Kyano burst into a blinding white orb of energy and vanished into the ripping waters. The four gods surveyed the scene in heavy silence. Then Síocháin gathered Siana’s lifeless body into her flippers, and with a final glance, they vanished, leaving behind only blood-drenched waves and the drifting corpses of their people.
In a flash of light, the images faded, replaced by a new scene: a roiling, dark sea and a cave carved out of a black cliff face. A handsome young merman followed a watery passage into the cave, a glowing ball of light held high in his hand. I recognized his pale hair and chiseled jawline. Taranis.
The merman plunged beneath the waters at the back of the cave, following the slick rock as it descended into darkness. Something curled around bleached bones littering a slimy plateau. As Taranis reached out, it slipped down his throat. His eyes darkened and then flashed red.
He swam from the cave, emerging in the tossing ocean, pushing his pale hair back from his forehead. His jaw clenched, his gaze burning red, the shadow of Manannán moving within him.
The vision disintegrated as I hit the wet concrete beside the pool with a gasp.
Finn was leaning over me, his dark hair astray, as he helped me into a sitting position.
“What happened?” I snapped my head around, scanning for Stavros and his henchmen.
“They’re gone,” Finn said gravely.
My shoulders sagged in relief when I noticed Poseidon’s Box was back on the table. “Did you kill them?” I blinked hard, trying to steady myself.
“No.” He shook his head slowly. “You did, when you turned them to dust.”
The world tilted beneath me, my breath coming in sharp bursts as Finn hauled me to my feet. A cold shiver crawled down my spine as I spotted the three piles of silvery powder by the pool.
My Selkie ancestors had been gods of peace, and some of that power lived within me. However, it had curdled, tainted by my father’s Drowned blood. And that made me a weapon.
Tears filled my eyes, and I shook my head as my top lip trembled. “I-I didn’t mean to.”
“Hey, it’s okay.” Finn wrapped an arm around me, scooping me into his chest.
I pulled back, looking up at him through damp lashes. “I’m a killer.”
“No,” he whispered. “You are a warrior. There’s a difference.”
43
Skye
We were gathered for our usual indulgent breakfast on the outdoor patio, where the hanging table surrounded by shell cradles swayed in the current.
Alexandros and Damon had not yet returned from rallying the Italian army, but King Proteus and Queen Peisinoe were already seated at the head of the table. Porphura and Layla sat hand in hand on one side, with Pisceon and Glacies on the other.
I helped Edward into a swinging chair beside Layla, and Pisceon let out a callous snort. Edward responded by giving him the finger, and I bit back a smile.
I had just begun tucking into my plate of oysters when Elias, the herald, floated into the area, making a sweeping bow. “Your Highness, I present Princess Aarna Okeanós.”
He gestured to the palace, and I stifled a gasp as the most beautiful mermaid I had ever seen emerged. Her crimson tail swished gracefully as she glided up the garden path toward the dining patio. Her tannedskin shone in the aquamarine light, jet black hair falling in long, lustrous tresses down her back. Golden bangles adorned her arms, necklaces were piled above a gleaming warrior’s breastplate, and a delicate golden nose ring caught the light as she moved.
Princess Aarna dipped her head at the king and queen. “I am here to escort you to the summit in my kingdom.” Her brown eyes flicked to Glacies.
“Aarna, join us!” Proteus gestured at the vacant swinging chairs, and Aarna slid in beside Glacies, her tail curling underneath the cradle.
“I’ve missed you, sister.” Layla leaned forward, shooting Aarna a grin. This morning, her dark braids were wrapped around her head in an elegant topknot adorned with gold.
The women in Okeanós sure knew how to dress.
“Does everyone go to this summit?” I asked, popping a piece of shellfish meat into my mouth.
“Only the most powerful members of each house. Our armies remain on standby until a decision is made.” Proteus piled caviar onto his plate.
Was Aranare the most powerful member of his house? I stiffened, heart pounding, as images of his amber eyes swam into my mind. I had tried not to think of him, and I managed most days between training, the parties, and Alexandros. But sometimes, when my guard slipped, the thought of him returned, and with it, a surge of fresh rage curled my fists tight.If he hadn’t been there...
