Venus took a step toward him. “You’re welcome, Zaren.”
Palamina appeared at his side. Her long fiery red hair hung loosely to her waist. Venus couldn’t help but cringe at how incredibly beautiful Palamina was. She watched Palamina slide her hand into Zaren’s, and he wrapped his large fingers through her smaller ones.
It was difficult watching Zaren and Palamina together… well not difficult. She loved Michael. He was her soul mate. But it was strange. Sensations of loss and happiness swirled within as she watched Zaren and Palamina together.
They loved each other. It was obvious.
And Venus loved Michael. At the thought of him, she softened. Michael.
Palamina interrupted her thoughts.
“Yes, thank you.” She leaned into Zaren. “It means a great deal to both of us.” She bowed slightly, which mortified Venus. “We are in your debt and swear our eternal protection until our lives are over.”
“No, thank you. I…” Venus couldn’t finish. Her immortal heart seemed to shatter a little bit; not because she believed she and Zaren should’ve been together, absolutely not. It was because she and Zaren had been together before Michael whisked her off to Helker and all hell broke loose. Even with her godly gifts, it was still awkward.
Zaren’s green eyes tore through her. “We will always be here if you need us.” He nodded once, and then he and Palamina walked away.
Venus sighed. She’d changed, again, this time becoming a goddess like Ith and Aetha. They’d left and put her in charge of this world. It’d only been a few hours, and already she was tired.
There was still much to do. A war raged above them. Not like the ones she’d read about, not like the one that’d brought Ith and Aetha to Kelari in the first place. It wasn’t kel against kel on the battlefield now. Most of the kels were in hiding or, at least they should be. Drones ruled the skies right now. Their job was to destroy homes, livelihoods, and livestock, to desecrate all hope.
Once their hope was destroyed, King Antyon intended to create a new hope, one which included himself and their savior. The Order of Eternal Fire wanted Kelari and would take it at any cost. She felt the suffering, sensed the fear and destruction. King Antyon’s plan was working, but at least lives weren’t being lost. Not yet.
She needed to speak with Dervinias. Locking eyes with him, she called him over. As he and Michael approached, she couldn’t help but notice the slump of his shoulders. His cockiness had vanished. It was strange to see Dervinias defeated, and even stranger to know he had a daughter, and that he loved the child. He mourned her.
Venus took a deep breath. Returning Dervinias’s body was the right thing to do. She knew that, despite the evil in him, he would be a key asset in stopping the war.
Then there was Palmo. His body returned, he knelt in front of Amberlee. She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but she could feel their emotions. Her sister loved Palmo, but his emotions weren’t the same; he cared, but only for what he could get from her.
The knowledge burned within Venus and she longed to rush over and tell Amberlee the truth. What held her back was her knowledge that Amberlee needed to come to the conclusion on her own.
Becoming a god didn’t mean forcing her will on others, but allowing them to grow to their full potential.
Just like she knew her eyes were blue, she understood that having power meant using restraint.
It sucked, frankly.
But she loved her sister and would do anything for her. It didn’t matter that she and Amberlee weren’t related by blood, Amberlee would always be her sister. And whether Amberlee wanted it or not, Venus would do all she could to take care of her.
Part of it was guilt. The king and queen had raised Venus as the future ruler of Alayeah. They’d given her most of the attention—not that they’d had a choice. Ith and Aetha had asked the deception of them.
Perhaps the king and queen could’ve taught them both, but it would’ve been considered unorthodox and would’ve raised questions. The problem now was that Amberlee was the only heir to the throne of Alayeah and she’d never been taught what ruling meant.
At fifteen, the girl was now required to lead her country. It left her vulnerable to scrutiny from the chancellors and counselors within, and those in power without, namely King Antyon. And Palmo.
Venus shuddered.
“What is it?” Michael asked, taking her hand.
She pulled away. “Nothing.” She turned to Palmo, who’d made his way over to her along with Amberlee. She noticed they held hands and gritted her teeth. “Palmo, I’ve returned you your body as you requested. I… hope you intend to honor the way of the Kelvieri, even if that means going against your father.”
Palmo swallowed and glanced down, then returned her gaze. “I understand.”
Amberlee snorted, a very un-princess-like sound. “He’s on my side,” she growled, squeezing Palmo’s hand tighter.
Venus nodded, forcing down the words she longed to say. Even if Venus did speak them aloud, she knew her sister wouldn’t hear them anyway. Besides, it was time to address the crowd. There were thousands of Kelarians whose bodies were newly returned.
Like all kels, before the transformation they had metallic skin and white hair and lashes. Their lips were a dark shade of silver. They all looked the same. Venus needed to perform the transformation once again to make them immortal or Kelvieri. She couldn’t help but wonder if it was the right thing to do. But there was a war raging above. She didn’t want to return their bodies only to have them killed again. Making them immortal would give them a better chance of survival.
It should’ve been more than a better chance. Immortality meant living forever…
Venus sensed there were new beings roaming the planet, and she knew there would be a lot of killing soon because of them.
Turning toward the crowd, she raised her voice. “I’m glad you’ve chosen to return to Kelari. Your world needs you.” She didn’t look at Chev. Venus would send her away, but not until she had taken Chev’s memories. It would be for much longer. “Above us is a war. It rages because those who believe the transformation, the Kelvieri’s boots, the gift of immortality, shouldn’t be given to everyone. They believe it should only be passed on to those deemed worthy, those they choose.” Anger filled her veins because she knew only a god like herself could bestow the gift, which meant there must be a god on King Antyon’s side willing to do what the king wanted. She searched her mind, looking for the treacherous god, but came up empty. “They are not all wrong,” she continued.
Murmuring rose from the crowd. Venus understood. They’d been told Venus was a traitor and while she wanted to time to convince them that her actions were true, instead she would show them.
“For thousands of years the gift of the Kelvieri’s boots was given by Ith and Aetha to every Kelarian who turned sixteen.” She blinked several times, trying to fight back her emotions. Michael came up behind her, his hand resting on the lower part of her back. He gave her strength. “They performed the transformation. They decided who was worthy.” Her eyes searched the crowd. She saw confusion and some anger, but most were attentive in what she had to say. “Ith and Aetha are gone. They’ve given their powers to me… their daughter.” Amberlee let out a stifled noise, but Venus didn’t turn. There was more to say. “They’ve instructed me to take on their tasks, so I decide.” She swallowed, forcing power into her voice. “No one else should have that right. And I say you all will become immortal. You all deserve the rights of the Kelvieri.” When she finished speaking, she filled the room with her power, with the knowledge that she was in fact a goddess, and that she did in fact care what happened to each one of them and to all who dwelled on Kelari. She infused their souls with her love, her great love for them, individually and as a whole. As their souls were touched she watched the surprise, understanding, and ultimately acceptance cross their features.
As one, a cheer rang out. Everyone applauded, including Dervinias, Zaren and Palamin
a, and even Palmo and Amberlee.
“Right now, becoming Kelvieri is not only your right, but a necessity. There is a war raging above us.” She pointed to the dirt-crusted ceiling. “A war between countries, between even friends and families.” Venus gave Palmo a pointed look. “There are those who believe I don’t belong on your planet, that I have no right to give you this gift. But they are wrong.”
Another cheer, so loud it reverberated off the walls and ceiling, and sent debris down like rain.
“I won’t force this change on anyone. If you do not desire the gift of immortality, I will not give it. Know this, though. Our enemies have brought something… beyond evil to this planet.” A picture of a creature with large sharp teeth and tentacles came into her mind. She felt Michael shudder behind her. He’d seen what she’d seen. “They are stronger than even the power of the Kelvieri…” Venus gave them a slight smile. “At least, they were.”
“What does she mean?” someone from the crowd asked.
“My parents created the power of the Kelvieri boots,” she answered. “The time has come that you will need more than what’s been previously given, and I have the power to give it to you.” She paused, knowing that, even with the improved power, many would still die. “I can’t promise you won’t get hurt, or that your life will be easy. War never is. But if you want it, please come forward. We’re running out of time. The transformation needs to happen immediately.” She shrugged, wishing she could make them like her, but it wasn’t possible.
Almost as one, the Kelarians walked toward her. Zaren and Palamina came forward and worked to give the crowd some order.
“She’s worse now that she knows the truth. I knew she would be,” Amberlee said against Palmo’s neck when he pulled her into a hug.
“I know,” he returned.
She allowed herself to lean against his taut chest. His smell always reminded her of a morning breeze. Even after all he’d been through, he still smelled like himself, and she smiled. “I’m glad you’re back.”
“Me too.” He hugged her tighter.
They stood like that a long while. Amberlee could hear Venus in the background. She spoke quietly with the souls, performed a group of transformations, and then repeated the process. It was tedious. It stressed Amberlee out, but only because she felt the pressure to get out of this godforsaken place.
Nothing about Helker held fond memories. She’d come to save Palmo. She’d come to atone for her sins. All too soon after she made her deal with the Ferether, Ramien, it became apparent why one shouldn’t make deals with a demon.
Venus had saved them all. Well, her and the whatever-he-was Michael. It burned her up inside. She hadn’t ever wanted anything from her sister and she surely didn’t want her help. Or for her sister to be her savior.
But that’s exactly what Venus had been, still was, and would forever be for Amberlee and Kelari. It was difficult to deal with. That’s why she’d joined The Order. Venus wasn’t really her sister. Venus wasn’t even from their planet, but a being—a god—born of Ith and Aetha. They were from a planet called Stiel. They’d been sent to save Kelari thousands of years ago.
Amberlee didn’t like being saved by an alien, even if that alien was a god. It irked her more than she wanted to admit.
She also hadn’t planned on all the death, all the slaughter. It was for that reason she’d betrayed The Order, because more than she believed in The Order, she loved Palmo, and his father had intended to let Palmo die. It was the price of war, he’d said. Death, even of the ones we loved, couldn’t be helped when trying to create a rebirth. He’d said that when her parents were killed as well. She’d accepted it then. But Palmo? She’d do anything for him.
She’d talked to her parents. Apologized for her part in King Antyon’s plan and begged them to forgive her. They’d said kind words of comfort, though for some reason they felt hollow. She’d asked them to stay, to help her. She’d confessed she needed them, but they’d said they couldn’t stay, that they had to move on, that they were needed elsewhere.
It was clear no matter what she said, her pleas fell on unhearing ears. So she’d wiped her eyes and told them she loved them, and said good-bye. The reunion had been bittersweet. Parts of their conversation kept playing through her mind and she wondered if there was more they weren’t telling her.
That her mother and father chose to leave her stung like the sting of a hundred faya bees.
Tears filled her eyes and she hugged Palmo tighter. He tensed momentarily, but then pulled her closer.
“It’ll be alright. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
His words calmed her a little and she relaxed. Until Venus raised her voice so the whole room could hear.
“It’s time to return. I don’t exactly know what the surface holds for each of you. Now that you’ve received the transformation and your Kelvieri’s boots, you possess more power.”
Amberlee turned so she could watch Venus speak.
“It’s more than most have up there, but it still isn’t enough to stop the creatures above. Please be careful. I would recommend you follow Zaren and Palamina as far as possible. They will be heading to the castle. If you have family, find them.” She faced Zaren and Palamina. “You will lead them.” It wasn’t a question, but a command. Amberlee flinched.
“Of course.” Zaren stepped toward the set of stairs leading upward. Palamina was close at his heels.
The crowd followed—except one. He wore a Formytian uniform along with his new boots. By all accounts he would be considered handsome. He was tall and had blond hair almost the same color as Venus, but it was cropped short, and his eyes were the color of melted amber.
He bowed slightly and, for some reason, that irritated the Helker out of Amberlee.
“I am Seth.” His voice rang through the room.
Venus smiled as though she knew a secret about him. “Hello, Seth.”
Amberlee watched his jaw flex. “I am a Formytian. My job was to protect King Antyon. I was his personal guardian.” Amberlee heard the disgust laced in his words.
“You were a valiant guardian, Seth.”
His jaw clenched tighter. “When I became privy to his plans I told him I wanted no part in them and asked to be released.”
Amberlee lifted her head, interested in what Seth had to say. It seemed there was another who couldn’t be swayed by the cunning of the king.
Seth continued, “The king agreed. That night, as I packed my things, a Leviathan entered my room and killed me before I had the chance to grab my Ostwallow sword.” Seth glanced down at his feet. “Not that it would’ve done any good.”
Venus went to stand in front of him and placed a hand on his chest. She patted the spot over his epsis. “Do not berate yourself another moment. You did the best you could.”
Seth’s lashes fluttered rapidly. Amberlee stepped from Palmo’s arms, watching Seth with deep interest.
“I should’ve known what was happening. I should’ve paid closer attention to what the king wasn’t saying.”
Venus nodded. “An interesting choice of words, Formytian. But you are correct.” She stepped back and lifted her chin. “Have you learned from your mistake, Seth?”
“I have.” He stood tall, rolling his shoulders back, and looked Venus in the eyes. “If you allow me, I would like to assist in ending the war.”
“That would be most appreciated. Please go with Zaren and Palamina to the castle. Once you arrive, please wait. I have a special assignment for you.”
Palmo moved toward Venus. “What is this assignment?” he asked boldly, and then shrank back. “Maybe I could help,” he added, his voice less brazen.
Venus smiled genially. “Maybe you could, but I doubt it.”
Michael stepped to her side, placing himself between Palmo and Venus.
The move irritated Amberlee. Who did he think he was?
She knew, though. He was part Ferether, part Kelvieri. He was a wholly new being, something no one had ever
seen before.
Venus went on: “If you would be so kind, please keep my sister and Palmo safe.”
Seth’s eyes flicked over Amberlee and Palmo. “I will do whatever you command, but…” His voice trailed off.
“Please say what’s in your heart, Seth,” Venus said.
He cleared his throat. “Those two are with King Antyon. They were part of his plan. They are not to be trusted.”
Amberlee gasped.
“Watch your mouth, Formytian, or I’ll have you—”
Venus turned to Palmo, her cornflower blue eyes freezing him where he stood. She turned to Seth. “I appreciate your honesty. I know of the part these two played. There is still more they must accomplish.”
“Understood.” Seth’s foot touched the bottom step. “Let’s go.”
Venus gave Amberlee and Palmo a once-over. Amberlee couldn’t help but be terrified. Venus was no longer a spoiled child Amberlee had grown up with. She was a goddess. It showed in her mannerisms, the way she moved and spoke. Her body almost moved of its own accord, but she held back searching Venus’s face. Questions ran through her mind, like: What powers did she possess? Could she know, like Ith and Aetha, the intentions of a person’s heart? Did she sense the hatred Amberlee harbored against her? Even as the questions ran through her mind, she knew the answer to all of them was yes. Venus could know everything. And it freaked Amberlee out.
The truth was, Amberlee also envied Venus. Growing up, everything had always been about her older sister. She received all the attention, all the training. Venus had private tutors while Amberlee went to regular school. Amberlee had been teased relentlessly. Venus had been given the bulk of her parents’ love and it wasn’t fair—especially since Amberlee’s parents weren’t really Venus’s parents.
Anger boiled anew and she glared at the would-be god. Venus met and held her gaze. “I know we aren’t sisters by blood, but you will always be family.”
Amberlee wanted to laugh out loud, but she pushed the desire down. She would never consider Venus family. She hadn’t since the day she found out the truth. She needed to get away from Venus. She needed time to think, because as much as she hated Venus, she hated King Antyon more. He’d tortured and killed her parents. In the end she’d heard the truth from their lips. Her parents loved her. They loved her more than they’d ever loved Venus. What they’d done had been out of love as a way of protecting her. When she’d believed her parents were ignoring her, they’d actually been keeping her safe.
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