Chapter 27

I bolted upright, scratching against the soil of the lakeside. Silent sobs ran down my face as I reached for the man beside me. He stretched and stirred awake.

"Elpis? What's wrong?" he asked, voice rough with sleep.

"N-Nothing, I just had a bad dream," I stammered through frantic breaths.

He yawned and sat up beside me. Wiping my sweaty brow with the back of my hand, I tried to regain my composure.

"It must have been some dream," he said, running his hand up my back. My skin was cold against his touch. Visions of Aryx's lifeless, waterlogged body pitched through me.

"It's nothing," I said, entwining my fingers to keep my hands from shaking.

"Doesn't seem like nothing-" he started.

I stood up abruptly, avoiding the conversation about to happen. My nightmares were mine alone. I'd been through this before. I just needed to breathe. Aryx's bloodied face flashed across my mind once more and I hunched over, my legs crumpling beneath me.

"I just need a… need a minute," I said, retching into the lake beside me.

I vomited until my stomach was empty, tears streaming down my face. The waves of nausea were overwhelming. I hadn't noticed his gentle hands holding my hair in place behind my back. Red faced and breathless, I looked up at him. Concern wrinkled across his brow. He smoothed back my hair and smiled softly.

"Did you dream of the tower?" he asked, his voice a soothing caress over my trembling body.

"Not this time, no." I heaved again, releasing the venom that poisoned my thoughts.

"Let's get you back to the tavern. Maybe some ginger tea will help you calm down," he said, scooping my weak frame into his arms.

Arcturas, now fully recovered, nipped at my feet, an affectionate gesture used to pull me back to reality. Tomorrow I'd need to figure out exactly how she healed, but for tonight I was grateful that she did.

With Kratos in tow, we trudged through the back roads to the now dark inn. I focused on the steady rise and fall of Aryx's breathing, holding an inhale until my own was in sync. His arms, no longer suspended lifelessly in the open water, were tight around me. Stroking my thigh with his thumb, he carried me up the spiraling steps to the loft.

"Let's get you under the covers," he said, his lips mere inches from my ear.

His voice rippled through me. He lowered me into bed, pulling the wool blankets above my shoulders and sat beside me, stroking my cheek until the shivers stopped and my eyelids drifted shut.

"It's okay. I'm here," he said, placing a kiss on my brow.

I cleared my mind, letting the feel of his lips linger on my skin.

"I'll always be here, Elpis."

Arcturas jumped into the space beside me, curling her body around mine and resting her large, furry head across my abdomen. Its weight kept me grounded. It felt like only yesterday that we curled up beneath the pines, safe from our first storm under their cover.

"You're safe. She'll make sure of that." He chuckled as Arcturas nuzzled into me. "I'm going to see if I can find some tea in the kitchen downstairs. I'll be right back."

He kissed the back of my hand and headed downstairs. Stroking my wolf, I watched as she sank into sleep. The dream still lurked in the dark corners of my mind, but Aryx's smell, still fresh on my skin, chased it further away. A paralyzing exhaustion washed over me and just as my eyes resolved into sleep, he crept back in with a piping hot mug in one hand.

Placing it quietly on the bedside table, he settled into the rocking chair by the window. I grunted, tapping the cold pillow beside me. Smiling softly, he rolled into bed, wrapping his arm around my waist. I scooted into him, meeting the curl of his body with mine.

This was safe.

Embracing the electricity at every point of contact, I slipped into a mindless, exhausted sleep.

"It's rude to watch someone sleep, you know," Aryx whispered. The sun gleamed brilliantly through the inn's dusty window. His eyes, peacefully closed, reminded me of a child having settled into a long nap.

"Well, good thing you're awake, then," I smirked. Beads of light bounced across the morning air.

"Are you feeling better?" he asked, drawing out his words with a lazy yawn.

Arcturas, now stirring from her own sleep, rolled to her back and straightened her legs into the air.

"Yes, thank you for last night." I trailed off, my cheeks burning. "I'm sorry you had to see that."

"I'm not." He smiled, brushing his fingers down the curve of my hip. "I'm glad I could be there for you."

I bit my lip, trying to settle the ache now throbbing through me.

"What was that beast?" I asked, swallowing hard at my dry throat.

"I'm not sure, but Tethys definitely sent it. It stank of her magic." His nose crinkled at the thought. "It's probably best if we stick together from now on. No running off in a fury."

I punched his arm, my lips curling into a smile that matched his. "Rather than running away, next time I'll just knife you where you stand."

His eyes flickered with darkness and a mischievous grin wrinkled across his face.

"What a violent creature you are. Careful with that mouth or I may hold you captive in this bed all day." His voice was raw as his fingers squeezed the muscle of my thigh.

"You act as if that wasn't my plan already," I whispered, leaning into his touch.

Aryx pulled me against him, lowering his lips to mine. As his fingers began their exploration beneath the covers, Arcturas grunted beside me, jabbing her hind leg into my back.

"I think this will have to wait," I sighed, elbowing the wolf off the bed. Snarling, she trotted to the door and sat facing us, the yellow of her eyes burning holes into me. I rolled out of bed, dressing quickly before she became too restless.

"I'll grab us some breakfast and meet you out front. Procyon usually meets with his council in the early mornings. If we hurry, we might catch him," Aryx said, throwing the covers off himself.

I stopped in my tracks to watch as the naked half-god stretched away the stiffness in his arms. Tendons and muscles shifted across his back as he reached over his head. My fingers trembled as he turned to face me, sun beams highlighting the fullness of his physique. He was a warrior through and through. Hardened from battlefields and wars of the past.

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't look at me like a piece of meat." He raised his brow at my fingers, now stroking the bottom of my lip.

I snapped my jaw shut and threw my hand in the pocket of my trousers. Clearing my throat, I looked at the floor and swiped at the beads of sweat running down the nape of my neck.

"I'll be outside," I hissed, swinging the door open and rushing down the stairs.

Arcturas sprinted for the pasture, startling Kratos with her yips. The two leapt at one another, a blur of midnight tangled with a gleaming white mass. I breathed in. The crisp autumn scent tickled my nose and mourning doves cooed their lonely tunes.

The Autumn Realm was said to be beautiful, but the flames of color that painted the rolling horizon stole my breath entirely. With smoke meandering from quaint stone cottages, the city felt like an invitation to sip mulled cider beneath a warm flannel blanket and tell ghost stories around a roaring fire. I pictured a quiet future here filled with chilled, misty mornings, and walks through harvest fields.

"Cook gave me the strangest look when I asked if she had any raw chicken livers," Aryx said behind me, interrupting my daydream. He tossed a scrap to Arcturas. Jumping to catch it, she tore into the meat voraciously.

"Here, eat. You'll need your strength today." Aryx handed me a cranberry scone.

My empty stomach grumbled with delight as I broke the pastry in half and nibbled on the corner.

"You ready for this?" I asked, crumbs falling from my mouth.

"As ready as I'll ever be," he said, latching our saddle bags to Kratos.

The road to Procyon's temple was rocky and unkempt. Ankle high piles of withered, brown leaves crunched beneath Kratos's powerful hooves as we traveled into the heart of the realm. Canissa bustled with farmers tending their livestock. My mouth watered as we passed wooden cottages, fresh with the scent of baking bread.

Beyond vast fields of golden wheat, the stone temple nestled into its hillside. Only a round stone door marked its entrance.

"If you're noticed before we reach Procyon himself, things might get interesting. Be ready for a fight," Aryx said, clicking his reins to lead Kratos over a narrow brook. Minnows nibbled at the green murk pooling around its smooth grey stones.

He trotted to the temple's entrance, slowing to a halt before a young guard dressed in uniform grey. As we jumped off our horse, I pulled the hood of my cloak over my face, hoping the boy wouldn't recognize me.

"We're here to see Procyon," Aryx said to him, "We have an urgent message from Ursae."

"King Procyon isn't taking visitors today. The royal court is meeting and they are not to be disturbed," he squeaked, straightening his wooden spear across his chest.

"Please, this cannot wait. It's of the utmost importance," I demanded, lowering my voice slightly as I stepped toward the young guard. He eyed me suspiciously, squinting to make out the outline of my face beneath the thick drapes of wool.

"King Procyon isn't taking visitors today," he proclaimed, sliding in front of the door.

"If you don't let us pass, we'll have to force our way through, and it won't end well for you," Aryx hissed, his eyes darkening.

The boy's throat bobbed, but he stood his ground, tightening his grip around his spear.

"I'm afraid I cannot, sir. And if you try anything, I'll have to call for the city guards to arrest you." His voice cracked as he spoke.

I inspected the boy. He stood at least a half foot shorter than me and couldn't have been over fourteen. His mousy brown hair, shaved and neat, and his pin straight uniform suggested he was fresh from his training.

"Let us pass, boy." Aryx stepped toward him, gripping the sword sheathed at his side.

"Sir, I cannot." The guard marched forward, pointing the spear at the half-god who towered over him.

Placing my hand over Aryx's fist clenched around the hilt of his blade, I said, "Please, we don't want any trouble. It will be brief."

The boy shook his head, swinging the tip of his weapon toward me.

"One more step, and I'll call for the city guards," he cried, his hands shaking beneath the heavy weapon.

Taking a breath, I lowered my hood to my shoulders.

"Tell him the Heir of Polaris must speak with him urgently." I looked into the boy's eyes. They brightened as he realized who stood before him.

"Qu-Queen Slayer," he whispered with buckling knees. He dropped the spear at his feet and sprinted down the street, crying for reinforcements.

"We have seconds until we're surrounded," Aryx growled, shaking his head. "I had it under control. You shouldn't have revealed yourself."

"Well, I did, so let's get this over with and get out of here before they send me back to that tower." I threw the stone door open, diving into the shadows of the temple.

We raced down the narrow corridors, passing flaming sconces. Shouts and stomps of the city guards bounced off mossy, damp walls as we rushed deeper into the hillside. The passage opened into a cavernous hall. At its center, a long table of men and women sat deep in conversation. Their voices cut off at our intrusion.

"So sorry to interrupt," Aryx panted, "but we must speak with King Procyon."

"Who are you?" A crippled, ancient man rose from his head seat.

"Elpis- since you're ripe to tell half the kingdom who you are…" Aryx scowled at me, his voice an angry whisper.

The council jerked their heads toward me, expressions turning frantically as they realized who had interrupted.

"Lords, Ladies…" I started, swallowing hard at their terrified eyes, "I mean you no harm. I have an urgent message from Polaris and, as her heir, I feel it is my duty to deliver it."

Their mouths plummeted to the floor. Panicked whispers and murmurs filled the chamber.

"Silence." The ancient man commanded through a floor length grey beard. He raised his palm to the council, letting the fabric of his periwinkle robes fold below his outstretched arm. "Did you say you are the heir of Polaris?" He pointed his long, beak-like nose at me.

"Y-yes sir. I am." I shifted in my boots.

Aryx stepped in front of me, shielding me from the sharp tip of the man's carved wooden staff now aimed at my chest. Tense silence hung over the chamber, stifling my breaths as the man's eyes scanned me with a serious scrutiny.

"Prove it," he commanded.

A city guard stumbled into the hall, carrying a broadsword at his side.

I closed my eyes, breathing deeply. Focusing into myself, I grasped for the shadows. The familiar tingles rose from the arches of my feet and traveled through my veins, up over my arms to the tips of my fingers.

The man sucked in a breath as I flicked my wrist toward the city guard. His sword glowed and pulsed with my borealis until it disintegrated into flecks of dust. Aryx, grinning wildly by my side, clasped his hands together in awe. The shadows at my fingertips begged to be unleashed, filling my head with violent whispers. With clenched fists and gritted teeth, I dragged them back into their cage and locked them away.

The man bowed to me, his beard pooling on the dirty stone floor.

"King Zecharius, my goddess," he whispered to me.

The council, wide eyed and silent, followed his lead and lowered their heads in my direction. A flurry of guards poured into the chamber, their swords pointing at me in ambush.

"Stop!" Zecharius ordered, raising his hands up to halt the swarm. In a symphony of clanking armor, they stopped in their tracks and awaited their King's orders. He stalked forward, the grey fibers of his beard collecting dust in his path.

"Goddess, what message do you have for our patron God?" he asked.

"We need his support. As we speak, Tethys is prepping her army for an invasion of the mortal realms. We mean to stop her before she has the chance, but we can't do it alone," Aryx said, sheathing his sword. Nodding, the mortal king laced his fingers behind his back.

He leaned beside the white-haired Lord seated to the right of his vacant head chair. The Lord nodded promptly at the king's unheard command and hurried into the shadows of the dark passageway across from us. Steps echoed down the cavern, stopping short as the creak of an unseen door opened, then slammed shut.

Arcturas growled deep in her chest, her eyes low and back arched. Something didn't feel right. Tingles curled my toes and rushed up my legs, flexing the muscles of my thighs. My stomach tightened as the King turned back around to face us.

"Unfortunately for you, Goddess, the Elders have already notified me of your treasonous plans. You think your treachery can fool Canissa and its king?" He snapped his fingers, and the guards marched a step forward, tightening their circle around us.

"No, the Elders are under Tethys's manipulation! They cannot be trusted," I cried, reaching for the hilt of my dagger.

Aryx slid toward me, his fists knuckle-white at his sides.

"Why should I believe the Queen Slayer over my most trusted emissary?" Zecharius snapped his fingers again.

The synchronized stomp of 12 leather boots echoed through the great hall as the guards closed in on us.

"You are a fool if you don't listen to us," Aryx hissed.

The king snapped his fingers again. "Seize them."

The guards lunged forward, plunging their blades at us.

A blur of black zipped across the room. Snapping armor and the crunch of bones filled the silent hall as blood sprayed across its grey stone walls. A guard leapt for me, sword raised above his head. I dodged the blow just as the iron blade swung across my cheek. Sparks flicked from its contact with the stone floor.

"Elpis. Behind you," Aryx called.

Swirling around, I slit the throat of the guard towering over me, his ruby blood spurting across my brow. A tug on my braid jerked my head back.

The guard pulled me into a headlock, forcing the dagger from my hand. Tingles ignited across my arms as my shadows wrapped themselves between his shoulders, squeezing tightly until arteries collapsed and blood vessels popped from his neck.

Aryx pulled his bow from his shoulder, jabbing the grip into the face of an unsuspecting guard. The lords and ladies of the court shrieked and cowered in a corner, watching the fight play out with horrified expressions.

Leaping into action with newfound strength, the King whipped his staff through the air. Its sharp point cracked against my kneecap, forcing me to my knees. Agony erupted through my bones as I shielded my face from the King's impending attack. An arrow whizzed by my ear, slicing my skin in its path. The point pierced the king's shoulder, just above his heart.

"You touch her again. Next time, my arrow won't miss," Aryx growled. Grit laced with the threat on his tongue.

The guards retreated, rushing to the aid of their wounded king. I struggled to my feet, careful to shift my weight off the crippled joint. Long locks of hair fell across my face as I tipped my chin up to face the court.

What was once a kernel of power within me now roared with the flames of a thousand pyres. The tingles rushed to my broken kneecap. The muscle fibers stitched themselves back together beneath the skin. Serpents of shadows wriggled through my veins, slithering through my chest. Dust fell from the ceiling as the ground vibrated around us, sending pebbles bouncing across the stone tiles. My heart pounded like a battering ram. Invisible strands of energy pulled up on my feet as I prowled toward the King. His sunken eyes were now wide in his skull. His throat bobbed. He was going to regret this. Red flooded my vision as I imagined my hands gripped around his throat, his life spurting out of him with each gurgling choke.

"Touch me again, and an arrow is the least of your concern."

The voice was not my own. While mine was quiet and cold, this voice was malicious and hot. My wolf strutted to my side with a smoldering ferocity. The King retreated, his limp steps slow and terrified.

I could feel his heart fluttering like a hummingbird enclosed in his brittle bone. I wanted to rip the organ from his ribs and claw it to shreds. My nostrils flared at the thought of the blood that would pour from his wounds.

"Goddess, please, please spare me. Think of my people," he pleaded, tripping over the train of his robes and falling to his knees.

I took another step. The taste of his death licked across my lips.

He would die beneath my blade.

I raised my dagger, its razor edge webbed with violet magic.

"Goddess, I beg of you. Canissa needs their King," he cried, crawling away from me.

The dagger was ice in my fist. It whispered in my ear, urging me to plunge it into the king's chest. I pounced at the whimpering, fragile man. Before its gleaming point met flesh, however, a calloused hand caught my wrist.

"Elpis. Stop," Aryx whispered.

The warmth of his body radiated to mine.

"It's okay. Put the knife down." His thumb stroked the soft underside of my wrist. "Come back to me."

The tingling receded, pulling those violent thoughts with them.

"That's it, come back." He stepped into me and stroked my cheek.

The crimson tunneling in my vision faded, and the puppet strings of magic let go of their hold. I felt the fullness of his lips meet mine. He breathed me in, interlocking his fingers with my jaw. My grip around the hilt relaxed. The dagger clattered to the floor.

Everyone and everything vanished. Only the two of us occupied this second in time. He pulled away, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His eyes smoldered, warming my cheeks. I swallowed the dryness in my throat.

"Good girl." His voice was full of desire.

Before I could wrap myself in his lingering kiss, everything rushed back. What was I doing? I couldn't kill Zecharius. He was just doing his duty. He was right; the people needed him. I sucked in a breath, looking down at the old man cowering before me.

"Oh, thank you Goddess. Thank you," the King cried, a bead of snot dripping from his long nose.

"I-I'm sorry," I stammered, relaxing into Aryx's outstretched arms.

Someone clapped behind us.

"Well, well, well, making a scene like that. You sure are your mother's daughter," a male voice thundered through the hall .