Page 68 of Lethal Souls

She nods. “I do.”

“So she’s stronger now?”

“Just like Korah and me, Selah fuels herself with what she creates and what she controls. I control the sun, moon, and stars. Korah controls water, land, and vegetation. Selah created Decius and Arie, therefore she has control of their energy. Technically, everyone at this table comes from her original creations so you are hers to take.”

“I don’t like the way you said that, Hassha.” Not only does my jaw clench but my fist does as well.

“It is not a threat. It is a fact,” she counters. “Because she created the Tethered and the commoners, you belong to her. You would too, Caspian, if we hadn’t made you who you are.”

“Yes, Seed of Yuri or whatever the fuck that means. You say he was a sacrifice. How?” I demand.

“If I explain it, you’ll still have questions.” She purses her lips.

“So show me.”

She holds my eyes, and I match her unbreakable stare. Then, finally, she looks away and says, “Very well. Everyone join hands.”

My clan hesitates.

Killian and Maeve take Hassha’s hands first and everyone follows suit.

When we’re all linked, Hassha tells us to close our eyes.

FORTY-TWO

THE REGALS

PAST

Before Vakeeli simmered with fear, animosity, and violence, there was peace.

The world was a paradise—trees dotted with gold, waters flowing with healing properties, and plenty of The Regals’ favorite jewels: rubies.

But all of that changed much faster than The Regals had ever anticipated.

Soon, trust lacked within all territories, and lives hung in the balance. There was something evil lurking in the shadows and robbing innocent lives of their souls.

His given name was Decius, but the Mythics called him Mournwrath, for when he struck, it was never gently. He attacked at the worst of times and with such viciousness, it left everyone in mourning.

The commoners and Mythics couldn’t understand why these attacks were happening. They questioned whether they were being punished by The Regals and pleaded with them, asking what could be done.

Because of Mournwrath and his devious hauntings, monarchs lost trust in one another. Battles erupted and wars broke out, leaving many injured or worse, dead.

The paradise that once was Vakeeli was wiped away and bathed in blood.

And that result was exactly what Selah wanted.

Before Vakeeli was created, there was a time when Selah was loyal to the Titan Kronos on Earth. Everything she’d learned about violence and deception was because of him. But that was the last thing the other Regals—Hassha, Korah, and Yuri—wanted to bring to their promised world of Vakeeli.

After Kronos was defeated by Zeus, The Regals were sent to Vakeeli by their mother, Gaea, and were told to create a realm of tranquility. Earth seemed to have lost its virtue, but if another world were created and better controlled, perhaps the peace would last.

Gaea wanted a world where the best of the gods could roam safely, so instead of calling them gods, she named them Regals. The Regals were appointed and made to create life, agriculture, and many other things that would serve them.

Though it was never agreed, Selah took it upon herself to create the first people, The Tethered. Hassha, Korah, and Yuri were hesitant about how much power and energy she’d given them, but they grew to care for some of the Tethered—to appreciate them for their praise, kindness, and dedication to protecting Vakeeli.

Strong bonds were formed between Hassha, Korah, Yuri, and the Tethered children, and soon enough, the Tethered began seeking guidance from them more than their creator.

This, of course, didn’t please Selah, so she silently traveled back to Earth for guidance from the gods. But as it turned out, none could help her. And now that she’d attached herself to another world, her bond to Earth had been weakened.

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