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)
I had to take an entire step back before I did something regretful. “You know what’s unfair? Whatever the fuck your idea of balance and fairness is. Because to everyone but the Ancients, it really feels like none of that applies to Kolis.”
“That is not the case.”
“That’s bullshit.”
“Is it?” His unflinching stare held mine. “Does Kolis strike you as someone who is happy with their lot in life? Fulfilled?”
I opened my mouth but then closed it. The only time I could remotely say that I thought Kolis appeared even somewhat happy was when he believed I was Sotoria.
“Kolis was not always like he is now,” Aydun continued after a moment, a far-off look settling across his features. “He was not without his flaws, but he was once fair and gentle. Kolis was feared, while his brother was welcomed. Dreaded, while Eythos was celebrated. Isolated and lonely, when his twin was surrounded by many. And while the other Primals could enter the mortal realm and spend time among them to retain some semblance of humanity, he could only do so for short periods and without interaction to avoid spreading death. He is the true Primal of Death, and mortals have never been able to come to terms with the knowledge that everything that begins must end. A millennium of that changed him. While many others are unable to see that, you have been able to.”
My gaze cut back to him. Exactly how much were the Ancients able to see? Know?
“And that is no excuse for what he has done to others and you,” he said, and I sucked in a reedy breath. “But he has not gone unpunished, Seraphena. Anything he has ever wanted or needed has been kept from him or eventually taken away.”
“Maybe that is true,” I started.
“It is,” he cut in. “We cannot lie.”
“Okay. So, that is true. He’s been punished, but none of that has deterred him.”
Aydun’s gaze lowered. “I cannot argue against that.”
It took me several moments to respond, and I only did so because I wanted to return to Ash. “How long do we have to answer whether or not we accept the deal?”
“I assume that means you already know your answer?”
“I do, and it is no.”
Aydun nodded. “It is customary to give a full moon cycle.”
“By mortal or Dalos standards?”
“Mortal.”
So, a month. That was a long time to wait for an answer. My fangs scraped my pursed lips. But didn’t I already know what the answer would be? I lifted my gaze to the Ancient. “You said that preventing war was a thread not seen. Has that changed?”
The Ancient laughed softly. “If it had, I could not tell you, and you know that.”
I did, but that didn’t mean I had to like it. Shaking my head, my gaze flickered over the golden leaves as I looked in the direction of Cor Palace. “Should I…?” I closed my eyes, not wanting to give the doubt a voice, but I couldn’t stop myself. “Should I have just accepted his offer?”
“Did instinct tell you to do so?”
I shook my head.
“Then that is all that matters.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Aydun returned me—with warning this time—to the Shadowlands.
As the mist faded, I saw bare shelves.
Then, I was in Ash’s arms, one wrapped around my waist while the fingers of his other sank into my hair. I held him just as tightly, feeling his heart pounding against my chest as I soaked in his citrusy fresh scent and the feel of his body.
“Liessa,” he murmured, his mouth against the side of my head. Neither of us moved for several moments, and then he leaned back. Eather-drenched eyes searched mine. “What did he do?”
“He was…he was just being an asshole.” My fingers splayed across his side. “Some of his abilities—like the syhkik—have returned to him. But I’m okay,” I assured him before he answered. “I swear.”
A faint shudder went through him, and then his lips found mine as he cupped my cheeks, tilting my head back. I rose onto the toes of my boots and placed my hands against his chest. The kiss deepened, and he tasted me, drank me in.
A throat cleared.
Ash slowly ended the kiss, but he didn’t break away. His forehead rested against mine. He was breathing just as raggedly as I was.
I wet my lips. “I’m guessing you didn’t leave for Vathi?”
“I think you know the answer to that,” a gravelly voice drawled from behind Ash.
My fingers curled into Ash’s tunic. “Did you have to sit on Ash to keep him here?”
“Pretty much,” Nektas answered. “For a moment there, I didn’t think I would be able to stop him.”
“I’m sorry,” I whispered to Ash. “I know it’s not my fault, but I’m sure this couldn’t have been easy for you.”
His thumb swept over my cheek. “It wasn’t.” Lifting his head, he pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Do you need anything? Food? Something to drink?”