Page 36 of Bound in Blood

And that is?

You once said you may one day return to the mortal realm if there was a strong enough reason.

He doesn’t reply, but I can still feel him. Breathing. Waiting.

Would helping to save the life of your oldest friend be considered a good enough reason?

Elpis is my oldest friend. Her life is not in danger.

I roll my eyes but manage to keep the irritation out of my tone.My time is running out, Ani. I have reason to believe Giorgios is going to permanently sever my bond with Alexandros, and I have a terrible feeling that will mean Alexandros becomes dispensable. I figure I have a week at the most before he can perform the ritual.

He intends to impregnate you with his child?

You know of this ritual?

My kind have lived forever, Ophelia. There is very little we do not know.

So it’s an actual thing, then?Tears well in my eyes.Not just some ancient story told around a crackling fire and then written in a book? It can be done?

It is a ritual; however, I am not aware of it ever being successfully performed, and I am not sure if Giorgios is capable of such a powerful spell.

Enora thinks he might be. She’s a witch, by the way, a powerful one, and another friend of Alexandros’s.

He snorts like he has no need of such trivial information, but I’m reminded of what Enora said to me. Something I didn’t have time to question her about given the other information she imparted immediately after.She said some people think I might be more than an elementai, Ani. What does that even mean? What is more than an elementai? And last night, Giorgios mentioned a prophecy. He said some people think it’s about me.

His growl is low and contemplative.

He knows. Of course he does. Dragons know everything, right?

Ani?

There is a prophecy, Ophelia. One that speaks of a child who will bring balance to chaos.

Now I’m even more confused.What chaos? I know the world is pretty messed up, but it’s the way it’s always been, isn’t it?

Not always. My kind left your world when the darkness of man’s heart began to cast long shadows over the light. And then, when the elementai were destroyed… A light went out that will never be replenished.

I shiver, overwhelmed by the chill of defeat. I have not known Anikêtos very long, but this is the most sentimental I’ve heard him. I shake off the negative feelings and refocus.What does that have to do with me?

You already know the answer, Clandarragh.

He’s called me that before. The Chosen One.You think it’s me too?I scoff.I’m this child who’ll bring order to chaos?

I did not say that.

You literally just called me the Chosen One.

You are Alexandros’s chosen one, that does not mean I believe you are the savior of man and magicalkind, Ophelia.

That’s because?—

But there are some who believe you are.

Um, hello. Have they met me?

I am not in the habit of massaging egos, Ophelia Hart. I have given you the answers you seek, now leave me in peace.

Please, Ani, I beg, pushing all ridiculous notions of prophecies out of my head.We’re trapped here. I can barely use my powers. The boys will be back to full strength tomorrow, but there’s no way they can take on all of Giorgios’s guards.

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