouttochange.”
MY VISION FADED inandout,theblurofsleeptakinglongerthanusualtodissipatesoIcouldfocus.Flickeringlightssparkled all around me and I held my breath while I scanned my environment The single window to my left only showed a dark, unfamiliarlandscape.Icouldmakeoutthesilhouettesoftreesandseethestarsdustingthenightsky,butnothingbeyond.Ihad noideawhereIwas.AndIhadnoideahowI’dgottenhere.
“Ara?”Ryvin’svoicewasmoretentativethanI’deverheardit;mynamewasspokenlikeaprayer.
Myheartleapedatthesound,mybodyreactingtohispresencewitheageranticipationbeforeitwassuddenlysquashedby aninvisiblewall Itensed,retreatingfromhim Confused,Istruggledtocometotermswiththewarwithinmyownbody “WhereamI?”WhywasIreactingthisway?
Hehesitatedinthedoorway “Doyourememberwhathappened?” Ishookmyhead.
“Oh,good,she’sawake,”Laerasaid,joiningherbrotherinthedoorway.“NowIdon’thavetolistentoyoublamingmefor herdeathfortherestofourlives”
The princess pushed her waypasther brother and crossed the roombefore sittingdownonthe bed nextto me. “What’s wrongwithyou?Youlooklikeyousawaghost”
“Shedoesn’tremember,”Ryvinsupplied.
“Isee”Laerastudiedme,thenturnedtoherbrother “Atleastthatexplainswhyshehasn’trippedyoutoshreds Notthat shecouldanymorewithouthermagic.”
Herwordsslammedintomelikeawavecrashingtoshoreandmyeyeswidened,takinginthemanIthoughtI’dfallenin lovewith
I remembered. The minotaur, the destruction, the loss… Balen was gone. All the tributes were gone. We’d released a goddesssetonrevengeandthenRyvintookeverythingfromme
“I’msorry,”hesaid.
“Youbetrayed me” Mychestfeltlike itmightcave in Ifhe’d asked, ifonlyhe’d asked, I’d have givenhimeverything Anything.Instead,hetook.Hestole.Hadanythinghesaidbeenreal?“Youusedme.”
Laera smoothed myhair and made a clickingsound thatwas probablysupposed to be soothing. Withouttakingher gaze fromme,sheaddressedherbrother “Youneedtoleave”
Iglaredathimasshadowsswirledaroundhim,maskinghimfromview.Ididn’ttakemyeyesoffthedarknessfillingthe halluntilthedoorclosed,leavingmealonewiththeprincessofKonos
“Hefuckedup,”Laerasaidafteralongpause.“Butthatdoesn’tmeanwecan’tfinishwhatwestarted.It’llbeeasierwith hishelp,butifyouwantmetosendhimafterhismotherwhileusgirlstakeonmyfather,IwillkickhisassoffNaxossofast hisheadspins.”
Ilookedather,takingintheseriousexpressiononherface.Somehow,inourfewdaysoftrainingtogether,itseemedwe’d
becomefriends.“Youdidn’tknowhewasgoingtotakemymagic?”
She shookher head.“Inever thoughthe’ddosucha thing.Isuspectedhe was your mate,butafter whathappenedtohis mother ”shesighed “Iguessitgoestoshowyoucan’ttrustanyone Notevenyourmate”
“We’reonNaxos?”Icouldn’tthinkaboutRyvinrightnow.Ormystolenmagic.Notyet.
“Andthesoonerwegetaway,thebetterinmyopinion ThoseMaenadsfreakmethefuckout”Sheshuddered “AndDion isalwaystryingtogetmeinhisbed.”
“Iamnotmarryinghim”Istood,myheadspinningsomuchIhadtositbackdown
“Don’t worry, he’s not stupid enoughto cross Ryvin. I suppose that’s the perkof what he did. Nobodyis goingto risk challengingsomeonewithhisshadowsandyourmagic.”
“Evenyou?”Iasked
Shepressedher lipstogether.“We’ll figurethatoutaswego.For now,justknow thatinthissituation,Ichoseyour side andI’mloyaluntilyoucrossme”
“Idon’tplanoncrossingyou.Idon’tevenknowwhat’sgoingon.”Istoodagain,movingmoreslowlythistime.Itfeltgood tomovemybody
“Ithoughtthegodsweregoingtotakeyoudownrightthere.”Sheshookherhead.“Ican’tbelieveNyxdidn’tdefendyou afteryouhelpedher.Butthat’sthegodsforyou.Abunchofselfishbastards.”
MybrowfurrowedasIreplayedtheeventsinthelabyrinth,andIlookeddownatmyarmsexpectingtoseethebloodI’d spilled. It was gone. Someone had cleaned me up, brought me to Naxos. How long was I here? What kind of destruction happenedwhileIwastuckedsafelyaway?
“Thekingisstillalive,andNyxwon'thelpus.AmIrememberingthatcorrectly?”Iswallowedoverthelumpinmythroat. “Itwasallfornothing.Wekilledthemonster,andwefreedNyx,butallthetributesaredead.” And I should be dead.Ahollow emptyacheexpandedwithinme.
“Intheory,weweakenedmyfathersothere’sabetterchanceoftakinghimdown.ButsinceNyxcouldn’tdoit,we’regoing tohavetocomeupwithanewplan He’sstillgoingtobedifficulttokill,”Laerasaid “AndNyx?”Iasked,almostafraidtoknowtheanswer.
“Noideabutwehaven’tseenthesunreturnyet”
“WehavetogettoAthos,”Iblurted.“Shesaidshewasgoingtotakerevengeonthehumans.Wehavetowarnmyfamily. Makesurethey’reprepared.”
“Ifshe’sonherwaythere,there’snotmuchwecando,”Laerasaidwithashrug. “No,that’snotanoption.Therehastobesomething,”Ireplied.“IneedtoseeRyvin.” “Yousure?”Laeraasked
I nodded. A gnawing sense of anger and righteousness was slowly seeping into the void where my magic had been. “Alone”
“WhileIcertainlyapproveofthatlookinyoureyes,Iwanttoremindyouthatyou'reessentiallyhumannow.Idon'tknow whatkind ofimpacttakingyour magic had onhim. Idon'tknow ifmyfather's lackofconcernfor others was a resultofhis actionsorifhewasalwayslikethat ButIknowthere'srulesandreasonswhywecan'tsiphonthemagicfromothersunlessit's ourmate.It'snot,it’snotmeanttobedone.”
“I’mnotafraidofRyvin,”Isaid “Ithinkthat’spartoftheproblem.Youbothshouldhavebeenafraidofeachotherandinstead,youdecidedtofallforeach other”Sheshookherhead “Thisisthemessthathappenswhenemotionsgetthebetterofyou”
Agentleknocksoundedonthedoorandwebothwhippedourheadstowarditjustasitopened. Ryvinlockedinhisexpressionpleading.“I'llleaveifyoutellmetoo.I'llleavetheislandifyouwant.Butplease,giveme fiveminutesfirst”
Laerawalkedsilentlytowardthedoorandaftershootingaglareatherbrothersheslippedoutleavingmealonewithmy mate
Hewaspalewithpurplecirclesunderhiseyes.Hairmussed;clotheswrinkled.I’dneverseenhiminsuchastate.Notthat itmattered Itseemedtomakehimmoreattractive Ihatedthattherewasapartofmethatwantedtotugthattunicrightoverhis headandthrowhimontothebed.
Imovedtowardthewall,awayfromthebedtoreducethetemptation.“Youhadnorighttodowhatyoudid.”
“Itwastheonlywaytosaveyou IhatemyselfforitandIknowthatyouhateme,butIwillspendtherestofmylifemaking ituptoyou,”hesaid.
“Youcouldhaveaskedme Youcouldhaveincludedmeinyourplans Instead,youstoleitfromme,younevergavemea choiceoranoption.Howcouldyoudothattome?Aftereverything.Howcouldyou?” “Becauseyouwouldhavesaidno.”
“Youdon'tknowthat.Youdidn'tevengivemeachance,”Icountered.
“It'snotnaturaltoshareourmagic.Ifyouknewitwascomingthemagicwouldhavecreatedashieldtokeepitwithinyou
onceItookalittlebitofit.Iwouldn’thavebeenabletotakeit.
“I'vespentyearsresearchingthis,tryingtofigureoutwhatwentonbetweenmymotherandfather,tryingtohelpher,and tryingtounderstandhowshecouldn'thaveseenitcoming Trustme,ifIasked,yourmagicwouldhaveguardeditselfandyou wouldbedead.”
“Thatwasmychoicetomake”Iglaredathim “Youdon’tknowhowI’dhavereacted Youshouldhaveincludedme”
“Youcanhatemeallyouwant,butIwasnotabouttoletyoudie.IsworetoyouthatIwouldalwaysprotectyou,andthatis whatIdid YougettogobacktoyourKingdom,toyoursisters,toyourlife Andifyouhatemeuntilthedayyoudie,Ihopeit's agoodlonghate.”
Itooka step toward him, anger surgingthroughmyveins, mypulse poundinginmyears. “Fuckyou. Youtookawaymy choice,butyoudiditafteryoumademetrustyou Afteryoumademefallforyou Ilovedyou”
Ryvinsuckedinabreathandallthecolordrainedfromhisface.“Youlovedme?”
“IthoughtIdid ButhowcouldIlovesomeonewholiedtome?”Myeyesburnedfromholdingbacktears “Ishouldhave believedyouwhenyoutoldmeyouweren’tgoodforme.”
Hisjawtensedandhisgazehardened “Ineverliedtoyou EverythingItoldyouwasthetruth”
“No,Isupposeyoujusthidthingsfrommeinstead.Mademefeel likeIcouldn’tlivewithoutyou.Ifell inlovewiththe manwhokilledmyfather,Ryvin.WhatkindofmonsteramI?”Tearsstreameddownmyface.
“Isweartoyou,IonlydidwhatIthoughtIhadtodotokeepyoualive It’salwaysbeenaboutkeepingyousafe,”hesaid Icouldbarelyhear a wordhe was saying.Mymindwhirredwithall the things we’dbeenthrough,replayingeverything he’deversaidtome Everylook,everytouch,everymomentwespenttogether Icouldn’ttrustanyofitanymore.
“Howlong,Ryvin?Howlongwereyouplanningthis?WhendidyoususpectIhadmagic?Wasitbeforeorafteryoukissed me?DidyouknowIwasyourmatewhenwemetinAthos?Didyouknowbeforeyoufuckedme?Didyouknowwhenyoutold metokillyou?”
“Havingregrets?”Heaskedasheclosedthedistancebetweenus Hisscentsurroundedme,andmybreathinggrewshallow,mywholebodyreactingtohimdespitemyanger.Myveinswere onfire,myskintingling Myinstinctswantedmetoclaimhimineverypossibleway Icouldtellfromthewayhischestrose andfell,thewayhislipsparted,thewayhiseyesdarkened,thathewasfeelingtheexactsame.
OutofthecornerofmyeyeInoticedthatwehadanaudience.DionHadopenedthedoorandwasleaningagainstthewall, watchingwitha smirkonhis lips. “Don'tstop onmyaccount. This is the mostfunI've had inyears. Ithoughtyou'd be all boringasahuman,butdarlingthatmarriageproposalstands.”
Ryvin’sshadowswerearoundthegodinaninstantandDion’seyeswidened,bulgingashisfaceturnedpurple
“Releasehim.Now.”ImarchedclosertoRyvin.“Lethimgo.”
The shadows dissipated and the darkprince glanced atme before turninga glare onDion “Don'tyoudare go near her We'reonlyherebecauseyouowemeafavor,butitdidn'tincludecozyinguptoAra.”
“Youhavegottobekiddingme.Youhavenoright.Iwouldrathermarryhimtheneverwarmyourbedagain.”
Dionlaughed,aboyishgigglethatfilledtheroomwithaneffervescentquality Itmademefeellightandsomeofthetension seemedtoease.
“Iunderstandthatyoudon'ttrustmerightnow Butdon'tsaythingslikethat Youdon'tknowhimlikeIdo”Ryvinglanced towardthegodthenlookedbackatme.“Fuckanyoneyouwant,butpleasenothim.”
“He's onlysayingthatbecauseheknows ifyouspentsometimewithme,youwouldn'tbeabletogobacktohim”Dion winked.
RyvingrowledandIheldupmyhandinastopsymbol beforehecouldtakethingsanyfurther.TurningtowardmymateI caughthis stare and unblinking, held his gaze “Idon'tknow ifIcanever forgive youfor whatyoudid Fromhere onout, I makemyowndecisionsaboutmylife.Understand?”
Ryvin,withthepoweroftwogods,actuallylookednervous Heswallowed,thennodded “Justtellmewhatyouneedme todo.Anything.”
“Iwanttofinishwhatwestarted Mysisters,mykingdom,theyaren’tsafewhilethefaekingrules OrwhileNyxisafter humans.”Iheldupmyhandagain,mygesturepreventingwhatever wordswereabouttoescapehispartedlips.“Andbefore yousayanything,youshouldknow,thatifyou'regoingtotellmeit'stoodangerous,andthatIcan'thelp,youmightwanttothink twice”
“That'sexactlywhatyouweregoingtosay,wasn'tit?”Dionsaidwithamusement. Theprincethrewaglareatthegodbutdidn'trespond “No more secrets. No more lies. We worktogether and we find a wayto protect Athos. Youowe me at least that.” A suddenrushoflight-headednessmademestumbleandshadowscaughtme. Istaggeredback,awayfromtheswirlingtendrils.
“Youneedtorest.It’sgoingtotakeyousometimetorecover,”Ryvinsaid.
“You’re all welcome to stayhere as longas youneed butifyour war follows youto myshores, you’re all gone,” Dion warned.
Ireturnedtothebedandsat,ignoringtheicychill thatsentgoosebumpsalongmyarmasRyvin’sshadowsslidalongmy skin.I’dratheritbehisshadowsthanhisarms.Iwasn’tsureI’dbestrongenoughtostaymadathimifhegottooclose.“You shouldleave”
“Itismyhouse,”Dionsaid.
“Youcanstay,Ijustwanthim gone,”Isaid,nottakingmyeyesfromRyvin “Darling,I’mnotsureyoucouldhandleme,”Dionsaid.
“Ifyoutouchher…”Ryvingrowled.
“Out Bothofyou”Laerastrolledintotheroom “Lethersleep Alone ” “No.Idon’twanttosleep.”Istood,ignoringtheheavinessofmyeyesandtheincreasingthrobbinginmytemples.“Iwant toknoweverythingweknow What’sgoingoninKonos?InAthos?Ismyfamilysafe?Isthekingweakened?”
“Youknow,yourmotherwouldlikeher,”Dionsaidwithashrug.“Laera’smother,too.” Ryvin’sjawtensed “Noneofthoseproblemsaregoinganywhere Youneedrest Wecandiscussitlater”
Ishookmyhead.“No.Wediscussitnow.Ineedtoknowitwasn’tallfornothing.Tellmemyfamilyissafe,please.”
“I’llfillyouin,Darling,”Dionoffered.“Anythingyouwanttoknow.”
“That’s not necessary” Ryvinextended his hand, and I glanced down, tempted for a moment to accept his offer before lookingbackupathimwithoutmoving.Hedroppedhisarm.“There’sclothesinthewardrobeifyouwanttochange.”
I glanced down at the thin, nearly transparent nightgown someone had dressed me in, knowing that if I was in a more brightlylitspace,I’dbecompletelyexposed.
“Wearwhateveryouwant.There’snorulesonmyisland.Andpersonally,Ithinkyoulooklovelyinwhatyou’rewearing,” Dioncalledbeforewalkingaway.“I’llpourthewineandseeyoudownstairs.Letmeknowifyouwantmetobanishthatmate ofyours.”
“Don’tyoudare,”Ryvinwarned Asmirktuggedatmylips.“Canhereallydothat?” Hislipspulledintoatightlineandhenodded Ihummed.“Goodtoknow.Iguessyoushouldbeonyourbestbehavior,then.” “I’llseeyoudownstairs.”Ryvinclosedthedoorbehindhim,leavingmeintheroomalone.
THE HOUSE WAS openandairy.Theentirelowerfloorwassurroundedbycolonnadesthatheldupthesecondstory.Softwood floorsgavethespaceawarmthatoddswiththeopulenceoftherestoftheformaldecor Plushcouchesandsilkpillowswere scatteredaroundingroupingsthatwouldallowforconversations.
Therewerenocloseddoors,nowalls.Justafew well-placedcurtainsgivingtheillusionofprivacy.Notevenakitchen. Instead, it was like a ballroomand a sittingroomcollided. It was the perfect partyspace, whichmade sense based onthe stories.Iwonderedwhatthishousehadseen,thenquicklyrealizedIwasn’tsureIwantedtoknow.
Dionwassprawledoutonawhitecouch,acaskofrubyredwineandseveral glassesonthetablebeforehim Laerasat across fromhiminawoodchair thatdidn’tlooknearlyas comfortableas theother furniture.Shehadtherightidea,though. Thechairsofferedindependence ItookthechairnexttoherandRyvinsettledintothecouchonmyright Awomanapproached,carryingatrayoffood.Sheworeawhitepeplos andacrownofflowers atopher longdarkhair. Withawidesmile,shesetitdownonthetableinfrontofthegod.“Foryou,mylord.”
“Thankyou,Adessea”Dionsmiledather,andhercheeksturnedpink
Itwas anoddexchange andIwatchedas she backedoutofthe room,her headbowedlow as she disappearedbehinda curtain
“Don’tyoutireofallofthembeggingforyourattention?”Laeraaskedasshepluckedagrapefromthetray.
“Theycameallthewayherejusttoserveme,”hereplied “Iamgratefulforallofthem”
“Afterthey’veabandonedtheirhusbandsandchildren,”Ryvinsaiddarkly.
“Iftheirhusbandsmadethemfeelworthy,theywouldn’tbehere.”Dionpouredwineintoaglass,thenofferedittoLaera. “It’smyownvintage Noneofthatfaewineyourkingdomissofondof”
Laeratookthecup,thensetitinfrontofher.“I’mnothereforceremonyandIamcertainlynotoneofyourmaenads.”
“Idon’timaginethey’denjoyyourcompany,princess,”Dionsaid
“Clearlythere’shistoryhereI’mnotprivyto,butIdon’tcarewhatitis.Iwanttoknowwhathasbeengoingonsincewe leftKonos,”IglancedoveratRyvin “HowdidIevengethere?”
“Theportal,”Laerareplied.
“It’sstillactive,then?”
Laeranodded “It’sanaturalphenomenonattheleylineconvergencepoint Itwillbetherelongafterwe’reallgone” “WhereisVanth?”Iglancedaround,halfexpectinghimtojoinus.
“Heisattendingtootherbusiness,”Ryvinsaid “Ishesafe?”Iasked.
Laerapoppedanothergrapeintohermouth.“Noneofusaresafe.”
“You’resafeenoughhere.Myislandisasacredplace,”Dionsaidwithagrin.“PerhapsArawilljoinmymaenads.You’ll livemuchlongerherewiththatfrailhumanlifeofyoursthanyouwouldifyoufollowthesetwo.”
Ithrewhimadirtylookandthesmileonhisfacefaded.Hetookalongdrinkfromhisglass.
“Perhapsyoushouldstayhere,”Ryvinsaid.“Justuntilwefigureoutwhat’sgoingon.Makesureit’ssafeforyoutoleave.” “That’snotyourchoice,brother,”LaeracutinbeforeIcouldrespond “Araisinchargeofherowndestiny She’snotyour concernanylonger.”
“She’smymate,”hehissed “StoptalkingaboutmelikeI’mnothere.Laeraisright.Imakemyownchoices.Now,issomeonegoingtoexplainwhat’s goingonoramIgoingtohavetofindashipandgetoffthisislandonmyown?”
“Mylord,”thewomanwho’ddeliveredthefoodreappeared,loweringherheadinsubmission.“Ashipapproaches.” Itensed and Dion’s face grew hard and cold. He looked over atRyvin. “Ifthis is your father’s menbringingwar to my island,considerourfriendshipforfeited”
“Youtwoarefriends?”Laeraasked,hertoneamused.
Ryvinliftedabrowbutdidn’trespond “Doyouthinkit’syourfather?”IaskedRyvin.
“Whitesails,”thewomansupplied “Notred” Myshoulderseasedalittle.
“Well,Isupposeweshouldgoandgreetourguests,”Dionsaid. Thewomanshuddered,thenbowed “Iwillprepareforvisitors”
“You’reallcomingalong,Iassume,”thegodsaidashestood.Hesmoothedouthisivorytunicthenranhishandthroughhis darkcurls “It’s a shame youcan’t call the monsters anymore It would be so mucheasier to take downthe ship that way Though,Isupposeyoucoulddoit,sincethatmagicnowlurksinyou.”HeshruggedashewalkedpastRyvin.
Foramoment,Icouldn’tbreathe.Iknewmymagicwasgone.IknewRyvinhadtakenitfromme,butithadn’treallysunkin thathecouldwieldit.Hereallytookitall.Inadditiontothedarkshadowshecouldsummonandthedeathhecouldcommand, hecouldcontrolwaterandsummonmonsters.Hewasalreadypowerfulenoughbeforebutthedestructionhecouldcausenow wasimpossibletoimagine
Ryvinsethis handonmyelbow andIflinched,movingawayfromhim.His mouthtightened.“Iwon’tuse it;youshould knowthat Ihavenointentionofeverusingyourmagic”
Imoved awayfromhim. “Idon’twantto talkaboutthis.” Dionwas alreadyonhis wayoutand Iquicklyfell into step behindthegod,makingmywaydownawidesetofstairsontoagroomeddirtpathleadingawayfromthehouse.Glowingorbs oflighthungintheairalongthepathway,illuminatingthedarknessofthelushisland.
Thewaitingshipbobbedinthedistance,anchoredawayfromtheislandlikeasleepinggiantagainstthestarryblackness. Theseawasavoid,darkandsinister,onlyvisibleduetothemoonlight IhesitatedwhileDionapproachedtheshore,readyto greetthesmallboatmakingitswaytowardusfromthelargervessel.Ryvinglancedmyway,butcontinuedforward,following thegodtotheshore
“You’reafraid,”Laerasaidfrombehindme.
“I’ve never beenthis close to the oceanatnight,” Iexplained. There was somethingelse too, anuncomfortable sense of doomthathungoverme,makingtheairitselffeeltooheavy
“Your magic probably helped you connect to the sea,” Laera suggested. “Now that it’s gone, you’re going to react differently”
Iclenchedmyhandsintofists.Theoceanwasoneofthefewthingsthathadalwaysbroughtmepeace.Itcreatedasenseof calm,afeelingthatallwouldberight ItwasanotherthingI’dlost Mylowerliptrembledasarushofgriefsettledinsideme Mychestfelttight.
“Don’tlethimstealthatfromyou.Isuspectthere’sstillsomethingleftofyourmother’sgifts.Theoceancouldstillfeellike asecondhome,aplaceofbelongingfor you,”shesaid “Theykeepsayingyou’rehumannow,butIdon’tagree You’restill half-god.There’sstillsomeelementofthatinyourblood.”
Shewasright Icouldn’tlethimtakethatfrommetoo Steppingforward,Iwalkedtowardthesand Ireacheddowntofeel for myweapons before realizingIdidn’thave anythingonme.Ifthese visitors were a threat,Iwasn’tgoingtobe anyhelp. Though,IsupposedwithDionandRyvin,anyoneintendingtoharmuswouldbedestroyedbeforetheycouldmaketheir first blow.
Theincomingboatreachedtheshoreandasinglefiguresteppedout.Itlookedlikeamaleform,butinthelimitedlightI couldn’tseedetails
Laerasighed.“Ithoughtwe’dleftallthewolvesbehind.”
“Vanth?”Aflickerofhopeflutteredinmychest,andIbrokeintoarun,myfeetsinkingintothesoftsand Icrashedintothe shifter,embracinghim.“I’msohappytoseeyou.”
Hereturnedthehug.“I’mgladyou’resafe.”
“That’senough,”Ryvingrowled.
Thewolfshifterreleasedmeandbackedaway.“I’mnottryingtostealyourmate.”
“Idon’tbelongtohim,”Isnapped.WerewegoingtogothroughthiseverytimeIinteractedwithanothermale? Waterlappedatmyankles,thesuddencoldmakingmegasp.
“Thetideisrising,”Laerasaid “Tooquickly,”Dionadded.
Somethingroaredandmybloodrancold “Whatwasthat?” “We’renotgoingtostickaroundtofindout,”Laeragrabbedmyhandandtuggedmeaway.
“Didyousummonsomething?”IaskedRyvinasIclimbedupthesandyshoretowardtherocks “Thatwasn’tme,”hesaid.“Itoldyou,Iwon’ttapintoyourmagic.Ever.” Myjawtightened.
“Didsomeonefollowyou?”IaskedVanth “Idon’tthinkso” “Didyougetthemessageout?”Ryvinasked.
“Whatmessage?”Ilookedovermyshoulderatthemenfollowingbehindme “Sohelpme,shifter,ifyoubringthiswartomyshores…”Diongrumbled. Ialmostlaughed HekeptthreateningbutIwasn’tsurehe’dactuallydoanything
Iwonderediftherewasapartofhimthat wantedtheconflicttocomeherejustsohecouldunleashsomeofthatchaoticmagicI’dheardsomuchabout. “IwasabletoreachWillarth.He’llgetthemessagetoTelosforus,”Vanthreplied.
“Thatoldcoward?”Laeraspun,takingmyhandwithher Igrunted,thenpulledawayfromhergrip “He’soneofthefewwhoisn’tintheking’spocket,”Vanthsaidsternly.
“That’sbecausehewascastout,”shehissed
“Reinforcements,”Ryvinsaid.Everyonelookedathim,buthewasstaringatme.“That’swhatthey’retalkingabout.We’re requestingreinforcementsfromtheotherhousesinTelos.Theoneswethinkwillbesympathetictoourcause.” “Thankyou.”Iofferedasmallsmile.
“It might not be enough,” Vanth added. “The king was surrounded so quickly by his supporters I couldn’t get to him. Nobodycould Iwasn’ttheonlyonewhomadeanattempttogetcloseenough”
“That’swhatyoudidafterIwentthrough?”Istaredatmyfriend.“Youtriedtotakehimalone?”
“Wehopedhe’dbeweakenough Butno,Ididn’tattempt Iwaited,countingonthehelpofothersilentenemies Iwatched themtry,allofthemfailed,soIdidwhatIhadtodo.”Heshookhishead.
“Youhadtodefendhim,didn’tyou?”Iasked.
“We all do things we’re notproud of,” Laera said. “For whatit’s worth, shifter, youmade the rightcall. Myeyes inthe courtshowthathehasmoresupportthanwerealized.”
“Hethinksyou’restillloyaltohim?”Iasked
Vanth’sjawtensed,andhenodded.“I’mnotsurehowlongIcangetawaywithbeinggone.”
“Doesheknowyouleft?”Ryvinasked
“ItoldhimIwassearchingforyou,”Vanthsaid.“He’ssenteveryassassinhehasafteryourhead.Bountysohighit’sgoing tobeimpossibletoignore.”
“Fuck”Ryvinblewoutalongbreath “Thatwasstupidofhim” “It’sgoingtogetthemallkilled,”Laerasaid.
“It’sgoingtobringthemhere,”Dionsaidthroughgrittedteeth
“Ithinkyouwantthechaos,”Isaid,turningtothegod.“Moredolphins,right?”
Hesmirked “Warisn’tmyrealm I’mnotallowedtointerferewithoutangeringtheothergods” “Butyouhaveeveryrighttodefendyourhome,”Irepliedwithashrug. Hislipstwistedtothesideandhestaredatmeforseveralheartbeatsbeforeasmilespreadonhislips.“Youwouldhave mademeafinewife,youknowthat?”
“Careful,Dion,”Ryvinwarned.
“We’redonefightingamongstourselves,”Laerascolded
“Nobodyisgoingtoallywithusifwecan’tholdaunitedfront” “Ihateitwhenyou’reright,”Ryvinsaid.
“DoesthatmeanDionisjoiningus?”Vanthasked
“Ihavenoideawhatyou’retalkingabout,shifter.I’mneutral.It’snotmyfaultifyoustealmyshipsorraidmyweapons.” Dionshrugged,thenpickedupthepace,walkingfasterthantherestofus.Ialmostlaughed.Iwasright,hedidwantthechaos. Vanthheldouthisarm,blockingourprogress WehaltedwhilethespacebetweenusandDionwidened Thentheshifter turned,hisexpressiondeadlyserious.
“Whatisit?”Ryvinasked
“Iwatchedassixmentriedtokillyourfather.Noneofthemcouldtouchhim,”Vanth’stonewasdark.“Theysayhe’sgota protectionwardfromthesorceresswhomadethecloudcover.Theysayhecan’tbekilled.”
Myheartfellintomystomach.“That’simpossible.Everythingwedidwastoweakenhimenoughsowehadachance.” “We’llfiguresomethingout.There’saweaknessforallmagic,”Laerasaid.
Ryvin’sfacewasanunreadablemask. “There’smore,”Vanthadded.
Wealllookedathim,butassoonashisattentionshiftedtome,Istoppedbreathing “He’splanningtoattackAthosassoonastheothercourtsarereadytomobilizetheirfleets.”
Timestopped ItwasexactlywhatIfearedbutnowitwasevenworse ItwaspersonalafterwhatI’ddoneinKonos The FaeKingwasn’tgoingtonegotiate.TherewouldneverbeaChoosingagain.Therewouldbeonlydeathforeveryhumaninmy kingdom
“Let’sgettothatshipquickly.WehavetowarnAthos,”Ryvinsaid.
Myheartleaped.Iwasn’tsureI’deverseemysistersagain.Itwasn’tthereunionIhopedfor,butatleastI’dgettoseemy home
“IalwaysfiguredI’ddiebymyfather’shand,”Laerasaid.“Wemightaswellgetthisoverwith.”
DION WAS NOWHERE insightas we setsail onthe onlyship docked atthe island. The crew was nearlysilent, onlyspeaking enoughto conveyanythingregardingthe sailingofthe ship Itwas eerie sailingover the endless blackofthe sea under the stars.Apoolofmoonlighttraveledwithus,thereflectioninthewatertheonlywaytoseethechurningofthewaves.
Closingmyeyes,Ileanedagainsttherailing,breathinginthesaltyscent.Itusedtobringsomuchcomfort,butitcamewith atwingeoffearnow.Ormaybethatwasregret.
“Howareyoufeeling?”
IopenedmyeyestoseeRyvinstandingnexttome “I’mnotsurehowI’msupposedtobefeeling,”Ireplied He looked more polished now. The hour we’d spentpreparingto leave had done himgood. Eveninthe dimlightofthe glowingorbsonthedeck,helookedmorerested Honestly,helookedreallygood Iswallowedhard,shovingdownthatpartof methatwantedtoburymyfaceinhischestandfeelhisstrongarmswrappedaroundme.
“Iknowyou’reangrywithme,butyoutoldmeoncethatyou’dtrustme,”hespokesoftly.
“Thatwasbeforeyoutookmymagic”
“Youneverwantedit.Iknowyouwereafraidofit,”hereplied.
“Thatdoesn’texcuseyouractions Iwaslearninghowtocontrolit IwasstartingtofeellikeIwasn’tweak Youtookthat fromme,”Ibitout.
“You’re anythingbut weak We bothknow that” He reached for me and I pulled away He retreated, thenranhis hand throughhishairwithasigh.“Idon’tregretit.IfIhadtoldyou,itwouldn’thaveworked.”
“Youdon’tknowthat,”Isnapped.“Yourresearchwasaboutafull-bloodedgoddessandafullfae.I’mnotyourmother.”
“IfIthoughttherewasanotherway,I’dhavedoneit,”hesaid
“I’mdonetalkingaboutthiswithyou.”Myfingerstightenedaroundtherailing.“Unlessyouhavesomethingtodiscussthat hastodowithsavingAthos,I’dratherwenottalkforawhile” Henodded.“Ifthat’swhatyouwant.”
Mychesttightened ItwaswhatIwanted,wasn’tit?ThenwhydidIwanttorunmyfingersthroughhishairandcomforthim whenhelookedatmewiththatheartbrokenexpression?
Iheldmygroundwhilehewalkedaway,finallytakingafullbreathwhenhewasoutofsight.Itwasimpossibletoexplain theemptyvoidIfeltinside Partofit,wheremymagichadbeen;therestwasfrommissingRyvin
Turningfromthewater,IcaughtsightofVanthwatchingmefromhisperchonapileofcrates.Whenwe’dfirstboarded, we’dinvestigatedtheboxesandfoundthattheywerefullofweapons Dionmightnotbeabletoofficiallyhelpus,butIknew we’dallowehimafavorwhenthiswasdone.
Vanthlifted his chin, thentilted his head toward the crate onhis left, aninvitation. Silently, Iwalked over to joinhim, sitting on the box that I knew contained several dozen well-crafted daggers that were better than anything we’d create ourselvesinAthos.
Therewassomethingcomfortableaboutsittingwiththeshifter.Wesatforalongwhile,staringintothedarkness,theonly sound the occasional mummers ofthe quietcrew or the lappingofthe waves alongthe ship as we cutour waytoward my home
“Youthinkwe’llbetoolatewhenwearrive?”Ifinallybrokethesilencebutdidn’tturntolookatmyfriend.
“Thekingwillneedsometimetogatherhissupportersbeforeheattacks,”Vanthanswered
“WhataboutNyx?”Ihadn’tbeenabletosayitbefore,butafterthepromisesshemadeIwasconcernedthatwe’darriveto findmykingdomdecimatedbythegoddess
“Ryvinseemstothinkthatherplanistopreventthesunsothehumanssuffer.”
Iglancedskyward,wonderinghowlongwe’dbeunderthedarkcanopyofnight.Thelackofsunwasgoingtokillallour crops,whichmeantallthelivestockwouldperish Noseaweedorfish Noteventheseawouldbesparedthispunishment “Shealwaysenjoyedthedramaticpunishments,”Vanthgrumbled.
“Wasshealwaysso murderous?”I’dheardthestories,buthadshereallybeenresponsibleforsomuchdamageifshe’d beenlockedawaywithoutherpowersforsolong?
“Shecanbe Justlikeallofthem”Heshookhishead “It’swhyItolerateRyvin Hecouldhavetakenanotherpathwithhis bloodline.”
“Butyouonlytoleratehim.AndIknow hefoughtfor hisfather.ButyoubothhatedLaerafor her partintherebellion.”I sighed Therewassomuchhistorybetweenallofthem “Iknowit’snotmyplacetoask,butIwouldliketounderstand” Vanth’sjawtensedandhisgazereturnedtothesea.Itookadeepbreathandstareddownatmyclenchedhandsinmylap.I knewbetterthantopushsomeonetospeakaboutthingsthatmightbetoopainfultodiscuss “Hewashisfather’sweaponforalongtime,”Vanthsaid. IlookedovertofindVanthstillstaringoutatthewater.
“Myfatherwastheleaderofoneofthelastindependentpacks.Hewasinstrumentalinrallyingtheotherstorebelagainst theking.”Vanth’sexpressionwassofaraway.Asifhewasseeinghispastplayoutbeforehim.
Iwaited,afraidtomove,afraidtobreathe Ididn’twanttostartlehimorpreventhimfromcontinuing
“Iwasyoung.Theattackonthecastlewasmyfirstbattle.Weknewthepowerthefaeheld,butnothingcouldhaveprepared usforwhattheyoungprincecoulddo Nobodyhadseendestructiononthatlevelbefore Wehaven’tseenitsince I’mnotsure howIsurvived.Mostdidn’t.Imusthavebeenjustoutofreach.OrthegodsdecidedIneededtowatchmyfatherbleedtodeath beforemyeyes.I’mnotsurewhyIwaschosentocontinueon.”
Ireachedoverandsetmyhandonhis.Heclosedhisfingersaroundmine.“I’msosorry.Ishouldn’thaveasked.”
Helookedoveratme.“Itwasalongtimeago.”
“Ryvinkilledyourfather”Iletoutabreath Nowonderhestruggledwithhisposition “Healsoshowedupatourhomethenextdayandrecruitedmetobehispersonalguard.”Vanth’sjawticked.“Iwasonthe executionlist Hesparedme”
“Why?”ThequestioncameoutbeforeIcouldthinkbetterofit. “Ineverasked.”
“Youneedtoforgiveyourself,”Isaidsuddenly Hisbrowfurrowed.
“Imightbe overstepping, butyouaccepted a positionworkingfor your enemy, for your father’s killer Youwere young Youwantedtolive.Youmadetherightchoice,”Isaid.
“DidI?”heasked
Inodded.“Yes.Becauseyou’reherenow.AndIcan’timaginenothavingyoubymyside.”
“Istoodthereandwatchedwhiletheyexecutedthosewhowouldn’tservetheking.”Helookedawayfromme,hiswhole bodytense Isqueezedhishandtighterandsatinthesilencewithhimuntilhisshoulderseased
“Wealldothingswe’renotproudof.”Ihadmyownlistthatseemedtogrowbytheday.“Butit’swhatwedoaswemove forward”
HegruntedandIgotthesensehewasfinishedwiththistopic,soIchangedit,returningtothepresent.“Doyouthinkthesun willreturn?”
“Whenitdoes,we’llneedtobeprepared.Nyxgrowsherpowerinthedarkness.Whenthelightreturns,Ithinkshewillas well,”hesaid.
“Well,IguessI’mnotinasmuchofahurrytoseedaylightasIthought,”Iconceded Vanthturnedsohiskneeswerefacingmeandhereleasedmyhand.Hisusualfocushadreturned,thatlookhehadwhenhe wasassessingeverythingaroundhim “YoushouldknowthatthekingtoldRyvinthatifheendedtheshifterrebellion,he’dfree Nyxandreturnherpowers.”
Iblinked,takinginthenewinformation.
“Withoutthedestructionyourmatewields,wemighthavehadachancetotakedownthekingbeforeheunderstoodhowto usehisstolenmagic.Heknewit,weknewit.Wegotsoclose.Ryvinkepthisfatherinpower,thenlearnedthetruthabouthim
allatonce.Evenwhenhisfatherdidn’tfulfillhispromiseandreleaseNyx,itwastoolate.
“Ryvin was his father’s weapon. He had so much blood on his hands, there was nowhere else for himto go. He was despisedevenmorethantheking” Mychestfeltlikeitwascavingin.Somuchbetrayal,somuchloss.
Vanthstood “We’llbeinAthosinacoupleofhours Youshouldtrytorest”
Inodded,eventhoughIhadnointentionofsleeping.Mybodystillached,andeverythingstillfeltsoweak,butIwasafraid toclosemyeyes
Suddenly,theshippitched,andIwastossedfromthecrate,landingonmysideonlytobethrownrapidlytotheopposite sideastheshiprocked.Windwhippedmyhairintomyfaceandthesearoared.Theskyseemedtoopen,rainpouringsuddenly, drenchingusinseconds
Thecrewwasyellingtoeachotherastheymovedtonewpositions,sometimesslidingalongtheslickdeck.Igrippedthe crate,gratefulithadbeentieddownandrose,onlytobeknockeddownagainastheshiprockedviolently
The stormhad arrived outofnowhere. Withoutthe sun, itwas impossible to see the buildingstormclouds, butevenso, we’dbeenstaringatastarrysky Haditreallychangedsorapidly?Goosebumpsrosealongmyarmsbutnotfromthecold I’d watchedsomanystormsrollinovertheocean.Iknewtheweathercouldchangequicklyoverthewater,butthisfeltunnatural.
My tunic and trousers stuck to my body; my hair was plastered against my face. I pushed it aside and peered into the onslaught,tryingtofigureoutwhereIwouldbethemosthelp Probablyitwas bestifIstayedoutoftheway Ihadnoidea whatIwasdoingonaship.Thepeltingrainstunglikeiceasithitmyskinandmyteethstartedtochatter.Ineededtogetbelow deck Iwasaliabilityuphere
Carefully,Istoodagain,bracingmyselfbetterthistime.Slowly,Iturnedtowardthedoorthatledbelowandfoundmyself facetofacewithsixfiguresdressedheadtotoeinblack.
Myeyeswidenedandoneofthemlungedforward,grabbingmebeforeIcouldflee.
I CLUTCHED atthearmaroundmythroat,diggingmyfingersintothesoppingblackfabricofmycaptor.Theydidn’tevenflinch. Twistingandstruggling,ItriedeverythingIcouldtoescape,buttheholdwastootightformetobreak “Releaseher!”Ryvincalledoverthehowlingwind.
Thearmsqueezedtighteraroundmyneck,andItookshallowbreathsthatweregettinghardertocomeby.
Outofthecornerofmyeye,Isawtheotherfiguresmove,closinginaroundRyvin.WherewasVanth?WherewasLaera? Theprincewascompletelysurrounded,thoughI’dseenhimtakedownmoreenemiesthanthiswithouteventouchingthem.
“Thebountyisonlyforyou Idon’tneedthegirl,”mycaptorcalledoutinarough,growlingmalevoicethatsoundedmore animalthanhuman.
Isuppressedtheurgetoshiver,diggingmyfingernailsharderintothearm,hopingtocausepain “Letmego” “Sobrave,thisone,”hecontinued.“Icanseewhyyoulikekeepingheraround.” “Lastwarning.”Ryvin’stonewasdeadly.
“Here’s the problem Wemake more moneyifwebringyouinalive,andwe coulduse the gold”He heldaknife outin frontofhim,showingthebladetoRyvinbeforeplacingitagainstmythroat.
Isuckedinabreath,thenwincedwhenthesharppointofthebladebitintomyskin
“Youkillme,he’sjustgoingtomakeyourdeathmorepainful,”Ihissedout.
Mycaptorsnarled,thentightenedhisgrip “NomorespeakingorI’llendyouforthefunofit” Ryvinmoved quickly, attackingthe figure standingnearesthimwiththe smoothprecisionthatIhad come to expect. The raincontinuedtopeltmakingithardertoseeandmakingthedeckslippery.Rivenseemedtousethattohisadvantage,moving evenfasterbyslidingalongtheplanksasheattackedtheassassinssurroundinghim
I tried to twist free, but each movement caused the knife blade to press harder against my skin. Reluctantly, I stilled, watchingasRyvinfought
Theassassinholdingmeloweredhislipsnearmyearandwhispered,“Icanseewhythekingpreferstokeephimalive.I shouldhavealreadykilledyou,butI'mcurioustoknowifyourpowerwillreturnuponhisdeath”
Ididn’trespondbutkeptmyposturetense,notingthatasmycaptorwatchedthebrawlinfrontofus,theknifehadrelaxed enoughthatitwasnolongertouchingmythroat.Iblinkedawaythewaterdropletsthatwerestickingtomyeyelashestryingto clearmyvision,butitwasimpossibleinthisdeluge IjustneededanopeningIneededadistraction
Suddenlymycaptor’sarmwentlimp,fallingfrommythroat,theknifeclatteringtothegroundsecondsbeforehisbodyhit thedeck QuicklyIspuntoseeLaeragrinningatme Sheshruggedasifitwerenobigdealthenrantojoinherbrothertaking downourotherfoes.
Ipushed myhair awayfrommyface, thenreached downto grab the fallenman’s knife. Before Icould decide where to jumpintothefray,anothersetofarmscapturedme.
“Letmego!”Ilashedoutkickingandswinging.
“Calmdown,”Vanthshouted.“It'sjustme.” Isquirmedinhisgrip.“Letmego,Vanth.”
“Soyoucangetyourselfkilledoutthere?Idon’tthinkso” “Istillknowhowtofight,”Iprotested.
“Untilyouprovethattome,I’mnotwillingtochancethat,”hebitout Suddenly,Ryvinwentdown,flatonhisbackandtwooftheassassinsgettingseveralkicksinbeforeLaeraandoneofthe deckhandsgrabbedthem
“Ryvin!”Iscreamedasterrorgrippedme.Hewasn’tmoving.Hewasstilldown.“Letmego,Ryvinneedsourhelp!” VanthliftedmeoffthegroundasifIwereachild.
“Please,wehavetohelphim!”Itriedtowigglefree,butVanthhadmeinatighthold Ryvinwasstill onthedeckwhile Laeraandthesailorsattackedtheothers.
TheshiftercarriedmewhileIcontinuedtoyell,butI’mnotsureheevenheardmeovertheroarofthewindandthepatter ofraindrops hittingthe deck. How could Ryvinbe down? I’d seenhimtake onmuchgreater odds and walkawaywithouta scratch Heevenhadmymagictoaidhimnow Heshouldbethemostfearsomeoneoutthere
VanthshovedmeintothewaitingarmsofasailorIdidn’trecognize.“Don’tlethergo.”
IstruggledassoonasVanthwalkedaway,turningtofacethestranger.“Youwillreleaseme.”
“Idon’tthinkso Youcan’tripmyarmsfromtheirsockets,”hesaid Myjaw tightened.Iusedtohavepower thatcouldcommandthatkindoffear.I’donlytasteditfor ashorttimebeforeit wasstrippedaway Istruggledagainstthestranger’sgrasp
“Youcantry,butifyougetaway,he’sgoingtokillme,”thesailorsaid. Istoppedmoving.HewasrightandIdidn’twantthatonmyconscience.
Vantharrivedatthefightwithaswordinhand.Throughthetorrent,Icouldmakeouthisrapidmovementsashetookonone oftworemainingfighters.LaerawasfightingtheotherandfourmorelitteredthedeckwhereRyvinstilllay.
Istoppedwatchingthefight,myeyeslockedonthefallenprince Icouldn’ttellifhewasbreathingfromhere Mywhole bodytensed, mythroat tight. He had to be alright. He had to be alive. I might be furious at him, but I couldn’t lose him. I wouldn’tlosehim
“Please,”Itriedchangingtactics,“letmegotohim.He’sinjured.VanthandLaerahaveitundercontrol.I’llbesafe.”
“Stoptalking.”ThemantightenedhisgripandIfoughtagainsttheurgetocryfromthemountingfrustration.Ihadneverfelt sohelplessbeforeinmylife.Icouldn’tevengetmyselfoutofadeckhand’shold.Howmuchofmystrengthhadcomefromthe magicI’dheld?
Suddenly, his grip loosened, and Itore myeyes fromRyvin, notingthat Laera and Vanthwere the onlyones standing I didn’twaitbeforebreakingintoarun.
FallingtomykneesnexttoRyvin,Ireachedfor hisneck,pressingmyfingerstohim Therewasafaintpulse,butitwas hardtofind.
“Wehavetogethimbelow,”Laerashoutedoverthewind.
Vanthwasnexttomenow Hescoopedtheprinceuplikeachildandcarriedhim,headingtowardthetrapdoorthatledto thebellyoftheship.Ifollowed,sparingasingleglancebackattheremnantsofthefight.Thecrewweredraggingthebodies towardtheedgesoftheship,tossingthemintothechurningsea
IT DIDN'T SEEM POSSIBLE HowcouldRyvin,withallofhispower,beinjured?Becausehehadtojustbeinjured,anythingelse wascompletelyunacceptable.
Ialsojustknewthatifhewasdead,Iwouldknow I'dbeabletofeelit,wouldn'tI?Itfeltlikeitwouldbeimpossiblefor metoexistinaworldwhereRyvinwasn't.Hehadtobealive.Therewasnootheroption.
Iwasn’tsurehowIevengotdowntheladder,butIfoundmyselfinthelowerdeckkneelingnexttoVanth.Ryvinwasonhis back,unmoving.
Theinterior oftheshipwas barelylit,anditwas difficulttomakeouthis features,butIdidn'tneedlighttoknow every curveofhisface ThiswasmyRyvin
Istillcouldn'ttrusthim,andIwasn'tsureIwouldeverforgivehimforwhathedid,butrightnownoneofthatmattered.I pushedhissoppingwethairawayfromhiseyesandranmyhandfromhisbrowdownhischeeks Hefeltsocold “Ishebreathing?”Laeraaskedasshejoinedus. “Yes,buthe’sstruggling,”Ireplied.
“Hedoesn’tlookgood,Laera,”Vanthadded Iexaminedhim,movinghissoakingwettunictotrytofindanysignsofinjury.Asidefromthegrayishtinttohisskin,his closedeyes,andlaboredbreathing,Icouldn'tfindanythingwrong
I began working on removing his trousers and his tunic checking for a wound that needed healing. I must have missed something.
Vance'shandtouchedminestoppingmyprogress “Hewaspoisoned It'stheonlythingthatcouldtakehimdown” “Thatdoesn’tmake anysense.Whatkindofpoisoncouldkill someone like him?” Ithoughtthe fae were immune andhe washalf-godtoaddtohisstrengths
Vanthheldupasmalldart.“HehadthisinhisneckwhenIcarriedhimdown.” “Whatisthat?”Istaredatthetinyobject Howcouldsomethingsosmallcausesomuchharm? “Ididn’tknowthosestillexisted.”LaeratookthedartfromVanth.“Whohastheresourcesforthis?” “I’mnotsure,”Vanthsaid.
“You’retellingmethere’sapoisonthatcantakedownfaeandgods?”Iasked “It’sveryrare,”Laerasaid.“Ithoughtallwhoknewhowweredead. “Someonemusthavesavedsome,”Vanthsuggested
“Orsomeonelearnedhow andwaswillingtoriskattemptingitscreation,”Laerasaid,soundingmoreconcernedthanI’d everheard “Ididn’tevenknowtherewasanyambrosiaorfaeironleftinourrealmtomakeit”
“IthastobeleftoverfromtheFaewars.Whichmeanssomeonemightbeabletohelpus,”Vanthsaid.
“Whatdowedo?”Iasked,mywordscomingoutfartoodesperate.
“Weneedtheantidoteorhe'lldie,”Vanthreplied
“Wheredowegetit?Andhowlongdowehave?”Iknewweneededtochangedirections.Steertheshiptowardwherever weneededtobetofindthatantidote
“Weneedagod.Someonewhowouldbesympathetictoourcause,butthey'veneverwelcomedhimintheirranks,Ican't imaginetheywouldgotoanytroubletokeephimalive.”Thesetofherjawandherarmscrossedoverherchestweretheonly indicationofhowfrustratedandangryshewas.ItwasthefirsttimeIgotthesensethatLaeradidcareaboutherbrotherevenif thetwoofthemhadbeenlargelyatoddsforalongtime.
Iclosed myhand around the charmrestingonmycollarbone, thenranmyfingers over the cool metal “What about my mother?Canwereachherintime?”Ihadnevermetthegoddess,butshehadleftmebehindsothatImightlive.Therehadto besomekindofaffectionthere,orattheveryleastadesiretoseemenotdie Andrightnow,withRyvinstrugglingforbreath infrontofme,IfeltlikeIwasdying.
“Wecan'tguaranteewe'llmakeittherealive.AndI'mnotsurethiscrewwillagreetotakeusthere,”Laerasaid.
“Well tell themiftheydon’t,we'll have themall turnedbackintodolphins.” Itwas a guess,butconsideringthe factthat Dion's islandwas completelypopulatedbywomen,anda ready-made crew hadappearedmoments before we neededtoset sail,Itookaguessastowheretheyhadcomefrom “Remindmenottocrossyouwhenyou'remad.”Laeraturnedandclimbeduptheladder. IglancedatVanth “Doyouthinkshe’llactuallyhelpus?” “Ithinkit’sworthatry,”hesaid. “Doyouthinkhe’sgoingtomakeit?”Iaskedquietly.
“I'mnotsure Butifanyonehasachanceatsurvivingit,it'shim Attheriskofbringingupasensitivesubject,thefactthat heisfull ofextramagicmightjusthelp.Thepoisonissupposedtoeatthroughthewielder’smagic,takingitdownbitbybit untilthere'snothingleftandthenitgoesaftertheremainingmortalbody Thatextramagiche'sholding,mightbeenoughtosave hislife.”
Mybreathingwasshaky,andforthefirsttimesincewakingupandlearningwhatRyvinhaddonetome,IfoundthatIwas grateful for his deception. I'd figure outhow to deal withthe aftermatheventually. ButIneeded himto survive so thatthere couldbealater.
ThetrapdooropenedandLaerapeereddown “Ara,Ineedyouandthatnecklaceofyoursuphere Ifwerunintoanyof yourmother'screatures,we'regoingtoneedwhateveradditionalprotectionwecanget.”
“Onmyway,”Icalled Shevanishedfromthetrapdoor,butleftitopen.
“Goahead I’vegotit,”Vanthsaid IplantedagentlekissonRyvin’sforeheadthenleanedclosetohisear.“Don'tyoudaredieonme.I'mnotdonebeingangry withyouyet.”
“You’llgetmeifanythingchanges?”Iasked Vanthnodded.“I’llstayrighthereuntilyoucomebackdown.”
THE RAIN HAD STOPPED andthewindhadslowed Itwasasiftheassassinswhoattackedusbroughtthestormwiththemwhen theyarrived.Iwonderediftheyhad.Wherehadtheycomefrom?Magiclikethatandthepoisondartmademethinkwewere dealingwithsomethingmoredangerousthantheFaeKing.
Laera was waitingfor me ondeck. Floatingorbs oflighthunginthe air around her. She turned whenshe saw me. “The
crewisnothappyaboutmakingthisjourney” “Doyouhaveabetteridea?”Iasked. “Hedidstealyourmagic”shesaid “Iwon'tlethimdie.”OutofthecornerofmyeyeIcaughtthefaintestsmirkonLaera’slips.“Well,let'sfindoutifyouhave yourmother'seyes”
OF COURSE,therewasmoretodealwith.Becausewhatwe’dbeenthroughthelastfewdayswasn’tenough.Sothegodsadded Sofia’schangeandmymother’slifetotheirlistofwaystheyweretestingme Orpunishingme Andnow,thesunwasgone Perhaps the gods themselves were atwar. Or maybe someone had killed themall. Atthis point, Iwas cheeringonwhoever couldbringthemdown.
“Shouldwepreparethesoldiersforattack?”Argusasked.
“What soldiers?” Our numbers were so depleted we needed the reinforcements fromthe wall and the alliance withthe dragonstohaveanyhopeofevensimplyprotectingourselves
“Whathappenedtothesun?”Sophiaasked,hervoicesmallandcalm.Thepanickededgeshe’dhadearlierwasgone. Onecrisisatatime ThatwashowIwasgoingtogetthroughthis “Argus, see that Sophia is cleaned up and cared for. Take onlyguards youtrust withyour life. Nobodyspeaks of this. Understand?”
Theguardnodded “I’vegotitundercontrol”
“Imustgotothetemple,askthegodsforguidance,”Istvansaid.
“Noneed,oldman,”agruffvoicecalled “Iknowwhat’shappening” Iturned to see the DragonKingenteringthe room. Myjaw clenched. So muchfor the guards keepingpeople away. “Is anyoneouttheredoingtheirjob?”
“I’ll take care ofit,” Argus said, as ifreadingmyannoyance. “Princess, come withme.” He extended his hand toward Sophia.
“Goon,Soph,”Isaid
“Wasthisthefirsttime?”TheDragonKingaskedashescannedthecarnageoftheroom.Hedidn’tevenflinch.Didn’tseem surprisedorbotheredbyit
“Itwasanaccident,”Sophiasupplied.
“Thefirsttimeisalwaystheworst,”theDragonKingsaid “She’llfeelhungrybeforesheattacksnexttime Withsupport, she’llbeabletocontainit.”
MybrowfurrowedandArgusstoppedmoving,allofusturningtowardtheking.“Howdoyouknowthat?”
“We get the occasional half vampire inDrakous There are precautions inplace, ofcourse, but sometimes, it still ends tragically.”
“Whathappensnext,then?”Iasked
“Youdon’tknow?”Heglancedaroundtheroom,thenshookhishead.“Yourfatherhadhimselfturnedthenneverbothered tofindouthowitmightimpacthischildren?”
“Idon’tneedyourjudgementrightnow,”Isnapped.“I’mnotmyfather,butIamthequeenofthiskingdom.”
“I’lltakehertoherroom,”Argussaid,leadingmybloodysisteraway.
Iglancedaroundtheroom.“NobodycomesinhereuntilIfigurethisout,understand?” “That’salotofbloodtoclean,”theDragonKingcommented.
“Nothelpful,”Isaid “Now,tellmewhatyoumeant Whatdoyouknowaboutthesun?” “Icanexplainthat,”Istvansaid.
“Moresecrets,Istvan?”Angersurged “Ithoughtwewerepastthat”
“Yourentirekingdomwasbuiltonsecrets,yourhighness,”theDragonKingsaid.
Istvanpressedhislipsintoathinline Icouldtell hewantedtosaysomething,butitseemedlikehewasconsideringhis words,whichwasn’tsomethinghedidoften.
“Outwithit,”Idemanded.
“Weshouldgosomewhereelse,”hereplied,hiseyesmovingtowheremymotherlay
Mystomachclenchedandsuddenly,Icouldsmellthebloodandarushofgriefrolledthroughme,threateningtotoppleme. ItwasasifthewallI’dtriedtobuildsoIcouldwadethroughthiscrisiscrumbledandIwasnothingbutanorphanwhowas losingeveryoneshelovedonebyone.
AchokedsobcamefrommylipsandIblinkedawaythetearswellinginmyeyes Quickly,Iwipedthemawayandforced myselftotakeabreathandliftmychin.Iwouldhavethisbreakdownprivately.Nothere.Notnow.Andcertainlynotinfrontof Istvan.
Iwalkedtothedoors,knowingtheotherswouldfollowme Pausingatthethreshold,Ifoundtheguardwholookedtheleast green.“Seetoitthatmymotherispreparedforaqueen’sfuneral.”
Theguardbowed “Ofcourse,yourhighness”
“Takecarewiththeothers.Theywillalsoreceiveserviceswiththehighesthonors,”Iadded.
“Yourhighness,thegodsdictate…”Istvanbegan. Ishothimaglare.“Theywillbehonored.”
Heloweredhishead.“Asyouwish,myqueen.”
TorcheshadbeenlitinthehallwaysandthefewservantsIsawworeterrifiedexpressions Mostofthemcarriedbundles undertheirarmsandavoidedlookingatme.Theywerefleeingthepalace,andIcouldn’tblamethem.Iftheywantedtogo,they hadmyblessing Itwaspossiblewewereattheend,andiftheywantedtobewiththeirfamilies,Iunderstood Assoonasweturneddownanemptyhall,IturnedtotheDragonKing.“Explain.”
“It’sNyx,”heanswered.
“Thegoddess?”Mybrowsfurrowed.
“Shewasinaprisonunderyourkingdomandmyguessisthatshegotout.”
IlookedoveratIstvan,waitingforthepriesttodenytheking’sclaim Henodded “Thatismyguessaswell” “Therewasagoddessunderourcityandnobodytoldme?”ThatwasthelastthingIexpectedtohear.“Whatelseareyou hidingfromme?”
“Youmightwanttodealwithonethingatatime,”theDragonKingsuggested. “Callameetingwiththecouncil.I’llmeettheminthestudyshortly.”Isweptdownthehalltowardmyrooms.Iwouldgive myselfsometimetoscreamintoapillowandwashmyfacetohidethetears,thenIhadwork Ifweevensurvivedlongenough, Icouldmournheroncemykingdomwassafe.
I COULD PRACTICALLY FEEL thedangerlurkingaroundus.Withnosunlight,thesparklingbluebeautyoftheoceanwasreplaced byanendlessblackexpanse Themoonlightthatglimmeredonasinglepatchoftheundulatingwaterstauntedusaswechased itclosertowheremymotherlived.
ItwasastrangethingchartingacoursetovisitthewomanwhohadleftmetogrowupwithahumanfathersothatInever hadanyideathatIwasdifferent.Partofmewasangryatherforleavingmealoneallthoseyearsbuttruthfully,Ihadneverfelt alonewhenIhadmysisterswithme.Outofplace,allthetime.Alone,never.
ApodofdolphinsswamalongsideourshipandIlookedatthecreaturesastheirsmoothskincaughttheglintofthefaint moonlight. Iwondered iftheyhad always beendolphins or iftheywere more ofDion’s/? creations. The dolphins vanished suddenlyandsomethingelseaccompaniedourship Amassivecreaturekeptpacewithus,occasionallybreakingthewaterso thatitsscalesshimmeredwithafamiliaropalescentsheen.Iwaitedforthefeartocome,butitwasn’tthere.Somehow,Iknew themonsterwouldn’tharmus.WasthisthesameseaserpentIhadencounteredinthepast,orwasthissomethingdifferent?
“We're completelysurrounded Monsters onall sides,” a sailor called “We should turnback I don't thinkthe goddess wantsushere.”
“We continue We've got two on board who wear the protection necessary to get safely through these waters,” Laera replied.
Myfingersbrushedacrosstheserpentcharmatmyneck,andIhopeditwouldbeenoughtogetustotheislandsafely Just becauseIfeltsafe,itdidn’tmeanwewere.
Iglancedbackatthewaterandcouldnolongerseethemonster,butIknewitwasstillthere.Icouldfeelit.
Extending my fingers, I reached toward the water, trying to call to the power I knew I wouldn’t find When nothing happened,Iswallowedhardandpulledmyhandbackin,ballingmyfingersintoafistatmyside.Itwasanunnervingfeeling. Like somethingwas missing As ifitwas justoutofreach Iwasn’tsure ifthe glimmer offamiliarityIfeltwas a lingering threadofmymagic,orifitwasaphantom;amemoryofwhatIoncehad.
Twice,IcalleddowntoVanthtocheckonRyvin Hewasstillbreathing,butthatwastheonlyinformationtheshiftergave I knew thatmeantthings were gettingworse.The onlyreasonIstayedondeckwas because Laera was convincedIaidedour passage.Ifwe were attackedbefore we made ittothe island,there was nohope for Ryvin.So,Iwaited.Watchingthe dark water,listeningintothecrewastheyarguedabouthowfoolishweweretoattemptthis,andwishingIcouldbegthegodsfor Ryvin’slife.Iknewbetterthantotrytospeaktoanyofthem.
DARK CLOUDS BILLOWED IN,sweepingaroundusandmakingitdifficulttoseelandfall “Keepgoing,”Laerainstructed,helping guidetheshipcloser.
Weinchedcloser,blindlysailinginthedirectiontheislandhadbeen.Ibracedmyselfontherailing,peeringintothefogfor anysignsofdangerorland.Icouldn’tseeanything.
