Embedded within the fluttering orb’s cherry-red outer layer was an intense density. Streaks of red currant and mahogany entwined around its core. The markings of wisdom.
This soul had lived six different lives in the past six centuries, when most souls only reincarnated once every two to three centuries.
The soul yearned for something—orsomeone.
They stopped at the steps of the dais and bowed.
Cassian rose from his throne and descended the steps towards the soul. “You wish to reincarnate again?”
The soul did not look up. “Yes.”
Something about it beckoned his full attention. “What do you seek?”
“My other half.”
“May I check something?”
The soul lifted its chin and gave a small nod.
Cassian gently pushed his hand through the nebulous form of the soul’s abdomen and grasped their spirit. Its human form disfigured into smoke as he held the floating ball of energy in the palm of his hand. It burned brighter, a hauntingly beautiful, blood red globe. Cassian balanced it with ease.
Divine power pulsed down his arm. Dark tendrils splayed like trails of smoke from his fingertips and curled around the soul.
Show me.
Streams of achromatic light burst through the outer shell of the soul. Around it was a web, glistening and reflecting in the heavenly glow like oiled strings.
The threads of Fate.
Cassian could not see the threads of one’s Fate outside of his realm. However, in his Land, while they were one ofhissouls, he could glimpse it with a single touch.
Tracking the threads, he pieced together this soul’s destiny—how it would be reborn for the seventh time and finally meet its other half. His time with them would be short, and a powerful goddess would tragically end his life. It would require time to recover after such a traumatic death. When they healed, they would reappear before Cassian again and request to be reincarnated once more.
Cassian would grant it, knowingthattime would be the final one. Its threads were intertwined with a soul he’d met once before. A goddess with no title who would one day bore a demigod from the Himura clan.
“Ha,” Cassian breathed out, smiling darkly. A zealous hunger wound through his insides.
He retracted the claws of his divine power and released the soul. It fabricated back into its human form.
Cassian tucked his hands inside his pockets. “You may enter the River of Eden and return to the Land of Entity to be reborn. I hope you find what you are looking for in this lifetime.”
The soul lifted its face to meet Cassian’s eyes, honed and full of tenacity. “I will find her this time.”
Cassian admired its perseverance.
The soul turned and started back down the velvet lining.
The two Errai bowed their chins to Cassian before turning to follow.
“I am counting on it,” Cassian murmured, watching the soul step through the doors.
Mavros descended the stairs unhurriedly to Cassian’s side. “My lord, you seem disturbingly eager.”
When Cassian did not respond, Mavros turned his head and stared at him.
Cassian’s cheek prickled from his inquisitive gaze. “No need to fret, Mavros. It appears a solution has fallen right into my lap.”
“Do tell, my lord.” It came out with dry enthusiasm.
