Only his memories can save herโฆ
A great primal power has risen. The Queen of Flesh and Fire has become the Primal of Blood and Boneโthe true Primal of Life and Death. And the battle Casteel, Poppy, and their allies have been fighting has only just begun. Gods are awakening across Iliseeum and the mortal realm, readying for the war to come.
But when Poppy falls into stasis, Cas faces the very real possibility that the dire, unexpected consequences of what she is becoming could take her away from him. Casย isย given some advice, thoughโsomething he plans to cling to as he waits to see her beautiful eyes open once more: Talk to her.
And so, he does. He reminds Poppy how their journey began, revealing things about himself that only Kieran knows in the process. But itโs anybodyโs guess what sheโll wake to or exactly how much of the realm and Cas will have changed when she does.
#1ย New York Timesย bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout revisits Poppy and Casteelโs epic love story in the next installment of the Blood and Ash series. But this time, Hawke gets to tell the tale.
The next exhilarating installment in the Blood and Ash series is nearly here! A SOUL OF ASH AND BLOOD is out tomorrow, but you can read the first chapter right now below!
A sweet but stale scent drifted out from the dark corridor. My head jerked toward the sound of light, fast footsteps as I reached for my hip, drawing the bloodstone dagger.
A vampry darted between the sandstone pillars, rushing into the lamplit hall of the seemingly unending vault beneath Wayfair Castle, nothing more than a flash of streaming dark hair, alabaster skin, and crimson silk.
There was no hesitation. Neither Kieran nor I had given any of them leeway since entering the underground.
I released the dagger, sending it flying across the hall. The bloodstone blade struck true, embedding deeply in the vampryโs chest, cutting off the annoying, godsawful shriek as it knocked the Ascended back. A web of fissures rapidly appeared in the Ascendedโs flesh, spreading across its cheeks and down its throat. Skin cracked and then peeled back, lifting from bone and turning to dust. Within a heartbeat, my dagger clanged off the stone floor beside nothing more than a pile of silk.
โCas.โ It came out as a sigh, and my lips curved into a smile despite the frustration filling the breathy word.
I couldnโt help it when Poppy called me that. Hearing it sometimes made my chest tight yet made me feel light as air. Other times, it made me hard as fuck. But it always brought out a smile.
โThe Ascended didnโt attack us,โ Poppy said.
โIt was running at us.โ I went to where the dagger lay and picked it up.
โOr running from us,โ she suggested.
โThatโs one way to look at it.โ Cleaning the blade on the leg of my pants, I sheathed the dagger and faced herโand damn if I didnโt feel a catch in my godsdamn breath.
Every inch of Poppy showed that sheโd just fought a terrifying battle. Blood and grime smeared her cheeks, hands, and her clothing, not to mention what covered her bare feet. The braid sheโd forced her unruly hair into had mostly come undone, and the strands gleamed like bold, red wine in the dim light of the gas lamps, spilling over her shoulders and down her back.
And still, she was so damn beautiful to me.
My heartmate.
My Queen.
Not a goddess but a Primalโthe Primal of Blood and Bone. Of Life and Death.
Shock rippled through me, nearly causing me to stumble. It had been doing that every couple of minutes since she went all Primal on the Blood Queen. I imagined it would be a long damn time before it stopped happening.
โBut the last thing anyone who doesnโt want to end up a pile of dust should do is run in your direction.โ I bowed at the waist. โMy Queen.โ
Poppy blinked slowly, clearly unimpressed by my chivalry. That brightened my smile, and her full lips twitched as she fought back a grin, revealing a hint of sharp canine.
Lust punched straight through me as my chin dipped, and my eyes locked with hers. Every time I caught a glimpse of her fangs, I wanted to feel them in my flesh. Correction. I wanted to feel them in my flesh while I was buried deep inside her.
A throat cleared. โMay we continue?โ a raspy, flat voice asked. โOr would you two like a private moment?โ
Poppyโs cheeks warmed, flooding her face with color that had been absent since weโd arrived at Wayfair. My gaze shifted to the speaker.
The massive mountain of a male with his black-and-silver-streaked hair raised a brow.
Fucking Nektas, the eldest and inarguably most dangerous of the draken, was starting to piss me off.
Holding his stare, I checked my desire for my wife. Not because of his presence. And not even because we were down here searching for her father. But because of Poppy.
Something wasnโt right.
I rejoined her and the ever-alert Delano, who had been sticking close in wolven form. โYou ready?โ
Nodding, she started walking again, the stone floor likely icy against her bare feet. Iโd offered to carry her.
The look sheโd given me ensured I didnโt ask again. That hadnโt stopped Kieran from making the same offer, though. Heโd received a similar look of warningโthe kind that made you want to cup your balls. Lucky for us, Poppy likely preferred us with those parts undamaged.
I didnโt take my eyes off her as we continued.
Out in the Bone Temple, before she unleashed unholy hell on the Blood Queen, Iโd watched in unfettered horror as pure light exploded her armor. And Iโd been unable to do a damn thing.
Iโd only ever felt such fear one other time; when the bolt had struck her in the Wastelands, and Iโd watched her life slipping from her. Iโd felt that same terror earlier when I saw the blood running from her mouth. Sheโd changed, even if only for a few seconds, her flesh becoming a kaleidoscope of light and shadow with an outline of wings taking shape and arcing behind her. It reminded me of the winged statues guarding the City of the Gods in Iliseeum.
Iโd then watched her destroy Isbeth.
No one among us would miss the woman, but the Blood Queen had been Poppyโs mother.
At some point, the realization that she had taken her motherโs life would hit her, bringing out a lot of messy, complicated emotions.
And I would be there for her.
So would Kieran.
He walked on her other side, doing the same as I was. Every couple of moments, he glanced down at her, a mixture of concern and awe flashing across his blood-streaked features.
He was a fucking mess.
So was I.
Our clothing and what remained of our armor was shredded from the battle. I knew blood splattered my fleshโsome of it mine, some from the dakkais. The rest was dried specks from those whoโd been struck downโthose who had died but hadnโt stayed dead.
I glanced to where Delano prowled silently behind us. While most of the wolven and the others were currently moving through Carsodonia in search of the Ascended and looking for my brother, he had chosen to follow Poppy.
There was a strange, unnerving sensation I couldnโt shake as Delano lifted his head and pale, luminous blue eyes met mine. I wondered if the life restored to those whoโd fallen in battle had been a gift that could be stripped away at any moment. I had no real reason to feel that way.
According to Nektas, the act of restoring life to so many was not only known to the Primals of Life and of Death but also aided by them.
Besides, that feeling of unease could be sourced back to a shit ton of things. We were currently moving about the enemyโs nest, and while none of the mortal servants or Royal Guards who remained at Wayfair had put up a fight when we entered, and there had only been three Ascended underground so far, none of us were comfortable here. Wayfair wasnโt ours. It never would be.
Another thing preying on my mind at the moment was my brother, who was somewhere out there, chasing after Millicent, who happened to be Poppyโs sister. And none of us knew where Millicent stood in regard to their mother.
Then again, from my personal experience with Millie, I didnโt think she knew where she stood on anything half the time.
There was also the fact that Poppyโs Primal grandparents were no longer sleeping, and from what I could figure out, one of them could enter the mortal realm whenever they felt like it.
And then there was Callum, that golden fuck of a Revenant who still needed to be dealt with, which brought me to what probably should be the most disconcerting item of all. Yes, weโd defeated the Blood Crown, but the real battle awaited. We had only prevented Kolis, the original and true Primal of Death, from taking full corporeal form. Still, he was free, he was awake, and he wasnโt the only one. All those things were hardcore pressing issues, butโฆ
My gaze returned to Poppyโs profile, and my chest tightened again. The thin, jagged scar on her cheek and the one cutting across her forehead and eyebrow stood out more starkly than they ever had. She was paleโpaler than sheโd been when she came to at the Temple. And shouldnโt it be the opposite? Shouldnโt her skin have become flushed? Other than the passing blush earlier, it hadnโt, and that worried me most of all.
Poppy turned her head in my direction. Our gazes met. Her irises were the color of dewy spring grass laced with vibrant streaks of silverโeather. Was it just me, or had those luminous lines gotten brighter in the time it took us to arrive at Wayfair? Her full lips curved up in a reassuring smile, and I knew immediately that sheโd picked up on my concern, either because I was projecting it, or she was simply reading meโreading all of us around her.
I reached out and took her hand. More pressure clamped down on my chest. Her hand, so much smaller than mine, was cold. Not icy, but also not warm.
โAre you feeling all right?โ I asked, my voice low yet echoing through the cavernous hall. Poppy nodded. โYes.โ Her brows knitted as her eyes searched mine. โAre you?โ
โAlways,โ I murmured, glancing at Kieran.
There was more concern than awe in his stare. Without me having to say anything, he inched closer to Poppy.
Something wasnโt right.
Starting with Nektas, who now walked silently on Kieranโs other side. Poppy had asked earlier if what she had become, a Primal that had never existed before, was a good thing or bad. I already knew the answer to that. But Nektasโs response?
That is yet to be known.
Yeah, I didnโt like that at all.
I also didnโt like his expression when he looked at Poppy. It reminded me of how we all looked at Malikโlike we werenโt sure we could trust him. No one wanted a draken looking at them like that.
Poppy suddenly stopped at the entrance to a long, shadowy hall. There was a musty scent to this area, one that threatened to send my mind back to darker, colder places. I stopped that before it could happen. Now wasnโt the time for that shit.
Slipping her hand from mine, Poppy faced us. โOkay. Why does everyone keep looking at me?โ she demanded, propping her hands on her hips as she lifted her chin. โHas something changed about me that Iโm unaware of?โ
โOther than your adorable fangs?โ I offered.
Her eyes narrowed on me, but I grinned as I saw the skin around her mouth move as she ran her tongue over her top teeth. Then she winced, likely nicking her tongue yet again. โOther than that.โ
Kieran said nothing as Delano plopped his ass down, thumping his tail on the stone floor. I wasnโt sure what that was supposed to translate to.
โI imagine they are looking at you with concern,โ Nektas answered in that gravelly voice of his.
โWhy?โ Poppy glanced between Kieran and me. โArenโt I the last thing any of you should be worried about?โ
โWellโฆโ Nektas drew out the word.
Kieranโs head cut sharply in the drakenโs direction, his nostrils flaring, and it reminded me of what else Nektas had told us at the Temple. The heavy meaning to his words as he said weโd better make sure that what Poppy had become was something good.
โI wouldnโt go so far as to say youโre the last thing anyone should be worried about,โ Nektas continued. โYouโre likely theโฆsecond thing they should be worried about.โ
โWhat is that supposed to mean?โ Kieran demanded.
Nektas gave the wolven a passing glance. โKolis is our primary concern.โ He tilted his head. Long, silver-streaked strands slid over a bare shoulder, revealing the faint ridges of scales. โAnd she should be your second.โ
Poppy frowned. โI disagree. I think my father and your daughter are tied for first place, then Kolis. I shouldnโt even be on the list of things to worry about.โ
Nektas opened his mouth.
โIโd be careful how you answer that,โ I warned.
Slowly, the ancient draken turned his head to me. Our stares locked. His vertical pupils constricted until they were thin strips of black against vibrant blue. โInteresting.โ
I arched a brow. โWhat is?โ
โYou,โ he answered. Delanoโs ears flattened in the tense silence that followed the word.
โYou stepped in front of her as if you believe she needs your protection.โ
I was completely unaware that I had. So had Kieran and Delano. โAnd?โ Poppy sighed from behind us.
โThat is wise of you. Even the most powerful of beings need protection at times,โ Nektas advised. โBut this is not one of them.โ
โIโm not so sure about that.โ My hand rested on the hilt of the dagger at my hip. It wouldnโt do shit to a draken, but I would make it hurt.
โThis is all really unnecessary,โ Poppy began.
โIโm not so sure of that, either.โ Sensing that she was edging to my right, I sidestepped her and held Nektasโs stare. โI donโt give two shits who you are. You donโt need to be worried about her at all.โ
One side of the drakenโs mouth curled up, and another too-long moment of silence passed.
โYou are far too much like him.โ
โLike who?โ Poppy asked.
His pupils dilated. โThe one his bloodline is descended from.โ
โWhat the fuck?โ Kieran muttered under his breath and then said louder, โWho was that?โ
A shadow of a smile appeared on the drakenโs face. โYou mean to ask who is that.โ
My brows shot together. โIโm going to needโโ
A low rumble cut me off. Delano stood, looking around as the sound increased, becoming deeper. My gaze flew to Kieran. He turned as the very floor beneath us began to tremble. I spun toward Poppy.
Her green and silver eyes were wide. โWhat?โ
Clouds of dust drifted like snow from the high ceiling, coating our shoulders and the floor.
The rumble grew as the entire castle shook.
โItโs not me,โ Poppy shouted over the noise, throwing up her hands. โI swear.โ
My gaze flew to the ceiling, where thin fractures suddenly erupted in the stone. โShit.โ
I launched forward. Delano followed as I grabbed hold of Poppy, cracks forming in the pillars and quickly racing down their lengths. Afraid the entire damn castle was about to come down on our heads, my first thought was of her. I shoved Poppy between Kieran and me as Delano pressed against her legs. She squeaked as we caged her in, using our bodies to protect hers in case the ceiling ended up on top of us.
Delano whimpered as something heavy toppled somewhere in the underground lair, crashing down. More dust fell in thick clouds. The rumbling grew louder until nothing else could be heard, and the very realm itself shudderedโ
Then it stopped. All of it.
The rumbling. The cracking of stone and plaster. The crashing of what were probably very important things like support beams. It all just ceased as quickly as it had started.
โUm,โ came Poppyโs muffled voice. โI can barely breathe.โ
I could only see the top of her head beneath Kieranโs and my arms. I wasnโt quite ready to lower them.
โThat wasnโt her,โ Nektas stated, a bemused expression on his face. โThat was them.โ
โThem?โ Kieran repeated, slowly lowering his arms from Poppy.
โThe gods,โ the draken elaborated. โOne of them mustโve awakened nearby.โ
One of them must haveโฆ
Poppy shot out from under me as fast as an arrow, her eyes still wide but now lit with eagerness. โPenellaphe,โ she gasped, her head darting between Kieran and me. โRemember? You said the goddess Penellaphe sleeps beneath the cityโs Atheneum!โ She shoved Kieran in the arm, causing him to stumble back a step. โOops. Sorry.โ
โItโs okay.โ Kieran caught himself, grinning. โAnd, yes, I did say that.โ
She spun toward Nektas. โCan we see her? I mean after weโve freed my father and located Jadis. You see, I was namedโโ
โAfter the goddess who spoke of you so very long before you were born,โ Nektas finished.
โWho was the first to call you the Harbinger and the Bringer of Death. A prophecy you have fulfilled.โ
Her arms slowly lowered to her sides. โWell, when you put it like thatโฆโ She pressed her lips together. โI think Iโve changed my mind.โ
I never wanted to punch someone more than I did the draken for stealing that brief excitement from Poppy.
Nektas chuckled. โIโm sure she will be interested in meeting you. All of them will be when the time is right,โ he said, his face softening in a way I had yet to see from him. โWe should get moving in case there are more who slumber in the capital. I do not want to be down here if that happens again.โ
He was right. None of us wanted that.
โBy the way,โ he said, glancing at Kieran and me as we started down the hall once more.
โYou two areโฆadorable.โ
Kieranโs forehead scrunched as he brushed dust from his shoulder. โI donโt think Iโve ever been referred to as adorable before, but thanks.โ He paused. โI think.โ
The draken chuckled once more. โAll three of you raced to shield her.โ He nodded at Delano, who trotted beside Poppy as she led us down another hall, this one narrower. A column had toppled here, leaning against another. โThe one person who would survive the collapse of a building.โ
I hadnโt even thought of that.
Poppy grinned. โIt was kind of adorable.โ
Kieran huffed, and I swore I saw a deepening in the color of his light brown cheeks.
โAnd unnecessary in more ways than one,โ Nektas went on. โThe three of you are Joined, are you not?โ
Delanoโs ears perked as Poppyโs head swung toward him. Some color returned to her cheeks. His tail wagged. Clearly, heโd communicated something intriguing through the Primal notam. Iโd have to ask him about it later.
โYeah,โ she answered. โBut I think itโs going to take all of us a while to remember that if Iโm okay, then all three of us are.โ
โUnderstatement of the century,โ Kieran remarked, drawing a grin from me. The expression disappeared, though. Because as soon as her blush faded, the paleness of her skin was even more noticeable.
Something isnโt right.
The feeling only intensified as we walked, traveling deeper into the underground maze of chambers and halls that Poppy had moved about as a small child. I couldnโt place why I felt the way I did. The pressure remained in my chest and the back of my throatโ
Click. Click. Click.
Poppy halted once more. This time, her hands opened and closed at her sides. I dragged my gaze from her to the hall in front of us. Up ahead, a soft glow spilled out into the hall, beating back the shadows.
That sound. We all recognized it. Weโd heard it before in Oak Ambler. The rapping of claws against stone.
Nektas started forward, his steps fast and sure as Poppy remained frozen. I touched her shoulder, drawing her attention to me.
โAre you okay?โ I asked. This time, I wasnโt talking about how she felt physically.
Nodding, she swallowed as she looked at Nektas. He stopped at the cusp of the light, turning his head back to us.
โYou sure?โ Kieran asked, his gaze searching Poppyโs.
โYeah. Yes.โ She cleared her throat. โItโs just thatโฆthatโs my father, and I donโt know what to think or even say.โ
I got it.
Poppy had a father she remembered: Leopold. The man she was about to set free was a stranger to her, even if she had spent time searching him out in her youthโsomeone who had been held captive for too long. And I was sure she was caught between excitement and guilt, feeling as if she somehow dishonored Leoโs memory, and regret that she hadnโt realized who had been caged beneath Wayfair and at Oak Ambler earlier. It was a lot for anyone to think about.
More to act upon.
Cupping her cheek, I turned her face to mine. I smiled, even though the heaviness in my chest and throat expanded. Her skin was so damn cold. โYou donโt have to feel or think anything right now. All you must do is make sure heโs freed.โ I lowered my voice.
โYou donโt have to see him at all if youโre not ready. No one will judge you for that.โ
Kieran nodded in agreement. โEither way, weโll be right there with you.โ
She glanced between us, then turned her attention to Nektas. I smoothed my thumb along her jaw. A faint tremor went through her, and then she drew in a deep breath. She squared her shoulders, and I knew what she had decided before she spoke. โIโm ready.โ
โOf course,โ I murmured, dipping to press a kiss to her cool temple. โSo brave.โ
โI donโt know about that,โ she said but nodded. โBut I will be.โ
Kieran smiled, lifting a hand. โAs always.โ He touched her other cheek, his eyes widening slightly. Over her head, his gaze shot to mine.
Heโd felt how cold her skin was. I gave him a curt nod of acknowledgment.
โIโm ready,โ Poppy repeated, pulling away from us. She started walking with Delano at her side.
We hung back just for a second. Kieran spoke, his voice too low for her to hear. โWhy is her skin so damn cold?โ
โI donโt know,โ I said. โBut somethingโโ
โIsnโt right.โ
My gaze cut to him sharply. โYou feel it, too?โ
โYeah. In my chest and here,โ he said, motioning to his throat.
Hell.
That didnโt make me feel better about any of this, but now wasnโt the time to figure it out.
Weโd told Poppy weโd be beside her, so we both got our asses moving, joining her as she and Delano reached Nektasโs side.
The clicking had picked up.
โI know this isnโt easy for you,โ Nektas said, looking down at Poppy. His voice was barely above a whisper. โThis wonโt be easy for him, either. Ires has always beenโฆโ He shook his head. โWe should hurry.โ
I could tell that Poppy wanted to ask what he had been about to say, but she stepped into the light and turned instead. The scraping of claws against stone stopped. We followed, my heartbeat picking up speed and matching the rate of hers. I lifted my gaze from her to what waited beyond. A cage sat in the center of a candlelit chamber. Behind black bars, likely constructed of shadowstone, was a large, gray feline with bright green eyes fixed on Poppyโjust as they had been in Oak Ambler. There was no doubt in my mind that heโd known who she was to him then.
Probably had all those years ago, too.
โMy gods,โ gasped Nektas, his eyes widening as the skin around his mouth went taut at the sight of Ires. The god hadnโt looked this haggard when weโd seen him last. Ribs pressed against his dull gray fur coat. His stomach was sunken. Tendons strained in his throat as his head whipped toward Nektas. Ires reacted upon seeing the draken, jumping weakly at the bars as his still-bright eyes shot between Nektas and Poppy when they entered the chamber.
โAre these wards?โ Kieran asked, noticing the markings etched into the shadowstone ceiling and floor, symbols and letters in ancient Atlantianโthe language of the gods.
โYes.โ Nektas went to the bars. โNo one in the mortal realm should be in possession of this knowledge.โ
โCallum,โ I surmised, watching Poppy kneel before the cage.
Nektas nodded. โBut thatโs not the issue right now.โ He clasped the bars, drawing Iresโs attention, but only for a moment. โHe might be a bitโฆunstable, especially if heโs been in this state for as long as I fear. Heโll be more animal than anything. We need to be careful.โ
No one needed to tell us that as Ires kept jumping at the bars, pressing his sides and head against them as a low noise radiated from him, a sound that was a cross between a growl and a whine. I crouched behind Poppy, forcing my hands to my knees to stop myself from grabbing her and hauling her back.
โCan you get past these bars?โ Poppy asked, her hands twisting together, a sure sign she was anxious. โOr can I?โ
โYou will probably be able to. Eventually,โ Nektas tacked on. โBut I can.โ He focused on Ires. โYouโre safe now. I promise you,โ he said to the god, voice thickening with emotion. โI just need you to stay calm. Okay?โ
Ires leapt at the bars again.
โI donโt think thatโs a yes,โ Kieran noted, kneeling beside me.
โItโs okay,โ Nektas told Ires once again, but the more the draken spoke, the more the god behaved erratically, pacing and lunging at the bars. โDammit, heโs going to hurt himself.โ
โI can barelyโฆbarely pick up anything from him.โ Poppyโs worry flooded her tone, and I swore I could feel it gathering in my throat like too-thick cream. โHe wasnโt like this before.โ
โHeโs been in this form too long,โ Nektas answered. โItโs not like us,โ he added, nodding at Kieran and Delano. โWe are of two worlds. He is only of one, and itโs far too easy, even for a god and a Primal, to lose themselves if they stay in their animal form for too long.โ
Shit. How long was too long for a god when we were likely talking about hundreds of years?
But another thought occurred to me. Heโd said if a god and a Primal stayed in their animal form for too long. Did that mean Poppy wouldโฆ?
I shook my head. Now wasnโt the time to consider that. Rubbing Poppyโs back, I watched Ires pace, hating this for herโfor both of them.
โI didnโt know that,โ Poppy responded to what Nektas had shared.
โNeither did I,โ Kieran added.
โAnd on top of that, heโs probably felt the other gods awakening,โ Nektas explained. โIt would feel like an extreme jolt of energy that he would not have been prepared for.โ
Kieran rose as Ires pressed against the bars in front of us. โI can try to distract him while youโdammit, Poppy.โ
A wicked sense of dรฉjร vu swept through me as Poppy lurched forward. I reached for her, but dammit, she was fast when she wanted to beโand even faster now.
โPoppy,โ I shouted as she crouched and thrust her hand through the bars. โDonโtโโ
Too late.
Her hand was already pressed against the side of Iresโs throat by the time I curled an arm around her waist. Ires swung his head back, lips peeling back over sharp fucking canines. A low growl of warning radiated from him. I started to haul Poppyโs ass back. She would be pissed, but Iโd rather her be angry at me than experience exactly what happened when a Primal lost a hand.
โItโs okay,โ she said, inhaling deeply. โJust give me a second. Please.โ
I didnโt want to, but sheโd said please. Still, it took everything in me to keep from grabbing her again. The only reason I didnโt fail was because Poppy succeeded. Ires shuddered, the low snarl fading as he stood there, panting. I knew what she was doing, feeding good thoughts and emotions into the god. Calming him.
The first time sheโd done that to me, I hadnโt known what she could do. The reliefโthe peaceโshe had given me had been quick and stunning. A gift. Still, I wanted her pretty hand as far away from Ires as it could get. I liked her hands and the things she was learning to do with them.
Poppyโs eyes were half-closed as Delano pressed against her side, his stare wary, watchful, and pinned on Ires. โItโs okay. Just give him a few seconds.โ
โWhatever youโre going to do with these barsโฆโ Kieran said to Nektas, a dagger in handโone I knew he wouldnโt hesitate to use. โI suggest you do it quick.โ
โWorking on it.โ Nektas stepped back from the bars.
A tremor went through Ires. His fur stood on end, and Poppy kept her hand on him as he lowered to his belly. His ears twitched. A bright blue flare came from our right, lighting the chamberโdraken fire. Nektas hadnโt shifted. I figured we wouldโve been aware of a huge-ass draken in the chamber if he had. I was curious, but I didnโt dare take my eyes off Ires and Poppy. Ires began trembling as the scent of heated metal filled the air. Silvery light appeared in his eyes, spreading. His fur retracted and faded as patches of golden skin appeared. Muscles shrank, and bones cracked into different positions. Long, russet-colored hair appearedโhair damn near as long as Nektasโs. I folded my other arm around Poppy, holding her tightly as her father struggled through the transition. It appeared as if he were fighting it. Or maybe the animal in him was. The process likely took less than a minute, but it looked painful, unlike when Kieran and the others shifted. It was as if he felt every claw sink back into his nailbeds.
Another ripple of shimmering light swept over him, and then, a male appeared in the cage where the large feline had been. He was on his knees, his upper body tucked into his lower half.
Through clumps of unwashed hair, he stared at Poppyโs hand resting on what turned out to be his shoulder.
Poppy lifted her hand, her fingers curling inward as she drew her arm back. She tightly gripped the arm Iโd put around her waist. โHi,โ she whispered.
The godโs bright green eyes locked with Poppyโs. Eyes that were almost identical to hers.
The silvery glow in his, just behind the pupils, was faint. Much of his face was hidden, but what I could see was all sharp angles and sunken planes. He shook.
โI donโt know if youโฆif you remember me at all,โ Poppy began. She was trembling, too. I held onto her. โBut my name is Poppyโwell, itโs Penellaphe, but my friends call me Poppy. Iโm yourโฆโ She trailed off, her breath catching. I ran my hand over her side, squeezing her.
Ires was silent as he stared at her, seemingly unaware of Kieran and me, even Delano, who was practically standing on us both.
Iresโs breathing was heavy and quick, bony shoulders rising with each inhale.
โIres,โ Nektas said quietly.
His head jerked as he looked down the length of the cage. Nektas had not only melted a huge portion of the bars, he now stood inside the cell with Ires.
โIโm here now,โ the draken continued, softer than I wouldโve thought him capable of as he kept his hands at his sides. โIโve come to take you home.โ
Another shudder went through Ires, and his eyes drifted shut. Nektas carefully inched closer.
โIโm going to see if I can find something for him. A blanket or something,โ Kieran said, voice gruff.
โThank you.โ Poppy turned her head, pressing her cheek against my chest. There was a shimmer of dampness beneath her eyes. Gods, if she was picking up on his emotions now, I couldnโt even begin to imagine what she felt from him.
Actually, I could.
He was feeling everything and nothing right now. Relief but also confusion, likely due to starvation, and the gods only knew what else theyโd done to him. He had to be terrified. I had been both times, fearing my rescue was a dream. He likely worried that heโd wake up and none of us would be here. That it would just be her. Them. Taunting him. Terrorizing him. Heโd be terrified it wasnโt an illusion and be afraid heโd hurt those trying to help him.
โThis isnโt a dream,โ I said.
Iresโs chin jerked, and his eyes met mine through the tangled curtain of hair.
I nodded as I brushed my fingers under Poppyโs eyes, wiping away her tears. โThis is real.
Itโs over. Sheโs dead. Isbeth. You are free of herโfrom this.โ
A ragged breath left Ires. He swallowed. I saw his lips move, but there was just a raspy sound as he seemed to struggle to get his body and mind to communicate so he could speak.
Gods only knew when heโd spoken last.
Kieran returned, handing what appeared to be one of the black and crimson cloth banners to Nektas.
The draken nodded his thanks, then knelt beside Ires. Gently, he draped the cloth over Iresโs shoulders. The material seemed like it would cause the god to collapse, but after a moment, a too-thin hand appeared, and frail fingers curled around the edges of the banner. He held the material to him, and while that was only a small act, it was something.
โI know,โ came a hoarse whisper. Ires lifted his other hand, reaching it through the bars. โI knowโฆwho you are.โ
Poppy rocked back, her body stiffening against me before she pitched forward. โOkay,โ she whispered, her voice cracking. She worked an arm free and brought her hand to his. Their fingers threaded through each otherโs. Her shoulders relaxed. โOkay.โ
Dipping my head, I kissed the back of hers as Ires weakly squeezed her hand. Father. Daughter. It didnโt matter that they were strangers.
โWhere isโฆwhere is she?โ Ires rasped, still holding onto Poppyโs hand. โMyโฆother girl.โ
โMillicent?โ Poppy swallowed thickly. โSheโs not here, butโฆโ
โSheโs fine. Sheโs with my brother.โ I had no idea if Malik had found her yet or even if it was a good thing for either of them if he had. That was a whole different mess that Ires didnโt need to know about.
A heavy exhale left the god as he slowly turned his attention to Nektas. โIโm sorryโโ
โThereโs no need for that right now,โ Nektas cut him off. โI need to get you back home. You are not well.โ
Kieran glanced at me questioningly, and I shook my head.
โBut thereโฆis. I didnโt know thisโฆwould happen. IโฆI would never have brought her withโฆme if I thoughtโโ He coughed, shaking.
โIโm sorry.โ
Jadis. They were speaking of Nektasโs daughter. Damn.
โSheโsโฆโ Air wheezed in and out of Ires as his hand slipped from Poppyโs, falling limply to his side. She stretched forward, grasping the bars. โI know whereโฆshe is. The Willowโฆโ He took a shallow breath.
โThe willow?โ Nektas asked, the lines of his face tensing.
โWillow Plains,โ Poppy exclaimed. โAre you speaking of the town there?โ
โYes. She isโฆshe is there. Iโm sorry. Iโm soโฆdamn tired. I donโt knowโฆโ Ires caved in on himself. He went down, barely caught by Nektas.
โNo!โ Poppy shot to her feet, grasping the bars. โIs he okay?โ
โI believe so.โ Nektas placed a palm against the unconscious godโs forehead.
โI can help him,โ Poppy said, already reaching through the bars once more. โI just need to touch him. I can healโโ
โThis is not something another can heal. Heโs fine,โ Nektas quickly added. โHe just passed out.โ
โHow is passing out fine?โ Poppy demanded. โThat doesnโt sound fine to me.โ
โHeโs obviously been unable to feed in any way for too long.โ Anger thinned Nektasโs lips even as he reassured Poppy. โHe is far too weak.โ
โAre you sure thatโs all it is?โ Her worry twisted my insides, choking me. Nektas cradled the limp god to his chest. โHe just needs to be home, where he can go to ground. That canโt happen here,โ he explained. โNot with the shadowstone.โ
โOkay. All right.โ Poppy took a deep breath, letting go of the bars. โI think he might be speaking of Willow Plains. Itโs east of the capital, a bit to the north. Itโs where most of the soldiers are trained. There are a few Temples there, and if theyโre anything likeโโ She took a step back, lifting a hand to her head. โWhoa.โ
โWhat is it?โ I was already at her side, hands on her arms.
โI donโt know.โ Her brow furrowed. โI was just dizzy for a moment.โ
โYouโre pale.โ I glanced at Kieran. โSheโs even paler, isnโt she?โ Kieran nodded. โShe is.โ
โProbably because my headโs been aching,โ she told us. โIt started a little bit ago.โ
โWhy didnโt you say anything?โ I asked, forcing my voice to remain calm, even though that was the last thing I felt.
โBecause itโs just a headache.โ She drew out the words.
โJust a headache?โ I repeated dumbly. โDo Primals get headaches?โ I looked at Nektas. โIf so, that seems messed up.โ
โThey can,โ the draken answered. โBut thereโs usually a reason for it.โ
Wasnโt there always a reason for a headache?
Kieran lifted a hand to Poppyโs cheek. โSkinโs colder.โ His jaw flexed. โReal cold now.โ
Poppy glanced between us. โWhat? I donโt feel cold.โ
I touched her other cheek as she poked the skin of her chin. My stomach dipped. Cold didnโt even begin to describe the iciness of her flesh. Then it hit me. โDo you need to feed?โ
โI donโt think so,โ she said, brushing our hands away. โAnd if my skin feels cold, itโs because weโre underground.โ
โI donโt think itโs because weโre underground,โ Kieran said.
I agreed with that. โYou were cold before we even came down here.โ
Poppy gave us both an exasperated look. โGuys, I appreciate the concern, but itโs not necessary. We have more important things to worry about.โ
โDisagree,โ I stated. โNo one is more important than you.โ
โCas,โ she warned, eyes narrowingโeyes that were now shadowed. Faint purple bruised the skin beneath them.
โDid she sleep?โ Nektas asked.
Her frown deepened. โUh, last night.โ
โIโm not talking about that kind of sleep.โ Nektas shifted the unconscious god in his arms.
โHave you entered a deep sleep? A stasis at the end of your Ascension?โ
โNo.โ Her nose scrunched.
โShe slept for a bit at the start, but that was becauseโฆโ Kieran looked at Ires, then clearly changed his mind about how much detail heโd go into, even though the god was out cold. โNo, she hasnโt slept like that.โ
โWell, damn.โ There was a grim twist to Nektasโs mouth. โSo, youโre telling me that you went through the Ascension and completed the Culling without going into stasis?โ
โYeah. I mean, I did pass out there for a few moments,โ Poppy said. โBut you already know that.โ
โI really donโt like where this conversation is heading,โ Kieran muttered.
Neither did I.
โThis is inconvenient timing,โ Nektas grumbled.
I tensed. โWhat is?โ
โWhatโs likely to happen any moment now,โ he said.
โYou need to give us some more detail,โ I said, frustration burning its way through me.
โIโm fine,โ Poppy insisted, turning to Nektas. โCan we please get him out of this cage?โ Nektas nodded. โIโm planning to do just that, but I think you should probably sit down.โ
โYou should listen to him,โ Kieran urged, his stare intense. The shadows were even darker beneath her eyes.
โPlease donโt worry about me,โ Poppy said. โI feel totallyโโ She sucked in a sharp breath as she pressed her hand to her temple.
โIs it your head?โ I grasped her shoulders, turning her toward me as a sharp slice of fear cut through my chest and stomach.
Her eyes were squeezed shut. โYeah, itโs just a headache. Iโmโโ Her legs went out from under her.
โPoppy!โ I caught her around the waist as Kieran lurched forward, bracing the back of her head. โOpen your eyes.โ I cupped her cheekโgods, her skin was far too cold. Shifting my arm under her legs, I lifted her to my chest. โCome on. Pleaseโโ
โSheโs not going to wake, no matter how much you beg.โ
โWhat the fuck does that mean?โ Kieran whipped his head toward Nektas.
โIt basically means I was wrong in my assumption that sheโs fully completed the Culling.
Sheโs gone into stasis to finish it,โ Nektas explained. โIโm surprised it took this long for it to happenโor that she even woke up earlier. I suppose the eather is strong in her. Thatโs whyโโ
โI donโt give a fuck about the eather in her,โ I snarled. โWhatโs happening to her?โ
โYou should care about the eather in her, especially since youโve Joined with a Primal. But thatโs neither here nor there at the moment,โ Nektas responded too damn calmly. โSheโs in stasis, just like her father. It happens when Primals, even gods, finish their Culling. Or when theyโre weakened and unable to recoup their strength. You would know if she were injured or in danger in any way.โ
โWhat do you mean by that?โ Kieran turned, his gaze falling to Poppy as Delano whined, pacing nervously at my side. โHow would we know?โ
โThe very land itself would seek to protect her,โ Nektas said. โShe wouldโโ
โGo to ground,โ I murmured, remembering the roots that had come out of the ground, attempting to cover her when she was mortally wounded in the Wastelands. We hadnโt understood what was happening then.
โShe sleeps,โ Nektas repeated. โThat is all.โ
That was all? I looked down at Poppy. Her cheek rested against my chest. Except for the bruises under her eyes and her cold skin, she did look like she simply slept. โHowโ?โ I cleared my throat. โHow long will she sleep?โ
โThat I cannot answer. And, yeah, I know that doesnโt make either of you happy,โ he said as Kieran growled. โIt could be a day or a couple of days. A week. Itโs different for everyone, but itโs likely her body is now catching up with the whole process. Sheโll awaken once she fully finishes the Culling.โ
Kieran cursed under his breath, rubbing a hand over his hair. I stared at Poppy, the pressure in my chest tightening. Had this been what both Kieran and I sensed through the bond weโd forged during the Joining? That she was on the verge of going into stasis? And she could be out for days? A week?
โGods,โ I bit out, feeling fucking helpless and hating every moment of it.
โGet her someplace comfortable and wait it out. That is all you can do,โ Nektas said. โIโll take care of Ires.โ
Somewhere comfortable? Here? I shared a look with Kieran. Poppy wouldnโt be comfortable anywhere in Wayfair, but what choice did we have?
โWeโll find a place,โ Kieran assured, slipping into the role he always did. The logical one.
The calm and supportive one when shit went south. But I knew that was far too often a faรงade. I started to turn.
โThere is just one thing you should be aware of,โ Nektas added, stopping all of us in our tracks. โThe stasis that comes at the end of a Culling can haveโฆunexpected and lasting side effects.โ
A fist seized my heart. Trepidation rose. โLike what?โ
โLoss of memory. Lack of knowledge of who they and those around them are,โ he explained.
That invisible fistโฆ
It fucking crushed my heart.
Kieranโs entire body jerked back a full step. โItโs possible sheโฆโ The calm began to crack.
โShe wonโt know who she is? Who we are?โ
โIt is, but it is very rare. I can only think of twice that it has happened,โ Nektas said, tension bracketing his mouth. โYou just need to be aware of the possibility.โ
And what if it became a reality? Kieranโs stare met mine. I swallowed. โAnd if it does happen?โ
Nektas didnโt answer for a long moment. โThen she will be a stranger to herself and you.โ Kieranโs eyes closed.
Mine couldnโt. I looked down at Poppy. She was my heartโmy everything. I couldnโt even consider her not knowing who she wasโnot knowing us.
โTalk to her.โ Nektasโs voice had softened. โThatโs what Nyktos did when she was in stasis.
I donโt know if she heard him, but I think it helped.โ His head tilted as he looked down at Ires. โI know it helped him.โ
I nodded, turning from the draken. I knew I shouldโve asked when or if heโd be back. I imagined he would be. His daughter was in this realm, but given the single-minded bastard I was, my only priority was to get Poppy somewhere comfortable. I wasnโt thinking about Nektas and his daughter. Nor Poppyโs father, or the Crown weโd just overthrownโthe kingdom weโd conquered, yet only in the most technical sense. All those things were important, but none of them mattered.
I carried Poppy back through the underground maze and to the first floor, my heart calm and steady because it followed the rhythm of hers. I kept reminding myself of that as Kieran walked ahead and Delano stuck close to my side. Other than that, the surroundings were a blur. All I knew was that Kieran and a member of the castle staff had a hushed conversation, and I thought I heard Emilโs voice as we climbed a narrow set of stairs. I didnโt know how many floors we went up. There were only whitewashed stone walls and a few windows until we entered an empty hall lined with heavy, black drapes. A door opened ahead, and I followed Kieran into a darkened chamber. He went straight to two large windows framing a bed and grabbed the brocade curtains, tearing them from their rods.
โThis is a guest room,โ Kieran explained, tossing the drapes aside. โIt hasnโt been used in a while, but it has been recently cleaned.โ
A faint breeze drifted in through the windows as I looked around. The chamber was outfitted with several couches and chairs, and there appeared to be access to a bathing chamber. It would do.
Kieran followed me as I carried Poppy to the bed. He grabbed hold of a cream-hued blanket and pulled it back. I didnโt want to let her go. It was like I was physically incapable of doing so.
My arms trembled as I laid her down.
โShe hasnโt stirred once,โ I heard myself saying as I forced my arms out from under her. I sat beside her, shaking my head. โHer eyelashes havenโt even fluttered.โ
โSheโll be okay,โ Kieran said as Delano jumped onto the bed and lay down on her other side by her hip, placing his head between his front legs. His gaze was trained on the door. โI donโt think Nektas would lie to us.โ
โDoes that make you feel better about this?โ
โHell, no.โ
Drawing my lower lip between my teeth, I kept shaking my head. So much shit was running through it. โI donโt like being here, in this godsforsaken place, when sheโs in this vulnerable state.โ
โI will make sure no staff even enters this floor,โ Emil said from the doorway. I looked over at the Atlantian. Iโd been right about hearing his voice, but I hadnโt realized heโd followed us. Shit. I needed to get it together. โThank you.โ
Emilโs golden eyes flicked to Delano. โNeither will he.โ
I nodded. Poppy looked so damnโฆlifeless. I briefly closed my eyes, ordering myself to chill the fuck out. She couldnโt be comfortable like this, with weapons strapped to her and her feet filthy with blood and dirt. I glanced over my shoulder at the bathing chamber. โIs Hisa near?โ I asked, speaking of the Commander of the Crown Guard.
Kieran nodded. โWant me to see if she can find something for her to wear?โ
โYeah.โ Clearing my throat, I ran my hand over the harness at her thigh, undoing the snaps.
There was something strangely calming about the task. It made all the roaring thoughts slow enough for me to remember who I wasโwho we were. โEmil?โ
โYes,โ he answered immediately.
โWeโre going to be out of commission for a bit, but no one other than our people needs to know why,โ I began, slipping the harness and the dagger from her leg. โFirst thing we need to do is make sure Wayfair is secure.โ
โAlready on it,โ Emil answered. โThe wolven were already guarding the premises when you were all below, along with Hisa and the Crown Guard.โ
โPerfect.โ I watched Kieran take the harness from me, placing it on the nightstand. โWe need to find my brother andโฆand Millicent.โ
โNaill went after them,โ Emil shared.
โIโฆโ I met Kieranโs stare. โI donโt want either of them near this floor.โ
โUnderstood,โ Emil said. There were no jokes or teasing from him. Not now. โAnd what do you want us to do about the Ascended? We havenโt found any more in the castle, but I have been made aware of several clusters in the manors near the Golden Bridge and within the Garden District.โ
Kill them. That was my first response. Make it quick and neat. But as I brushed a smudge of dirt from Poppyโs hand, I knew she wouldnโt want that. Especially since I couldnโt say that any of them were running in our direction. โKeep them in their homes.โ The words tasted like ash on my tongue. โMake sure all know the Ascended are not to be harmed until we discuss what to do with them.โ
โWill do,โ Emil answered. There was a pause. โAnd what of your father?โ
Fuck. I hadnโt even thought about him and the others in Padonia.
โWe need to send word to him.โ Kieran had knelt at our side. โLet him know the status of everything. We donโt have to tell him about Poppy, though.โ
โAgreed.โ I exhaled heavily, knowing he would be on his way the moment he received word of our success. I didnโt know if Poppy would be awake by then. I thought about her friend.
โMake sure Tawny comes with him.โ
โAnd what of the people of Carsodonia?โ Emil asked after a moment. โThey are still locked down in their homes, by choice currently, but I donโt think that will last for long.โ
No, I didnโt either.
What to do with them was a damn good question. โMany of them have spent their entire lives believing weโre monsters. Theyโre going to be scared. We willโฆwe will need to address them.โ
Kieran nodded his agreement. โI think weโll have some time before that becomes necessary.โ
โWeโll cross that bridge when weโre ready to set it on fire,โ I said with a dry laugh, dragging the back of my hand across my chin.
โItโs important that we locate Malik. He knows a lot of the Descenters here.โ
โThey could be of help.โ Kieran turned to Emil. โAnything else?โ
โNothing I can think of, but Iโm sure I will in about five minutes.โ Emil stepped back, then stopped. โActually, it only took a second for me to think of something else.โ
A faint smile tugged at my lips.
โDid you find him?โ Emil asked. โHer father?โ
โYes.โ I smiled then, wider and a little stronger. โNektas will take himโฆhome.โ
โNektas,โ Emil repeated, letting out a low whistle. โHe is one big motherfucking draken.โ
A rough laugh left me. Yeah, he was.
โAnd I just thought of something else,โ Emil said, and Kieran cracked a grin. โThere was some kind ofโฆevent that occurred at the city Atheneum, almost like an explosion. Itโs being checked out now.โ
โItโs fine,โ I said, counting Poppyโs breaths. โItโs the goddess Penellaphe.โ
โCome again?โ Emilโs voice pitched high.
โYou heard him right,โ Kieran said. โThe gods are awakening. She was asleep beneath the Atheneum.โ He paused. โThere may be more coming awake, here or throughout Solis, if they havenโt already.โ
โOh. Okay. Thatโs a whole bunch of completely normal and expected things to speak out loud,โ Emil replied slowly. โIโllโฆIโll let everyone know. And Iโm sure none of them will have a single question or potentially overreact to such news.โ He started to leave.
โEmil?โ I twisted at the waist, looking him over and actually paying attention. I saw him standing there, but I couldnโt get the image of seeing him speared through the chest out of my mind. โHow are you feeling?โ
โIโmโฆโ Emil looked down at the jagged tears in his armor. He swallowed, then looked past me to Poppy. โIโm glad to be alive. Tell her she has my everlasting devotion and utter, complete adoration when she wakes.โ
My eyes narrowed.
Emil winked and then turned to leave.
โFucker,โ I muttered, turning to Poppy. I wasnโt telling her shit.
Kieran chuckled, but the sound was quick to fade. Gods, sheโd hate thisโus staring at her while she slept. Sheโd probably stab one or both of us upon waking. I wanted to laugh, but I couldnโt get the sound out.
โSheโll be fine. Sheโll wake, and sheโll know herself. Sheโll know us.โ Kieran placed his hand on my shoulder. โWe just need to wait.โ
โYeah.โ Thick emotion clogged my throat and tightened my chest.
Kieran squeezed my shoulder and then dropped his hand. He cleared his throat. โWhat do you think Nektas meant when he was talking about the eather and us having Joined with a Primal?โ
I rubbed my chin, needing a moment to recall what he was talking about. โMan, I totally forgot about that. I have no idea. And, of course, he didnโt go into any detail.โ
โIโm beginning to think vagueness is a unique ability when it comes to the draken,โ Kieran muttered.
A rough laugh left me. โYeah, but all of us had way more important things on our minds.โ
We still did.
โTalk to her.โ I glanced at Kieran. โThatโs what Nektas said.โ
โHe did.โ
But what did I talk to her about? I shook my head as I stared at her face. She looked too damn peaceful, when my entire being felt like it was being ripped apart. I ran the tips of my fingers over her cold cheek. Talk to her. I grazed the scar that started at her temple and thought of the first time Iโd seen her unveiled for some reason.
Then I thought about the first time Iโd seen her.
I didnโt know if that was what Nektas had meant, but it was something. I forced a deep, steady breath as Kieran straightened the sleeve of her shirt. โDid I ever tell you what it was like when I was in Masadonia?โ I said to her, feeling Kieranโs and Delanoโs attention moving to me.
โI canโt remember, but I donโt think Iโve told you what it was like before I became your guard.
Everything I did.โ A heavier breath left me this time because Iโd done a lot. โAnd how it all changedโhow I changedโbecause of you.โ
I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. โBut where do I start?โ I searched my memories.
They were hazy at first. But thenโฆ โI think Iโll start on the Rise.”
Monya said:
Cool