Isla couldn’t decide what to make of the Aether. She effused a positive, calming energy that automatically made Isla’s mind settle, but the mixed responses of the elementals confused her. Jade hung onto Celesine’s every word; it was obvious she had the closest relationship with the spirit elemental. Their heads were bent together as they walked, exchanging quiet words once they reached the open path. Aidan was his usual, confident self—perhaps a bit of hesitation had settled across his shoulders, but he was not nearly as wary as Kai and Rynn. Those two stayed further back and kept their expressions void of emotion, save for Rynn’s darting gaze to Isla from time to time.
While they walked, Celesine told them what she knew.
“As you all know, the first part of the prophecy spoke of a powerful force that would lead to your downfall. I fear this threat is now upon you. I know of your encounters with the being who can manipulate minds.”
“Isla here calls him the ‘dark god,’” Aidan quipped, glancing over at Isla with a half smile. She rolled her eyes as he continued. “Who is he, anyway? What do you know about him?”
“Not much, unfortunately. You know how the Primevals do not allow me to see all; I receive glimpses of these events, enough to guide but not nearly as much as I’d like. And even the things Iampermitted to know are not always allowed to be passed on to you.” Celesine looked at them apologetically. “But I’ve been saving my strength to come to you when I felt the time was right. There is something you need to know.
“For your entire existence, you believed the prophecy on Iona signified your end. That there was no escaping the destiny bound in those words. But that is not true—this second prophecy speaks of a key. A hope. A savior.”
Jade spoke up. “We believe the dark god is the great foe the prophecy alludes to. Are you saying there’s a way to avoid it? To stop him?”
“How convenient,” Rynn muttered. Isla snuck a glimpse at him, wondering why his words carried such vicious undertones.
“Oh, Rynn, darling. Still finding it hard to trust, I see,” Celesine said with a lighthearted laugh. “Yes, I think so. But there are still many unknown factors. For instance, I don’t know where you can find this key.”
“Then whatdoyou know?” Kai questioned.
Celesine paused when they reached the small stream and sat on a large rock between two trees, her purple dress flowing around her. “I truly am sorry for keeping the knowledge of the second prophecy from you for so long. I had no control over the matter. But please believe me when I say that everything I’m telling you today is all the information I have.” She took the time to look into each of their eyes as she spoke.
“The key the prophecy speaks of is a dagger, one that was formed by the Primevals and imbued with a special kind of magic. It can be used to store power within itself or transfer to another vessel.”
They stood there for a moment, drinking in her words. Kai squinted. “I’m not sure I’m following,” she said.
“If used against someone with certain abilities, the dagger can take away those powers and hold them inside of itself. When magical blood is spilled on its blade, it immediately absorbs the magic.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Isla caught Kai shooting Aidan a look that Isla couldn’t place. Her face looked pale.
“How would this help us stop the dark god?” Rynn spoke. “Are you suggesting we find the dagger and use it on him?”
Celesine raised her hands. “All I know is this very limited understanding of how the blade works. I believe it’s your decision how you choose to use it.”
Rynn rolled his neck, impatience lining his features. “Humor us.”
“What he’s asking,” Jade jumped in, “is for advice. Do you think using the dagger against the dark god will work?”
The Aether sat in silence, her fingers steepled together at her chest. After a minute, she spoke. “Yes, I think it would be effective if he does indeed bear magical gifts. However, I find the wording of the prophecy intriguing. It says ‘the power of all to the power of one.’ I’m curious as to why this could be significant.”
Celesine stopped speaking and Isla watched as the elementals took in her words.She’s very good, Isla thought. She had a feeling the Aether knew more than she was letting on, despite what she had said. Perhaps the Primeval gods had forbidden her to give more information. It was subtle, but it was as if Celesine was planting little seeds into each of them and giving them just enough growth to send their minds scattering.
“Surely it doesn’t mean all ofourpowers,” Aidan finally said. “What good would that do?”
“Well,” Kai’s voice came from beside Isla, drawing out the syllable. “You know how the dark god made you attack me. Can you imagine what would’ve happened if he hadn’t left when he did?”
Aidan growled and heat pricked at Isla’s skin. “I’d rather not, sweetheart. What’s your point?”
“I’m sorry, it’s just…think about him using all of us in that way. Getting intoallof our heads, controlling our elements, making us do anything he wants. He could use us to destroy one another or take over the kingdoms or kill off entire populations. The possibilities are endless, and we don’t know what his ultimate goal is. How do we stop that? We haven’t been able to keep him out of our minds so far.”
The steady rushing of the stream and the call of birds overhead filled the silence between words.
“Shehas.”
Jade’s admission hung heavily in the air. Slowly, five pairs of eyes turned to Isla.
She glanced to the side. “What,me? What are you—oh.” The realization struck Isla hard and fast, like a snake sinking its fangs into her flesh.
“No,” Rynn said, the single, icy word echoing across the mountain.
