Ruyn nodded. “If you can’t stand yourself, why should you expect anyone else to? And if you seek to cause harm to others, it will always return to cause harm to you.”
He was right about that.
“Take care of yourself, little brother. I hope we meet again.” And with that, he was gone.
While everyone slowly and nervously dispersed, Apollymi made her way toward Urian.
“How is your son, Strykerius?”
His father rubbed his back. “As well as can be expected.”
“He looks as if he needs to feed.”
Urian felt his face heat up at those words, given their personal nature. At least that was the one good thing to come out of his two marriages …
No one feared feeding him anymore. He now had women lining up to give him their blood.
Men, too.
And not just Davyn. It was actually quite disconcerting how many wanted a piece of him.
“I’m fine, akra.”
“If you have a moment, then, I should like to ask you about your attack.”
His father opened his mouth to protest, but Urian interrupted. “I’ll be fine, Solren. Just a moment.”
“Are you sure?”
He nodded.
His father reluctantly allowed Urian to follow Apollymi back to her palace.
She didn’t speak until they were alone inside the marbled walls and out of the sight of prying eyes. Then she turned to face him with a probing stare. “Was it Helios, as they claim?”
“It could have been. But in all honestly, the attack was swift and fierce. I barely saw it before I was down.”
She cursed under her breath. “Keep your eyes peeled, Urian. There is much danger around us. Already, I’ve found one traitor and killed them.”
“For Helios?”
She nodded. “He’s after your grandfather and Rezar.”
He scowled at her words. While he understood why the Titan sun god would want to kill Apollo, who’d replaced him—there was no one alive who didn’t understand and know about that grudge match—Rezar was different. One of the oldest primal gods, he should have the powers to destroy Helios. Why would the Titan be so stupid as to pick a fight he couldn’t win? “I don’t understand.”
“And it’s good that you don’t. That will keep you alive. Just know that if you hear anything more about Helios, bring it to me.”
“Always, akra.”
“Good. Now go.”
Urian started away, then hesitated. “Before I go, may I ask one thing?”
She arched a brow at that.
“The dragon who guards your garden?”
Her eyes flashed red. “You needn’t worry over her anymore. She’s no longer here.” And with that, she vanished.
