Born of Blood and Ash

“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, ru

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.