Page 113 of Born of Blood and Ash

“I do not know.”

“Are you telling me that he summoned a Fate to broker ameeting but didn’t tell you why?” Disbelief colored Ash’s tone.

“He does not need to tell me why,” the Ancient answeredcalmly. “Just as the Primal of Life would not need to tell me why.”

“I’m sure we can hazard a few guesses as to why he wishes tomeet,” I said, turning to Ash. I lowered my voice when I spoke next. I wasn’tsure what the point was. It wasn’t like the Ancient wasn’t standing rightthere. “He probably wants us to pledge our loyalty to him.” He likely alsowanted to know where Sotoria’s soul was.

“Yeah, and we already know our answer,” Ash seethed. “Startswith go and ends with fuck yourself.” He shifted toward the Ancient. “You haveour answer. Go tell him.”

“It doesn’t work that way,” he said. “As you are fullyaware.” Those swirling eyes of color fixed on me. “It cannot be denied.”

It…it couldn’t.

Every part of my being knew that. I stepped to the side,thrusting my hand through my hair. “I know.”

“Sera,” Ash warned.

“You know it can’t,” I said.

“He does,” the Ancient clarified.

“Thanks,” I snapped, “but your input wasn’t needed there.”

That half-smile returned. “Equally charming.”

My mind raced, trying to stay ahead of the riot of emotions,the shock of Kolis having recovered enough to do this. But how surprised couldI be? I knew Kolis was strengthening. It was just faster than I’d expected. Theanger and the fear that he would even dare summon me was stronger than theshock, though. Gods, the fear of feeling that desperation again hit me.

Shadows swirled faster around us as Ash’s eyes locked withmine.

I took a breath that barely went anywhere. “This was boundto happen at some point, right? We knew we would have to come face-to-face withhim eventually.”

“On our terms,” Ash spat. “Not his. Never his. Anddefinitely not to fulfill whatever perverted entertainment value he will surelygain from this.”

“I am not sure what perversion it is that you speak of,” theAncient stated. “But neither the Primal of Life nor the Primal of Death will beable to lash out at the other while in the presence of an Arae.” The Ancientspoke as if he were speaking of squabbling children. “There will be no fightingor violence of any kind.”

Ash didn’t even look at the Ancient. “It is not physicalviolence I am worried about.”

Air punched out of my chest. I knew what he meant. It waswhat Kolis could say. How he would make me feel.

“You do not need to concern yourself with any of it,” theAncient said. “The meeting is only between the Primal of Life and the Primal ofDeath.”

The floor felt as if it shifted beneath me as Ash drew in abreath, but his chest didn’t expand with an exhale.

I faced the Ancient. “Why?”

“He does not trust this Primal not to escalate thesituation,” the Ancient responded. “Nyktos cannotstep one foot in Dalos during the meeting.”

I almost laughed again.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Ash bit out.

“And I can see why,” the Ancient continued blithely. “He isnearly as temperamental as the creatures his father gave dual lives to.”

“You’re actually serious.” Ash stepped toward the Ancient,causing my heart to stutter. “You’re going to humor this son of a bitch,knowing what he has done?”

Reaching for Ash, I halted.

The Ancient’s lips thinned. “I have no choice.”

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