PROLOGUE
Celesta
Evening ofAshdown
Nothing in this Chaos-given realm could prepare me for the pain raking through me. Jolts of razor sharp lightning sear through my abdomen as I struggle to breathe. Stifling a cry through clenched teeth, I dig my fingers into the furs, fighting to keep myself silent.
“You have to push, Priestess,” Hera coaxes, her bright yellow eyes darkened with concern.
She perches herself between my pitched knees, rolling back the blankets I cling to. The shock of cold strikes my skin and I gasp, blinking away the tears blurring my vision.
“I can’t,” I cry, and the words blossom into an unhindered scream.
I’ve done this to myself.
But I did it for Nalena.
For us.
That has to count for something.
But…what kind ofdemonam I going to bring into this world?
“You can do this,”Nalena’s comforting voice sings through my heart.“I am here, with you. For as long as I can be.”
More tears spring into my eyes.
Eternity. We promised eternity.
Bed-bound and isolated in the northern wing of the estate, Nalena awaits as anxiously as I do for the arrival of this demon. Everything we’ve ever known together depends on my ability tobring this cursed creature into the living realm. Once I’ve done it, once I’ve ascended as a goddess, I can save her.
I can save us.
I can grant us our eternity.
“Neither of you will surviveif you do not push,” Hera says, her tone firm. She glances over her shoulder. “Tessa, stoke the fire. Claire, prep the water.”
The two birthing maid assistants spring into action, sweeping across my bed chambers. Their black and white robes swirl with their movements in a dizzying display.
Another heart-stopping wave of pain washes through my core and I sob.
“Pushnow, Priestess,” Hera orders.
Sucking in a deep, shuddering breath, I bear down against the pain with everything. With every ounce of desperation, fear, and malice, Ipush.
Get it out.
Get it out before it ends us both.
Get this vile creature out of me.
The sound of my scream fills the room, the taste of blood filling my throat. With a swift pull, Hera collects a wailing, bloodied mass in her arms. I collapse onto my back, gasping for breath.
“We did it, my love,”I send the relieved thought to her and the cool wash of her own relief fills me.
It’s done.
I’ve upheld my end.
