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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
It was like the entire realm had ceased moving. I didn’t even think Ash breathed as we stared at the Ancient. Kolis had awakened just the night before, and he already wanted to meet—already wanted to gain the upper hand. This was so like Kolis. I should’ve known he’d do something like this.
Then Ash spoke. “What?”
“The true Primal of Death has summoned the true Primal of Life,” the Ancient repeated.
My heart began to pound. “I think we got that part. Why?”
“He wishes to speak.”
“I don’t give a fuck what he wishes,” Ash growled.
The Ancient sighed. “If only it were that simple. If it were, I would not be here.” He folded his arms across his chest. “As you already know.”
My gaze darted to Ash’s as instinct sparked, telling me what I didn’t want to hear.
“He summoned an Arae to carry out the request,” the Ancient added. “And to monitor the discussions, ensuring they remain peaceful.”
Peaceful?
I laughed.
The Ancient’s brow rose.
Shadows raced over Ash’s cheeks. “What exactly does he want to discuss?”
“I do not know.”
“Are you telling me that he summoned a Fate to broker a meeting but didn’t tell you why?” Disbelief colored Ash’s tone.
“He does not need to tell me why,” the Ancient answered calmly. “Just as the Primal of Life would not need to tell me why.”
“I’m sure we can hazard a few guesses as to why he wishes to meet,” I said, turning to Ash. I lowered my voice when I spoke next. I wasn’t sure what the point was. It wasn’t like the Ancient wasn’t standing right there. “He probably wants us to pledge our loyalty to him.” He likely also wanted to know where Sotoria’s soul was.
“Yeah, and we already know our answer,” Ash seethed. “Starts with go and ends with fuck yourself.” He shifted toward the Ancient. “You have our answer. Go tell him.”
“It doesn’t work that way,” he said. “As you are fully aware.” Those swirling eyes of color fixed on me. “It ca
It…it couldn’t.
Every part of my being knew that. I stepped to the side, thrusting my hand through my hair. “I know.”
“Sera,” Ash warned.
“You know it can’t,” I said.
“He does,” the Ancient clarified.
“Thanks,” I snapped, “but your input wasn’t needed there.”
That half-smile returned. “Equally charming.”
My mind raced, trying to stay ahead of the riot of emotions, the shock of Kolis having recovered enough to do this. But how surprised could I be? I knew Kolis was strengthening. It was just faster than I’d expected. The anger and the fear that he would even dare summon me was stronger than the shock, though. Gods, the fear of feeling that desperation again hit me.
Shadows swirled faster around us as Ash’s eyes locked with mine.
I took a breath that barely went anywhere. “This was bound to happen at some point, right? We knew we would have to come face-to-face with him eventually.”
“On our terms,” Ash spat. “Not his. Never his. And definitely not to fulfill whatever perverted entertainment value he will surely gain from this.”
“I am not sure what perversion it is that you speak of,” the Ancient stated. “But neither the Primal of Life nor the Primal of Death will be able to lash out at the other while in the presence of an Arae.” The Ancient spoke as if he were speaking of squabbling children. “There will be no fighting or violence of any kind.”
Ash didn’t even look at the Ancient. “It is not physical violence I am worried about.”
Air punched out of my chest. I knew what he meant. It was what Kolis could say. How he would make me feel.
“You do not need to concern yourself with any of it,” the Ancient said. “The meeting is only between the Primal of Life and the Primal of Death.”
The floor felt as if it shifted beneath me as Ash drew in a breath, but his chest didn’t expand with an exhale.
I faced the Ancient. “Why?”
“He does not trust this Primal not to escalate the situation,” the Ancient responded. “Nyktos ca
I almost laughed again.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Ash bit out.
“And I can see why,” the Ancient continued blithely. “He is nearly as temperamental as the creatures his father gave dual lives to.”
“You’re actually serious.” Ash stepped toward the Ancient, causing my heart to stutter. “You’re going to humor this son of a bitch, knowing what he has done?”
Reaching for Ash, I halted.
The Ancient’s lips thi
“You are a Fate!” Ash roared as twin arcs of shadowy eather exploded from his back. “You are not merely a messenger.”
Something akin to emotion flashed in the Ancient’s expression, startling me. “No, I am what ensures that balance remains.”
Ash straightened, the skin of his throat turning the shade of shadowstone. “Forcing her to go before the monster who held her against her will is how you ensure balance? Are you fucking serious?”
“He’s serious.” My hands fisted until I felt my nails digging into my flesh. “But it’s still a good question, especially because I’m willing to bet you know exactly what perversions he just spoke of.”
The corners of the Ancient’s mouth tightened, showing the faintest crack in his demeanor. “I will ensure that balance remains by any means necessary.” Those variegated eyes shifted to mine. “That does not mean I enjoy doing so.”
“Do you even know what it’s like to enjoy anything?” I retorted.
“Does Holland?” the Ancient countered softly.
I snapped my mouth shut. How he said Holland’s name sounded an awful lot like a threat.
“You know what is at stake,” the Ancient reminded me.
I did.
Fuck.
The Ancient stiffened. “Speaking of the temperamental creature…”
The office doors flung open, and Nektas entered, his long hair flowing behind him. His stare didn’t leave Ash or me as he prowled past the Ancient, not paying the being any mind.
On the other hand, the Ancient stepped back.
“What is going on?” Nektas asked.
The question was directed at me because Ash… I glanced at him. He was locked onto the Ancient like he was about to do something very unwise.
“Kolis summoned a Fate to broker a meeting between us,” I said. “And only us.”
Nektas’s nostrils flared as he looked at Ash. “Son of a bitch,” he muttered. The ridges across the bare flesh of his shoulders and chest were more pronounced than I’d ever seen them. “And you ca
“No,” the Ancient answered. “The summoner sets the terms. If they”—he indicated Ash and me—“had summoned an Arae first—”
“Don’t,” Nektas warned as he whirled on the Ancient. “Do not turn this back on them, Aydun.”
The Ancient’s nostrils flared at his name and sent a ripple of surprise through me.
“They would not seek to waste your time as Kolis would,” Nektas said. “Which is exactly what will come of this.”
Ash’s low growl echoed through the chamber as the shadows solidified behind him. “Nothing will come of this.”
“It doesn’t have to be a waste of time,” Aydun argued, his attention shifting to me. “Do you yearn for war? I do not believe you do.”
I drew back. “Have you been listening in on us or something?”
“Do you?” he repeated.
“No.”
“Why?”
“There has to be a reason?” I shook my head. “I don’t want i
“Almost.” The colors spun wildly around his pupils. “The future exists in several threads—”
“Do not start with that thread bullshit,” Ash snarled.
The Ancient’s head snapped toward Nektas. “I understand he cares for her. I know what that bond between them incites when the other is threatened, but you need to get him under control before I do.”
I shot forward, stopped only by the arm Nektas flung out. Essence rushed through me, hot and violent. “You will do no such thing.”
“For fuck’s sake.” Nektas edged me back. “Clearly, you don’t know what that bond incites if you threaten either of them because you just did it.”
“They are testing my patience,” Aydun spat. “And I have been far too tolerant of both of them. So, get the one who is technically a Primal of no Court under control while I try to reason with the Primal who shouldn’t even be a godsdamn Primal.”
Ash lurched forward, but Nektas caught him. My head swung toward the draken as he shoved Ash back. “Stop,” Nektas ordered.
Ash tried to sidestep him, knocking the table over. Glasses crashed. Pieces of eggs and bacon spilled across the floor. Nektas was on Ash, pushing him back again. The settee went flying as Nektas caged Ash in. The sound that came from the Primal would’ve sent anyone ru
Every part of me focused on Nektas. I knew he wouldn’t hurt Ash. He would never do that. But the purely instinctive part of me didn’t like it.
Energy was ramping up in Ash, causing the air to charge. Static crackled over my skin as the essence rose in response. One of the light bulbs exploded, sending fine shards of glass in every direction.
“Stop it,” Nektas repeated, backing Ash up until he had him pi
A sound came from somewhere in the chamber. A hiss that was distinctively feline as I stepped toward Nektas and Ash, my hands opening and closing at my sides.
“For the sake of gods everywhere,” muttered Aydun, “why did I have to be the one who answered the summons?”
“I need you to calm down before neither of us has a choice in you doing so.” The muscles in Nektas’s back flexed as he struggled to hold Ash back. “And preferably before the claws come out and Sera tears into me.”
Claws come out…?
I jerked to a stop, only realizing then that I was just feet from Nektas, and my hands…felt weird. They tingled. I looked down, and my eyes went wide.
My nails had lengthened and sharpened. “What the…?”
“I know you’re angry. I know you’re scared,” Nektas said, and that last part caught my attention. “But you go at that fucker over there and you know what will happen.”
“Fucker?” muttered Aydun while I stared at Ash and Nektas. “That was uncalled for.”
Whatever was happening with my hands fell to the wayside as a great sense of foreboding rose. Tiny bumps broke out across my skin. If Ash attacked Aydun, the Ancient would strike back. Nektas would defend Ash. So would I. But the Ancient…