Page 2 of Claimed By the Depths

Jaskor sighed, running his shadow-dipped fingers through his hair. “You realize that the instant they are made aware of their ties to us, there is no turning back, right? They will be thrown headfirst into that prophecy, and there is no ounce of certainty that they will all survive.”

Throat bobbing, Ellira nodded. “Yes, I am aware.”

“As am I,” Elaros stated from her side. “We can no longer be selfish about the matter. Yes, the desire to protect our Children will always remain true, but we also have millions of lives to consider. With war on the horizon and the prophecy unfolding, our hands are tied. Especially with how efficiently the Others have rendered us powerless.”

“So we spool out information regarding the artifacts?” Seirdra questioned earnestly. “Where have you hidden yours?”

“The Sea bathes my trident.” Ellira peered up at the god she’d become fond of. “Elaros’s skull is waiting on an Isle.”

Jaskor blew out a breath. “In the wall of a ruined archive beyond a misted veil, the seven coins awaiting my Son’s hand are resting.”

“My fragmented mirror rests on a wall of royalty,” Seirdra cringed with the admission, her fingers drumming against the table as she awaited the final goddess.

“A vial of starlight rests in calm waters tucked in volcanic creations,” Ysalyne answered before continuing, “In knowing that, what of this other realm, or as you say, continent, Ellira? We would be well-acquainted if there were such a thing in existence, would we not?”

“Not when we are divided. The other aspect of ourselves carries that knowledge.” Ellira’s fingers drummed across the table. “Until we fuse, those memories, that power, and the overarching influence of our existence remain useless.”

“So we have to rely on our Children to get us there.” Seirdra shoved herself back, slouching in her chair. “Children who want one another dead.”

“The nuances of the human psyche are complex,” Elaros offered, turning his attention to the goddess whom he refused to part from. “Our Children are no exception. But with what the prophecy entails, it is only a matter of time. Once they uncover the depth of the power that awaits them and begin their search for the artifacts, it will grant them the answers they need. I am confident in that much. They are Mizani after all.”

Jaskor stood, brushing a hand down the front of his chest. “So we turn to the humans to revive our essences?”

“They aren’t merely human,” Ellira whispered, but the subtle smile growing on her lips did not contain an ounce of unease. No, it was confidence and pride—a knowing that the five Children stood a chance against the Others. “They are Divari.”

CHAPTER 1

Destroyer of Realms

CASPIAN

Iwas a sought-after man for countless reasons, and I knew it was only a matter of time before she joined the ever-growing list of those who wished to hunt me down. But, as she held me, the subtle tremor in her hands carried something other than lethality, and I couldn’t help but smile at the weakness she unknowingly displayed.

Rohen Levitte.

My little siren.

Her presence ignited my veins and my mind, burning away at the influence Sorva held over me. Even with her preferred dagger settled against the scar I inflicted upon myself—an area that I usually butchered people for touching—I found myself grounded by the steel she pressed to my throat.

Spiced citrus and nutmeg caressed my nostrils as I inhaled, my tongue running along my bottom lip before I spoke. “Missed me that much?”

Hold tightening on the blade, its sharpened edge nicked my flesh as she snarled, “I promised I would be the one to end you, did I not? Have you already forgotten about that night?”

My brand pulsed with unrelenting anguish at the question, and upon its arrival, that endless well of wrath opened to swallow my discernment. Threatening to devour me whole, just as it had the evening I nearly executed Alastair, every ounce of ire directed itself at her. As its fuming heat built, there was nothing more I wished to do than to wrap my hands around Rohen’s neck and watch the light vanish from her emerald irises.

Reaching up, my palm closed around her wrist with malicious calamity. “If you truly wished to kill me, then you would have slit my throat while you had the chance. Tell me, Levitte, why are you quivering when you desire to carry out such an execution?”

“I need answers.” With a forceful yank, she battled against my strength, trying to draw the weapon flush against my Adam’s apple once more. “You’ve been keeping secrets, Captain.”

“Have I?”

“Don’t play coy with me.”

“Coy? It was a simple question,” I crooned with a slight chuckle. “We all remain selective about which truths we share. You wish to feign innocence? Fine. Just let me remind you that I am not daft.”

“There is no form of utterance surrounding my hatred for you that aligns with a lie, nor is my longing to carve your heart from your chest a fib.”

“Ah, but your ability to dance around facts remains prominent. Might I remind you that your shaking hands state otherwise.”