“Your pledge will be fulfilled when you complete the coronation, my lady.” Grayson explained carefully, eyeing my hands where sparks had started to jump into the air. “You are already bonded to the Kyrion, as well as being Chosen. You are unique in our world.”
“I won’t be treated as an exception when people the same as me are out there dying.” I sucked in a deep breath and held it trying to calm myself down. When I felt I could speak again without lighting the hallway on fire, I continued. “I overheard a conversation between Selene and Talos Gavril. He was saying our enemies are getting closer.”
“Yes, my lady,” Grayson confirmed. “The attacks are coming more frequently and closer to the home bases.”
“Since when? Why wouldn’t Bennett tell me about this?” I asked, already guessing what he would say.
Grayson looked away, not wanting to answer.
“Things have started to escalate since the day I was claimed as Chosen, haven’t they?” Selene’s comments about the clock had been rolling around with all the other issues in my head. Why would the clock have changed when I bonded with Bennett? It didn’t make sense. Kyrion had bonded before; there was a whole hall of pictures of the prior leaders. But then I realized Selene wouldn’t have known the exact date of our bonding, only that it had happened during the first competition of the Games. I had also been claimed as Chosen during that time, and Bennett was trying to protect me so that I didn’t feel like this was my fault. I wasn’t taking on that blame though—this was squarely on the shoulders of the gods. “This is all tied together somehow. The Chosen being found, my quest, and the attacks getting worse. I need answers, Grayson. We all do. Help me find them ... please.”
He stood taller and looked me in the eye. “I am the first of my family to pledge myself as a Themis—an honor-bound protector—in over three centuries. I knew what I was doing when I took my oath, my lady, and I do not regret it. I see in you the salvation of my people even if you do not yet see it for yourself.” He bowed deeply to me and chuckled when I hissed at him to cut it out. “I will help you find your answers no matter where they may lie.”
“Thank you.” I would have hugged him again, but Lydia came around the corner heading our way with an armload of towels. “Oh gods, I’m going to lock myself in the bathroom and shower by myself. Teleport to my bedroom in thirty minutes so no one sees you, and we’ll leave from there.”
“As my lady commands,” Grayson said as he backed down the hallway bowing and beaming at me with that boyish grin. I would have thrown my shoe at him if Lydia hadn’t been watching disapprovingly. I hurried into the bedroom and shut the door behind me.
11
Click, the spoiled little brat, was sleeping in a velvet-lined jewelry case sitting open on my bed when I entered my bedroom. I had noticed the young servant girl seemed to have developed a friendship with him and assumed she had provided the case. I smiled at the feather he had tucked in beside him from his current crush—a feather duster at my parents’ house. Click had been going through a turbulent teenage phase lately. I never knew if I was going to get the horny version trying to “hook up” with various inanimate objects; the rebellious version forging signatures on office supply magazine orders as if they were Playboys; the bratty toddler throwing a tantrum when you cut off his Dancing with the Stars marathons; or the sweet kid who liked to draw me cute pictures. I left him to his sleep and rushed into the bathroom.
I showered and dressed, ignoring Lydia’s knocking until she finally gave up. When it had been quiet for a few minutes, I peeked out the into the hallway. Grayson waved the all-clear sign from his position near the doors.
I took his hand, and we teleported to my parents’ house. We arrived in the front entrance, and I immediately slumped against the front door trying not to throw up. Having your molecules sucked into a wind tunnel and spat back out again always got to me, especially when someone else was doing the teleporting. Grayson teleported to the kitchen and brought me back a glass of water. I thanked him and sipped slowly as my stomach began to settle. The familiar sights of my childhood home surrounded me, and a heavy weight slipped from my shoulders. Here there were no watchful eyes expecting me to be something I wasn’t.
The late day sun streamed in through the wall of windows warming the slate tile of the entrance. The sunken living room to my right with the giant rock fireplace and teal accents brought back memories of nights spent sipping hot chocolate and talking with my mother. To my left was the more formal sitting area with the harp my mother sometimes played. Overhead, maple wood beams framed the vaulted ceiling and columns sectioned the areas. A shiver raced down my spine, and I quickly turned away from the wood column that had been replaced after Natalie had smashed me into it. My bones ached momentarily as if remembering the broken bits that my powers had knit back together.
“Are you all right, my lady?” Grayson asked, his too-perceptive gaze soft with sympathy.
I gulped down the last of the water as if it could wash it all away. “I’m fine,” I said, forcing a smile as I handed him the empty glass. “I need to look through the rest of the study. I know there’s something there, I just have to find it.”
“Would you like me to help, my lady?”
“Thanks, Grayson, but I’d like to search by myself for now.” He nodded, then escorted me to the study, making sure it was safe before taking off to check the rest of the house and grounds.
The tall sculpture of the anchor from my father’s first ship stood near the door. The portal that I’d found right before the confrontation with Natalie took up the left side of the room. The clifftop field of hyacinths that surrounded the tall tower in the distance with its glowing ball of orangish-yellow light at the top stood unchanged. Sorrow and guilt tugged at my heart as I remembered James, the boy who had died there. If only ...
I shook off those thoughts, knowing from experience that wishing things had happened differently wouldn’t change a thing. I turned toward the walnut desk where my father had spent many days working on ship designs and teaching me everything I knew about sailing. The chair behind the desk beckoned, and I sank into its old leather. This would never be as good as my father’s hugs but sitting here made me feel closer to him. My eyes closed trying to hold onto those good memories even as my heart ached at their loss. I miss you both so much.
I started to push away from the desk when I noticed the bottom drawer was open. That’s odd. I could have sworn that I’d locked these drawers last time we were here. I tried to slide the drawer out, but it was stuck. I reached through the opening, feeling for whatever might be blocking the drawer and jerked my hand back when I brushed against something sharp. Blood welled in my palm from a jagged scratch. Putting pressure on the scratch with my other hand, I looked for the box of tissues I had placed on the desk for handling some of the older books, but it was missing. My healing powers would kick in any moment, but I didn’t want to make a mess. As if to mock me a drop of blood fell from my clenched hand onto the arm of the chair.
Gold light flashed around the drop of blood like a ripple on the surface of water. What the hell? I lifted my injured palm over the arm of the chair and let another drop fall. The same thing happened. Sucking in a breath for courage, I placed my palm down on top of the chair arm. Gold light blazed under my hand. When I lifted my hand away, a glowing seven-pointed sun symbol appeared where there had only been worn brown leather before. The last time I had seen my father’s symbol it had been on the wall of this same study, and it had led me to the portal.
The sun symbols seemed to be the key to unlocking secrets my father had hidden in here. I looked again at the arm of the chair and then at the other side. I dug my fingernail into the nearly healed wound on my hand and quickly pressed my palm to the other chair arm. Light blazed and another sun symbol appeared. A breeze swept through the air bringing the scents of the ocean and the sound of seagulls. Across the room, the anchor statue lifted off its base making the clickity-clacking sound of a large an
chor on a boat being pulled up.
The sun symbols faded from the chair arms. Cautiously, I crossed the room and peered down into the hole that had been revealed in the base of the anchor statue. A wooden box about the size of a briefcase sat inside. The lid was etched with two names: Asteri Theophanes and Hector Acesius. Below the names were the symbols for the House of Chaos and the House of Light. Jaxon had found out that my father had changed his name from Hector Acesius to Henry Davies after he left the House of Light. But he had been struggling to find any history on my mother, Stella Theone. Now I knew why. Her real name was Asteri Theophanes. Something about her name tugged at a memory. For a moment, a ruggedly handsome face with eyes shifting into starbursts of color filled my head. His husky Greek-accented voice filled my head. “You would prefer my human name? I was once called Titan Theophanes.” Was Titan somehow related to my mother?
I pulled the heavy box out with a grunt and set it on the floor. Carefully, I opened the lid. Inside there was a black book with gold lettering that said simply: For Jillian. A sad smile tugged at my lips. My mother had always called me Jillian or Jilli-bean. I wished she was here with me now to tell me how to fix this mess with Dia and help me through everything going on. I drew in a deep breath and opened the book. My mother’s handwriting filled the page:
Jillian,
We knew that someday we would no longer be able to protect you from our world. We tried so hard to give you a normal life free from persecution and war. If you are reading this, then war has come anyway, and we are no longer able to protect you. Your father and I were never meant to be together. Our families are sworn enemies, but we knew from the moment we met that we had found our other half—our bond-mate. We ran away to be together, and though it was hard, we had each other. When we were blessed with you, it was the happiest day of our lives.
We knew the Chosen mark would draw others to you. We bound your powers, but the gods weren’t to be denied. Do you remember the summer you were ten, and how sick you were? Your powers had started to feed on the bindings, and we had to release them. A woman and a small girl came to see us that day. The girl said she heard you calling to her to find you. Claudia King was that girl, and she also bore a Chosen mark. Her mother was as desperate to keep her hidden as we were to protect you.
Together we found a way to lock both of your powers away and hide your marks. We each swore to help protect you girls if the others should find us. We kept you apart to keep your powers from combining to break free, but you found each other again in college. By the time we realized who your friend was, it was too late, the bindings had already started to unravel. Both of your powers had grown too strong to be bound again.
We’d decided to tell you everything when you came home after graduation, but we wanted to leave this for you in case something was to happen. We would take this burden on for you if we could, but the gods have selected you. My visions have shown me pieces of your future, and my heart weeps for all you will endure. Your Chosen will help. Trust in each other, and let nothing separate you. The six of you will be strongest together.
We have gathered what information we could. There are clues and tools left for you to find that will help along the way. You are the key to an ancient prophecy that my brother foretold before he disappeared. Pieces of the original prophecy were hidden amongst the Houses and passed down through the leaders of the guides. Your father was to be one of these leaders, the Kafàli, for the House of Light, but we ran away before he took his vows. We believe that his family knows how to locate the other pieces. They were once a joint House with my guardians and may be willing to help. Gather your Chosen and the pieces of the prophecy. Find my guardians. They know the real history of our people and will help to train you all for what is coming.
Here is the part I was entrusted with:
Six are Chosen.
Of Dark. Of Light.
Our precious girl, there is so much that we should have told you, but know that we only wanted to keep you safe. Perhaps it was selfish of us not to want to share you with our world, but we don’t regret one moment of our life with you. We love you so very much, Jilli-bean. No matter what happens remember that and believe in yourself. You are stronger than you know, and our world will need your strength. All of the descendants of the God of Chaos will need your strength.
Love always,
Mom and Dad
Tears tracked down my cheeks unchecked as my fingers traced over the page. Even now my parents were supporting me and guiding me, as they had done my whole life. Another section of my lonely highway crumbled to dust, silencing the thoughts I hadn’t even acknowledged. Somewhere in the back of my mind since I learned my parents had been hiding, I had wondered if I had been the reason, and if they had resented me for it. But they hadn’t blamed me.
The gods had picked me for a reason. I had no idea why, but it was time to accept my role in this war. No more fumbling in the dark hoping this was a bad dream that would vanish when I woke. Whatever destiny the gods had in store for the Paldimori, I was responsible for helping to shape the final outcome. My parents had given me clues, now it was up to me to put all of the pieces together.
How was I going to be able to do all that needed to be done as both Chosen and Kyrion?
12
We teleported back to my room in Prometheus only to find a distraught Lydia dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief, her cheeks ruddy from crying. “Thank the God of Chaos you’re back, my lady,” she sniffled as Grayson placed the box I had found on the dresser. We both watched as Lydia went still for a moment with that vacant look that said she was talking telepathically. She blinked and informed us, “I’ve notified the Archai and Kyrion Bennett of your return.” Lydia twisted the handkerchief nervously between her fingers. Then the words seemed to burst from her mouth as if she could no longer contain them. “You scared us all going off on your own like that!”
“Lydia, sit down before you faint.” I guided her over to the couch in front of the fireplace and helped her to sit down. I looked around for a pitcher of water noticing that more vases of poppies had been placed on the mantle of the fireplace and the table where I had eaten breakfast. Grayson stepped from the bathroom with a glass and handed it to her. “I had Grayson with me. We were completely safe.”
“One boy isn’t enough protection, my lady,” Lydia’s face turned pale as she gripped the glass of water tightly. “I’m not supposed to know, but I overheard you talking today, saying you are already bonded to Kyrion Bennett. If you had died, the Kyrion—”
A knock sounded at the door causing Lydia to jump. Water splashed onto her dress but she didn’t seem to notice. I took the glass from her trembling hands. She shot to her feet smoothed over her hair and wiped the last of the tears from her cheeks. Then rushed to answer the door before Grayson could get to it.
Selene stepped into the room looking runway ready in a jade-green silk evening gown. She spoke quietly to Lydia, then sent the still pale-faced woman out the door. The clicking of Selene’s high heels was the only sound as she walked stiffly across the wooden floor over to my bed. Her fingers trailed over the peach evening gown laying there. “It’s a lovely gown, isn’t it?” she asked, giving me a deceptively calm smile, the uncharacteristic rigidity of her movements giving away the simmering emotions underneath. “It’s from Paris. Did you know that our enemies have nearly taken over all of France? The runner broke his leg trying to avoid capture, but he did return with your dress.”
“I-I … No, I didn’t know that.” The implied accusation in her voice irritated the hell out of me. “Why would you send someone to Paris if it’s so dangerous?”
“I wouldn’t risk the lives of my people so carelessly,” Selene stated with a calm demeanor that was far scarier than if she’d screamed at me. “But an order given by the Kyrion can’t be overridden even by me.”
“Bennett wouldn’t—”
“No, he wouldn’t.” Selene stated firmly.
Grayson stepped for
ward to intercede, but I held up my hand. “I don’t know what you’re accusing me of, but I hate dresses. Why would I send someone to Paris to find some fancy, overpriced ones?”
“I’ve been asking myself that same question since seeing your note,” Selene held out her hand and a familiar-looking piece of stationery with a dancing couple appeared on her palm. “Your pen delivered this to the leader of the runners right after our lesson and the runner was dispatched immediately.”
“Click gave you that?” I asked confused by all of this. “That’s his stationery, but I didn’t write that note. I came back here after our lesson and fell asleep. Then I was with Bennett for training. Besides I don’t even know the leader of the runners.”
“Guide Athan is in charge of the runners. I believe you met this morning,” Selene replied, her tone indicating I was lying my ass off. “In the future, please speak with me before you give orders to the runners. It’s my job to make sure our people remain safe. I can’t do my job if I am not informed of all decisions.”
“I promise I didn’t do this, Selene.” I pleaded with her to believe me.
“Promises are much more effective when backed by actions, Lia,” Selene admonished, and a sick feeling entered my stomach. How many promises had I broken already? “I’ve rescheduled the coronation planning meeting for the day after tomorrow and given the ladies your apologies. Lydia will assist you with your schedule from now on.”
Paldimori Gods Rising Box Set Page 56