CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

My summons had worked.

Kind of.

The goddess Penellaphe had not only spoken large portions of the prophecy, but she was also intimately involved with Holland, and Vikter Ward was, well, I wasn't quite sure exactly what he was other than the first viktor — those who guarded someone the Fates believed would fulfill some purpose or bring about great change. Even mortals bound to commit terrible deeds could end up with a viktor , as messed up as that was, but the Arae used them to aid without upsetting their precious balance.

I still didn't see how sending in a viktor didn't upset the balance. Seemed like a loophole large enough that an entire kingdom could fall through it.

They weren't Holland, but as Reaver—in his draken form—and I were led to a chamber in a wing of the palace opposite Ash's office, I doubted their visit was coincidental.

Iridessa brought us to the space near the chamber that Jadis had almost burned down—one I doubted had been used in decades. I couldn't help but think about how Ector used to keep them clean despite their lack of use so Eythos could be remembered.

I supposed hiring someone to keep them clean was a way we could honor Ector.

As Iridessa opened the double doors and then stepped aside, bowing toward me before taking her leave, I swallowed the knot of sadness before it could expand.

Two figures sat on the ivory-cushioned settee. The male viktor placed something dark and square onto the thin table behind him as they rose. I wasn't sure what it was, but my gaze immediately went to the goddess. It was impossible for it not to.

Penellaphe stood out in stark contrast to the bare shadowstone walls and sterile white furniture. Everything about her was vibrant. The gown reminded me of the blades of grass now growing in the Shadowlands. She had long, honey-hued hair and bronzed skin, and her sea-blue eyes were nearly the same as the man's who had traveled with her.

Ward appeared as he had when he placed the charm on me, like a mortal who had seen several decades. Sending Reaver, who had flown in behind me, a wary look, he moved to stand beside the goddess.

They both began to lower themselves into deep bows. "You don't need…" The skin below my ear began to tingle as I stared at the sandy-haired male. It happened so fast, I couldn't even stop it. Thoughts began to form, coming together to answer what I hadn't known moments before.

"You were created," I blurted out.

Penellaphe's head lifted slightly. "Excuse me?"

"Ward." I gestured at him. "The Ancients created you. I mean, you were once mortal, but when you died and the Fates rewarded you, they created something entirely new out of you."

"Er…" Penellaphe murmured, glancing toward where Iridessa and Rhahar stood.

Ward's bowed head muffled his cleared throat. "Yes, that is correct."

That was also basically what they had told me, but there was more. The viktors were something otherworldly, like the riders, neither god nor mortal, alive nor dead. But he was…he was different.

I walked closer, focusing on him as Reaver landed on the low table between the settees. Eather hummed through me as I locked on Ward. Images formed in my mind. I saw…I saw glimpses of his many lives in the mortal realm. Him with his charges—those he was sent to watch over. But he was… "You were never reborn."

Ward's head jerked up then, his gaze finding mine and not moving away as if he'd been snared.

"The other viktors are reborn, but not you. Because you were restored by an Arae. Your lives in the mortal realm are fabrications. Convincing ones. You learned to live many lies, and you never lost your memories. And you're old. Older than some of the gods." Images and words flashed in my mind, coming so fast it was hard to make sense of them, but I saw him when he was mortal. "It was many centuries ago, and you were with a woman—a pregnant woman, not of noble birth. Her name was…" I frowned. "Phena?" That didn't sound right as I stopped in front of him. I lifted my hand, and before I even knew what in the world I was doing, I touched his cheek—

In my mind, I saw a woman with pale hair and a freckled, heart-shaped face. A woman who eventually gave birth to—

"Ronan," I whispered, jerking my hand as I took a step back. My heart thundered. Reaver unfurled his wings, lifting his head as he let out a low, deeper call. "Ronan Lesly." I sucked in a sharp breath, recognizing that surname. "There's no way…"

"I can explain," Ward said, straightening. "Or at least try to."

Unable to speak, I nodded for him to continue.

A heavy sigh left him. "Many, many years ago, when I was mortal, a Queen of a fledgling kingdom—"

"The Vodina Isles," I cut in.

He nodded. "The Queen knighted me, and I pledged to protect and serve her. I did so without hesitation," he said, his throat working on a swallow. "But her marriage was one of convenience. One to strengthen ties with other kingdoms. However, the King was already in love with another. A daughter of an aging bookkeeper. And the Queen was aware. She had her own…" Flushing at the throat, he glanced at Reaver. "She had her own suitors, but everything changed when a babe began to grow in the mistress's belly—one who was the illegitimate child of the King of Vodina . The Queen had yet to provide an heir, so she ordered the death of her husband's mistress and, therefore, their unborn child—unfortunately, something common in that time."

Knowing what had eventually become of the Vodina Isles, I imagined it was still common, but it didn't make much sense to me. "Why? It couldn't have been due to any fear that an illegitimate child would have some sort of claim to the throne."

"She feared she would be unable to produce an heir," Ward explained. "And yes, even if that were the case, an illegitimate child would still have no easy road to the throne. But it was more than that. It was an order born not of unrequited love but the desperation and fear of being tossed aside."

"Gods," I muttered, feeling just a tad bit sorry for the woman. If she hadn't been able to provide an heir, her fear would have likely come to fruition. Many kingdoms still operated that way to this day. It was a whole lot of patriarchal bullshit.

Bullshit that I could change, couldn't I?

I was pretty sure I could, but that was neither here nor there at the moment. "What happened?"

Ward's chin lifted. "As a knight, I'd delivered my fair share of death, but not to women and children. Others she could've gone to would have no such qualms. So the short of it is, I committed treason. I went to the bookkeeper's daughter, warned her of the threat, and protected her until the babe was born. But she was…unique for the time. She had no interest in simply being protected. She wanted to learn how to ensure her own safety. I taught her how to do just that."

"You succeeded."

Ward nodded.

"The Queen learned of your betrayal," I guessed.

"She did," he said. "The babe survived, and so did the mother. That was all that mattered."

"I don't think that is all that mattered," I said.

"But it was," Ward insisted. "For the bookkeeper's daughter eventually became Queen of Vodina ."

My head cocked. "What happened to the first Queen?"

"Knowing the Queen would not stop until her child was dealt with, the bookkeeper's daughter slipped into the palace one night and…well, no one knows exactly what transpired. But come morning, the Queen was dead."

"Gee," I murmured. "I wonder what happened."

"I believe I may have been too successful in my training." Ward grimaced, causing the faint lines at the corners of his eyes to deepen. "Either way, the bookkeeper's daughter was the first non-noble to be placed on the throne. Her son, Ronan, eventually ruled Vodina , and the throne passed down through the family for centuries. It was the bloodline Ronan's birth began and then ended with—"

"With the last King Lesly, who only had a daughter. A princess married to…" I swallowed, unable to say it because it was too unbelievable. "After the marriage, King Lesly was overthrown by the Lords of the Vodina Isles, and a new King was installed."

"That is what I heard." His eyes searched mine. "You know who that princess was? Who she became?"

"I do," I said, my voice hoarse. "My mother."

"But you're wrong about the name of Ronan's mother. She was called Phena," Ward continued after a moment. "But that was a pet name the King called her. Her full name was Seraphena . Your namesake."

I knew this. I'd seen it. Heard it. But still, my eyes closed tight. It took me several moments to speak. "I…I didn't know that my mother had named me after her great…whatever."

"Then she did not tell you what Seraphena became known as?"

I gave a curt shake of my head and opened my eyes.

"The Silver Knight," he said. "The warrior Queen who fought alongside her husband and her people in battle. Her name, even now, is synonymous with honor and duty. A name that was never repeated throughout the annals of time until Calliphe , the once Princess of Vodina , named her only daughter such." A faint smile appeared. "And that is why I was rewarded all those years ago. By saving her and Ronan, I ensured that another bearing her name would eventually be born—one that would usher in great change."

Pressing my hands to my sides, I tried to speak but didn't know what to say.

I was shocked and wasn't sure which was more confounding. That Ward had become the first viktor because he'd saved my ancestor, ensuring that I was born generations later? Or that my mother had named me after someone who had clearly been a badass.

A murderous badass.

But the other Queen kind of had it coming.

"May I rise now?" Penellaphe asked.

"Oh, gods," I gasped. "Yes. I'm sorry."

"No need to apologize." Penellaphe straightened, smoothing her hands over the waist of her gown. "I see the Primal foresight is developing in you."

"When it wants to." I glanced at Ward. "I feel like I should thank you."

A faint smile appeared on his weathered face. "There is also no need for that. It's not like I knew what would come of the act. I just did what I felt was right."

"So few people do that," I murmured, thinking about…well, myself.

Penellaphe smiled. "You may wonder why we've come, but I must say something first. Before you tried to summon Holland, I felt…a ripple of power. Of life ." She clasped a hand over her wrist. "I knew it had come from here, from you, so I expected something upon arriving. But I was still unprepared for what I saw here. I'm sure most people expect the Court ruled by death to be a dark and gloomy place, but that was never what the Shadowlands was. It's not what death is supposed to be. It has always been a place of beauty, even in its darkest corners. Part of me feared I would never see the Shadowlands as it was before." Her eyes glimmered, and her voice thickened. "But you restored it."

I didn't know what to say as I glanced between the two. Saying ‘ thank you ' felt weird. I shifted uncomfortably as Reaver watched me. "I just did what I felt I needed to," I finally said, clearing my throat. "And I didn't even know everything that would happen. I just wanted to restore the river." I cleared my throat. "Anyway, I assume Holland sent you?"

Penellaphe nodded. "He was unable to answer but hoped we may be of aid."

It was hard to extinguish the spark of annoyance and disappointment that Holland hadn't come himself, but Rhain would be proud to hear that I managed to find my manners. "Would either of you like something to drink?"

"That would be much appreciated," Penellaphe answered. " Shadowstepping always makes me quite thirsty."

"And me nauseous," Ward remarked.

"I will make sure refreshments are sent," Rhahar announced and bowed curtly.

"Thank you."

The god turned, looping an arm around Kars. The godling was immobile, staring wide-eyed at Ward. Sending me a wink, Rhahar all but dragged Kars from the chamber as I wondered about Kars' reaction to Ward. It was a little odd.

As the doors clicked closed behind us, I faced the two. Both remained standing. I swallowed a sigh. "You can sit if you want."

"Thank you." Penellaphe returned to the settee, and Ward joined her. "I know there must be something you wish to know, but I need to ask how you are doing first."

"Other than being slightly unprepared for my new…place in things?" I said as I moved to the settee situated across from them. Sitting, I patted the cushion beside me. "I am well."

"That's a relief," she said, the corners of her mouth tightening. "I heard you met with Kolis."

"News travels fast," I drawled.

"Well, I overheard Embris speaking of it," she said, and as Reaver hopped over to the settee, I saw the shadows in her gaze. The same haunted look I saw in Aios's eyes when she spoke about Kolis. "I do not imagine that was easy to do."

"It isn't something I care to repeat," I said. "Did Embris tell you the details of my meeting with Kolis?"

"Only that he was confident Kolis could quell any notion of an uprising."

I arched a brow at that. "He offered me a deal," I told her, then shared what I'd offered in exchange. It felt right. Kolis had also held Penellaphe . She was another who likely wanted vengeance. "Negotiating with Kolis is the last thing I want to do, but if there's a small chance we can prevent a war…"

"Then it is a chance that needs to be taken," Penellaphe finished. "An attempt for peace must always be tried."

Relieved, I nodded. "By the way, did you know this was possible? My Ascension?"

"I'd hoped Nyktos would find a way to ensure you lived while also keeping Kolis from achieving what he wanted. But did I know? No. There has never been a Primal who was born mortal," she answered. "I still hoped, even after learning that Nyktos had his kardia removed, that you two were destined. Fated."

"Heartmates," I said as Reaver settled onto his belly.

"Yes. It is the only way any of this is possible." She smoothed a strand of hair back and tucked it behind her ear. "And if Holland knew, it's not something he shared with me. He wouldn't have been able to, even if he wanted to."

I wasn't so sure about that. "I know what the Fates are. They're Ancients," I said, scratching Reaver under the chin as I watched both Penellaphe and Ward closely. Neither showed even a flicker of surprise upon hearing that. "They made the rules."

"That doesn't mean they can break them, Your Majesty," Penellaphe countered quietly.

"And who would punish them for doing so? Who could stop them from changing the rules?" I countered. "And please, call me Sera."

Ward cracked a grin as he leaned back. "If you only knew how many times I have asked these same questions."

"Likely as many as I did when I first got to know Holland," Penellaphe said. "It took many years for me to understand what truly occurred when they created the Primals to establish the balance of power. In doing so, certain rules were established. Ones forged in the very essence that fills the realms. Rules that became the air that is breathed, the water that is drunk, and the fruits of the soil that is harvested. When those rules are broken, the realms know . I had to see that for myself to understand."

I thought of what Aydun had said about the realms restoring balance, and a sense of knowing filled me. "When Kolis stole the embers…"

She nodded. "It wasn't the Arae who acted to restore balance. The very essence itself did."

The thought of the air around us consciously acting on its own sent a chill skating down my spine as I heard footsteps approaching the doors, ones carrying an uneven gait. A moment later, a soft knock followed.

"Come in," I called.

One side of the door inched open as Pax entered with a tray held tightly between his hands.

"Paxton." I rose, a smile spreading across my lips.

"Your Majesty," he said quietly, his voice carrying notes of the most northeastern kingdoms in the mortal realm. He halted to give me a quick bow. "I have refreshments."

I started to move toward him and take the tray, but Reaver nudged my hip. When I glanced down at him, he shook his scaled head.

Paxton approached. "Arik put some sugar and creamer in the little jars," he told us as he carefully placed the tray on the table, referencing one of the cooks who came to the palace during the day. "And added some soft biscuits he thought you all might like."

"Thank you." I sat.

He nodded. "Do you need anything else?"

"I think we're fine."

There was another quick jerk of his head, then Paxton straightened. He halted, lifting his chin just enough that I caught a glimpse of his brown eyes. "I didn't get a chance to speak to you this morning, but it's good to see…" Pink crept across his lower jaw, and his head dipped once more. "That you are well."

"It's good to see you again," I said, hoping he knew I meant it as I lowered my voice. "I can't wait to see if I can heat water with just a touch of my fingers now. I'll be sure to let you know."

Through the thick strands of hair, I saw his lips curve. "Okay."

Grinning, I watched him make his way out to where Iridessa and Rhahar waited. As the doors closed, I saw Iridessa tousle the boy's already messy hair.

"He's mortal," Ward noted.

"He is." I picked up the pitcher and poured the steaming liquid into three cups.

Curiosity filled Ward's features as he helped himself to some plain tea. No sugar. No cream. He seemed like the type. "How did he end up working in the home of a Primal of Death?"

"He was orphaned and living on the streets, pickpocketing to survive." Lifting one of the lids, I used the small spoon to scoop up some sugar. "Which was how he met Nyktos ."

Penellaphe's brows rose as she went for the creamer. "He attempted to pick Nyktos's pocket, an actual Primal of Death?"

"Yes." I grinned.

"That is not something you hear often," Ward remarked, shaking his head as he lifted the cup. It was…charming to see such dainty teaware held in large hands.

"I imagine not." Taking a sip of the hot tea, I knocked my fangs against the cup in the process. I peeked over at Penellaphe and Ward to see if they'd noticed. Neither appeared to have seen, but Reaver eyed me far too closely for him not to have witnessed it. I sighed. "He's very shy."

"I could tell." Penellaphe sat back. "But you're very good with him."

I shrugged. "Did Holland know why I tried to summon him?"

She shook her head. "He had an idea that it might have to do with the prophecy. It is why he asked me to come."

"Of course, he did," I replied dryly.

There was a slight tightening to the corners of her mouth. "May I be frank?"

"Sure." I offered my cup to Reaver, and he turned his entire head away. Apparently, he didn't like tea.

"You seem angry that Holland didn't answer," she stated.

Catching her sharp tone, I arched a brow. "I was under the impression that the true Primal of Life could summon the Fates and they would answer."

"They do when there is reason to," Ward said.

"You mean having a question is not a good enough reason?" I clarified.

"What Ward means is that there has to be a purpose, one with meaning beyond a personal need," Penellaphe explained. "You summoned Holland when you could have summoned any Fate. If Holland had answered, it could've been seen as him showing you favor."

My eyes narrowed. So, if I had summoned any old Arae, could he have answered? "That is…"

"Ridiculous?" Penellaphe finished for me, taking a sip of tea. "Yes. I agree. But he wanted to. Truly."

She tipped her body toward me, holding the teacup level to her chest. "He would be here if he'd been sure that answering your summons would not have caused any issues."

"Then why didn't he broker the meeting between Kolis and me?" I asked. "It was Kolis who summoned the Arae."

"You know he's walked a fine line with you. The others know this, too." A look of sympathy crossed her features. "He's very fond of you, Sera, and he was overjoyed when he learned of your Ascension. It brought him to tears."

My gaze fell to the muddy tea as I rubbed my thumb along the smooth porcelain. I pressed my lips together. The sharp sting of my fangs against the insides of my lips was nothing compared to the burn in my throat. I already knew why Aydun had been the one to handle Kolis and me. I was being a brat, but anger was a much easier emotion to deal with than disappointment and sadness. Still, Holland…well, despite the secrets he'd kept, deserved better from me.

"I know that he cares for me. It's just that…" The drink of tea I took did little to soothe the burn. "He feels like he's part of the family I had from my life before. And I…I miss them. I miss him." Shaking my head, I glanced up. The sympathy in both their stares made me want to throw myself behind the settee. "Okay. Enough of that." I blew out a long breath. "I learned something about the prophecy while I was in Dalos ."

Penellaphe blinked a few times. "From Kolis? I'm not sure what he could've said. He had no knowledge of my vision before—"

"He lied," I stated bluntly, causing Penellaphe to jerk. "Kolis knew about the prophecy before you saw it. He just didn't want you to know that."

"I…I don't understand." Penellaphe lowered her cup to the saucer she held. "How is that possible?"

"It would only be possible if another had seen it before you," Ward surmised, squinting. "Someone who, conveniently, was unable to speak of it."

"But why would he act as if he had no understanding of my vision?" she asked, twisting toward Ward. "Why would he question me incessantly about what I saw—?" The cup she held rattled against the plate. "Every little detail?"

"He wanted to make sure you didn't know the complete vision," I told her. "And it was good that you didn't. Ward is right. I got the impression that others knew of it and might be no more, including the last oracle born. And Eythos ."

Eather pulsed behind her pupils. "Wait. Are you saying there was more to what the Ancients dreamt?"

"According to Kolis, there is." I took a drink of the tea and then leaned forward, placing the cup on the table. "He claimed there were three parts—a beginning, a middle, and an end. The first part was what you know. The desperation of golden crowns and all that. I don't remember it word for word."

"I do. I'll never forget it," Penellaphe whispered, clearing her throat. "From the desperation of golden crowns and born of mortal flesh, a great primal power rises as the heir to the lands and seas, to the skies and all the realms. A shadow in the ember, a light in the flame, to become a fire in the flesh." She exhaled raggedly as she stared, her eyes unfocused.

"When the stars fall from the night, the great mountains crumble into the seas, and old bones raise their swords beside the gods, the false one will be stripped from glory until two born of the same misdeeds, born of the same great and Primal power in the mortal realm. A first daughter, with blood full of fire, fated for the once-promised King." She cleared her throat.

"And the second daughter, with blood full of ash and ice, the other half of the future King. Together, they will remake the realms as they usher in the end. And so it will begin with the last Chosen blood spilled, the great conspirator birthed from the flesh and fire of the Primals will awaken as the Harbinger and the Bringer of Death and Destruction to the lands gifted by the gods. Beware, for the end will come from the west to destroy the east and lay waste to all which lies between."

Another chill curled its way down my spine, raising the small hairs on my nape. " There is another part," I said. "A part Kolis claims is the end of the vision. It's about the one born of blood and ash, and the bearer of two crowns. I wish I remembered it exactly, but the title I was given was included in that part. The part about being bathed in the flames— "

"Of the brightest moon . " Penellaphe stood suddenly. " Keella ."

Reaver lifted his head, watching the goddess as I frowned. "What?"

"It was something she said during your coronation." Penellaphe bent, placing her cup and saucer on the table. "She reacted strongly to the title Nyktos gave you, especially the brightest-moon part."

I stiffened, remembering they had been sitting together during the coronation. "She inquired about that when she approached us, asking why he had chosen that."

"Clearly, that part references you. The bearer of two crowns," Penellaphe stated. "The rightful heir to Lasania , and you as the Consort."

"That's what Kolis believes."

"Is there more?" Ward asked, his forehead creased.

"Yes, and it's pretty…creepy." My fingers pressed into my knees. Closing my eyes, I concentrated hard on what Kolis had said. "Great…great powers will stumble and fall. Those left standing will tremble as they kneel, will weaken as they become forgotten. For finally, the Primal rises, the giver of blood and the bringer of bone, the Primal of Blood and Ash . " I opened my eyes. "That's not the whole thing exactly, but it's the general gist of it."

Penellaphe stared at me, her lips parted. For a moment, I wasn't sure if she breathed.

"He thinks it's talking about him," I continued. "That he will make the great powers stumble and fall as he rises as the Primal of Blood and Bone."

Penellaphe continued to stare.

"Are you all right?" Ward asked, touching her arm. A moment passed before she nodded. "Then can you sit?"

Her gown billowed around her as she did as he asked.

"And maybe speak?" I added. "You're starting to make me nervous."

Penellaphe blinked rapidly. "He…he says that's the end of the prophecy?"

"Yes."

Her hands curled into tight fists as strands of eather lashed through her eyes. "He's wrong."