Then it is the world, not her, that was made to kneel.
I’ve never seen anything like Aurora in all my years. And if I’m lucky, the Disciples’ book will tell me more—names, suspected bloodlines, a thread to follow.
Because as it stands? I would carve her into the stars, scorch her name into every corner of time, and then salt the earth with the memory of her smile.
Let the Disciples call her a monster.
Let the heavens tremble.
I will kneel before her, crown her in fire, and watch the world burn at her feet.
Ezra
I spend the next few days locked in my house, papers and notes strewn about every surface, researching the slim leads from the Disciples’ revolting book.
It looks like they had a solid lead on the bloodline in the 1850s but somehow lost track a few decades later. There must be more information out there … somewhere.
Against my better judgment, I call Thane. I need his help.
“H-hello?”
He sounds groggy and half asleep. I probably should have checked the time before I called, but what I need is more important than some silly human’s sleep.
“Thane, this is Ezra. I’m sorry to bother you, but … I need your help.”
This is the first time in a billion years I’ve asked anyone for help. And help from a human, of all beings.
The lump of pride jammed in my throat might be what finally kills me.
“Christ, Ezra, it’s four in the fucking morning. What could you possibly need help with at this hour?” Thane whispers angrily, the sheets rustling as he gets out of bed.
A woman’s voice mumbles in the background. He must be with Eve.
For his sake, I hope he’s with Eve.
“Yes, well … I apologize. I only need a few moments of your time right now. Can you … um … help me buy a cell phone? As you know, I currently don’t own one and would like to rectify that. Unfortunately, you know more about this, and I do not have the time to do the research. I would like to monitor the online shop.”
I’m lying through my teeth. I don’t give two shits what Thane does with the online shop.
“Seriously? You want to buy a cell phone? To … monitor the online shop?”
Thane’s questions are slow and irritating. He doesn’t believe a word I’m saying.
“I guess this has nothing to do with a certain copper-haired beauty? It’s all business?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. You really should learn when to mind your own fucking business,” I snap.
Being a dick will not get me the help I need.
“Shit. I’m sorry, Thane. That was quite rude. And … I’m sorry I lied. I suppose you’re partially correct aboutmycopper-haired beauty. She has one of those things, right? I thought it wouldn’t hurt to understand the technology a little better. Plus, you can use it to access the internet from anywhere, right? Excellent. Where shall I meet you?”
“Ezra, you’re a real piece of work. I’ll help you on one condition.”
Thane is obviously enjoying the small amount of power I’ve just relinquished. If I didn’t need to access the internet immediately, I’d probably be in his home by now, slowly strangling him to death.
“Name your price,” I say through gritted teeth. “Anything.”
“Don’t call me this fucking early ever again.”
