It is no wonder the true gods are stirring.
“I suppose you’ve got me there.” Mirroring her expression, I continued. “So… What is your name?”
“Sorva,” she replied lustfully, as if her influence would somehow entrap my mind like she had everyone else’s.
“Right,Sorva.Tell me, would you leverage the fragility of humanity to your advantage, to seek the world you are wishing to create, even if it meant destroying everything else in the process?”
“I believe you know the answer.”
Shrugging, I kept my demeanor casual. “I suppose I do. But if that were the case, that would inherently place you in a position of malice, which isn’t divine. Am I wrong?”
“You certainly aren’t,” she grinned, as if my prodding was enthralling her.
“So, if you aren’t the gods we should be worshipping, if youridour world of them, then what are you exactly?”
The merriment of her expression vanished, a darkness taking over. “Do you truly believe you are wiser than adeity?Did you think you would be able to manipulate me into giving answers simply because you share blood with a god?” She huffed, pivoting on her heel as she lifted one finger. “You may be the son of Elaros, Caspian Vayne, but your father is only as strong as his other half. A piece of himself that he will never find again. And as much as I would love to enlighten you on the tales of that war, we are leaving.”
“You’re the son?—”
Cutting Saphhira off, the goddess spoke once more. “Your… significant other should be on the shore awaiting your arrival. I would suggest running to her if you wish to lay claim to your prize.”
The pressure pinning me to the ground lessened, and I drew in a steadying breath. Planting my palm against the cobblestone street, I pushed myself up. Once standing, I offered one glance to Sapphira before following the sinister being to the ship and back to Serevalen—to King Marellan, to my old life.
“You'd better hide, Saph, because as soon as I have the opportunity, I will hunt you down. There is no happily ever after in your story anymore, not when you’re the reasonthisall happened. Not when yourobbedme of my fucking freedom.”
CHAPTER 42
The God of Luck
ALASTAIR
Hues of vibrant orange and goldish yellow bloomed as fires devoured a handful of buildings in Veilmar. Just as quickly as the commotion had died down, it returned tenfold, townsfolk running, screaming, and begging for someone to put a stop to the atrocity.
With the rainfall subsiding, its aid in taming the flames had vanished. Each inferno grew with lashing intensity. Determined to destroy whatever they touched, tendrils of annihilation spooled from each blaze, crawling with predatorial lethality. They devoured stone and brick alike, swallowing structural members and frames with sickening ease.
The sight of decimation confirmed the king’s hand: no matter if a treaty were in place, he would break the terms if it meant getting what he wanted.
Caspian Vayne.
Rushing toward a collapsing storefront, I ripped a woman and her child from where they stood. With one strong yank, I sent the three of us stumbling just as the building fell and crushed the spot they’d been seconds prior.
“By the grace of Ellira!” I shouted, turning toward the two lives I’d saved. “Do you have a fucking death wish?—”
Familiar sapphire eyes met my stare, a life of hardship lingering in her watering gaze. Bottom lip quivering, she cupped her hand around the back of the young boy’s head as if the action would grant them both comfort.
She nipped at the corner of her mouth in an attempt to steel herself before she spoke. “O-Our livelihood…”
I glanced over my shoulder at the structure she referenced before turning back to offer her a saddened smile. “Believe me, I understand all too well. And while you may have lost one thing, you kept what matters more, what is irreplaceable. This little boy’s life, along with your own.” Reaching forward, I waited for her to retreat. When she didn’t, I squeezed her arm. “Starting fresh is never easy for anyone, and I can speak to that statement confidently. But you’re alive and well, on an island where family reigns and where the people will, without question, aid you.”
“Mama,” the child stated, with admirable strength. “The pirate is good. That is what the sea says. What thetruegoddess speaks.”
The woman blinked, partially stunned by her son's statement. “I–I don’t know what to say…”
With a soft grin, I bobbed my head. “What the boy claims is true. Have faith in the old gods, for they never truly left.” Brushing my thumb over her shoulder in an attempt to offer solace, I pulled away slowly. “Now go help your neighbors. These fires will not take everything.”
Pivoting on my heel, I moved away from them. Not even four steps into my stride, she called after me, “What are we supposed to do with the coin you gave me?”
My shoulders rose with a soft chuckle before I turned back toward her. “Use it to rebuild. There is enough in that pouch to accomplish such a thing, as well as a handful more. Take care.”
