76. Kizoshi

Chapter 76

Kizoshi

A lthough Kizoshi hated Kalassandria, the events unfolding were too important to allow her personal feelings to interfere. She entered the dining hall, wearing a black dress that shimmered with gold threading. "That is indeed your best course of action."

Kalassandria narrowed her eyes. "What are you doing here uninvited?"

"You are discussing starting a war, and you question why the War Power is here?" Kizoshi scoffed. "Come now. Try not to be so foolish."

Kalassandria bristled with irritation. "I would be more irritated by your arrival, except it means I will surely be allowed to wipe out the insurgents."

"Yes, there will be a war with Nasume," Kizoshi confirmed.

The scent of Auslin's anguish filled the room. "Is there really no avoiding it?"

"It is inevitable," Kizoshi said as gently as she could.

"But there has to be something that we can do!" Auslin protested.

"Fight," Kizoshi replied. "You can fight and defeat this bastard once and for all."

"Happily." Kalassandria's green eyes brightened at the promise of imminent bloodshed.

"Do not neglect to gather human allies," Kizoshi warned her cousin. "While I know you find them odious, they are critical in ensuring peace between humans and shifters once the fighting is over."

"Should I succeed in taking over Kunushi, I cannot rule it and Valzerna alone," Kitsuki said. "It would be unwise to stretch myself too thin in the aftermath of such a sensitive time."

"That is why you will install Kisano as the king," Kizoshi told him.

Kitsuki shook his head. "Our brother would never agree to such a thing."

"He will vehemently resist at first," Kizoshi agreed. "However, he is a smart enough tactician to understand it will be for the best of everyone involved. It will bring freedom from tyranny and a long-lasting peace to Kunushi at long last."

Sensing Auslin's abject fear at the prospect of Kisano's involvement, Kizoshi did her best to reassure him. "Kisano will not do any physical fighting, but his help in coordinating allies will prove invaluable."

"And what about Sephen?" Auslin demanded.

"He will remain safe in the Tiora castle before joining Kisano in Norello to rule Kunushi," Kizoshi answered.

"But that's too dangerous!"

Kizoshi gave the mage a sympathetic look. "Do not fear, Auslin. All will be well because it is what fate and destiny both demand."

"Although I hate to agree with Kizoshi, our armies will take out the factions who would protest Kisano's ruling," Kalassandria said. "It would not be unsafe for them in that regard."

"Kisano will come to understand his reputation for being a fair regent in Valzerna will help establish his power base in Kunushi," Kizoshi explained.

"I still do not believe Kisano will ever agree to leave Tiora to become the king of Kunushi," Kitsuki said with a frown.

"That is for me to worry about," Kizoshi told her brother. "All you need to focus on is defeating Nasume."

Auslin's temper flared. "You're the War Power! Why can't you stop this senseless bloodshed?"

"I think perhaps it is best if you and I speak alone while they continue negotiations." Kizoshi gestured for him to follow her out of the room.

Once they reached one of Kalassandria's outdoor gardens, Auslin immediately began asking questions. "Why can't you put a stop to this?"

"I warned you before this was an inevitability," Kizoshi gently reminded him. "I do not start senseless wars, so please understand this one is necessary. I will not stop it."

"But what if something happens to Kitsuki?" Auslin asked, visibly distraught at the prospect.

She gestured for Auslin to join her on a stone bench in the shape of a dragon. "As I said before, Kitsuki is a skilled warrior. He is more than capable of defeating Nasume. He has one of the best-trained militia in Talwyn. The warriors in his army ranks have plenty of reasons and motivations to win a war against Nasume." When Auslin still didn't look convinced, Kizoshi continued trying to reason with him. "I have assured you that Sophina, Liros, and myself all have Kitsuki's best interests in mind. You do not need to worry about what the future may bring."

"That doesn't make me feel any better about Kitsuki going to war."

"Kitsuki will have his victory."

"Yeah, but at what cost?" Auslin demanded.

Kizoshi tried to be as delicate as possible. "Lives will be lost, but you must trust in your mate and the Powers protecting him."

"I feel so useless," Auslin complained with a sigh. He hid his face against his hands with a groan. "There has to be something I can do."

"You will have your own role to play in this fight," Kizoshi assured him.

Auslin looked at her in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"You will find a hidden ally to stand by yours and Kitsuki's sides," Kizoshi told him. "It will shape the rest of your futures."

"But I don't want anyone to die because of me!" Auslin protested. "How do I live with knowing this is happening because I went through Fate's Gate and rewrote Nasume's entire life?"

Kizoshi sighed. "Everything has its cost, but this is a small price to pay for all the good it ensures in the future."

"People are going to die, and it's all my fault!" Auslin grew hysterical as his fears compounded.

She reached out to squeeze Auslin's shoulder in reassurance. "You must understand all is as it should be. This is not your fault."

"Kitsuki will lead good men to their deaths in battle. Knowing I'm indirectly responsible for so much carnage and misery…" Auslin trailed off with a miserable sob.

"You cannot blame yourself any more than you could blame Kitsuki," Kizoshi tried to reason with him. "Your efforts would be better spent focusing on what you can do to support Kitsuki instead of worrying about things you cannot change."

"It doesn't feel like enough," Auslin said in a pained voice.

"Your goodness will support far more than Kitsuki in this fight. You need to trust that."

Auslin sighed heavily after a long pause. "I'm sorry if my reaction is inappropriate."

"You do not need to apologize for fearing for those you love. It is what makes you so remarkable. Never lose that."

"Is it true Ishibiya is still alive?" Auslin asked. "I thought all the necromancers died in the war."

"The Justice Power always keeps things in balance," Kizoshi said. "All the unicorn shifters were killed, so all the necromancers died."

Auslin's eyebrows furrowed. "But Fersen is still alive."

"Which would mean what?" Kizoshi prompted.

"That one necromancer is still alive." Auslin's eyes went wide. "But why would Ishibiya lie low for millennia, only to reemerge now?"

"Because despite being the harbinger of death, he values being alive," Kizoshi explained. "If Nasume is foolish enough to make a deal with a demon, he deserves whatever happens to him."

"And what about Maseo?"

She chose her words carefully. "He will have an important role to play in the downfall of his father."

Auslin toyed with his lower lip. "I can't shake the feeling something awful is going to happen to him. Please tell me he'll be okay."

"He will survive," Kizoshi assured him. "Your paths will cross again soon, as long as you remember to follow your instincts about him."

"I did, but nothing happened." Auslin frowned. "I left a message for him in Barlatan to find us in Sybir, but we didn't see him."

"There is a reason for that. Your instincts were not wrong."

Auslin was silent for a long moment. "Do you promise everything will be okay?"

"You have my word," Kizoshi swore. "But I must return to continue helping them strategize. Will you be okay alone?"

"I need time to get my thoughts in order." He looked at her with sincerity. "I know it doesn't seem like I'm very appreciative, but I'm grateful for your help."

She squeezed his shoulder again. "Be strong, Auslin. Have faith in your mate. Remember that your hidden ally will help you both change Talwyn for the better. Everything will be as it is meant to be. There is a happy future waiting for you all."

Kizoshi left him on the optimistic note. She didn't dare burden him with the truth about the hell they would have to endure before they were rewarded with the ultimate happiness and love.