Page 113 of King of Tides

“Because you and Taylor were never marked by Tanri like you were meant to be. Your blessing was snatched from you when our father was slaughtered and the war was started.

“Tanri only had time to bless Ray and half bless me before he had to go help Mom. The four of us were meant to hold so much power. The world was meant to be a happier place because of us and our love.

“Kenji, the soul keeper. Su-Vaha give him the power to master souls. He is Sevimli and Su-Vaha’s grandson. He is our cousin.

“He didn’t just help me because I’m Ardan’s mate. I have his grandfather’s spirit inside me and I’m his cousin. That’s why he kept saying we are family.”

“Yes, Kenji and Tanri have been trying to right things for Su-Vaha for a long time.”

“What happened to our mom?”

“Like a phoenix she will rise again. Nothing lost, nothing wasted. So many sacrifices are being made for us to come to the intended outcome of who we are.”

I sit and allow my thoughts to gather. I have so many questions and emotions swirling through my head. Intikam is sobbing so deeply in my head it almost bows me over.

I can feel all his memories coming back to him. The pain and sorrow are so fresh. I want to shut it all down.

Suddenly, Intikam begins to roar and the vengeance within him begins to push forward. I jump to my feet and ball my fists against it.

“Stop,”I scream in my head and push him back.

“See, you’re already doing better than the others. It’s in your blood to master him,” Lee says as she watches me closely.

“Why give me a spirit of vengeance? Why place this burden on me?”

“At the heart of Intikam’s pain is love. A deep love. You have the capacity to love deeply. You just have never given yourself a chance to.

“Kenji and Tanri believe you have the soothing balm to redeem Intikam and make his spirit whole and useful once again.

“They believe you have the power to heal what was broken. It’s what you needed, what Ardan needs, what Beck and Bourneneed, and what Intikam needs. You also need his presence to transform for this battle that’s to come.

“You were marked when you were Zander, my little sister. However, Tanri once again didn’t get to finish the blessing. Kenji sacrificed his familiar in the process.

“Intikam once lived inside of him. That’s why you see him as a water dragon and not the monster he had become.”

“He placed his grandfather’s soul in his magical pet?”

Lee smiles and snickers. “You can say that. Familiars are more than pets. They are a part of their owners. This is why you probably feel a connection to Kenji.”

“Okay, I think I’m with you, but how is Intikam supposed to help me … transform, right?

“Yes. You will understand what that is when your heart is ready. Intikam will bridge that gap when the time comes. He will allow you to peak. The rest is up to you.”

“So what do I do now?” I say and frown.

“Feed those boys, for goodness sake. Your stomach sounds like you’re carrying gremlins,” she says and bursts into laughter.

I look at her like she’s crazy. It’s the second time she’s implied I’m carrying a child. I place my hands on my hips and look down my nose at her.

“What do you know now that I don’t?” I mumble.

“You don’t know?” she says and looks shocked.

“Don’t know what?”

“I’m sorry. You should ask Ardan. I think it’s time I go. I’ve overstayed. Reilly will be busting down your door looking for me soon.”

“I bet,” I mutter as my phone rings.

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