Page 106 of Kingdom of Briars and Roses

I drew back at that. What could possibly ever make me fight for darkness?

“But you have already unlocked one of the three gifts imbued.”

I straightened. “Do you mean one of the Fates’ blessings? Do you know which one?”

“Makarios.”

Even as she said the word, my tattoo tingled strangely. I brushed my fingers over it. “What does it mean?”

“It means life eternal in the old language.”

I stared at her, stunned. Life eternal? “Are you saying I’m immortal?”

“Do you not drink the elixir of eternal life into your veins?”

“I…”

Sonoma had called it death magic, but… my heightened senses. Enhanced strength. Was she saying that, every time I drank in a life force, I added to my own immortality? And that it had come from the Fates’ blessing over me rather than from my father?

The oracle tilted her head, noting my expression. “You look surprised. Does a warrior not need to be hard to kill?”

A warrior. The Fates had chosen me and gifted me with this blessing. But it wasn’t free. They’d given it in exchange for what I’d do for them. Who I’d kill. The three goddesses of light and peace and love had chosen me as their murderer.

“What if I don’t want to fight?” I asked.

She shrugged. “Then Heliconia will destroy us all.”

Before I could muster any more questions, she stood, her eyes drifting toward the door though they’d gone opaque white as if she were seeing something else entirely. “You need to go. It’s not safe for you here.”

I blinked, startled. “What do you see?”

“You’ve drawn attention,” the oracle said, her voice urgent now. “The male who followed you earlier—he will return, and he won’t be alone. Our time is up.”

I stood, my heart pounding again. “But I still have questions?—”

She shook her head, her silver braid swaying as she movedtoward the door. “You’ll have your answers soon enough. But not here, not now. Go.”

I hesitated then nodded, pulling my cloak tighter around me. “Thank you.”

The oracle’s lips curved into a faint smile as she opened the door, the soft chime of the bell echoing in the silence. “Good luck, daughter of Hel.”

My breath caught in my throat. But before I could utter a word, she was shoving me outside and shutting the door behind me. I scanned the streets for any sign of the threats she’d mentioned, pulling my hood low as I started for the castle on the hill.

The oracle was right. I would have to get the rest of my answers later.

It was time to face Callan. And it was time to stop pretending I wasn’t Chosen.

Chapter Thirty-One

Aurelia

Ipassed several soldiers patrolling downtown, but none of them stopped me as I made my way across the city and out the other side. The road sloped upward as I left behind the glittering lights and let the darkness swallow me. Still, no one came to challenge me. No guards. No Withered. No lecherous fae males chasing me down.

The oracle’s words rang out in my mind.Makarios. Life Eternal.

So did Rydian’s.When this kingdom is drained, he’ll move on to another.

Both felt like a warning; I had no idea what to do with either one. But I knew one thing: I was done sitting around doing nothing at all.

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