They were going to take away my free will.
The lava was right before me, and I was almost part of it, when my body was jerked away, inches from the molten red. I’d taken too long—the spirits had enough control now.
Let it end…I was all but begging, the faces of everyone I cared about flashing across my mind. They allowed my memories back, and my soul screamed at everything I’d done. Everything I’d almost lost.
If we go back in the original source, you will have to stay too.
Deal.
Deal.
I didn’t even have to think twice.
A shadow flashed over the top of me just as I was dropping into the red heat. A familiar face.
Connor.
“I got you, sis,” he said. “You don’t have to do this alone.”
He landed on top of me, power and body weight sending the pair of us—spirits included—tumbling into the fire below.
For as long as I existed, I would hear Connor’s screams. They reverberated through me. When he was nothing more than bones, he came at me, dragging the spirits from my body and letting them absorb into his.
I couldn’t figure out how that was better, because he definitely wouldn’t be able to resist their call. And sure enough, in seconds he stopped fighting. Flames danced in the sockets where his eyes used to be and the darkness was now part of his soul.
“Connor!” I screamed, effortless to talk in this primordial fire.
He drifted toward me and I looked around, trying to figure out if there was anything close by that might help me.
Anything at all.
A glint of copper caught my eye, and I was reaching for the trident before I could even think about it.
Connor charged at me.
“Release them!” I shouted. “It’s not too late.”
He never faltered, looking like someone’s worst nightmare come to life.
You can’t control them. Trust me.This time I used our mental link, and it got through.
He was silent for many moments, then light infused his bones.I’m the supreme being … born to destroy the worlds. The Father of All.
Don’t make me do this, Connor.
I couldn’t let him escape. There was no zapping from the lava, he’d have to rise through it like I did. And I would fight him all the way.
It will be better. This is the right path.
I recognized the words. They were the spirits, controlling him. He was so pliable, but I couldn’t be mad. I had been too, because one of us was never supposed to control them. The three of us was the only way, and we’d missed our shot.
You were trying to save me,I reminded him.Remember that. You didn’t want the world to end. You’re a hero, brother.
I felt him, for a split second, through our bond.Maddi…A whisper of his voice.
Before I could do a single thing to stop him, Connor zoomed at me, and by instinct I lowered my trident, plowing it straight into his chest.
No. Gods. No, no, no, no!
