Born of Blood and Ash

“Power. Ancestry,” he stated. “Some gods and mortals would seek to follow them instead of the Primals—those who would always align themselves with those they believed were the strongest—who they descended from in one way or another. We are lucky the Arae know the truth.”

“What truth?”

“That beings who wield control over life and death, the lands and the elements, those who hold within them such unyielding power, can never be in a position to rule,” he said, eather flashing in his pupils. “For they are blood and bone.”

“The ruin and wrath of a once-great begi

A Primal of Blood and Bone.

Of Life and Death.

“The Ancients,” I said. “They held power over all, right? Before they split their powers and went into Arcadia or became the Fates.”

“Before then, a single Ancient could influence gods and mortals to go to war or make peace. They could inspire invention and love, or slothfulness and envy, and ensure that the lands were as fruitful as a union between the two,” he said. “One could turn an entire village propitious or curse every inhabitant with misfortune.” His gaze met mine. “It is because they wielded control over all forms of life and death.”

A chill went down my spine as I crossed the chamber, stopping at the balcony doors. “The part about them being able to create new realms wasn’t hyperbole.”

“I never saw them do it, but it was said they could,” he said as I pulled a curtain aside. “But they could also undo the realms. They could topple the mountains and flood the lands. That is what some wanted to do. Not complete destruction, not a complete undoing of the realm, but they had done it before. In different lands.”

“Lands to the east and west, separated by unending seas and mist,” I murmured, thinking about the mountains I’d seen erupting into flames, and the steel buildings that had fallen. Had they already done what I’d seen? Was that why we couldn’t pass beyond the veil of eather?

Or was that what was to come?

“But you know what the Ancients were capable of and what the ones who went to ground still are,” he said.

“I know. I was just thinking about why there has never been a Primal of Life and Death.” My fingers tightened on the curtain. “It’s because they would be…”

“Not just mightier than any Primal,” he finished, “but a Primal of Life and Death. Therefore, as powerful as an Ancient once their essence reached maturity.”

I stared at the dark skies beyond the glass. “If Kolis drained his brother and took the embers that way, he…” I rubbed the nape of my neck. “He would’ve taken all of them.” The prophecy whispered through my thoughts. “For finally, the Primal rises…” It spoke of the Primal of Blood and Ash. Blood and Ash stood for Life and Death. Blood and Bone. “He would’ve become the Primal of Blood and Bone.” I forced in a slow, even breath. “He could still become that.”

“Will you allow it?”

My gaze flew to him. “Fuck, no.”

“Will Ash?”

“Absolutely fucking not.”

Nektas smiled. “I didn’t think so,” he said. “Once Kolis is dealt with, such a being will not be a concern.”

Unease stirred as I stood there, leaving me a little—or a lot—confused. I didn’t think it had anything to do with Kolis, despite the fact he was a threat in more ways than…five hundred. It was the idea that such a being as a Primal of Life and Death was impossible. But I wasn’t sure why. My intuition was quiet again.

Except for one thing.

Even when Kolis was dealt with, a being of such power was not impossible.

Gold spun before me.

Gilded bones.

Gold chests.

Chains.

And I felt him behind me, beneath me, his body too hot. Too still. Weight crushed my chest.

Crushed me.

“I ca

I twisted in his grip and saw him, his flesh thi

No, this isn’t real.

“That you would even speak his name.”

I couldn’t get air into my lungs as I stared into pools of gold-flecked eather.

This isn’t real.

I’d escaped.

I’d freed myself.

His lips peeled back, baring elongated fangs.

No. No. No—

“Sera.”

Upon the sound of my name—the sound of his voice—I could breathe again. Air poured into my lungs. The stale scent of lilacs got washed away by fresh air and citrus. Kolis faded away, dissipating like smoke. The gilded cage collapsed, crumbling into nothing.

The nightmare disappeared into a gray, tranquil void, and this time, I thought I felt the cool touch of Ash’s lips against my brow. As I slipped further into the void of sleep, I thought I heard Ash’s voice again, telling me that it was only a dream. That I was safe, now and always. That he was there and would watch over me. Keeping the nightmares at bay.