Total pages in book: 401
Estimated words: 390373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1952(@200wpm)___ 1561(@250wpm)___ 1301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 390373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1952(@200wpm)___ 1561(@250wpm)___ 1301(@300wpm)
“You asked me to come,” I said. “Not him.”
“Actually, if I recall correctly, I said that I would love for him and the wolven to come,” he replied, gaze snapping back to me as he lifted the goblet. “You didn’t obey.”
My skin prickled as if a swarm of biting ants had been unleashed. “That’s because I chose to come. I didn’t choose to obey you.”
Again, Attes sent me a look that screamed I needed to change tack. But based on how my last interaction with Kolis had gone, I doubted he would believe it if I came in fawning all over him.
“What choice did you have when I presented you with an option I’m sure you found distasteful?”
The veil was completely in place when I said, “You threatened the lives of people I don’t know. People who served the Blood Crown. I’m not here for them.”
A single eyebrow rose. “Really?”
“Really.”
Eyeing me, he took another drink. When his hand lowered, a sheen of crimson remained on his lips. “So, where is he?”
“I’m not here to discuss his whereabouts.”
One finger tapped off the side of his cup. “And what do you think you’re here for?”
“Apparently, to see exactly how far my patience can be stretched.”
The curve of his lips faltered as the air charged. “Sotoria—”
“My name is Penellaphe,” I cut him off as I forced myself to walk forward. “You may have known me as Sotoria, but if you have any interest in knowing me now, you will do so by knowing who I am now.”
His head cocked in a fluid, serpentine manner that caused a chill to spiral down my spine. “You want me to get to know you as Penellaphe?”
I lifted a shoulder. “I want to survive.”
Kolis’s gaze flicked to Attes and then returned to me. “Is that so?”
“I know how this ends.” I took a few more steps forward, noticing the ones who tensed weren’t Revenants. They remained like statues. It was the gods who grew wary. “My soul won’t be reborn this time. That is,” I continued, speaking words that tasted bitter, “if I do what I’ve apparently done in the past.”
“And what is that?” he questioned.
“Fight this,” I forced my voice to remain level. “Fight you.”
Kolis went completely still. “This is quite the change in attitude since our chat on the Cliffs.”
“It’s not. Not really. What I told you is true. I know what you want.”
“You also said I would not get it.” He leaned back. “Then, you threatened to kill me.”
It wasn’t like I expected him to forget that. “I did.”
“You changed your mind that quickly?”
“No.”
“I’m confused.”
“I have a temper. I often say things I don’t always mean.”
Kolis took another drink.
“And I said you wouldn’t get what you wanted,” I continued. “Which is a fight where you get to destroy cities and people.”
Lowering his goblet, he dragged his fangs over his lower lip. “And what do I get?”
“My submission.”
Kolis’s chest rose, and it didn’t lower. “Your submission?”
I nodded.
“And what part of today has been an act of submission?”
“I didn’t say my submission would come easily,” I told him.
He stared at me and then laughed. “Why would I believe this? When that one joins you?” His idle smile faded. “I know Attes. He would not go along with this.”
“I don’t trust you,” Attes answered. “That’s why I’m here.”
“As if I didn’t know that already. But I didn’t ask you.” The idle grin returned. “I’m waiting.”
My breath hitched as my heart turned over. Kolis’s low chuckle screamed what he thought of Attes’s reason. It was pitiful. We really should’ve fleshed that out.
Attes was closer. “I just told you—”
“I would suggest you allow her to answer,” Kolis stated, his tone easy—friendly even. His smile increased, and it…creeped me out. It wasn’t real. It reminded me of mine as I stood beside the Teermans. It was practiced. Fake.
“Sotoria?”
“Penellaphe,” I growled, my mind flashing to what Casteel had said. Oh, gods, if I was wrong, this would blow up in my face while also being incredibly embarrassing. “It’s because he loves me.”
Kolis’s smile faltered as his gaze darted to Attes.
“Right?” I said, rushing on. “He doesn’t want me to get myself killed or…”
Kolis’s eyes snapped back to mine. Strands of dark eather swirled in them. “Or what?”
“Or worse.”
Kolis’s jaw rolled. “I must admit, I am caught off guard.” He paused. “Did you tell her?”
“Yes,” Attes answered before I could.
“And what did that make you feel?” Kolis asked of me.
Fucking gods, I couldn’t even answer that if I wanted to. All I could do in that moment was convince myself that Attes was simply going along with what I had said. “Nothing,” I said. That also tasted bitter. “I don’t know him.”
“Interesting.” His jaw loosened. “I’m sure that stung, Attes.”
The Primal had no response to that.
“I know you never summoned a Fate.” I filled the silence. “If you had, they would be here. So, I’m guessing you wanted me to come, and you wanted to force my hand by threatening or harming those I care about.”