Pandora stifled a laugh. “Do I think they are gone? Come now, dear sister. Even you can’t think such a convenience would exist. They are as ancient as we are. Now that the seal is broken, conflict is inevitable.”
Kalezstros’ face darkened. “I just have no idea what Xalphora was thinking, releasing that seal so haphazardly.”
Pandora knelt to take a closer look at the flowers. “If you recall, it was that same haphazard thinking that returned you to this realm.” Kalezstros grunted. It didn’t seem like Pandora would get much from her elder sister. “I assume you’ve come to ask me for something?”
The Goddess of War shifted slightly. “I came to see where you stand in all this. You know what is coming, yes?”
“Actually, I don’t,” Pandora said, not looking up. The flowers here were exceptionally pretty. She would have to remember this spot. “But then, you know that is the way I prefer to live.”
Pandora heard rustling and she saw that Kalezstros had finally risen. Though she could not see, she could guess that her sister did not look happy. “You know, little sister, there are times when I could never understand you. And this is one of them. You are a higher power, and yet you waste your time like this.”
And with a brilliant flash, the fields caught fire. Pandora watched as it began to spread quickly, engulfing the flowers she had just been admiring. She couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness. And yet, the chaotic flames dancing and destroying everything they touched...it was just as beautiful as the flowers.
That was the true nature of chaos. It was also the reason she could do nothing right now. The others had their purpose. She had hers. “This wildfire was caused by a small change.”
“What?”
“Had you not arrived, these flowers may have existed for years to come. And yet, because you have, this has been the result. Cause and effect,” Pandora said.
“You are quite infuriating, you know that? Regardless, the Arbiters do not concern me for now, so long as I uphold my duty. For now, I must continue with my mission. The time of reckoning for the mortals is nearing. I look forward to seeing how they have grown. Perhaps one day you will return to the Realm of the Heavens.”
Pandora was alone again and she glanced at the dancing fire around her. Her little garden was ruined. She let out a sigh. Kalezstros was always ruining everything. She could never see the beauty in the mundane things. But then, the chaos she brought to the world was a work of art in itself.
She sighed and sat back down. The flames...would they kill her? Who knew. She laid down on her back. Kalezstros and Formetis were one thing she had to think about, but there was something else on her mind.
Those of Sanction...what part will they play in the chaos to come?
END OF BOOK TWO
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Chrysalis Page 32