Page 240 of The Sins of Silas

“I have no interest in bringing my people to war. We are happy here. Safe. You’re more than welcome to stay.”

“You may not be safe here forever,” I said calmly. “This necromancer isn't just any Mage…he is a God.”

The room became silent.

Lucretia's brows lowered. “What did you say?”

Silas was the one to speak next. “The God of Deceit.”

Valter's eyes became saucers. “You know of the prophecy? How are you certain the necromancer is him?”

“I suppose he could be bluffing, but judging the extent of his power, I believe him. He claims Valor fell in love with a human—his mother—resulting in his conception.” I swallowed. “He also spoke of a rift. He showed the Prince of Otacia and me a device of some sort. Something from another world.”

Valter anxiously peered at his mother, whose own eyebrows were raised. “Do you have this device?” she pressed.

I shook my head. “No. He has it. But he is in desperate search of something called the Weapon. Is it…is it here?”

Kismet frowned. “What kind of weapon do you speak of?”

“All we know of it is that it is a type of magic that no one has ever seen,” Silas answered. “A seer told us this…one different from the two mentioned before.”

“Magic to stop all magic or all of humanity. It is vital we find it and keep it away from him,” I insisted. “Did Igon mention anything about it in his note?”

Lucretia's shoulders slumped, and she shook her head. “No. He mentioned no such thing.”

I sighed. “All he said to me was a riddle regarding the God of Rebirth, and he gave me a memento of his before he died.”

To that, Valter's head snapped in my direction. “A memento, you say?”

Kismet's eyes slid over to him, and Lucretia clapped happily. “A memento, of course.” At my obvious confusion, Lucretia continued. “Have you ever heard of the Chamber of Time? Odds are you haven't since you haven't heard of our lands.”

“Tithara's gift was the ability to alter time. Her temple resides on our island,” Valter stated. “Now, the Chamber of Time does not alter time, but it allows you to go back for viewing.” He smiled. “All you need is a memento of the living or dead, and their memories will play for you.” He tilted his head. “Your seer gave you a memento of his. We will use it in the Chamber of Time, and you will see all he did.”

Hope blossomed in my chest. “Oh, my Gods! Let's go do it, then. I have the compass in my bag—"

“The Chamber requires charging,” Kismet interrupted, and all our eyes went to hers. “It is a powerful, sacred space. We will need a handful of Mages to surge their energy into the altar in order for it to work.” Her brown eyes slid over to her lover. “We should get started on it right away. Have it ready the morning after next.”

“That would be incredible,” I breathed. “Thank you.”

Kismet nodded, then stepped away from her spot beside the throne, exiting politely.

Another question popped into my head. “Igon told me to find Oquerene. Do you have any information on the place?”

Valter’s eyes flashed. “One does not just find Oquerene.”

“Ah, the land ruled by the Angels.” Lucretia shook her head. “I have not been, nor do I know how one would get there. But what I do know is that the Angels oversee that realm. And Angels have a worse reputation than the Sea Nymphs once did.”

“I was told Sea Nymphs had gone extinct,” I murmured. “Yet I saw them, basking by the ocean. And now you’re telling me Angels exist, too?”

“Why, of course, they do!” Lucretia exclaimed. “Angels, Pixies, Half-lives—there is no shortage of mythical creatures in Oquerene. That is the land of the Gods. Every being they crafted still resides there.”

“Like an…afterlife?” Elowen asked.

Valter shook his head. “No, Valor oversees the afterlife. His realm is the Underworld—also known as Elytial. Ravaiana oversees Oquerene, the original place of creation.”

“Wait…I thought the Underworld was a hell of sorts,” I questioned.

Valter’s chuckle was warm as he laughed at my confusion. “There is much knowledge of the Gods that has been lost on the mainland.” His green orbs sparkled. “I can show you all I know. Perhaps it would help.”

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