“I am honored you know of me,” he responded.
“It’s been too long,” Damien said, wrapping his arms around Aster, who embraced him back.
“You’ve been busy. It is understandable,” Aster responded.
“You visited the Godsrealm recently, I hear,” Damien said.
I perked up at the statement, and Aster nodded. “I had the pleasure of meeting Persephone; I was able to tour her private gardens.”
Persephone?ThePersephone? My jaw nearly dropped at the casual mention of the goddess. I’d heard of her, though I really didn’t know much when it came to Greek mythology.
“I can only imagine how wonderful that was,” Damien said. I hadn’t been able to see any part of the Godsrealm outside of Selene’s temple, and I wondered what Persephone was like. It seemed Aster and Damien viewed her as one of the friendlier goddesses.
“If you’re ever interested, perhaps we can plan a trip across the veil.”
Eiko had said that word before. “The veil?”
“Yes, it’s what separates the Godsrealm from the Mortalrealm,” he explained with a warm smile. “I’d love to take you to the Astral Mountains. The hills come to life with these blossoms under the double moons during the lunar solstice.”
“Double moons?” I asked, unable to stop myself.
Aster’s eyes lit up, his gentle smile growing warmer. “They’re beautiful, Your Majesty. The human’s moon dwarfs by comparison.”
I smiled, but the smile almost slipped from my face as realization dawned on me. I’d likely never get the chance. Damien stressed how dangerous the Godsrealm was for humans. I wondered if the creatures here might smell me the moment I set foot outside Selene’s Temple. Would they hunt me down? I knew Selene’s Temple resided in the Godsrealm, but I wasn’t sure where exactly. I assumed she kept this place protected somehow.
“Alec. Keeping out of trouble, I hope,” Damien said, and I took a deep breath, banishing the thoughts.
“You know I can neither confirm nor deny that,” Alec said with a light chuckle.
They continued their conversation, catching up on old times. Alec shared the news of his mate’s successful delivery of their firstborn. Aster shared more news of his visit to the Godsrealm, but I couldn’t focus, my nerves getting the better of me as my gaze drifted.
Four of the six Kyrios had made their appearance. Xander, Hector, Alec, and Aster were all so kind, and obviously longtime friends of Damien’s, which was a relief. I wondered when the last two Kyrios would show up. When Tobias would arrive.
Damien already expected him to cause a scene. He’d likely use Cole’s betrayal in some twisted way. I quietly prayed Moira, Elena, and Lucia would give me the courage and the knowledge to have his back when that confrontation erupted—give me the confidence to speak in his defense and do what Selene wished of me.
“Gentlemen, I do believe it’s time,” Xander said from behind us, interrupting the conversation.
Damien nodded and took my hand, smiling as he placed a kiss on it. A commotion from the far entrance echoed into the hall. Damien glanced over my shoulder, and he didn’t look too thrilled at the sight of who entered.
I followed his gaze. The moment I saw him, I knew where Calista had gotten her beautiful tan skin and dark golden hair. It was Tobias. He looked so young, possibly in his late twenties, even though I knew he was far older. It was difficult to imagine he was her father, but of course he looked so young; immortals didn’t age past their prime, forever frozen in time.
My eyes followed the man walking with Tobias. I’d never seen a person like him. He was beautiful. Long white hair cascaded down over his back. His skin was pale, and his eyes... his eyes were a blend of pale purple and gray, the colors mixing and mingling together.
Damien leaned in to whisper in my ear. “Tobias is easy to spot, but the other male is Kyrios of House Leukós—Lysander.”
House Leukós. They controlled some sort of light magic, like how Damien used shadow magic. Damien told me they were a rare bloodline with dwindling numbers. By his tone and expression, I assumed he and Lysander didn’t get along, which was ironic, given he was a Lord of Shadows and Lysander was a Lord of Light.
Damien tugged at my arm, guiding me away from them. “Come,mea luna. We should find our seats.”
My heart leapt into my throat. The meeting was about to start. The moment I’d been dreading all morning had arrived. I glanced back briefly at Tobias one last time, Damien leading me to our seats. For a moment, Tobias’ eyes met mine—
And I couldn’t hold his hateful glare.
17
CASSIE
Ieased into the stone chair as the Kyrios approached their seats around the live wood table. I couldn’t shake the feeling that the floor might open up and swallow me whole.
