What does he want?
I look up to see the final three creatures running toward Daxdyn. They’re a small horde of hellions. Poor magical infused creatures that the gods must have dug up for entertainment this morning.
I’m done. I’m over today’s entertaining act.
My wings carry me high in the sky and I dart down at an alarming speed. My blade arches above my head and I strike down on the creatures, slicing through all three torsos like water. My boots meet the earth once again, and as I land, I begin striding past the corpses. My boots stomp through the tar-like blood until I’m standing just below Loki.
My eyes narrow on his taunting smirk. I push my hair back once more just to find that dark, inky blood coats my hands and face. The crowd quiets and just as Loki opens his mouth to say some annoying little overly dramatic spew, I cut him off.
“Idohope you enjoyed this morning’s entertainment.”
His hands clasp together and he gives a slow clap for our performance.
“It was impressive indeed. It was just the opening act to another, of course.” In a flicking flash he’s right in front of me. His head tilts as he studies me. Magic dances recklessly in his eyes. “How far can you push yourself?”
I don’t speak immediately. I consider his words, trying to find the real meaning.
“Can you mimic a god or only simple fae magic?”
“Would it frighten you if I could?” Pure confidence laces my words. My chin tips up a little higher.
“Frighten.” Shaking laughter skims through his thin frame. “Not at all. Intrigued is all. You are a special little fae.Human. You were human only weeks ago. And now you hold fire in your hands as if Hella herself gifted it to you.
“Tell me, can you do this?” With an arch of his fingers, the crowd gives a consecutive gasp.
I turn just as Ryder starts to stumble forward. His gaze shifts back and forth as his legs bring him awkwardly toward us. Ryder’s attention falls on me and he doesn’t look afraid of the god who is controlling his body. Ryder looks … carefully cautious of what he might give away. His features are blank, not a single look of interest passes over him.
Loki lowers his hands and Ryder’s movements halt.
Someone steps closer in the stands of the stadium. I glance past Loki and my gaze lands on Baldur. His bulky arms fold across his bare chest as he watches quietly.
“Bring him forward. Show me what power you’re capable of.” Loki’s words are a commanding test.
This god just waves his little hand and wants me to monkey see, monkey do?
“I don’t want to control Ryder.” I say it through clenched teeth.
It’s the last thing I want to do. These three love me. If I can control them, that seems … terrifying. I don’t want to be this all-powerful mimicking thing. I don’t want to be something to fear.
Suddenly, I realize how simple of a life I really want.
I want a house, and a family, and quiet nights surrounded by the ones I love.
It’s so boringly simple.
And yet, so unattainable.
“Kara, I think you should try.” Ryder’s voice brings my attention back to the crowd of people waiting to see if I can perform this morning’s little trick.
“Think of it like a string. A string within you connecting to the thing you want. You want Ryder, yes?” Loki’s provoking voice is like a humming sound in my ear.
Tension floods my chest but I try to nod. I try to do what I know will benefit me, and the humans, and the fae and all the realms that are depending on me.
My hand rises and I can’t help but look to Darrio and Daxdyn over Ryder’s shoulder. They don’t appear afraid of me. Maybe I’m just overthinking this.
Or maybe, I’ll turn into another of the gods’ creatures.
With an arch of my fingers, I try to imagine a delicate string from my chest to Ryder’s. It’s strangely easy to imagine. It’s easy to imagine my heart connected to his.
