Page 22 of Dust to Dust

I don't want to have some idiot in a suit try to change me.I quipped.

You don't have to change Nova. Titan wants you, and he is fighting for you.

Time ticked away, and Titan gave me the quiet space to think about his words. I felt his chest sink into an even rhythm and I knew he was asleep. It amazed me; he felt comfortable enough to sleep next to the woman who had wanted to kill him. That told me one thing. Titan was telling me the truth. The guilt of his actions caged him like a prison.

So now what?I asked.

I said I didn't die, Nova. You possessed me. My body and future were stolen from me.Ghost hissed.

I furrowed my perfectly groomed eyebrows. Iwasn't the one who did the stealing. That was Lucas King. It was my possession that kept us alive.Elsa died in that prison.

No,Ghost said,It was that possession that kept me trapped and birth you, Nova Baladan.

I laughed. Birthedme? I don't remember the contractions or labor.I joked.Plus, I'm not a bad friend to have Ghost. You better watch it.Where was she going with this?

Actually, my friend, you better watch out! I’m tired of this cat and mouse game. I’m taking more control.I could mentally envision her flipping her once buttery blonde hair over her shoulder, standing tall, and getting ready to draw her sword for battle. An angel versus the devil. Blonde versus my raven hair.Do you know what the Bible says?Ghost asked, but she didn’t let me answer.God allowed the devil to have control of the earth, but one day, God will come back to claim the world as his domain again. When God takes it back, he will cast the devil back into hell and make the earth a part of heaven. I’m coming back for my body, and when I do, I’ll break you down, Nova. But, unlike God, I’ll forgive you, my fallen angel. I’ll let you live in paradise with Ti and me.

Ghost did it.

She silenced me.

We’re stronger together, and I’m not afraid to admit that,Ghost added.

I was. Nova was too stubborn to admit she needed others.

So that’s it, mom and dad died for nothing? Will you forgive and forget to get some action in bed?

NO!Ghost yelled inside my head. My body shook so much that Titan’s arms pulled me tighter against him. Titan didn’t wake up. Even in a deep sleep he fought to protect me.

Your anger has been in the wrong direction. Who pulled the trigger, Nova?

Maybe Ghost was right? Don’t tell her that. She had already become too confident. Titan made grave errors, but he was a boy manipulated by his father. He claimed he tried to fix it. He was too late, and I didn’t listen. Although I couldn’t forgive him just yet, maybe I could try to exist with him. As Titan said, we forged some unbreakable bond as kids. Years later, neither one of us could break through hate and pain.

Now you’re on track,Ghost beamed.Do you remember what the brotherhood was discussing earlier?Ghost questioned.

Yes. I answered.

Something big was going down with Titan’s little secret group.

Titan hinted we’d be safe from our problem and our biggest problem was the man who ordered our family’s death.Ghost purred.

Lucas King.

Exactly! Ghost murmured.

Lucas was the beginning and end of it all. He was the sun that controlled everyone’s rotation. I understood what Ghost was trying to tell me.

I’m coming for you, Lucas King.

I’m striking you down and claiming your crown, but I’m not stopping there. I’m going to take your entire legacy. I’m taking Titan’s heart and allowing him to rule by my side.

How does that sound, Lucas?

Your heir is going to be ruling with the woman who bested you!

Energy surged through my veins, reviving my dead heart with purpose. I could feel the cushion under me as I envisioned sitting my fine ass on Lucas’s throne. I'd get comfortable as I sat back and watched everything he built crumble. I’d smile and live on with the knowledge that Lucas’s heir was willing to turn his back and aline with the enemy.

Titan King was about to become a spoil of war.I think Titan King would make an attractive war prize in my trophy room, don't you Ghost?

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