Minutes pass as I stand motionless in the gentle sway of the tide. Then I feel it–a disturbance deep in the waters. A massive presence moving with grace toward the shore. The surface bulges many cubits away, and eight massive tentacles rise from the depths, each one thick as an ancient tree trunk and mottled with the iridescent hues. Thew?ngesklifts its massive head above the water, intelligent eyes the size of dinner plates fixing on me.
“You came,” I say, moving forward to place my hand against its slick, warm skin. Thew?ngesklowers a tentacle, gently curling it around my waist. “I created so few of you, knowing how powerful you would be. Too beautiful, too perfect to risk in great numbers and have you hide. I was worried you had forgotten me.”
The creature’s mind brushes against mine, not in words but emotions. Curiosity. Concern. Loyalty.
“So you know of the war then?” My voice breaks, as its tentacle tightens around me in agreement. “If I should die here, Atlas will march on to Antalis. The canals - they’re the city’s last defense. If they’re breached, the waters will rise and create a barrier no army can cross. There is one there, Winlow, who will know how to keep the people safe for months.”
Thew?ngesk’sskin ripples with understanding, its tentacles shifting in the surrounding water.
“I will need you to go to Antalis, old friend.” I continue placing both my hands against its massive head. “Protect the peoplethere. Break the canals when the attack begins. You’ll know if I fall.”
I press my forehead against the creature, as its tentacle tightens briefly around my waist before slowly unwinding. It backs away, its massive body slipping beneath the surface until only its eyes remain.
“Thank you,” I whisper, holding back a tear.
The creature disappears beneath the waves, leaving only expanding ripples as evidence of its presence. I stand in the water, feeling the pull of the tide against my legs, and consider Selene’s words again.
Creation as a weapon. Unmaking what has been made.
I lift my hands, water streaming between my fingers. For the first time since this war began, I feel the full weight of my power–not just as Drahenå, Queen of Antalis, but as the Goddess who created this world.
Atlas believes he fights against a queen, a woman. He has forgotten–or perhaps he never truly understood–what I am. I will not fight this war as I have been, I will fight it as the one who holds the power of unmaking in her hands.
twelve
Dawn breaks with the color of bruised flesh across the horizon. I stand at the edge of our encampment, my hair braided tightly against my scalp, battle leathers cinched across my body. The soldiers behind me move with quiet efficiency, their faces grim but dedicated.
“He’s coming,” Selene says, appearing at my side. Her golden armor gleams dully in the early light, freshly polished for what might be her ultimate battle.
I nod, feeling the weight of everything settle into my bones. “I know. I can feel him.”
The air has changed, carrying a metallic tang that has nothing to do with blood–not yet. It’s a scent of magic twisted. Atlas’s magic.
“The eastern flank is secured,” Selene continues. “Archers positioned along the ridge. Water reserves are full.”
“And Kya?”
“In position. Though, Drahenå, I still don’t trust –”
“I know,” I interrupt, my eyes fixed on the northern horizon where dust clouds have risen. “But she’s made her choice.”
The ground beneath us trembles, subtle at first, then growing. Birds scatter from the trees at the edge of the clearing, their panicked calls piercing the morning stillness.
“Drahenå,” Selene says, her voice dropping to a whisper.
I turn to her, taking her face between my palms. “Don’t. You will survive today, and be secured in knowing I have protected your family in Antalis, I have a plan in place for that.”
She nods, eyes glistening. “It has been my honor to serve you.”
“No,” I correct her, “it has been mine to be beside you.”
The trembling grows stronger, and now we can hear it–the pounding of so many feet marching in unison. The distant howls of creatures that should never have existed.
I release Selene and turn back toward the horizon, raising my arms. Water responds instantly, rising from the ground, from the air itself, swirling around me in concentric rings that pulse with my heartbeat.
“Sound the horns,” I command.
The deep call of battle horns splits the air, and my soldiers move into formation behind me. Three thousand souls–farmers, merchants, scholars, healers–all transformed by war into warriors.
