Slowly, I open my mouth. “Love has not come easily for me. I loved my brother the best way I knew how, and I fell in lovewith Teo like one might fall over a cliff. Letting them in has caused me to be vulnerable. The thought of being powerless to prevent harm from befalling those I love, of being unable to stop the darkness from spreading—that is what truly terrifies me.”
I gaze into the depths of Endu's sapphire eyes.
Endu’s eyes gleam, as if he understands the depths of that fear. "That is a noble fear rooted in the vulnerability of your heart."
The god is pleased; I can feel it in my bones. “Your human goddess seeks to free herself, child. Just as you were bound, so is she. She has guided your steps and made you a catalyst. When I give you the artifact, make friends with my rival’s offspring. Fell the giant king. Free your people in the name of your goddess—Ashra.”
The name lights up my entire body, and the magic holding me in place eases.
“What binds a god?” Teo demands. His face flickers in and out, as do the other men as my eyes open and close.
“A dark magic hidden since the beginning of time. I cannot say more.”
“She isn’t the only one bound. What of Abhartach, god of these cold creatures that attack us?” Teo asks. “Is he some vengeful lover?”
Endu looks down at him, but shakes his head. “That thing should have nothing to do with the humans. Do not confuse a goddess with a demon, child.”
Teo is silent, but Endu flits his gaze between Teo and me. “Your mate is strong, much like you, Light Weaver. It makes me miss my sweet Grutabela. It will be long before she sings to me from the heavens.” He dips his chin to Teo. “Forgive my harsh tone. The one whose name you invoke is still bound; there is little reason to worry over that demon.”
“So he is indeed a demon and not a god?” Teo calls.
Endu nods. “Yes.”
I tread in the water, my restraints now gone. “I have spoken truth to you. Release me, and give us the orb,” I say, with bravery that doesn’t reach my heart.
He smiles. “I am a god of my word.” Then he reaches into his chest, scraping and opening up his holy body to withdraw a small orb hanging from a chain.
Thorne gasps.
“That is it?” the elf asks.
Endu lets it drop. “Yes, Child of Doros. Take it back to your people, and be allies with my children again. Before you leave, I will give you one last gift.”
The god raises his own hands, and the song in my chest bursts forth, resonating through the walls of the crevasse. The echoes of the melody fill the space, blending with the light that radiates from Endu. I feel a surge of power coursing through me, connecting me to the very essence of the gods. It's a moment of pure magic, where time seems to stand still and the world narrows down to just me and the divine presence before me.
When the song ends, I feel different.
More.
“What have you done to her?” my mate demands as I sink into his arms.
Endu’s glowing eyes take him in. “I have touched her heart and purified it. It is an offering to Ashra for letting her children mate with mine and salvage your futures. A token of gratitude.”
The water around us vibrates in time with immense energy, one that I have never felt so acutely before. My suit finishes cracking down the middle, and I scream, clawing at Teo’s chest.
“I will send you back to your home, Daughter of the Light Weaver. These waters are too deep for your small mortal form.”
The light in my chest flashes. A strong burst of energy drops us off in the Parting Cave. I cough, spitting up seawater, andfind my suit completely gone. My fingers tighten around a hot orb.
TheCumhacht na Cruinne.
It is solid yet pliable. Its pulsing energy is the only sound that accompanies it.
Someone slips it out of my hand as everything fades to black.
Chapter 35
Nuummite
