Total pages in book: 362
Estimated words: 347293 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1736(@200wpm)___ 1389(@250wpm)___ 1158(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 347293 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1736(@200wpm)___ 1389(@250wpm)___ 1158(@300wpm)
The eather dimmed in his eyes. “I’ve come to retrieve the Primal of Life.”
My heart lurched. “What for?”
“You’ve been summoned,” the Ancient answered. “By the true Primal of Death.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
It was like the entire realm had ceased moving. I didn’t even think Ash breathed as we stared at the Ancient. Kolis had awakened just the night before, and he already wanted to meet—already wanted to gain the upper hand. This was so like Kolis. I should’ve known he’d do something like this.
Then Ash spoke. “What?”
“The true Primal of Death has summoned the true Primal of Life,” the Ancient repeated.
My heart began to pound. “I think we got that part. Why?”
“He wishes to speak.”
“I don’t give a fuck what he wishes,” Ash growled.
The Ancient sighed. “If only it were that simple. If it were, I would not be here.” He folded his arms across his chest. “As you already know.”
My gaze darted to Ash’s as instinct sparked, telling me what I didn’t want to hear.
“He summoned an Arae to carry out the request,” the Ancient added. “And to monitor the discussions, ensuring they remain peaceful.”
Peaceful?
I laughed.
The Ancient’s brow rose.
Shadows raced over Ash’s cheeks. “What exactly does he want to discuss?”
“I do not know.”
“Are you telling me that he summoned a Fate to broker a meeting but didn’t tell you why?” Disbelief colored Ash’s tone.
“He does not need to tell me why,” the Ancient answered calmly. “Just as the Primal of Life would not need to tell me why.”
“I’m sure we can hazard a few guesses as to why he wishes to meet,” I said, turning to Ash. I lowered my voice when I spoke next. I wasn’t sure what the point was. It wasn’t like the Ancient wasn’t standing right there. “He probably wants us to pledge our loyalty to him.” He likely also wanted to know where Sotoria’s soul was.
“Yeah, and we already know our answer,” Ash seethed. “Starts with go and ends with fuck yourself.” He shifted toward the Ancient. “You have our answer. Go tell him.”
“It doesn’t work that way,” he said. “As you are fully aware.” Those swirling eyes of color fixed on me. “It cannot be denied.”
It…it couldn’t.
Every part of my being knew that. I stepped to the side, thrusting my hand through my hair. “I know.”
“Sera,” Ash warned.
“You know it can’t,” I said.
“He does,” the Ancient clarified.
“Thanks,” I snapped, “but your input wasn’t needed there.”
That half-smile returned. “Equally charming.”
My mind raced, trying to stay ahead of the riot of emotions, the shock of Kolis having recovered enough to do this. But how surprised could I be? I knew Kolis was strengthening. It was just faster than I’d expected. The anger and the fear that he would even dare summon me was stronger than the shock, though. Gods, the fear of feeling that desperation again hit me.
Shadows swirled faster around us as Ash’s eyes locked with mine.
I took a breath that barely went anywhere. “This was bound to happen at some point, right? We knew we would have to come face-to-face with him eventually.”
“On our terms,” Ash spat. “Not his. Never his. And definitely not to fulfill whatever perverted entertainment value he will surely gain from this.”
“I am not sure what perversion it is that you speak of,” the Ancient stated. “But neither the Primal of Life nor the Primal of Death will be able to lash out at the other while in the presence of an Arae.” The Ancient spoke as if he were speaking of squabbling children. “There will be no fighting or violence of any kind.”
Ash didn’t even look at the Ancient. “It is not physical violence I am worried about.”
Air punched out of my chest. I knew what he meant. It was what Kolis could say. How he would make me feel.
“You do not need to concern yourself with any of it,” the Ancient said. “The meeting is only between the Primal of Life and the Primal of Death.”
The floor felt as if it shifted beneath me as Ash drew in a breath, but his chest didn’t expand with an exhale.
I faced the Ancient. “Why?”
“He does not trust this Primal not to escalate the situation,” the Ancient responded. “Nyktos cannot step one foot in Dalos during the meeting.”
I almost laughed again.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Ash bit out.
“And I can see why,” the Ancient continued blithely. “He is nearly as temperamental as the creatures his father gave dual lives to.”
“You’re actually serious.” Ash stepped toward the Ancient, causing my heart to stutter. “You’re going to humor this son of a bitch, knowing what he has done?”
Reaching for Ash, I halted.
The Ancient’s lips thinned. “I have no choice.”
“You are a Fate!” Ash roared as twin arcs of shadowy eather exploded from his back. “You are not merely a messenger.”
Something akin to emotion flashed in the Ancient’s expression, startling me. “No, I am what ensures that balance remains.”