Kai took back her weapon and returned it to its sheath. “Then what would you suggest?”
“In a sense, Dimitrios’s blood is another prison that must hold.” Her gaze drifted back to the gold veins. “But, if even one drop were to reach Xavlin through this conduit…”
“They’re spreading,” Kai realized. “These veins.”
The Eternal One nodded grimly. “I believe so, yes. These are but a mirror to the other two stones. I don’t know how or when the fracture occurred, but ithashappened. Xavlin’s reaching out however he can, seeking that one source of blood. His one means of escape.”
Kai sank onto the stone bench, abruptly tired. “You asked me to prepare for a battle. You did not tell me it would be against the gods.”
Drakaa sat and angled to face her. “Here’s what I know: the lines of destiny are converging. The prison has been fractured. And you are but one essential piece to the puzzle.
“Here’s what I can’t tell you: only time will reveal your path. You could be called to fix the prison. You could be the warrior who stands between a god and his human counterpart. There are a number of events that can and will take place, and you are a vital component to the survival of humanity itself.”
Kai stood and paced several steps away. “I have to protect my people. They must come first. The gods can give my destiny to someone else.”
Drakaa folded her hands in her lap. “Perean came toourdoorstep, Kai Silver Wolf. Your destiny is already here.”
Chapter
Thirty-Three
TheEntiacut a graceful path over a calm sea, her sails catching the soft golden light of the waning sun. Like he did most days, Augustus made his way to the bow. This time of day, the horizon burned with vibrant color. His mother used to say it was like watching a painting take shape, the way the colors blended seamlessly with the shimmering gold of the water’s surface.
Today, he paused to lean against the mainmast and folded his arms. The view on the quarterdeck above was much more to his liking.
Selene stood at the railing outlined by the amber light, hair dancing in the breeze. She had been quiet over the last week, taking it all in as if she were the stranger aboard and not the other way around. Not unlike what she was doing now, her gaze sweeping over the lower deck, halting every so often on a few key people.
There was a soft, knowing smile for Lili—she and Rosyln often found small ways to touch one another, thinking no one noticed. Selene had.
Her expression darkened whenever Blaze barked orders at the crew—something he did often lately, his tone filled with frustration. Augustus decided days ago that wherever that emotion came from was none of his business.
Roman, she skipped over entirely—maybe a littletooentirely.
Petrina always earned a wry smirk.
Oskar, a smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes.
Felix and Pavle, friendly little finger waves.
Then there were Bee, Rook, and Fish, who weresupposedto be in Okos. The troublemakers had hidden aboard and revealed themselves almost a full day from the shore. Selene always had a good laugh at their antics.
Selene’s gaze lingered longest on those she didn’t know: the deft hands of Omar’s family handling the day-to-day routines, and the wary glances of Roman’s people, who were still unsure where they stood amongst the crew.
The longer she stood there taking in the entire scene, the deeper her brow furrowed.
Augustus knew that look well—it was the one she wore when the guilt became too much. Come tomorrow, it was likely that many of these people wouldn’t be here. If Thorne had his way, none of them would be.
If Augustus hadhisway, all of them would see a full life.
Petrina popped up to his side, flipping a small knife end-over-end. He’d liked this girl from the beginning. She antagonized Roman; it was that simple. After all she’d done to keep Selene safe, he counted her among the few he’d guard with his life.
“You two good?” she asked, following his stare.
“You tell me.”
He had yet to earn Selene’s trust back since reuniting, and Petrina had become Selene’s sounding board. He was determined not to let that get to him—he’d earned this punishment and would suffer it with grace.
Petrina’s eyes narrowed in thought. “She’s my first friend, you know?”
