“I do not appreciate your tone.” Cassian pinned him with a look.
Mavros maintained passivity as he said, “My sincerest apologies, my lord.”
“You can express your apology by delivering a message for me, to the High Goddess of the Sea.”
Cassian toppedhis freshly squeezed lemonade with a mint leaf and journeyed through his kitchen onto the balcony overlooking his garden. A canopy of climbing vines led to a series of pointed, arching basalt stone ruins covering the walkway.
He took a sip of his drink and admired the night embers and black pansies encasing the entrance of the arch, dangling with eucalyptus.
Mavros materialized behind him and scooted out a chair tucked underneath the outdoor table.
“Cassian,” he greeted, his tone less formal than usual.
While Cassian appreciated Attendant Mavros greatly, he favored Friend Mavros.
“I take it this is an off-duty visit.” Cassian sat across from him and offered a drink of his citrusy beverage.
Mavros shook his head and settled back in the chair. He crossed his arms over the dreadlocks resting on his chest and fixed Cassian with a look. “It’s not entirely an off-duty visit, butmy formalities have run dry for the day. I suppose we could chat as friends would.”
Cassian lifted an eyebrow while taking another swig of his drink. The tang and mint washed across his tongue. A delightful combination. “Did you give her the list?”
Mavros reached for Cassian’s drink, apparently changing his mind. After taking a sip, his face twisted in a grimace. “Yes.” He slid it back across the table and refolded his arms. “That is truly disgusting.”
Cassian wiped the lip smudge on the rim of the glass. “And?”
Mavros released a ragged exhale. “Mira agreed to take responsibility for her son’s necromancy. Malik will take the list of souls you’ve given and slaughter them.”
The list contained individuals in the Mortal Land who were corrupt and failed to learn empathy and compassion, even after multiple reincarnations. Cassian only gave a soul so many chances before casting them into the Serpentine Forest for the Achlys to feast on.
Cassian took another swig, noting how Mavros purposely avoided his gaze. “Is there more?”
“Balance will be restored in our realm for the souls we are losing because of the young god, but…” Mavros fidgeted with his lip between his teeth.
Cassian folded his hands in his lap, a physical attempt to cling to his patience. “Mavros, I swear on my title if you do not spit it out?—”
Distressed, Mavros rubbed at his forehead. “For Lady Mira to oblige,reciprocity is required. Her words.”
Cassian gave a satisfied smile. “Wonderful.”
Mavros looked up and his face fell at the sight of Cassian’s approval. “How dare she propose a bargain withyou?” He sat up straight in his chair, planting the heel of his fist down on the table. “The goddess is absurd if she thinks?—”
“Mavros.” Cassian lifted a hand to stop him. “Do you honestly believe I sent you torequestsomething from Mira without a proper plan in place? The High Goddess is obsessed with power and control. I knew she would use the situation to her advantage, which is why I sent you to her. Now, I assume she requested I curse an individual of her choosing?”
Mavros slouched back in his chair, baffled. “That is exactly what she requested.”
“Lovely.”
“What plan could you possibly have to involve such a disgraceful excuse of a goddess and her unhinged son? I don’t feel an inkling of guilt for the souls Malik will slaughter, but you and I both know whatever he does to them, the souls will come back utterly broken.”
Cassian gave a breathy laugh, amused by Mavros’s nervous rambling. “Do you recall the soul who came to visit me the other day?”
“The one who reincarnated for the seventh time?” Mavros drawled. “Why yes, Cassian, I was there.”
Cassian rolled his eyes at Mavros’s sarcasm. “I glimpsed into their Fate, and it appears that I am braided within its threads.”
Mavros shook his head. “How so?”
“The soul will find its other half in this life. Shortly after, it will be murdered.” He paused and took another quick sip of his drink, let out a satisfying sound, and continued. “When it is reborn for the eighth time, it will be a member of the Himura clan. When it turns twenty-eight, it will find its other half and together, they will have a child.”
