The captain steps forward, his face grim, “Yes,Telae?”
“Send a message to Atlas.” The words taste like ash in my mouth. “Tell him I wish to meet.”
“Meet?” Winlow’s eyes widen. “With respect, after what’s done –”
“I need to look into his eyes,” I say, cutting him off. “I need to know how far this goes, what promises have been made.” Another soul passes through me, and I flinch. “And I need to stop this slaughter.”
Winlow hesitates only a moment before bowing. “As you command. Where shall I say you wish to meet?”
“Doorway of Aka. Three moons' time.”
Winlow nods, his armor clinking softly as he bows again. "It will be done." He turns and leaves, the door closing heavily behind him.
As soon as he's gone, I sag against Thesix, the facade of strength crumbling.
"You can't meet him," Thesix says, his voice tight with fear. "Not after this."
"I have to." I look up at him, tracing the worry lines etched around his eyes. "Don't you see? If Khaysus has reached through to Atlas, to give him the power of flame ..."
"Then nowhere is safe," Thesix finishes, his arms tightening around me.
Another wave of souls washes through me, and I bite back a cry. These are different—terrified, confused, their passage violent and unexpected. More villagers falling to Atlas's newfound power.
"I created this world to escapehim," I whisper. "I crafted each soul with such care, such love. And now ..." I trail off, the weight of my failure crushing me.
Thesix cups my face in his hands. "This isn't your fault."
But it is. Atlas is my creation. And somewhere in his making, I must have left a door open—a vulnerability Khaysus could exploit.
"If I meet with Atlas, perhaps I can reason with him," I say, though even to my own ears, the words sound hollow. "Find out what Khaysus has promised him."
"And if you can't?"
I meet his gaze, the answer burning in my throat. "Then I'll have to unmake what I've created."
eight
Pitongi of The Lunar Year 3302
The sun dips low on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the waters breaching out from the sands in front of us. The Doorway of Aka was created when I created Midaeliea. Once there were too many here who dared to argue, and so more space was needed. Made of white stone with symbols and Antihana language to help imbue it with the transportation method between the two.
My heart races as I step closer, the soft sound of waves lapping against the shore. Thesix walks beside me, his presence an evercalming force against the storm I know is coming. I glance at him, his blue eyes giving me reassurance. I take a deep breath, grounding myself as he takes my hand, squeezing it gently.
The air thickens between us as Atlas appears on the opposite side of the Doorway, stepping through from Midaeliea with arrogant confidence. His silver crown remains atop his head, as if he truly intends to rule Ashonera alone. But it’s the woman that steps through to stand beside him that sends ice through my veins.
Her hair no longer flickers with living flame but shines bright red against her honey-beige skin. But I would recognize those amber eyes anywhere.
“Hello again, Drahenå.” Her voice carries across the beach.
I feel Thesix tense beside me, his hand tightening around mine.
“Didn’t realize Khaysus gavetoneossuch status, Kya.” I say. “Last I saw you were on his lap as an accessory.”
Her smile widens, sharp and predatory, never reaching her eyes. “Been a long time.”
“How are you here, Kya?” I demand, drawing myself to my full height, feeling the water respond to my rising emotions.
“Hesent me, of course.” She examines her fingernails with affected casualness. “Can’t come himself yet … but soon. He’s currently–” She pauses, looking skyward as if searching for the perfect word, “– occupied at home.”
