Page 131 of Immortal Sun

Protection from what, though? Myself? From the other immortals? In my opinion, they’re all monsters in their own way, and they all have their reasons. I could also argue that they’re heroes to others. Why else would they purposefully fail to stay and help the balance between immortals and humans?

My thoughts are disturbing; they’re of the flames in Cyrus’s eyes, the sadness in Daggon’s, the resolution in Inti’s, and finally the trickery in Enki’s. Kratos is a whole different story.

It’s like a freakingChristmas Carolfrom hell in here with all the visits from the gods and Tyrell hasn’t even stopped by yet, so help me. Apparently, there are more that want to toss in their vote, it all sounds so archaic and wrong and yet I’m getting a gift.

“Don’t pick me.” A voice wakes me up from my sleep, from my weird dreams. “Please.”

I jolt awake and see Apep standing there in a three-piece black suit, his golden-white hair swept back, aviators on, looking every bit the businessman. He even has a cane with a snake twisted around it. The serpent is blood red and weirdly evil looking.

“What?” I rub my eyes. “Why are you suddenly here?”

“Don’t pick me.” He repeats it. “I demand it.” Like I would. I almost laugh, he’s beautiful but there is no attraction there. “I know you know the stories, just know, to pick me on the night of the eclipse would be the worst possible thing you could do. Besides, you’re too young.”

I roll my eyes. “And everyone else is old just like you.”

“Ancient, actually.” He smooths a nonexistent wrinkle on his suit and looks back at the water. “Daggon would be a good choice, an easy one. You’ve met Tyrell previously, he’s another good choice, a lesser god compared to the rest, but you could still pick him. I’d stay away from Inti and Enki; you don’t want to get chased and you truly do not want to get tricked.”

“So basically my only choices are Tyrell and Daggon? I don’t even want to choose.” I groan. “What the hell is wrong with you people, and I thought you were the nice one. Maybe I just want to die peacefully.”

Apep grins. “To answer your third question---so many perverse things are wrong with this situation. With the trials. The immortals, the gods. ” Why does it feel like he’s proud of it? “And I am the nice one, never forget that; no matter what we will save Jake, if he truly is where Cyrus says he is, then at least there’s hope that your sacrifice will mean something. I’ll try my hardest, Cleo. I won’t let you down. I just need you to trust me.”

“I do.” I nod. “You’re probably the only one I fully do trust.”

He smiles wide. “Good. Just know, everything I do for you and for the greater good, there is no higher calling.”

I nod, a tear escapes. “This is hard.”

He moves over to the bed and sits on it, then pulls me into his arms and lets me cry. “I’ll be there until the end, Cleo. Know that I’ll always be there. No matter what it takes.”

I look down. He has a gold ring on his right finger that glints as he continues to hug me. It somehow matches his cane. He stops hugging me and pulls away. “Pick one of them, you’ll be satisfied, happy even. Allow yourself to experience what it’s like to be in ecstasy with an immortal for once in your life, besides any of their power and energy will give you peace like you’ll never know.”

I’m afraid to ask but I do anyway. “And who are you supposed to be? If I’m to believe all of this? Chaos itself?”

It’s an educated guess.

“Chaos, such an ass,” he jokes. “You think you have us all figured out, hmm?” He pulls back and winks. “I am Apep, yes, but just because my ancient name is Chaos doesn’t mean shit in this situation.” He swings his cane around and around and laughs harder. “You know, I knew it would be interesting this time, but not this interesting.”

“What?”

“Winning,” he says on an exhale. “See you at the eclipse. I believe you have one day left since Cyrus doesn’t need to keep preparing you for what’s to come. Learn about Tyrell today, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He leans down and kisses the top of my head before exiting the cave.

“What the hell was that?” I grab the parchment to keep myself focused and continue writing more names. Dag pops in and out with food for me, but since our encounter he’s been silent like he’s afraid to look at me or touch me. I even ask him if he wants to play cards or something.

He says he doesn’t know how and bolts out of the cave like I’m poison.

The sea is clearly having a tantrum too. It won’t stop hitting the cliffs like it wants to fight, and I swear I see a creature near the island, but maybe I’ve just been writing names too long and am losing it. My vision is blurry, and I’m exhausted.

By the time Cyrus shows up I just want to take a nap.

He’s in his usual jeans and a T-shirt. He holds out his hand. “Come.”

I walk toward him and take hold of his hand.

“Apep has always been out of the question. Sorry for not telling you sooner. I’ll teach you about Tyrell.” He sighs. “But I figured you could use a walk.”

“Can Bast come?” I ask looking back at the cat’s eager expression.

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