CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT

Only an hour or so past dawn, I'd woken to find Ash gone and suspected he had been at the Pillars since the fight in Vathi had fueled violent storms that swept through the mortal realm. The destruction and death weren't nearly as bad as they had been after Embris , but… Yeah, it was still bad.

And there was no guarantee that drawing Kolis out would prevent more destruction.

After eating a quick breakfast, I'd felt Ash's return and left to find him. On the way, I'd stopped by Aios's chambers and found Rhain there. I had a feeling he may have spent a decent part of the night watching over her.

"I didn't know what happened until Aios lit up with eather ," Rhain said, standing on the other side of Aios's bed. "Then I knew." He sighed, thrusting a hand through his auburn strands. "We all knew."

"I didn't know Maia well." Heart heavy, my gaze flickered over Aios's peaceful features as I toyed with the button on my vest. I wanted Bele to be here for her when she woke. "But I wish…"

"There was nothing either you or Ash could've done," Rhain was quick to say. "It wasn't like preparing Saion triggered Phanos into making his choice. There was no way he could've readied his armies and left the Triton Isles in that little time."

"I know." But I also knew that Keella's and Veses ' deaths, although for vastly different reasons, could've influenced what Phanos decided. It had been a risk, one we knew we were taking. I exhaled long and slow. "I didn't feel unrest in her Court. The attack must have been quick."

"Maia didn't have a large army," Rhain said. "Her forces would've been quickly overwhelmed."

I nodded, hoping that meant her death was as quick and painless as possible. We'd sent as many soldiers as we could spare to secure the Court, as did Ione, but from Nektas's quick flyover, we'd learned the capital was burning.

It felt like we were at war, even though it hadn't officially been declared. And maybe we were. Perhaps calling it a war didn't even matter. But I didn't know if we were winning or losing at this point. Yes, we'd taken Lotho , Sirta, the Callasta Isles, the entirety of Vathi, and once Kithreia was secure, it would be under our control, too. But we'd lost Maia and most of Veses ' and Kyn's soldiers.

"How's Attes ?" Rhain asked.

I shook my head. "I only saw him briefly when he returned with Nyktos late last night, but I imagine not good." I lifted my gaze to Rhain's. "I didn't want it to be him."

"I don't think Attes would've allowed it to be anyone but him."

My heart was even heavier because Rhain was right. Attes could've stepped back and allowed Ash to finish Kyn. He hadn't. To kill one's own brother? And a twin at that…

First, it was Kolis, and now Attes . Granted, it wasn't the same, but I knew this was something Attes may never truly get past, even if his twin was a grade-A asshole. In all honesty, Kolis hadn't. His grief and shame over killing Eythos had aided in him becoming what he had.

"Sera?" Concern tinged Rhain's voice. "Are you feeling unwell?"

His question pulled me from my thoughts. "Why do you ask?"

"You're holding your stomach."

I glanced down, and yep, my hand was pressed to my lower stomach. "Yeah." Dropping my arm, I cleared my throat and rose from the chair beside Aios's bed. "I'm going to check in with Nyktos . We should be meeting with the others soon."

"Sera," Rhain called. "Are you…?"

Stopping at the door, my stomach dipped as I met his stare. "What?"

He closed his mouth and shook his head. "Nothing." His attention turned once more to Aios . "I'll be down when we're ready."

I hesitated. Had he been about to ask if I was pregnant? I was probably jumping to conclusions, but we'd have to tell everyone sooner or later. I knew they would be happy, even Rhain, who I imagined would probably be more of a nervous wreck than me.

We would tell everyone once Kolis was dealt with, and it…it would be something to celebrate. We just had to get to that point.

I stopped on the second floor to check in on Lailah again. I had sat with her last night for a little while. I had no idea if she would be out longer than Aios since their Ascensions were different, and I hadn't been here when Bele rose as a Primal. As I neared the chamber, I felt a Primal nearby.

Cracking open the door, I saw that Lailah was still asleep. A chair was next to the bed that hadn't been there when I'd spent time with her last night. I leaned in a little farther, spotting a pair of dark boots tucked under the bed. I tilted my head, hearing the faint splash of water. Curiosity rose as I let my senses concentrate on the Primal presence.

Attes .

Nibbling on my lower lip, I stepped back and quietly closed the door. Normally, I wouldn't be too keen on the idea of him helping himself to the chambers Lailah was resting in, but I knew she was safe with him, and considering what he'd been through, I really couldn't make myself be angry at him.

I went downstairs, passing several guards in the foyer and main hall. They bowed in a wave along both sides as if their lives depended on it as Rhahar stepped out of the hall leading to Ash's office. "That's not necessary," I told them.

Rhahar's lips twitched as he pivoted on his heel and fell into step beside me. "It's charming how you keep telling them not to bow."

"At some point, I'm hoping they'll listen," I said, nearing the office.

"Or, at some point, you will accept how they choose to show you respect," he countered.

"It is unlikely either thing will happen," Ash's voice traveled from the office. He rose from where he was seated and stepped around his desk, the charcoal tunic he wore fitting the breadth of his shoulders to perfection. "Can you give us a moment, Rhahar ?"

The god nodded, closing the door behind me. Ash extended his arm. I crossed the chamber and placed my hand in his. He pulled me to his chest, dipping his head to kiss me. It was such a soft and tender thing, but it still left me a little breathless when our lips parted.

"Sorry I wasn't with you when you woke this morning." Ash smoothed a stray curl back from my temple. "I was at the Pillars."

I rested my hands against his chest. "That's what I figured."

"Did you eat breakfast?" he asked.

"Yes, and I drank juice, too." I paused. "A full cup."

Ash grinned, running the tips of his fingers down my cheek. "How were you feeling this morning? Any nausea?"

"None today."

"That's three days in a row," he said. "Hopefully, you won't have any more spells."

"I hope so." I breathed in his fresh, citrusy scent and nuzzled his chest, rubbing my cheek against him like a cat seeking…wait. I blinked, wondering if I was somehow developing the tendencies of my nota .

Man, would I start clawing up the furniture?

"Have you had a chance to check in with Aios or Lailah?" he asked, drawing me from my bizarre thoughts.

"They're both still asleep," I said, keeping Attes's current whereabouts to myself as I stepped back, smoothing my hands over the hem of my blouse. "I should probably go ahead and try to summon a Fate so we can get the others here." Attempting to set up a meeting with Kolis was the only way we'd be able to lure him out of whatever hole he'd crawled into.

Ash nodded as he turned to his desk, reaching for a pitcher on a tray. "I'm ready whenever you are."

Ash poured two glasses of berry-infused water, and I took a deep breath and cleared my mind. Unlike last time, I didn't think of Holland as I summoned the eather . "Fates," I said as the essence pulsed through me, reverberating through my voice. "I request a meeting with one of you." I paused and then tacked on a surly, "Please."

Ash snorted. "The please was a nice touch."

I grinned as I took the water from him. "I guess we just wait now."

He nodded, leaning against his desk as he eyed me. "You started to turn golden when you summoned the Fate. It was hot."

I rolled my eyes, sitting down on a settee.

"I haven't seen you go full Primal yet," he noted, taking a sip. "You were close to doing so when we were in the Callasta Isles."

I thought about that. "I think I may have done it when I was in Lasania ." My gaze fell to the violet-hued berries floating in my water. I cleared my throat. "But I really don't know what I looked like besides my skin kind of turning gold."

"I'm sure you were beautiful."

I smiled at that. Shortly after, Rhain, the cousins, and finally Attes joined us. There was no Fate among them, but the latter entered with wet hair and his features drawn into tight, somber lines. He dropped onto the settee across from me with a nod. I started to ask how he was but stopped myself as Rhain busied himself pouring drinks for everyone. I knew that I didn't like to be asked about my feelings, especially these kinds, particularly not in front of others.

I glanced around the office, growing impatient. Where was the Fate I'd summoned? Were they just taking their sweet time or ignoring me? I knew I hadn't done it wrong. Anxiety buzzed through me as I moved to the very edge of the settee.

"I think Aios will wake soon," Rhain stated as Ash moved to stand closer to me, picking up two of three glasses and handing them off to Saion and Rhahar before grabbing the third. "She was starting to move a little before I left."

"That's good," I said.

Ash nodded, his gaze straying to Attes . "Do you have any updates on the remainder of Kyn's army?"

He nodded, staring at the glass Rhain had given him. "When I went back early this morning, I was informed that about ten thousand surrendered," he shared stoically. "But their newfound loyalty to me isn't something I'm willing to trust in battle yet."

I hadn't known Attes had returned to Vathi. I must've been asleep when he left and returned.

"Understandable," Ash remarked.

"I assume we had defectors?" I said.

Attes nodded. "From what my generals could estimate, about ten thousand fell in battle."

"Good gods," I said.

His silvery gaze lifted to mine. "Yeah." His throat worked on a swallow. "That means roughly twenty thousand are likely fleeing to wherever Kolis is."

"That's disappointing to…" I stiffened, eather throbbing acutely in my chest. Awareness pressed down on me, alerting me to someone powerful.

Someone Ancient.

"What is it?" Ash asked.

"I think the Fate is here." I set the glass on the end table as everyone in the room went still. I rose, expecting a portal to rip open. When it didn't, my frown increased. "But I don't know where they are."

A second later, a knock sounded on the office doors. Six heads turned in that direction.

"Well, we know it's not Aydun since they actually knocked," I murmured.

Ash snickered at that, putting his glass on the table behind him. "Come in."

The door opened, and my mouth dropped open at who walked in. I almost couldn't believe that he had answered.

Holland stood near the pillars as the door swung closed behind him, dressed in white. We were all staring at him, but it was my gaze he held with those eyes full of stars and churning colors. I was in shock, unable to move or speak. He was the very last Fate I'd expected to show. Even though I had Ascended Penellaphe , something he had clearly appreciated, I figured I would likely never see him again. That he wouldn't want to see me again.

A fond, almost fatherly smile broke out across his handsome features, creating fine creases in his rich brown skin at the corners of his eyes. "Sera."

The sound of his deep voice—the familiarity of it and the kindness in that single word—did something to me.

Ash tensed as I jerked forward, almost as if he wished to stop me, but held himself back. I crossed the antechamber but stopped in front of Holland, a lump forming in my throat as we continued to stare at each other.

Without saying a word, Holland lifted his arms, and I might've thrown myself at him. A soft grunt turned into a surprised laugh as his strong arms wrapped around me, one hand folding over the back of my head.

A shudder went through me as I buried my face against his chest, my eyes squeezed shut.

"Well, that's not something you see every day," Attes drawled under his breath.

"I don't think you've ever greeted me in such a manner," Holland said, his voice low and rougher than normal. "Not since you were a child. I wasn't expecting that after…"

I inhaled deeply, soaking in the familiar scent of iron and earth. My thoughts felt a little bit messy. Even though I understood why, I was still angry with him for knowing that what happened in Lasania could've been possible and doing nothing, but I needed this hug from the man who was the closest thing to a father to me. I loved him, and gods, I was relieved to know that I still felt that way.

"I'm sorry," I whispered hoarsely. "I'm sorry for what I've done."

"I know, Sera." His embrace tightened, and I knew that he recognized what I was apologizing for. "I know."

Tears pricked my eyes as my fingers balled into the back of his tunic. "Do you…do you forgive me?" I asked, even though I knew I didn't deserve it.

"Oh, Sera." His chin lowered, and he spoke softly, "It is not my forgiveness you need, but you have it."

The breath I exhaled was ragged as I held on to him tightly. Slowly, I remembered that we weren't alone. Cheeks burning, I lifted my head.

Holland smiled and slid his hands to mine. He gently squeezed my fingers, and his stare lifted to where Ash stood, now only a foot behind me. "It is good to see you, too."

"Same," Ash replied with the level of enthusiasm Reaver had shown when speaking of practicing his letters.

"Ash," I hissed.

Holland chuckled, unbothered. "It's okay." With one last squeeze, he released my hands. "He has a right to be wary of my presence." Holland's swirling, odd but beautiful gaze moved over the others, who all remained transfixed where they stood. "Hello."

"Hi." Saion drew out the word while a pale-faced Rhain raised a hand in acknowledgment.

Attes lifted his glass in greeting. "I don't believe we've met."

"We have not," Holland replied. "But that is a good thing, is it not?"

My brows snapped together as Attes snorted.

Ash snaked an arm around my waist, guiding me back so he stood a hairsbreadth behind me once more.

I rolled my eyes, caught between being charmed and annoyed by him clearly stepping into his fierce protective mode.

Holland turned his attention back to me, his gaze briefly dropping to Ash's arm. The smile widened again as he refocused on me. "How are you feeling?"

"Good. I mean, I feel stronger than I ever have." I stared up at him, still somewhat shocked to see him and unsure how to answer. The last time we'd seen each other, well, it hadn't been the time to exchange pleasantries. "I'm still getting used to the whole foresight thing."

"It takes a while to grow accustomed to it, but you will soon truly be a know-it-all."

My laugh was shaky. "And here I thought I already was."

"So, I'm going to hazard a guess here and say you two know each other?" Attes stated.

I started to respond but stopped myself, unsure how much I could share.

"I've known Seraphena since she was a child." Holland clasped his hands behind his back. "I trained her."

"You…acted as her viktor , then." Attes studied Holland from over the rim of his glass. "Didn't know the Arae were allowed to get so hands-on."

"There is much we're able to do," Holland replied. "As you are well aware."

My gaze shot to Attes . The Primal had lowered his glass. Did he know what Holland truly was? Nektas hadn't said none of the other Primals knew, only that he remembered the Ancients more clearly than some of the oldest Primals .

"I wish I could linger, but doing so would likely draw the ire of the others." Holland cleared his throat, angling his body toward Ash and me. "You summoned a Fate?"

"That would be correct," Ash replied.

I shot him a sharp look of warning over my shoulder.

Ash ignored it. "We appreciate the fact that you knocked. The last one didn't."

"That would be Aydun you speak of," he replied. "He is not known for his decorum."

"I can't argue with that," I said. "We wanted to set up a meeting with Kolis."

Holland didn't even bat an eyelash. "When and where?"

"In the Bonelands ," Ash said, naming the one place closest to Oak Ambler without being an inhabited place in the mortal realm. "And as soon as possible."

Holland nodded as he clasped his hands together. "And the reason," he said, catching my gaze, "you want to give for the meeting?"

I caught on to what he was asking. He wanted to know what we wanted Kolis to believe. He asked for the lie. "We would like to make a truce."

One of the stars in his eyes brightened. "Is that so?"

I nodded. "If he agrees to meet with us, I'm willing to give him what he wants in exchange for coming to an agreement."

Holland's head tilted. "And do you request a Fate to moderate such a meeting?"

"No," Ash answered.

"Without a Fate present, there is no guarantee of nonviolence."

"We know," I said. Without a Fate present, we also wouldn't be obligated to make any deals that we would be held accountable for, which was the main reason we didn't want a Fate there. We had no plans to offer shit to Kolis. Besides, even if we were truly attempting to enter into a new eirini , I already knew Kolis would no longer just accept Sotoria's soul. He wanted our suffering. But I also knew he would do and risk anything to get his hands on Sotoria again. So, we were playing this game as dirty as he had because he would never see her again.

The way Holland's eyes glimmered told me he either suspected what we were up to or had already seen it all in one of those many threads. "That is all?"

I nodded.

"I will go to him immediately," he said. "I can't say how long it will take before he agrees."

"He'll agree," I stated.

Holland's gaze lowered with a sigh. "If you are speaking of Sotoria's soul, he will."

From the settee, Attes's lip curled. I stepped out of Ash's hold before the other Primal could say something that would add to his troubles. "I know you can't stay, but I…I wish you could."

That softness returned to Holland's features. "As do I."

"Before you leave," Ash said, "I do have a question about Aydun. He knew we had entered an eirini before but made no mention of that. Seems odd that he wouldn't have reminded Sera, especially considering she just rose as the Primal of Life."

Holland grimaced. "I wish I could say for certain why Aydun failed to mention it." Holland's gaze searched mine. "But he should have. I am sorry he didn't."

"It's not your fault." Something crossed my mind. He had mentioned inciting the ire of the other Ancients. My stomach pitched. "Will you get in trouble for answering the summons considering our history?"

The colors slowed in his eyes. "Some of the others were not pleased with my intention to do so, but if I were in the wrong, the realms would have prevented me from doing so. The others know this."

"I am never going to get used to the idea of the essence as some sort of living entity capable of critical thinking," I admitted.

"Interesting," Ash remarked, kicking off tiny warning bells. "If the others are aware of this, why would they still be unhappy with you answering the summons? It can't just be your history with Sera."

"That is…a complicated question." For the first time since I'd learned of Holland's true identity, he looked uncertain how to answer as he stared at Ash. "One that may have crossed your mind."

I turned to Ash, frowning. "What has crossed your mind?"

He folded his arms over his chest and eyed the Fate. "We have both questioned the methods of how the Fates right the balance."

"We have."

"As have I," Attes remarked. "If anyone cares to know."

"Well, I'm not sure I believe that it is always the essence itself intervening," Ash continued. "And I'm sure that is something you've thought."

I had, and it immediately made me think of that damn prophecy and what Keella had shared.

Ash smiled tightly. "We also know the only way Kolis ever had knowledge of The Star was because a Fate told him about it. Of course, it could have been done as it was suggested."

Delfai had mentioned that Kolis might have used someone the Fate loved to manipulate them into giving him what he wanted. That would be on par with Kolis's past behavior, but Ash was right. How the Fates—the Ancients —intervened often made no sense. Tension crept into my muscles. There were times when actions to right the balance almost seemed to be in Kolis's favor, creating another situation that would tip the scales again. Until recently, we didn't know why they would do that. Now, we knew they wanted to wake the Ancients—clearly, not all of them wanted that, but why would any of them want to do that? That was what Ash was getting at by his question to Holland.

I met the Ancient's stare. "We know why some of the Fates have been intervening. They want the Ancients to wake up."

As Saion let out a low whistle, Rhain looked like he might fall over.

"That is a question I cannot answer." Sighing heavily, Holland sat on the edge of the settee. "And not because I know the answer and cannot say, but because I don't."

"It wasn't a question," Ash pointed out.

Holland looked up. "You're right."

When that was all he said, I drew a hand over my face and briefly squeezed my eyes shut. I knew there were things Holland couldn't say, and I really had no idea how Penellaphe dealt with the vague non-answers. "So, theoretically, let's say someone out there wants the Ancients to wake. Why? Because they want to see the realms destroyed?"

"I don't think anyone wants complete and utter destruction—"

"Even if the destruction isn't complete, it will be damn near close to that," I cut in. I mean, look at what I did as a baby Primal.

"I know, but theoretically, some could view the Awakening as inevitable and seek to control it," he said, then shrugged. "Some could believe it is the only way to save the realms."

"Why would anyone theoretically think that?" Ash demanded.

"Perhaps those who have been in a deep sleep have lost some of their bitterness. It's hard to tell if that would be the case, but it's not impossible." Holland rested his hands on his knees. "And if not, theoretically, there could be a few who would see the Awakening as a restart."

"You mean a purge," Ash corrected.

"One where the numbers of mortals and even the gods are greatly reduced and far more manageable to be controlled," Holland finished.

"By the Ancients themselves," Ash surmised. "So, it's possible that some of the Fates want to return to the way it first was."

What Ash didn't know was that the Fates were the Ancients, which made his theory all the more plausible.

"Theoretically speaking, yes," Holland corrected, and I rolled my eyes. "And the way it first was, wasn't bad. Your draken can tell you that."

"Yeah, but look how it ended," Attes reminded him.

"I can't even fathom how any of the Fates would want this—would want to take this risk," I began.

"A theoretical risk," Holland tacked on.

I ignored that. "It's…" My eyes shot to Holland's. "It's Kolis, isn't it? All he has done, has caused. That is what they want to restart."

"Kolis's actions have cost the realms much," Holland stated quietly. "And it would take twice as long to undo what he has done."

"How would the Ancients' Awakening cost the realms less?" Rhain demanded. "They're beings of absolute power."

"And absolute power corrupts," I tacked on. "Just as it did before."

Holland nodded. "But those who do not seek power remain uncorrupted by it."

Ash huffed. "It's really that simple?"

"Yes." Holland looked at him. "Even though Primals are not absolute, the power you wield is enough to taint and infect. You both know that, but I do not fear that kind of power ever corrupting Sera."

I stiffened. "You know that's not true. It has."

Ash looked at me sharply, but Holland spoke before he could. "What you did in Lasania was not due to any corruption of power. It was pain, pure and simple. I do not fear corruption from you because you do not want power. You never have."

I shifted from one foot to the other. "That's true. It doesn't mean I won't be a…a more responsible Primal of Life," I quickly added as I glanced at Attes and the others. "But I am better suited to be in battles than I am to decide them."

"It's not a question of you being better suited," Holland said. "It's only what you have experience in. That will change." He paused. "But you will never hunger for power. Even though those who came before you ruled, none hungered for it. It is not in your bloodline."

Tiny bumps erupted over my skin as I held Holland's stare. My bloodline. It started with the Silver Knight. "Is my…bloodline special?"

"Your bloodline was chosen."

I knew that from what Keella had shared, but it made me think of future bloodlines. Our children. Their children.

Suddenly cold, I shook those thoughts from my head. "What do you think, Holland? Would you theoretically risk waking the Ancients to fix everything Kolis has wrought upon the realms?"

Holland leaned back, running his hands over the thighs of his loose white pants. "I think you know the answer to that, Sera."

I did.

Or at least I hoped I did and that he believed it was too much of a risk, but I didn't tell him about our plan for Sotoria . I also hadn't told him I was pregnant. Of course, he could already be very aware of that, but a tiny part of me doubted I understood what Holland truly wanted. Because he, too, had intervened in ways.

"I know talk of the Ancients is concerning," Holland began.

Ash laughed harshly. "Yes. It's concerning ."

"But it is not your problem. Not yet," he said.

My frown deepened. "That's real reassuring."

"Kolis is your problem. Left unchecked, he will continue to shift the balance. Then, what some of the Fates may or may not want won't matter."

"Yeah, but if any of them are actively working against us, it is our problem," Ash argued.

"Currently, there is only so much they can do." Holland's gaze moved between the two of us. "Like me, they must walk a fine line of interference because the essence has and will react on its own."

I thought about Aydun. He had failed to mention the eirini , but he had also seemed to push me toward preventing war. "And what exactly happens if a Fate crosses that line, and the essence decides to react?"

Holland's eyes met mine. "It would use the eather inside us to destroy us, and yes, that has happened before."

My heart plummeted, along with any idea of asking Holland if he knew how to keep Kolis weakened and entombed for any real length of time.

Fear rose. "I know you say you walk a fine line when it comes to interfering, but I don't want you anywhere near that line." My heart kicked up. "You shouldn't even be here."

"I'm fine. As I said, the realms would've let me know if I was crossing a line." His smile caused the stars in his eyes to brighten. "But I shouldn't linger much longer."

Another wave of disappointment rose, and I couldn't stop myself from asking, "We won't ever be able to spend time together, will we? Like share a meal or just catch up?"

Holland's smile dimmed, as did the brightness of the silver bursts in his eyes. He shook his head.

I inhaled sharply, closing my eyes. Sorrow swelled in my chest, the weight heavy and aching. When I exhaled, I felt Ash's arm come around my waist again. "I get it. I do," I said as Ash pulled me close to his side. I opened my eyes. "It's just not fair."

"It does feel that way," Holland said quietly. "But this unfairness ensures there can be fairness."

Taking another deep breath, I pushed the sadness aside. I had to, but it was hard.

"I should be on my way to speak with Kolis." Rising, he approached me and clasped my arms. "I am very proud of you, Sera. Truly." He looked at Ash, who had become my shadow as Holland let go. "And you. Your father is proud of you."

"Is?" I felt Ash stiffen behind me.

"You released Eythos's soul, allowing him to enter Arcadia, and Fates can travel into Arcadia," Holland explained as Attes sat straighter in his chair. " Eythos has returned to be at Mycella's side."

"Oh," I whispered, smacking a hand over my mouth as I twisted toward Ash.

The line of his shoulders went rigid. "How is that possible? Kolis destroyed her soul, ushering in her final death."

"He attempted to, and in a way, he succeeded," Holland shared. "But a Fate intervened."

"Oh, my gods," I whispered, pressing my other hand to Ash's chest.

Ash's eyes glistened as he stared at the Fate, and gods, if any of his tears broke free, I would sob. Like ugly sob on the floor.

"I don't understand," Ash said hoarsely. He folded his hand over mine.

"Neither do I." Attes sounded as shaken as Ash.

"It is rare for a Fate to intervene in such a way, but your father was well-liked by many of them. Your mother even more." Holland smiled, but there was a hint of sadness to it. "Perhaps one day I will be able to tell you more about how it was made possible."

As I felt Ash's heart pound against my palm, I thought I knew what such an act had brought upon the unknown Fate.

Their own destruction.