“Perhaps not, but unlike Raka’s house, ours has lost its way. It’s gone on far too long. Starting with Arev, and what he did to Arki, or Titan as you know him.” Aarush said, sympathetically, golden brows creasing.
“Wait, Titan’s not his name?” I asked, confused.
“It’s his middle name,” Calix answered, grimly. “Arki died when his mate did, and Titan is who was left in the aftermath.”
“And the tradition of running valuable members of our house out started then.” Aarush frowned deeply. “Your father is only too keen to continue it now. His actions cast a pall on all of us. I am sorry you have been the one to bear the burden of it, however.”
“Thank you,” I answered softly. A little overwhelmed, if I was honest. This was the man who had built the house I was born to. Whose last name I now bore. And his simple apology after everything hit me harder than I expected.
“We hope that under your guidance, House Earendel will rise once more.” He smiled gently, bowing his head to me.
“Oh. I…” I trailed off, looking to Calix for help. He squeezed my hand with a smile.
“You’ll do amazing,” he assured, eyes not leaving mine. “You were born for this.”
“And how do we lead two separate houses?” I asked softly, worries rising once more as I turned to our ancestors.
“You find your own way forward,” Raka spoke, looking to Aarush with a sly smile. “Things are changing now. And our houses are more entwined than you might think.”
“You will find out the truth of it soon enough. Just never forget, while the past is already written, the future is awaiting you to put words to page. Your history will be based upon the actions you take now.” Aarush grabbed my hands, his sky-blue eyes boring deep into mine.
“It is up to you to decide how your story goes, Asteria. No one else. Don’t look to the past for what has always been done; look to the future and ask whatcanbe,” he continued, and I felt the weight of his words in my soul.
“All of us with your blood, we will always be with you,” Raka said, looking at Calix. “Your path has always been one of change. The prophecies spoke of it long before this moment came. History is now in your hands. The bond, and more importantly, thelovebetween you two. will be the foundation of what comes next.”
I looked at Calix, the words unspoken lying heavy between us, but his nod of understanding was like a balm to my heart.
I didn’t want him to doubt things between us just because of my own pathetic fears. Like speaking the words would bring my worst fears to life. But if they were right, that love that beat within our mated souls was what would build our lives, not destroy it.
It was a novel concept, honestly.
“Thank you, Raka,” Calix rumbled, the emotion in his words clear.
“Of course, son of Erebus.” Raka smiled slowly, raising his black-cloaked arm dramatically as he indicated the path ahead. “Now, it is time for you both to meet the most ancient of your ancestors.”
I drew in a sharp breath, steadying myself.Gods, how does one greet the gods?By the Otherworld, the thought was enough to make my head spin.
“Good luck, daughter of Earendel,” Aarush added, his smile gentle and kind. So different from the father who currently ruled our house… though, I suppose I also ruled our house now.
Fuck, what a mess.
“You make us all proud. Embrace who you are, Réiltín, for you will never steer yourself wrong,” he continued. “Trust in yourself and your love, and you will conquer any darkness that comes.”
“Thank you, Aarush,” I responded, trying to contain my own emotions.
Aarush took my hand, while Raka placed his hand on Calix’s shoulder. The others formed a path, my ancestors on one side and Calix’s on the other. The men raised their swords to form an arch, while the women lifted their hands to let shadows and sunlight rise and complete the arch. Aarush and Raka led us through them, a tunnel of light and darkness, filled with those who’d come before us.
They’d paved the path we walked, but it was now up to us to build upon it.
Aarush and Raka led us gently through the procession until we reached the other side, where a dark portal to Tartarus awaited. Now, we would only need to enter and find the portal to the city of the gods. The tests were done; all we had to do was learn…something.
Jemisha had been cryptic on what we were supposed to learn at our next stop, but I was curious to see what the gods thought so important.
We’d come this far, facing every challenge they threw at us. And while I wished I could have words with the gods about the method of getting us there, I was fairly sure I would chicken out the moment I saw them.
I considered myself a strong person, but something about complaining to the gods themselves just seemed like areallybad idea.
“This is where we leave you,” Aarush said with a twinkle in his eyes.
