She is...his.
Pain blooms like razor-petaled roses.
He’s the one who gave you my power so you could live,a voice says, and I shiver at the sheer divine might of it.
“Saru?” I whisper, and rub at my bare chest. I look down at the golden starburst that had appeared out of nowhere—the god of light’s symbol—as it glows softly. I’m still getting used to my new form, a form that feels slightly less mortal. While the god of death’s rot devoured me, the god of creation’s light empowers me.
In part, yes.
“I thank you for your gift.”
Thank my nephew,he says.Darrius would not have done it if he did not believe you were worthy of it.Nor would you have been able to accept my gift without akasha of your own.
Shocked, I blink. “I have magic?”
Your parents were soul-fated—one blessed by Huma and oneblessed by me. Sometimes our bloodlines are dormant for reasons beyond our comprehension.Saru sighs softly.But now, you will survive because of it and return to your Starkeeper, who also found you worthy. Twice.
My throat thickens. “That’s just it, I’mnotworthy.” Sorrow makes my voice break. “Not of her, at least. I’ve hurt her irreparably.”
My twin’s power is hard to defeat. Even I was cast into god-sleep when I banished him.
“I should have fought harder.”
Fight now. Fight for the future you both deserve.
I frown. “But she chose him.”
The god’s laughter echoes like bells.No, child. Darrius is her soul-fated, they were chosen for each other by their magic and the Royal Stars. But love isn’t always fated; love can also be a choice. You were freely hers.I feel his light cast warmly over me.So choose her in return.
“How?” My frown deepens, hope and despair twining within. “I don’t understand. How can I share her with another? I can’t fight a soul-fated bond.”
Do you love her?
“Yes.”
Does she love you?
“I hope she does.”
Then that is all that matters. There is no sharing. There is only giving.
***
It feels strange to be back in the palace in Kaldari.
Even stranger to be in full possession of myself as king.
My heels tap along the marble floors as people bow, their expressions still fearful as if they expect the monster to return at any point. It hurts my heart to see how I’ve lost the trust of even the servants who have worked in the palace since I was a boy.
When Fero had been in my body, it had felt like I had become nothing but a passenger. Or more aptly, a hostage, who was incapable of resisting.
I remember everything clearly, which makes my actions hard to conceive and forgive. There are times when IwishI could forget how vicious and ruthless he was, when he removed his opposition—nobles and aldermen I had known for years—simply because they spoke up against me. Or when I used her... like a tool. A weapon of destruction.
Gods...
I find my way back to our shared bedchamber and stare at the bed where we’d held hands and confessed our dreams and our darkest secrets, whispered our fears and our fragile hopes for the future. Where we’d kissed and made love endlessly, and I’d proven my heartfelt dedication over every inch of that perfect body. Where we’d been wrapped in each other’s arms and murmured cherished words of adoration and love.
Stroking the silken counterpane, I exhale and press against my chest, the ache there almost too much to bear. I remember her sweet, unhinged laughter when I tickled her and the wicked promises in her eyes when she threatened to get me back... her magic torturing me for hours in the center of this very bed. I recall the devotion in her eyes as she curled up and spoke of her beloved family, and the ephemeral warmth of those iridescent ribbons—dancing and playful—a complete, natural extension of her.
