Page 103 of Immortal Sun

“I like using things.” His answer.

“Does Cyrus know about this?”

Enki sits back. “He doesn’t need to know.”

“Prove it.” I sit up. “Prove you’re a god and I’m not hallucinating. Prove it right now.”

“Is that the cost of your body, Cleo? I’m almost disappointed.” He laughs and gets to his feet. He puts a hand in front of his face then snaps his fingers. I’m so stunned I think I might be having an actual stroke.

Bast jumps up and starts to yowl at him.

The color of Enki’s clothing goes completely black, a cape rests across his shoulders, tattoos spread down his chest and arms, leather pants appear along with daggers in each hand. His eyes are feral, white.

His hair runs down his back. He has on black boots that look like actual weapons, the sides have lethal spikes on them.

I scramble back against the headboard.

He holds out his arms. “Satisfied?”

His voice echoes in the cave, it’s deeper than the one I’m used to, more menacing.

And I’m terrified.

I snatch up a pillow and put it between us.

His laugh sounds like it came from the deepest pit of hell. “Do you think that would save you?”

“Enough!” Another booming voice sounds as someone walks into the cave. He’s also wearing armor, more red than black, and he’s holding a giant sword.

Kratos.

He waves a hand in front of his face. His helmet disappears. “Leave her alone, you don’t want to piss off Cyrus.”

“He told me to cook.” Enki shrugs. “So, I cooked for her and brought her a snack.” He winks at me. Clearly, he’s also part of the snack.

I recoil more toward the back of the bed pulling blankets over me.

Kratos curses as he grabs Enki by the cape and simply jerks him backwards. I don’t realize what’s happening until Enki makes a tiny splash in the sea by the island.

“Apologies,” says Kratos. “He’s an idiot.”

I almost laugh, maybe in another life I would, but right now I’m just…too stunned to speak.

Kratos quickly moves to his knees and bows. “Thank you for your sacrifice, Cleo. I’m sorry it has to be this way, but it’s the only way.”

“Sacrificing humans?” I ask tersely.

He says nothing then quickly stands. “If you need anything, please let us know. Cyrus should be here soon to start your training.”

“Training?” I scramble out of bed, assuming I’m getting trained for some sort of weird war. “What training?”

Kratos says nothing and looks away like he’s embarrassed. “For your reward.”

“Reward?”

The sound of footsteps hits me as Cyrus comes up behind Kratos in nothing but a red bathrobe. “I’ll take it from here.”

Kratos casts one more sad gaze at me, and then he gives me his back and leaves me alone with Cyrus.

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