Page 136 of Of Blood & Stone

But then, a scream shattered his ears as Sylzenya—therealSylzenya—ran in front of him, Kharis’ sword in her hands. She struck through the vision of Distrathrus before the god’s hands defiled the sickly Sylzenya’s body any further.

The vision dissipated, like a wave falling into the sea. Distrathrus no longer stood before them, but Aretta with the sword embedded in her chest.

The birds ceased their songs.

The goddess smiled, the same smile as his mother as she dropped to her knees, gold liquid dripping from her mouth.

“No,” Sylzenya whispered, “No, I didn’t mean to. I just… I couldn’t watch any more of that…”

“This sword is the one you must use to pierce Distrathrus’ heart—it’s how he will form his true body he’s attempting to resurrect.” The goddess wheezed, grasping the blade with her hand, more gold liquid dripping from her palm.

Sylzenya let go of the hilt, her eyes wide. “Why didn’t you stop me?You should’ve stopped me.”

“Two halves of one whole, Distrathrus and I,” Aretta continued, “and so our deaths must be met in the same way. This, too, was foretold in my vision, for only through my death can my brother be killed.”

Elnok stepped to Sylzenya’s side, gripping her shoulder as she kneeled and held the goddess’ face in her hands.

“You tricked me,” Sylzenya sobbed. “Why?”

“You wouldn’t have killed me otherwise, and it had to be you,” the goddess whispered. “I’m the one who must thrust this burden onto you, and it’s I who must die knowing I couldn’t save my own creation.” She looked up, her dying gaze staring into Elnok’s with a sharp intensity. “The medicine is yours, Elnok. Your task of bringing Sylzenya here has been completed, and if you leave now, you’ll save your friend. I’ve a gift for you, use it and you’ll make it out of Lhaal Forest quickly and safely.”

The vial of white medicine appeared next to her. Elnok grabbed it, lingering on his mother’s hazel eyes as she offered a sad smile. Some part of him thought to express his gratitude, but he thought better of it. This goddess didn’t deserve it.

She laughed. “You’re not wrong, Elnok. I don’t deserve anything else from you.”

He said nothing as he took the vial.

She turned to Kharis and Sylzenya. “You’ve been taught that only women can be Kreenas and only men can be Dynameis. It’s a lie my brother concocted for more control over you all. You’re both capable of every power I possess. And while his blood is powerful, my blood is stronger.” She smiled. “You’rebothstronger.”

The goddess looked to the golden light pouring in from the tree’s power. “My birds have the gifts I’ve crafted for each of you, one of which will show you where my brother is currently preparing for his resurrection.” She coughed, gold liquid seeping onto her white robe. “You must leave as soon as you can. There isn’t much time left. With or without Sylzenya, he will find a way to resurrect himself, and he’ll do it soon.”

“Aretta,” Sylzenya whispered, wiping the gold blood from the goddess’ face, “If I go to him willingly and he gets a hold of me…”

“His love for you mirrors the kind he had for me—what we once had for each other.”

Sylzenya reared back. “You and Distrathrus? You were?—”

“Lovers,” she confirmed.

Fluttering his eyes closed, Elnok ground his teeth. Of course they were.

“You both buried so many lies in our soil,” Sylzenya whispered.

“Forgive me or not, it changes nothing. We were once one and then split in two, brother and sister. Lover and lover. Because of the power I gave you when you made your firstwillow, you have a piece of me always with you. Whether he realizes it or not, he recognizes it—recognizes the love we once shared. You can use this to your advantage, for while he can use his blood to stop your power, you can do the same to him, although in lesser measure.” She coughed. “Going to him will be a risk, just like me giving you my power was a risk. But it’s the only way, or the future I’ve just shown you will come to pass.”

“You’re arealpiece of work, especially to those who fuckingworshipyou,” Elnok seethed.

Sylzenya raised her hand to him. Elnok took a deep breath and stepped back, letting his anger fume.

“I can stop his power?” Sylzenya questioned.

She nodded. “You’ve already done it once, in the Willow Grove when you and Elnok escaped him. You interrupted his control of the Dynameis and Kreenas, your desperation pushing into their minds, commanding them to let you escape.”

Sylzenya nodded, but Elnok didn’t miss the way her mouth quivered. She was angered at her goddess, and she had every damn right to be.

“If we stop him, will Tosh live?” Kharis inquired, kneeling next to the goddess.

“I can’t be certain,” she replied, “All my visions have shown me is that, if he’s defeated, the depletion of the earth will stop, and there will be a chance to revitalize the land.”

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