I glanced at her from the corner of my eye, realizing she was watching me, and my skin tingled. I couldn’t believe I was sitting here with Selene, talking casually. It felt strange, and yet not. I wondered if she once held casual conversations like this with Moira. Did we have a good relationship once? Her gaze lingered on me, and I tried to act like I didn’t feel it.
“The astral sprites have been so welcoming. Have they always been here?”
“I created them shortly after my banishment.”
My brows rose. “Banishment?”
“Damien didn’t tell you?” She blinked, and her eyes drifted forward again. “I would have thought he’d tell you.”
“I know he’s been hesitant to overwhelm me, and it’s been a lot to take in in the last few months.” I hesitated but asked, “What happened?”
“It’s complicated, but I violated the laws of The Twelve, so I was banished to the far moon.”
I balked. “The far moon?”
“My temple resides on one of the three moons of Elythia.”
I’d always thought she was just in the Godsrealm, but the moon? “I’ll have to process that later,” I admitted, letting slip a nervous laugh, trying not to cave under the thought that I’d been walking on a moon.
She giggled softly, the sound so melodic, I couldn’t breathe as it danced through the halls. What few astral sprites resided in the hall, tending to the trees and cleaning, halted their tasks, glowing eyes locking on us.
“Sorry. It’s been a while since I’ve spoken with someone like this, let alone a mortal,” she said. “It is only ever business when I speak with Damien and the other Kyrios.”
Her eyes fell to the astral sprite who’d wandered over, its tiny claws reaching up to touch her hand. “The astral sprites are the only true companions I have, but as you’ve figured out, they don’t communicate as you and I do.”
“They were helping me read earlier. I’m still not entirely sure how exactly,” I said, smiling at the sprite as its round face turned to me, starlight glittering across its misty black body.
Her smile faded, and I was almost sad to see that flicker of her true self slip behind a mask of indifference. “Feel free to enjoy their company as much as you like.”
She rose, and for a moment, she glanced back at me as if she wanted to say more. Instead, she turned to leave.
“Wait,” I said without thinking.
She halted, curiosity lighting her eyes as she glanced back. “Yes?”
“Would… I don’t know how it all works, but Damien asked if we could be mated.”
She pondered the request, turning until she faced me once more, her delicate hands folding neatly in front of her.
“I—what I mean to ask is…” God, I didn’t even know what exactly to ask. “You know how little time I have left. I know you oversaw the ceremonies for Barrett’s funeral. Do you…”
“I perform the mating rituals, yes.”
“Is that something we could do?”
She seemed surprised by the request. “If that is what you wish. It will take some planning; you’ll have to select attendants, and guest—”
“I don’t want anything big. Just... us.”
The inner corners of her pale brows curved upward, then settled, as if she understood. “If that is your wish, come to me when you’re ready.”
A sense of relief washed over me. “Thank you.”
The mask faded again, a flicker of her true self piercing through, allowing a glimpse of near adoration, a soft smile tugging at her lips. Her hand lifted toward me, and I stiffened as she halted just before her hand cupped my cheek. It was only a second, but it felt like minutes as we both stood frozen.
She blinked, her hand falling before our skin touched, and the hint of emotion that flickered in her eyes vanished as she dipped her head. “I hope you can forgive me one day.”
Before I could say anything, she turned and left me alone in the hall, the tiny sprite waving to me as it skittered after her. My shoulders sagged. I didn’t hold it against her for not helping. I wished she could, wished she could somehow heal me or change me, but I could never ask her to risk herself for my sake. I could only hope the chain of reincarnation would return to normal when I passed, that I would return as an immortal, as I was meant to be—
