Vivian’s Point of View
Rule forty:When entering diplomatic relations, try to avoid name-calling.
The force of the blast shakes the floors and rattles my teeth. In a blur of motion, the table flips, and chairs go flying, just as Sin’s arm snakes around my waist, yanking me backward.
I barely have time to register the storm of wood shards flying toward us before a scarlet shield bursts from Sin’s other hand. The shrapnel slams into it, dissolving into nothingness.
Dead silence settles over the room.
Sin keeps me tucked up against him, and I lean into him, letting his terrifying power hum against my skin.
A smart person would stay there and let the all-powerful Destroyer handle this. Unfortunately, I accepted my lack of self-preservation a while ago.
“I strongly suggest you stay where you are.” Sin’s voice is so low that it vibrates through me.
It takes me a second to realize he isn’t talking to me.
A lone figure steps through the doorway, framed by drifting dust. He’s easily as tall as Sin, and he has the same warrior’s build. Olive-toned skin stands out against his dark hair, and he would remind me of those painted depictions of Greek gods, if it weren’t for his opaque white eyes.
Chairs scrape beside me, and I quickly glance around the room to make sure the others are okay.
Morgana is rising, looking annoyed. Arianna’s shadows are coiled around her fingertips as she keeps Conner safely behind her. Ragna moves the same way, protecting Isaac and Sarah, while Magnus and Damien brush themselves off.
I release a shaky breath and turn back to Sin. His jaw is clenched, but his arm around me is gentle.
He gives me a small squeeze, as if to reassure me it’s okay.
“We’re pleased to see you up and healthy again,” Magnus says, breaking the silence. He gestures in my direction. “Might I introduce you to Vivian? She is the woman responsible for your newfound freedom.” Turning to me, he continues. “Vivian, this is the man who was being held prisoner in the hidden passage. The one you made sure was not overlooked.”
Despite the looming threat, Magnus sounds completely at ease. I can’t help but marvel at what a good peacekeeper he is.
It’s really putting a dent in my theory that testosterone and diplomatic relations don’t mix.
The deadly-looking man eyes me with suspicion. Nymara never did say who he was, but given how his eyes are an exact replica of Need’s, I’m assuming he’s also a titan.
“Where is she?” The man growls and takes a threatening step forward.
Sin immediately takes exception to his tone. “Last warning. If you don’t back the fuck off, I will end you.”
He releases me, his fists clenching on the table’s edge, ready to leap over it.
A part of me wants to join him and tear this man’s throat out for daring to threaten my people.
Until I remember I’m supposed to be a leader and make rational choices.
The titan sneers. “You think the drops of Olympian power that flow through your blood are enough to match me?”
He takes a step forward.
Immediately, Sin launches himself over the table, putting himself between me and the threat. Another pulse of red power flares out from him, slamming toward the intruder.
But rather than vaporizing on contact, the stranger holds his ground. Sin’s power wavers, not extending more than a few feet before him.
I can’t see what power the titan is throwing out, but everyone can feel it.
A thin sheet of ice spreads like veins over the floor. The temperature in the room plummets, and I can see my breath in the air.
When his power doesn’t break through, Sin reaches for his sword.
