During a Chosen’s ceremony, their blood relatives were required to be given to the Astrals. It was the ultimate sacrifice that Chosens needed to make: to forfeit all ties to love and family. In return, the act of sacrifice fueled the Astrals’ divine power.
I had no family to sacrifice for my trial, which wasn’t uncommon, especially in a world where natal dates could divide a family and distant relatives remained unknown. Witnessing the sacrifices each year—no matter how willing they were—unsettled me more than I’d imagined.
“Figured I’d try.” Alekko shrugged. “I forget you dislike anyone who doesn’t have wings or hooves.”
Even on the Martial Isles, Alekko had encouraged me to engage more with our peers. I never understood his motive. Friendships didn’t come naturally to those who preferred the company of their own mind, and they served no purpose in this exploitative world.
I tapped my boot. “That can’t be the only reason you’re here.”
“Always to the point.” His brows lowered. “I wanted to fill you in on my debrief today.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “I heard everything.”
“We are to execute the apostate the day after next,” he said, ignoring me. “His body will then be dropped to the Barrier like the others.”
“The mark needs to be studied,” I said. “If it’s related to the apostai, it could be our key to finally infiltrating them.”
“I know.” Alekko scratched his neck. “I insisted on its potential significance. She doesn’t believe it’s credible yet.”
“Let me guess, becauseIsuggested it?”
Alekko gave me a knowing look. “I’m willing to take it seriously, even if she’s not. Felaf confirmed she saw it too. If it is only visible to guardians, we’ll ensure one of you has eyes on every prisoner going forward to see if you’re right. Maryn will have no choice but to be on board.”
“But we’ll need tostudythem, not interrogate them and throw their decapitated bodies to the Barrier.”
“One step at a time, Raithe. She’ll come around.”
He was always so damn hopeful. “And the ceremony tomorrow?”
“We’ve secured the perimeters. Vesperah’s guards are posted within the specified radius of the temple. The apostai would be stupid to try anything.”
“Just because you all believe Cyrene will break the curse tomorrow, it’s unwise to make such assumptions. They wantus to presume that all they care about is chaos and destruction.” I returned my attention to Cobalt, listening to the soothing noises she made as she grazed. Whatever mystery kept the apostai a secret from all twelve courts and their seers, I was determined to unravel it.
“They’re a mass collection of unhappy, disgruntled people who blame the Astrals for their bad luck and misfortunes,” Alekko said. “Violence is the only way they know how to express their frustrations. Sometimes, it is as simple as that.”
“Then how do you explain their ability to evade Blood Sight?” I asked pointedly. “In all our records, not even the toughest warriors of Aries have been able to break them. And the realm seems resigned to accept this.”
Alekko raised his hands. “I can’t explain any of it. That’s just the way it is.”
“It doesn’t have to be. This mark could be some sort of weapon they’ve developed. There are many things still unknown to us.”Such as a flower.
“You haven’t changed a bit,” Alekko said, shaking his head. “I bet you still believe you can read every book and learn every facet of history before you die.”
I didn’t bother to deny it.
Alekko chuckled. “Look, we are blessed to live in a time when war is nearly impossible thanks to the Treaty. My role as commander isn’t to lead armies; it’s to protect our queendom from these bastards as best I can. They have always existed, and they always will. Such is the way of our world.”
“Just because war hasn’t happened since the first Age doesn’t mean war can’t ever happen again. The Treaty can only keep power-hungry people like the King of Aries in check for so long.”
Alekko whistled lowly. “Still the same idealistic pessimist.”
“And you’re still the same hopeless optimist.”
He clasped my shoulder. “A miracle our friendship’s lasted this long, hm?”
“Friendship?”
“It’s been nice talking to you again,” he said, completely disregarding my scowl. “Even though it’s like talking to a brick wall most of the time. I’ve been meaning to say that I know it’s been hard on you, since Hector died last year?—”
