The rising dread constricted my chest, stifling the breath I took as I stared at the god.

I barely recognized Rhain’s boyish features beneath the blood caking his face, but it was him. His nose was crooked, clearly broken. His lips were split and ragged. Only one dark brown eye was open. Barely. The other was swollen shut. And his neck…

Rhain had been bitten, but it looked like an animal had done it. If he weren’t a god, there was no way he’d still be breathing.

“He attempted to follow me when I left the Bonelands,” Kyn explained, smirking as he looked down at the beaten god. “When I caught him, he demanded to be taken to Nyktos.” Kyn laughed, and my chest squeezed. “I’m not sure what the idiot thought would happen.”

Gods, Rhain was an idiot—a brave, loyal idiot.

“I know this one,” Kolis commented, sliding his hands along the arms of the throne. “It’s Rhain, correct?”

Blood dripped from his chin as Rhain lifted his head, angling it toward the cage. I froze as the one eather-lit eye focused on me.

“That is his name,” Kyn confirmed.

Kolis studied the god. “Rhain, a god of the Callasta Isles,” he said, sending a bolt of surprise darting through me. He’d originally served Veses? I’d never known which Court Rhain came from. “And son of Daniil. You look so much like your father.” He rose. “Well, you resemble your father the last time I saw him.”

I sucked in a sharp breath, his meaning clear. “Fuck you,” Rhain spat.

Kyn reacted without hesitation. I flinched when his booted foot slammed into Rhain’s back, knocking him to his stomach.

I jerked forward when Rhain groaned, turning his head so his one good eye was visible. He spat out a mouthful of blood.

“I’m sure your father said the same thing,” Kolis replied. “I’ll tell you what I told him. No, thank you.”

Panic seeded itself deep inside me, taking root. Feeling as if the chamber had shrunk in size, I stepped to the side toward the locked door. My hands opened and closed at my sides, the embers in my chest throbbing.

“Did you…did you tell him?” Rhain rasped, the words warped. “Why you were…going to murder him?”

“He already knew.” Kolis approached him. “He committed an act of treason. Like father, like son, I see.”

“Conspiring?” A wet, broken laugh rattled from Rhain. Seemingly with sheer strength of will, he managed to get his knees under him. “My father… only refused to…become a murderous henchman.”

I hadn’t known any of this—or anything about Rhain, really. It wasn’t like we’d chatted often and got to know each other. The god had been wary of me

from the moment I arrived in the Shadowlands. And after he learned that I’d planned to kill Ash, he understandably hadn’t been fond of me.

“What you call a murderous henchman, I call a loyal servant.” Kolis stopped in front of Rhain. “Ah, look at you.”

Rhain struggled to stand, his chest heaving with the effort, but he got his feet under him. His hair was even darker now, sweat mingling with the blood. But, gods, he stood. “You…you don’t know what loyalty…is.”

“And you do?” Kolis asked softly. “Your father thought he did. He was wrong.” He looked over at the other Primal. “What do you think, Kyn?”

“I said what I think.” The Primal of Peace and Vengeance crossed his arms. “He’s a fucking idiot.”

“Fuck you,” Rhain spat. Kyn stepped toward him.

The false King held up a hand, stopping the Primal. Growling low in his throat, Kyn backed off.

Rhain smirked.

And a huge part of me respected that. It was something I’d do, but I could also be a fucking idiot. I glanced at the cage door again, thinking about the hidden key. There was no way I’d get to it and get out. Even if I did, then

what? I didn’t know, but I had to do something.

Because what I felt? And what I saw clear as day in my mind? It was like a prophetic vision. There was only one reason Kyn would bring Rhain to

Kolis alive. Pressure clamped down on my chest. I knew what was about to

happen.

Kolis was going to kill Rhain.

“So, you followed Kyn in hopes he’d lead you to Nyktos?” Rhain didn’t answer as he swayed unsteadily.

“See, I have questions about that,” Kolis continued. “You’d truly have to

be an idiot if you thought you could follow Kyn without being caught.” The other Primal’s smile was smug.

“But I know something he doesn’t.” Kolis leaned forward. The corners of Kyn’s lips straightened.

“Your father was an excellent tracker, able to move as a wraith, unseen and unknown. Until it was too late. It was why I wanted him to handle a

few…errands for me,” Kolis said. Only this madman would call murdering someone an errand.

Actually, he had that in common with my mother. Go figure.

“I’m sure he passed those talents on to you. He did when it came to his eldest son, Mahiil.”

I jolted. Rhain had a brother? I had a horrible feeling that had was the keyword there.

“And I also know that my nephew wouldn’t surround himself with

idiots,” Kolis added. “What I think is that you allowed yourself to be caught.” My lips parted as I stared at Rhain.

“And I also think being led to Nyktos wasn’t your only goal or hope.” Golden eather swirled across Kolis’s bare chest. “So, I will only ask you this question once, and unless you wish to end up like your father and brother, I suggest you answer truthfully.”

My gods, my suspicions were correct. Kolis had also killed Rhain’s brother. So many of those close to Ash had suffered because of Kolis. Too many—

Seraphena.

I stiffened, my stare swinging to Rhain. His voice. I’d sworn I heard it in my mind.

“Were you attempting to discover Nyktos’s location?” Kolis pressed.

Seraphena. Rhain’s voice came again. Listen to me.

My throat dried. Either I was hearing him, or I was losing my mind. “Or hers?” Kolis asked.

My heart stuttered. One brown eye locked onto mine.

“See? I think it’s the latter.” Kolis was less than a foot from the battered god. “And Kyn didn’t just bring me a gift. He gave one to you.”

My gaze darted to the other Primal. He was frowning.

Remember what you did when you learned what Veses had done? Okay. I had to be hearing him because that was a weird thing to think. When you saw her with Nyktos?

“Because I know something else that he doesn’t.” Eather whirled faster across Kolis’s flesh.

Use the essence, Rhain’s voice whispered amid my thoughts. And bring this entire palace down—

Kolis shot forward, grabbing Rhain by the throat. I cried out in surprise. “Silence,” Kolis warned, shooting me a look before refocusing on Rhain.

“I know what your father was capable of. I also know what he passed on to

both of his sons.”

Rhain gasped for air as Kolis lifted him off the floor.

“Only a few of Veses’ gods are capable of…what did she call it?” Rhain gagged, and Kolis smiled broadly. “Thought projection?”

“What the fuck?” Kyn snarled, his arms unfolding.

Holy shit, I had heard Rhain’s voice. But what he asked of me? When I’d lost control? I didn’t know how I’d made the House of Haides tremble.

Though even if I did, it wouldn’t kill Kolis. Rhain had to know that. “It’s a one-way street, but still effective.” Golden essence throbbed

around Kolis. “Especially when it comes to communicating things to others.

Those before them.” His grip tightened, causing Rhain to wheeze. “And even long-distance. The question remains. Exactly how talented are you? Like your brother? He could project his thoughts to those if he made eye contact.”

All those times I’d seen Rhain, and he’d been quiet, yet those he was with seemed to know what he needed or thought before he spoke it… Like when he’d been with Ash and me beneath the palace. Do it. Rhain had told Ash as he tore another root free. Do it now. Rhain hadn’t said what could be done to stop me aloud, but Ash had known what Rhain referred to.

“Or are you as skilled as your father was?” Kolis sneered. “Able to project thoughts to those he carried a token of?”

Rhain was starting to turn a chalky, bluish-white. He couldn’t answer, but Kolis wasn’t really giving him a chance. He gripped the front of Rhain’s tunic, where the scrolling brocade came together, and ripped it down the center, revealing a small, black pouch hanging from his neck on a smooth, black rope.

“Just like your father.” Kolis laughed, grabbing the pouch. The rope snapped with one tug. “Hid the tokens the same way.”

Kolis tossed Rhain aside. The god rolled across the floor, stopping a foot from the cage.

Shaking his head, Kolis tugged the laces on the pouch and turned it over.

As Rhain rolled onto his side, Kolis dumped the contents onto his palm.

I saw it then. The token.

It was the thin, delicate silver chain I’d seen Aios wearing and always fiddling with.

“Who does that belong to?” Kyn demanded.

Rhain’s leg curled as he shuddered. “I…I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Kolis turned to him, his head tilting.

It was like invisible strings had been attached to Rhain’s shoulders. He rose into the air. I stepped back when his back bowed, his mouth open in a silent scream. The veins of his throat started to glow with eather.

“It’s mine!” I shouted. Kolis looked at me.

“It’s my necklace. It was given to me years ago,” I lied, speaking in a

rush. “I don’t know why he has it. I didn’t even know he could do the thought-projecting thing.”

“My dear,” Kolis purred. “Come now.”

“That’s the truth! I didn’t even know that was a thing.” “How could you not know?” Kyn bit out.

“You didn’t even know,” I snapped, and his eyes filled with a pulse of eather. “And it’s not like Rhain would share such information with me. He doesn’t even like me.”

Kolis frowned as the eather retracted from the veins of Rhain’s mangled throat.

“He doesn’t!” That was another truth.

Rhain managed to turn his head toward me, then Kolis said, “And why is that?”

“Probably because I stabbed Nyktos,” I reminded him. “You stabbed Nyktos?” Kyn asked.

I ignored him. “I’m also mouthy. I cuss too much. I’m temperamental. I

start arguments. I’m pretty sure I threatened him—”

“I get it,” Kolis said, glancing at Rhain. “I would agree with many of those things. Especially the mouthy and cussing-too-much parts.”

I fucking prayed to the fucking Fates that he fucking died a slow, miserable fucking death.

But I sincerely didn’t think Rhain had been attempting to feed information back to Aios regarding me. He’d been hoping to learn Ash’s location.

I took a deep breath. “Maybe he thought to communicate with me, but he hasn’t. And what would be the point of him attempting to talk with anyone

else about my location?” I rushed on. “I’m sure everyone already knows I’m at Cor Palace.”

“That’s the thing, my dear,” Kolis drawled. “You’re not at Cor Palace.”

I blinked. “I’m not—?” That didn’t matter. “Rhain didn’t try to communicate with me.”

Kolis eyed me closely. A heartbeat later, Rhain dropped to his feet. He stumbled but kept himself from falling, then bent over, wheezing.

“So why did he have this?” Aios’s silver chain dangled from Kolis’s fingers, and I hated seeing it.

I swallowed. “Maybe he’s not as good as you think.” I forced a shrug. “And Rhain needed the necklace to do it, thinking I could tell him where Nyktos is.”

“As if you wouldn’t have,” Kyn accused.

My head whipped to him. “No one asked you, asshole.”

Kyn stiffened, and eather crackled to life along the flesh of his cheeks. “My dear.” Kolis laughed. “Didn’t I tell you not to engage those here?”

“Then he needs to stop engaging me.” I took a deep breath at the rise of Kolis’s brow. “I’m…I’m sorry. As I said, I have a bad temper.”

Rhain blinked his one good eye at me. “But I’m not lying.”

“I believe you,” Kolis said, and before I could even feel relief, he turned to Rhain. “And because of that, your death will be quick.”

“No!” I shot forward, grasping the bars. Sharp, hot pain stung my palms. I gasped, jerking my burning hands back. “You don’t have to do this.”

Kolis raised that brow again. “I don’t? In case you missed the part of the conversation about avoiding the Shadowlands’ forces, he is part of that open rebellion. And that is treason, a crime punishable by death, even in the mortal

realm. He was also caught attempting to gain information. In other words, he was spying. Yet another crime punishable by death—”

“He is only loyal to Nyktos,” I interjected, my neck muscles tensing as I heard Rhain’s voice in my thoughts again.

“He should only be loyal to me!”

Shit. That had been the wrong thing to say. “I only meant that he is worried about Nyktos. All of them are. And you should be thrilled by that.”

The Primal of Peace and Vengeance sighed loudly, almost overshadowing Rhain’s voice inside my head—him repeating my name, reiterating what he’d said earlier.

Kolis frowned. “Why would I be thrilled by that?” “That’s a good question,” Kyn muttered.

If he didn’t shut up… “Because those who serve in the Courts of your

Primals should care for the Primal they serve. If they don’t,” I continued quickly as Kolis opened his mouth, “how can they care for their King?”

Kolis stared at me.

So did Rhain from his one good eye.

“If they’re not loyal to the Primal they serve,” I went on, my heart pounding. I heard Rhain in my head again. “They cannot be loyal to you.”

Kolis’s brow knitted as he cocked his head. “I don’t think that’s how loyalty to one’s King works.”

“It’s exactly how it works,” I exclaimed. “In the mortal realm, the people are loyal to lesser nobles, which proves their loyalty to the Crown because

those nobles are extensions of that Crown.”

The false King had returned to staring at me.

“And when the people react based on their loyalty to those nobles, they shouldn’t be punished—”

“They should be rewarded?” Kolis interrupted.

“No.” I willed my temper to calm, then continued spewing utter bullshit. “I was going to say they shouldn’t be punished by death. Or,”—I stressed

—“torture.”

“Then how are they punished?” Kolis demanded. “With a smack on the hand?”

Kyn snorted.

“They are usually sentenced to a reasonable length of time to think about how they should’ve handled the situation better,” I explained, knowing that sounded absolutely ridiculous, even though it would be a better punishment than what was typically carried out in most kingdoms.

The look on Kolis’s face said he thought it was ridiculous, and my fear for Rhain increased as I heard him too clearly.

It’s okay, he said. I’m prepared to die.

But I wasn’t.

I knew if I couldn’t convince Kolis there was an alternative, Rhain would die, and it would be a horrible death.

It would also be another drop of blood Ash would have to ink onto his flesh.

I absolutely refused to allow that.

Resolve filled me, sealing the cracks in my blank canvas. Become his

weakness. Even if Kolis wasn’t convinced yet of who I was, he wanted me to be Sotoria. He wanted his precious so’lis. I was already his weakness.

“There is another option.” I walked to the right, closer to where Kolis stood. “Release him.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Kyn groused.

“Releasing him will only benefit you. It proves that you can be a benevolent ruler. A smart one,” I said. “A King worth someone’s loyalty. More so than any Primal ruling a Court.”

“Worth?” Kolis whispered.

“Just because you believe someone should already find you worthy doesn’t mean they do. Killing them won’t change that,” I said. “But releasing him will. It’s not like he’s accomplished anything but getting his ass beat.”

“Well,” Kolis remarked, “that part is true.”

“And it sends a message. Release him in the condition he’s in. They will know you can be fierce and giving, just as a King should be.” I came as close as I could to the bars. “And releasing him will prevent further escalation.”

Several seconds passed before Kolis spoke. “I see what you’re suggesting, but I am not sure why you think I’d care if those who rebel against me find me fierce or giving.”

Shit.

“I don’t,” Kolis continued. “I am only worthy of those who already see me as such.”

Well, that made absolutely no sense whatsoever. I tried to swallow, but my throat was too tight.

It’s okay, Rhain’s voice came again. I am ready—

I blocked him out because I knew what he claimed, but I couldn’t let it happen. I couldn’t allow Ash to lose another person who was not only loyal to him but also cared about him.

And I couldn’t watch Rhain die.

“Let him go,” I said. “I’ll do whatever you want.”

“Seraphena,” Rhain rasped out loud, his head loose on his shoulders as it turned to Kolis. “Just kill me. Just fucking kill—”

Kolis threw out his hand, and Rhain…he just dropped. He hit the floor like a sack of potatoes.

“What did you do?” I exclaimed.

“He’s fine.” Kolis walked forward. “What were you saying? That you’d

be willing to do anything for him?” Kolis asked quietly—too quietly. “Why?”

Staring at Rhain’s crumpled form and unable to see his chest rise or fall, I reminded myself that I would’ve felt it if he’d died. “Because…because if you kill him, there will be war. He’s important to Nyktos.” My insides burned, shriveling a little at the knowledge that Kyn was hearing this. “And as I said before, how can we start over if there’s war? I’m willing to do anything to have a chance to…” My throat thickened. “To know what love

feels like.”

A small eternity passed as Kolis stared at me. “Anything?”

My heart stopped its ceaseless racing as finally, finally that veil of

nothingness settled into place again. “As long as you promise that Rhain will return to the Shadowlands, no more harmed than he is now,” I said, having

learned from earlier that I needed to be as clear as I could in our agreements

—something I hadn’t done in our deal regarding Ash. “Anything.” The eather calmed in Kolis. “So, another deal?”

“Yes.” I gave a half shrug, knowing how the movement pulled the gown against my chest and would draw his attention. “What can I say? I have a

fondness for deals.” I smiled. “After all, everything that has led to this moment is the result of one.”

Something I’d rather not acknowledge flashed in Kolis’s stare. “Deal.” I nodded, relieved.

“You’re no longer needed,” Kolis said to Kyn. “Rhain’s transport will be handled by another.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty.” Kyn bowed. As he straightened, he looked at me with a blade-thin smile and a look…

A look that said exactly what he knew would happen.

Even though he was unconscious, I couldn’t look at Rhain. So, I busied myself with pouring a glass of water as Kolis called for Elias to send for Callum. They took Rhain from the chamber in silence. I didn’t know how long he’d be out, but I hoped it was long enough for him to be taken from… well, wherever I was in Dalos.

Kolis and I were alone.

He watched me. “Anything?”

I took a long drink and then faced him, but I wasn’t me. I wasn’t truly here anymore. So, it didn’t matter when I nodded.

Kolis positively glowed. “Then, tonight, we will share the same bed.”

Shortly after what I could only assume was suppertime, the Chosen once

more prepared a bath for me. I didn’t think about anything as I bathed, likely on Kolis’s orders. Nor did I think about anything when I saw the slinky, ankle-length, gold nightgown on the bed.

The bed.

I hadn’t slept in it yet.

I sat on the divan and waited, hollow and blank, until Kolis returned. He was alone, dressed in those loose linen pants with damp hair. It appeared he, too, had bathed.

Kolis crossed the chamber and entered the cage, finally speaking. “If you are who you claim, you are far bolder than you were before.”

“How so?” I asked, even though I had a good idea what he meant.

“You never spoke your mind or shared your opinion, at least not at first,” he explained.

Sotoria’s presence stirred as a little surprise flickered through me. “I imagine a lot of that has to do with the times being different.”

“You imagine?” His head tilted. “But you don’t know. Because you cannot remember.”

I shook my head.

Kolis didn’t say anything for a long moment. “Is what I requested of you a surprise?”

Was it? No. Not in the way he likely meant.

“Will you not be bold now and speak your mind?” he asked.

I could be far bolder than his imagination could conjure because this wasn’t me. I looked up at him. “You offered me to Kyn, so your request was a bit surprising.”

“I offered you to him only if you are not who you say you are,” he replied. “If that is not the case, then it should be of no concern to you.”

He really thought that made a difference? Whether or not I was Sotoria, I was still a person—I stopped myself. He did think that made a difference, and it…it didn’t matter.

Several more moments passed. “What you said earlier…” His chin lifted. “It was wise advice. Releasing one of Nyktos’s men does show that I’m

reasonable and fair.”

A laugh bubbled up in my throat, but I proved that I was wise by not letting it break free.

“And that I am…how did you put it? Worthy of loyalty.” Eather sluiced across his features. “You will be happy to learn that I’ve been advised Rhain has made it back to the Shadowlands, no more harmed than when he left.”

The only thing I allowed myself to feel then was relief. “Thank you.”

“I hope I do not regret this if what you’ve said ends up being a

fabrication,” he said. And he would when that happened. I couldn’t regret it, though. Rhain lived. “And that my benevolence is remembered,” he continued.

“It will be,” I lied smoothly. I was nothing but lies now. This wasn’t me anymore. I wasn’t really here. Nothing I said or did mattered.

Kolis was quiet and still for a moment, then he extended an arm, gesturing to the bed. “The divan will not suit us.”

I rose on steady legs, passed him, and sat on the bed, feeling the soft mattress.

He watched me like a hawk. “Lie down.”

This isn’t me. I reclined. I’m not here. Easing onto my side, I stared ahead.

None of this matters.

Kolis remained standing. Seconds ticked by. I closed my eyes, not wanting to catch any hints of what he was thinking. Time continued to pass. I didn’t hear him move. I only felt the bed dip, and the heat of his presence.

I squeezed my eyes closed until I saw stars bursting behind my lids. His chest touched my back.

This isn’t me.

His arm went around my waist. A shudder went through him.

I’m not here.

His presence, the stale lilac scent, and the feel of him, tainted my skin and stained my bones.

None of this matters.

I watched Callum from where I sat at my little table. He was stretched out on the couch, his feet resting on an arm as he caught the dagger he repeatedly tossed into the air.

With his eyes closed.

I was reluctantly impressed…and also reminded of Bele doing the same as the seamstress fitted me for my coronation gown. That felt like a lifetime ago. Yawning, I toyed with the edge of a napkin.

“Did you not get much sleep last night?” Callum asked. “Tons,” I lied.

Kolis and I had shared the bed.

And that was all we’d done.

Well, all I had done. Kolis had slept, and he’d done so peacefully. I, on

the other hand, had only slept for about an hour. And only after Kolis left in what I assumed was the morning. I’d pretended to be asleep. Having spent

the entire night tense with my eyes wide open, my body caved to exhaustion the moment he left the cage.

It was hours later, and I still couldn’t believe nothing had happened last night. When Kolis made his request, he had meant it in the most literal sense.

Share a bed.

I shook my head slightly. Perhaps he wasn’t attracted to me. I wished that were the case.

Unfortunately, I knew better. I’d seen how he looked at me the day before.

My focus shifted to the plate of barely touched sliced meats and fruits in front of me. Kolis hadn’t even held me all that tightly throughout the night. Not like Ash. Not even like he had when he hadn’t intended to—

I didn’t want to think about Ash and sharing a bed with Kolis. My palms dampened, and I wiped them on the napkin. I didn’t want those two things to ever occupy my mind simultaneously. Because despite nothing occurring last night, I still felt…gross.

Gods, I didn’t want to think about that either. I focused on Callum. He

was still entertaining himself with the dagger. I had more important things to dwell on. Like whether Rhain had been able to communicate anything to

Aios.

I reached up, touching the delicate silver chain encircling my neck. When the Chosen woke me as they entered the chamber, I’d discovered that Kolis had left something for me on the pillow his head had rested upon.

Aios’s necklace.

I hoped I had a chance to return it to her. I would.

I truly didn’t believe Rhain had been attempting to find me. He was loyal and brave enough to risk his life for Ash. Not for me.

“You’re quiet today,” Callum commented.

“I forgot you were even here,” I lied. It was impossible not to know he was there as he snatched the dagger out of the air just before the blade was about to sink into his chest.

“That hurt my feelings.”

“Uh-huh.” I pushed from the chair and rose. “I learned something yesterday.”

He tossed the dagger again. “That you’re capable of whoring yourself out to get your way?”

My eyes narrowed, and I didn’t think about what I was doing. I just did it as a ripple of hot anger swept through me. The embers throbbed as my gaze flipped to the dagger rising into the air. I pictured it speeding downward, faster than gravity would take it, straight for his eye.

And what I saw became my will.

The dagger had just flipped above Callum when a burst of energy left me. The blade jerked a foot to its side and then fell with the speed of an unleashed arrow.

“Fuck,” gasped Callum as he rolled. His knees hit the floor a heartbeat before the dagger slammed into the arm of the couch where his head had been resting.

He whipped toward me.

I smiled sweetly at him. “Careful there, Cal, you might hurt yourself.” “Don’t call me that.” Glaring, he rose. “What did you realize?”

“I learned that I wasn’t in Cor Palace.”

“It took you that long to realize that?” He yanked the shadowstone dagger free.

“How was I supposed to know I wasn’t there? What I’ve seen of the

grounds reminded me of the palace.” I watched him take a swig of his drink. “I know I’m still in Dalos.”

“If you didn’t know that, I would have grave concerns about your intelligence.”

I arched a brow. “Where am I, exactly?”

“You are at the Vita,” he said, sheathing the dagger to his hip. “It is a sanctuary built by His Majesty, replacing the existing Council Hall.”

The Council Hall in the Shadowlands was in Lethe, an amphitheater holding a second set of much larger thrones. If the Council Hall was the same as the one in the Shadowlands, then that meant…

“I’m in the City of the Gods?”

“Maybe I don’t need to worry that much about your intelligence,” he quipped.

My gaze flew to the narrow windows. I’d only seen the sparkling city from a distance.

“You seem troubled by the knowledge.”

Only because I had a feeling it would be harder to escape a whole damn city than one palace. “I didn’t think the city was in use.”

“And exactly why did you think that?” Placing his dagger on the low table, he sauntered to the cage. “Let me guess? Nyktos told you such?”

Actually, he hadn’t. He’d just told me that many had taken to calling it the City of the Dead. I just assumed that meant it was vacant and no longer in use. But before I could respond, the embers suddenly hummed in my chest.

My attention shifted to the doors. A Primal was near.

The gown swayed around my feet as I took a step back from the bars. The doors opened no more than a few heartbeats later, proving that I had been right about the feeling.

Kolis entered, his crown in place, and he wasn’t alone.

A woman wearing a green silk gown followed him, her skin a medium shade of brown, her hair dark and chin-length.

“Your Majesty.” Callum bowed as they drew near.

Kolis nodded at the Revenant as the attention of the one who followed him fixed on me. The silvery glow of eather pulsed behind dark eyes. She was a goddess. Her gaze quickly darted away.

A nervous goddess.

Kolis glanced over the table of food. “Did you enjoy your supper?” he asked warmly.

“Yes,” I answered, softening my tone.

Callum’s head snapped in my direction, his eyes narrowing behind his painted mask.

“Good.” Kolis snapped his fingers, and the Chosen entered from the hall. They approached the cage as Callum came forward to unlock the door.

Clasping my hands together, I stepped back several feet, not wanting to incite

any of them to hurt one of the Chosen.

“Leave the drinks,” Kolis instructed. “I believe we will be in need of them when we’re done.”

The Chosen neither nodded nor spoke as they carried out his command. Within a minute or two, they had left the chamber, and the doors were once more closed.

But the one to the cage remained open.

That sweet and stale scent increased as Kolis entered, followed by the goddess. “I would like to introduce you to someone. This is Ione. She serves in the Court of the Primal Keella,” he said, a bit of disdain tainting the Primal’s name.

I wasn’t surprised to hear that, as I didn’t expect Kolis to favor the Primal of Rebirth, who’d aided Eythos in hiding Sotoria’s soul. But what was one of her gods doing here?

Ione gave a curt bow as she folded one arm over the black rope at her waist. “Your Highness.”

“Come and sit,” Kolis said to me, gesturing to the divan.

Aware that those in the chamber watched, I went to the couch and sat on the edge.

“Ione is unique to the gods of the Thyia Plains,” Kolis said, speaking of Keella’s Court, while the goddess appeared to find something fascinating on the floor. “Not many are left that can do as she can.”

Warning bells started to ring. My gaze shot to Callum. The bastard was grinning now, and it dripped with…feral anticipation.

“What…” I swallowed. “What can she do?” I asked. “See into your thoughts,” Kolis answered.

My heart began pounding. No, no, no. My muscles locked.

“She can see your truths and lies,” the false King continued. “See all that is needed.”