Page 83 of Gods of Prey
But it doesn’t have to be him.
I turn back to him, keeping my face carefully neutral. “When will you tell Jovie that you’re willing to become mortal for her?”
“Today,” he says. “Just before we leave to tell the Divine Council.”
I nod, as if considering this. As if I’m not already formulating a plan that would keep my brother with his love and child while satisfying the demands of cosmic order. If I’m going to lose everything, it might as well be for a good cause.
“The baby,” I say, trying to sound casual. “Will it be...like us?”
Sebastian runs a hand through his hair. “I don’t know. Half-divine, at least. I can sense its light already. Strong. Like nothing I’ve ever felt before.”
Despite everything, I smile. Of course, the child of Life himself would radiate power even in the womb. My little niece or nephew is already barreling into the realms with purpose.
“I want you to be part of their life,” he says suddenly. “Whatever happens. However this plays out. You’re my sister. You should know your family.”
The words cut deeper than he knows. If my plan works, if the Divine Council accepts my offer, I won’t be able to visit another realm again. I’ll be bound to Umbraeth and the mortal realm, shepherding souls and maintaining balance for both of us until our punishment is complete.
But I can’t tell him that. Not yet.
“I’d like that,” I lie instead, my voice steady. “Though I’m not sure I’d make a good aunt. I’m not exactly warm and fuzzy.”
He laughs. “You’re warmer than you pretend to be. I’ve seen how you look at Jovie. Like you care about her happiness almost as much as I do.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I scoff, but there’s no bite to it. He’s right, after all. In my mortal life, Jovie had become my friend. The first mortal I’d truly cared about in centuries. Now, she’s family.
“And I’ve seen how you look at Revel,” he adds with a knowing smirk.
I’m grateful that spirits can’t blush. “Now you’re definitely being ridiculous.”
Sebastian stands, his divine nature making him glow slightly in the darkness. “Am I? It’s my job to notice these things. The way living things are drawn to each other. The potential for growth.”
I roll my eyes. “It’s officiallynotyour job to do that anymore. At least, for me. And save the mystical observations for someone who hasn’t known you since the dawn of time.”
He reaches out, his hand passing through my shoulder in a gesture that would have been a squeeze if I were corporeal. “We’ll figure this out, Si. We always do.”
I nod, not trusting myself to speak. Because again,I’llfigure it out. I’ll bear the burden so he doesn’t have to. So his child can grow up with a father. So the woman he loves won’t lose him.
“I should get back to Jovie,” he says. “Will you come with me? She’s been anxious to tell you the news.”
“I need a moment,” I tell him. “Go ahead. I’ll be there soon.”
He nods, starting toward the door that leads back into the building.
“Sebastian?” I call after him.
He turns, silhouetted against the city lights. “Yes?”
“Congratulations,” I say softly. “You’re going to be an incredible father.”
His smile is worth every sacrifice I’m about to make.
As he disappears into the building, I turn back to the city, to the night, to the countless souls whose journeys between life and death have been my responsibility for eons. Soon, they will be mine alone to guide.
23
Sienna
The air in Revel’s apartment crackles with divine energy before they even arrive. I feel it first—a prickling sensation across my spectral form, like lightning about to strike.
