Page 112 of Born of Blood and Ash

Eather rushed to the surface of my skin and seeped through.“I was wrong,” I said as, out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw wisps ofsilver-laced golden eather streaking through the darkshadows whirling on the floor. “He did just speak for me when he said you’dbetter have a good fucking reason for appearing in our home as if you belonghere.”

The churning colors stilled, and the bursts of eather brightened in the Ancient’s eyes.

“Careful,” he replied softly. “You may harness the eather of the realms, but you are only a…” The stars in hiseyes pulsed, and while his lips didn’t move when he spoke, I heard him clear asday anyway. Two words.

Baby Primal.

I sucked in a sharp breath and jerked. The shock collapsedmy hold on the essence.

“You’re the one who needs to be careful.” Ash’s chin dipped.“You may be a Fate, but that won’t stop me from flaying the flesh from yourbody if I even perceive your words to be a threat to my wife.”

Yet again, I felt myself melting inside, and really, notthe appropriate response for several reasons. But most importantly?

Ash was a badass. But he could not defeat an Ancient.

Likely, none of us could.

That tight-lipped smile returned, almost as if the Ancienthad heard my thoughts. “I do have a reason for being here,” he announced as ashimmer of awareness swept through me.

“I suppose I’m relieved to hear that,” Ash mimicked with asmile just as unfriendly. “But that is yet to be seen.”

“Charming,” the Ancient murmured, and a not-too-distantrumble echoed from outside. He glanced at the ceiling, and I could’ve sworn Isaw a flicker of something skittering across his features. Not an emotion perse, but something like…wariness.

I thought about the dragon I’d seen taking out an Ancientduring my Ascension. “Whatever your reason is, you’d best get to it.” My lipscurled into a smirk. “Because I think we’re about to have company.”

The eather dimmed in his eyes.“I’ve come to retrieve the Primal of Life.”

My heart lurched. “What for?”

“You’ve been summoned,” the Ancient answered. “By the truePrimal of Death.”

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

It was like the entire realm had ceasedmoving. I didn’t even think Ash breathed as we stared at the Ancient. Kolis hadawakened just the night before, and he already wanted to meet—already wanted togain the upper hand. This was so like Kolis. I should’ve known he’d dosomething like this.

Then Ash spoke. “What?”

“The true Primal of Death has summoned the true Primal ofLife,” the Ancient repeated.

My heart began to pound. “I think we got that part. Why?”

“He wishes to speak.”

“I don’t give a fuck what he wishes,” Ash growled.

The Ancient sighed. “If only it were that simple. If itwere, I would not be here.” He folded his arms across his chest. “As youalready know.”

My gaze darted to Ash’s as instinct sparked, telling me whatI didn’t want to hear.

“He summoned an Arae to carry out the request,” the Ancientadded. “And to monitor the discussions, ensuring they remain peaceful.”

Peaceful?

I laughed.

The Ancient’s brow rose.

Shadows raced over Ash’s cheeks. “What exactly does he wantto discuss?”

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