Leukos’ jaw tightened—a small betrayal of emotion. “How did you know?”
“The Cyprian told me,” she said quietly, unable to meet his eyes. “She said I was the only one who could help you.”
Loud cheers echoing down the corridor interrupted them. Alena seized the moment, stepping around him and following the wolves to the Great Hall.
The massive doors stood wide open, spilling music and laughter into the corridor. Inside, the hall had transformed into a vision of revelry—long tables glittered with silver plattersoverflowing with food and goblets of wine. Musicians played bright, lilting tunes while dancers in jewel-toned gowns twirled barefoot in graceful circles across the stone floor.
At the head of the table, Charis and Danaos sat on throne-like chairs, their hands intertwined, faces alight with joy.
What had been prepared for the queen’s wedding to Leukos was repurposed into a triumphant celebration for the new couple.
“That was quick,” Alena muttered under her breath.
“Soulmates are rare. Their bond is sacred,” Leukos said, surveying the feast. “I’ve never met any, but my father did. He told me only the gods could confirm the bond, and once the couple accepts it, their love deepens. A wedding follows within days. They can’t bear to be apart.”
Alena’s gaze drifted to Danaos and Charis, basking in each other’s presence. The thought of having someone who knew her to her soul—who would choose her without hesitation for the rest of her life—seemed almost too beautiful to believe.
What would it be like to have such a profound connection with someone?
A voice at the doorway pulled her from her thoughts.
“The Sea God declared another couple were soulmates as well,” Phoebe said, her eyes glinting with mischief. Freshly bathed and dressed in a long, sand-coloured chiton, she looked wholly unlike the warrior Alena had travelled with. “Every guest here is hoping to find their destined match tonight. This celebration will last until dawn.”
Alena’s heart skipped.
They are not the only couple.
Her eyes swept the crowd, searching. Who else had been chosen?
“Soulmates share a powerful connection,” Phoebe went on, her gaze fixed on the dancers. “It is said they can even channel each other’s magic.”
“And what do you know of it?” Leukos snapped, his tone edged with frost.
Phoebe met his glare with an amused smile, utterly unfazed. “More than you might think, pretty boy.”
Leukos’ jaw tightened, but before he could reply, a booming voice carried from the feast.
“Phoebe!”
Pelagios lurched to his feet, sloshing half his drink down the front of a disgruntled Xanthos. “Ah, curse the Twelve—apologies, my friend,” he mumbled, patting Xanthos’ shoulder.
Phoebe’s smirk faltered into a grimace. “Huntress, save me…” she muttered. To Alena, she said, “I’ll be back soon. Kaixo was fast asleep when I left, and Apollo’s keeping watch.”
With a sigh and a broad, diplomatic smile, she approached the table. “Pelagios, my old friend!”
Alena blinked after her, baffled. How many Megarians did Phoebe know? She hadn’t mentioned that during all those lonely nights on the mountain. What else had she kept to herself?
Leukos glared at the Amazon’s back with such vehemence that Alena felt compelled to defend her. “She’s not that bad.”
He laughed—a curt, rough sound. “She gave me a sleeping draught and left me unconscious for slavers to find. The same slavers who took you and your sister.” He paused, casting her a sidelong glance, looking more unsettled than when she’d asked about his Gift. “Seems the Grey-Eyed Maiden wanted us to meet.”
To what purpose, Alena wasn’t sure. Did the Maiden want her to join the rebellion? To ensure the Omega would be with the Achaeans when the time came?
“Omega, you’ve returned!” Danaos said, his voice carrying easily through the hall and drawing the room into sudden silence.
His usually hard features were softened by the festivities, though the disciplined posture of a seasoned general remained. The priest in amber robes stood beside the queen, a deep crease of disapproval between his eyebrows.
Danaos set down his goblet and levelled Alena with a sharp look. “How was your visit with your sister?” His eyes narrowed. “If you’ve come to ask for her release, don’t waste your breath. The answer is no.”
