Page 11 of Blood Feast

Together, Lio and Cassia joined Apollon upon the mosaic of Hespera’s Rose within the Ritual circle. Zoe’s slippers pattered on the tile as Komnena guided her to stand with them.

Kassandra, with one of her mysterious smiles, held out a long, rolled bundle across the sacred ring. “Weaving your Ritual tapestry was tricky. Your schemes aren’t easy to follow through my visions, Cassia Komnena. But oh, what marvelous patterns they make.”

Cassia put a hand to her heart. “Thank you.”

She recalled the night when Kassandra had handed her the Mage King’s banner, and she had thought that was her future. Now she took her Ritual tapestry from the Oracle with the certainty that this weaving represented her true destiny. Together, she and Lio unfurled it for everyone to see.

Cassia would have to look at this for centuries before she perceived every detail in the incredible weaving of rich blood reds, deep dark greens, and velvety black. Kassandra seemed to have captured all the wildness and beauty of the Lustra in a frame of celestial designs. Hespera’s dark night sky encompassed all of Cassia’s future, her moons and stars shining their light on her garden.

Plants danced in and out of one another in complicated knots that reminded her of the Changing Queen’s pendant. She spotted Hespera’s Roses and betony, Sanctuary Roses and cassia flowers, ivy and thorns. But there were animals too. A pack of liegehounds on the hunt made her smile. A hawk appeared at various points in the tangle, as if swooping in and out of her fate. Hidden among the flowers, was that elusive shape a woman’s face, her lips parted as if to speak a spell?

Lio’s aura honed with conviction.The animals and the speaking woman must be symbols of beast magic and soothsaying. I was right, Cassia. It is your destiny for us to restore your other two affinities.

You know how open to interpretation Kassandra’s prophecies are. Perhaps the tapestry is merely a tribute to my Silvicultrix heritage. I’m happy with the Gift and my plant magic.

You must have all your power. This prophecy shows it’s written in the stars. And if it weren’t, I would make it so.

She knew that look in his eyes. He had made his choice about which path of destiny to fight for, and Goddess help anyone who resisted the new shape he would Will the world into.

I love you, my Grace,she said.

And I love you, my Silvicultrix.

When Rudhira and Nike set foot upon the stone petals of Hespera’s Rose, the glorious magic around Cassia swelled so high she could drown in it. She handed her Ritual tapestry to them. “Ritual Father, Ritual Mother, you have my gratitude.”

In Rudhira’s complex scent, she picked out fresh-cut timber and the bold fragrance of Blood-Red Royal, his namesake rose in his family’s greenhouses. But the rare smile he gave her was uncomplicated. He looked from her and Lio to Zoe. “I’m happy to be called upon for a third addition to Apollon’s bloodline.Looking after the three of you for eternity is certain to be an adventure.”

“Good thing you’ll have my help with this one.” Nike rested her hands on Cassia’s shoulders. The evergreen scents of the dark forest where they’d first met seemed to have followed Nike home from her long quest in Tenebra. “I’m honored. When I first found you that night as a mortal child, I never could have imagined we would be standing here tonight. What a Hesperine you’ve become. I cannot wait to see what you do.”

“I will cherish your words.” Cassia could scarcely believe the Blood-Red Prince and the Victory Star were holding her tapestry for her during this momentous occasion.

A hush fell over the hall, pregnant with the question no one had yet asked Cassia and Lio.

They’re too kind to ask if I’ve manifested any magic,Cassia said.Shouldn’t we warn them?

Mischief sparkled in Lio’s aura.Why don’t we let it be a surprise?

Are you sure that’s safe?

Father built this house. It’s covered in so much magic, it can withstand anything.

Well, if you’re certain…I’ll do my best with a demonstration.

“Cassia Komnena,” said Apollon. “Will you give of yourself for your bloodline, tonight and forever?”

My blood is your blood,Lio reminded her.

“My blood is your blood,” Cassia responded.

She offered her wrist to Zoe. The smallest member of their family took Cassia’s hand, and her little fangs stung Cassia’s skin. Zoe tugged, and Cassia felt her life, her power, flow out of her to nourish the child.

She had always known she would spill every last drop of her blood for this little girl. But now, she would never bleed dry. She would always have the strength Zoe needed.

Zoe lifted her head, solemn with her effort not to make a mistake during the important ceremony. She managed not to spill and hastily accepted a handkerchief from her mother. Cassia bent and kissed Zoe’s forehead, her wrist already sealing.

“Cassia Komnena,” Apollon said, “we, your bloodline, will give of ourselves for you, tonight and forever.”

My Grace.Lio gave her his wrist first, and the familiar taste of him steadied her.You’re doing beautifully. No urge to tear my clothes off in the middle of the Ritual circle?

---