I was about to keep walking when a carving caught my eye. Staring up at the elegant female, her long hair flowed freely around her. She had a halo of light above her head, while shadows gathered at her feet. My magic thrummed under my skin as I got lost in the effigy. Salem appeared at my feet, staring up at the female with blank, depthless eyes.
“That is Nemain, an old goddess of war who died before the realms were split. She was the sister of Morgiana, a death goddess, and Macha, a goddess of the land.”
“She’s beautiful,” I murmured, placing my hand on my chest to still my magic that thrashed inside of me.
“She was wise, too.”
Chapter 33
Sybil
Amale voice boomed from down the street. I turned, finding Edris walking toward us, his yellow eyes bright and observant, taking in each of us who studied Nemain’s image. “Solaris is ready to speak with you,” he said to me once he was closer.
Holding out his hand, I raised my own, but Kieran rushed forward, pushing Edris’s hand away. “You don’t need to touch her to lead her to Solaris.” Kieran moved in front of me, blocking me from the god.
“No, but I do need to touch her to transfer her to Solaris’ quarters—alone,” Edris quipped, raising a brow. He was taunting Kieran, hoping for a fight. “If you remember our conversation from last night, Solaris only agreed to meet with Sybil. She does not wantanyoneother than Sybil there. You and the rest of your group will respect that.”
Kieran growled, his chin lifting to glare down at the God of Fate. Edris returned his stare with a taunting smirk, silently daring Kieran to act. The air around us grew heavy, and my heart lurched.
“You promised Vivi,” I murmured quickly, wrapping my hand around his arm. I tried to pull him back, but his stiff body refused to budge.
“Kieran,” Vivi hissed softly, giving him a whisper of warning.
Kieran snarled, but he stood aside, his sharp eyes finding mine. “If anything happens, call us through the bond, and we will find you.” Without waiting for a response, Kieran looked back at Edris. “Ifanythinghappens to Sybil, you’ll be the first thing I destroy.”
Edris laughed loudly, his boisterous voice echoing down the streets. “Don’t worry, storm-maker, we have no ill will toward Sybil. I’ll have her back safely in your tiny arms soon.”
Kieran let out a vicious curse, but before he could make a move, Edris grabbed my arm, transferring us to a large glass room. I gawked, twisting to take in the sights. Plants and flowers covered most of the space, soaking up the bright sunlight streaming through the windows. I quickly realized it was a large greenhouse as thick waves of humidity wrapped around us.
Edris chuckled at my shock and wonder, taking my hand and threading it through his bent arm to walk me along the winding path. “Solaris loves her plants, and she gets her strength from the sun. Though if I didn’t know any better, I would have believed she said that just so she could surround herself with these flowers of hers.”
I laughed softly, taking in the sight and smells of the colorful blossoms and the rich green leaves. Sweat beaded on my brow, but the room felt light, almost pleasant.
My hand reached out, brushing against a deep red petal when Edris leaned in close, whispering in my ear. “I know what you truly are. I know what you tried to hide from me when we last met.”
My face blanched, and I fought not to look at him. I pushed down my caution, though my hand slightly trembled. “I don’t know what you mean,” I murmured, my voice strained.
“Don’t worry,” Edris chuckled, patting the top of my hand. “You being a part of this court changes nothing. In fact, it might even help you. The people here don’t care too much about what happens past the mountains, but if they knew one of their own was in trouble, they could easily be pushed to stand by your side. However, a word of caution.” Edris paused, his face turning serious. “Don’t let Ambrose find out what you are. His past with those belonging to this court is not a happy one, and he will not stop until he sees all of us destroyed.”
“Can I ask what happened?” I asked slowly, not knowing what else to say after his warning.
“Not yet, but in due time, you’ll come to learn and maybe understand his plight.”
I blew out a quick laugh, unable to believe the words Edris had just spoken. “Do you think a sob story is going to make me forget how he tortured me? How he is forcing me to do unspeakable things against my will?”
“No,” he replied calmly, ignoring my jab. “But I think it will help you better understand what path you should take when the time comes.”
I inwardly groaned, his manner of speaking reminding me so much of Queen Cassia. I opened my mouth to speak again when we turned toward the center of the greenhouse, coming in front of a large fountainhead spouting water in different swirling designs.
“Ah, here she is,” Edris smiled, glancing past the dancing streams.
I followed his gaze to find a tall female with beautiful, long golden hair. She wore an amber-colored dress that seemed to flow around her like a breeze. Her lightly tanned skin seemed toglow under the light of the sun. Facing us, her eyes gleamed like tarnished gold, darkening to a deep scarlet near her pupils. She flashed a graceful smile our way, ducking under the water as she came forward.
“I’m so glad to meet you finally,” Solaris laughed, wrapping her arms around me in a hug as if we were already close friends.
Blinking, I hesitantly patted her back, not knowing if this was how I should act toward someone so ancient and regal. “It’s nice to meet you as well.” I cringed at how weak my voice sounded, hoping she wouldn’t catch it.
“I doubt it,” she chuckled, ignoring the blood rushing to my face, “but I know we will be quick friends and you’ll change your tune.” Throwing me a wink, she turned to Edris. “You can go now. I’ll call you when we are done.”
