“What is that?” Cael asked.
“A relic of the Fallen Goddess that my father gave toyourfather. Claimed it could be used to call forth ancient monsters who watched over this world millennia ago. The Teles Chrysos believe he used it to summon the dragon.”
Cael’s brows furrowed. “How did the Teles Chrysos acquire it? I find it very difficult to believe my father would have lost or given away such a powerful object.”
“Could be because it doesn’t work,” Tristan said. “The rebels have played it many times over the centuries, all to no avail. There’s got to be another piece of the puzzle we’re missing. We thought maybe there’d be some information up at Stoneridge. Documents or details that Arran’s kept from when he captured the creature.”
Cael shot his friend a pained look. “If this task only endangered me, you know I would do it for you in a heartbeat, Tristan. But I’ve got more than just myself to consider right now.” Whatever Tristan heard in Cael’s tone inspired him to crouch down and place a hand upon his friend’s knee. “Xenia was gifted to my father. She’s his property now. A member of the human staff at Stoneridge.”
Tristan sucked in a sharp breath. “What? I thought she’d returned to the colonies.”
“She was supposed to,” Cael growled. “Brash little fool decided to take her chances on the continent instead. She was trying to get back to me. Ended up getting captured by a trafficker in Rhamnos who sold her to my fiancée’s father as a wedding gift for our family.”
“You’re getting married?” Tristan said, taken aback.
“Not if I can help it. Arran placed a tracking device in Xenia’s neck. She can’t leave the estate or remove it without it exploding. I need to find a way to get it out of her before I say my vows in a few weeks.”
“Why was she trying to get back to you? Did something happen between you two?”
“She’s everything I’m not supposed to want.” Cael exhaled a long sigh. “And everything I’ve ever needed.”
Tristan closed his eyes. “I know the feeling.”
“I will not leave her there alone with him. If we’re not able to remove the device, I’ll marry Elodie and convince her to stay at Stoneridge so I can watch over Zee. Protect her from my father and brothers.”
“And never have a chance at true happiness with her?”
“What the fuck else am I supposed to do?” Cael roared.
“There may be a way we can help. Trophonios is a leader of our movement. If you can get a sample device for him to study, he may be able to figure out how to deactivate it.”
Cael’s hope soared, even as shock stole through him. “Trophoniosis aligned with the Teles Chrysos?”
“Not just aligned. He’s practically the founder of this modern incarnation. Started reviving the movement just after the war. The things he’s been able to accomplish… Do you remember the elemental lightning magic Maksym possessed?”
“Hard thing to forget,” Cael said, the color draining from his features. “He took my wing.”
“Fuck,” Tristan breathed out. “Why didn’t you tell me, Cael? I’m so?—”
“It’s fine,” Cael said flatly. “I’m…dealing with it.”
I am in control of my happiness and my destiny.
Tristan cocked a skeptical eyebrow, but didn’t push.
“And I made him pay for it.” Cael rustled his sole wing, remembering how good it had felt to slice that Typhon broadsword through Maksym’s matte green wings as the fucker begged for mercy. At least, it had felt good in the moment. “Whatabouthis lightning magic?”
“The Teles Chrysos have discovered a way to bestow it upon Fae with human heritage. The Anointed, they’re called. A blessing from the Creator herself.”
“You worship the Creator now?”
Tristan darted his eyes to the open door of the chapel, ensuring that General Tanius wasn’t eavesdropping on their conversation. “I don’t fucking know. The things I’ve seen these past weeks, they’re certainly enough to make me question my faith in the High Gods, but… I don’t know.”
There was a weariness in Tristan’s words, along with profound grief.
Cael stood, and Tristan crumpled, resting his forehead on Cael’s shoulder as he spilled the story of Cassandra’s arrest, Ione’s reappearance, and his subsequent escape from Eamon. Plus, the rebellion’s ultimate goal: return the Crystal Throne to Tristan.
Cael tried not to let his confusion show as he awkwardly patted Tristan’s back. “And that’s…a bad thing?”
