Page 63 of Magic & Secrets
“How would the Murade create something of magic?”
“Using a magic man or coven. The Murade’s choice to embrace magic makes sense. Their technology is limited. Look at how they only seized control of Mt. Elysium by ruining it for generations. Rather than rely on their technology to defeat magic folk, they designed their own magical creatures.”
“I don’t feel like magic.”
“No Shifter can do what you do. When normal Shifters mate, they don’t create whirlwinds and make the ground shake.”
Glancing around, I muttered, “I think that was just the ancient one under Pandorium irritated by the noise we were making.”
Calla smiled softly. “You are magic. I knew it as soon as we met.”
“Why didn’t my kind feel this way about the old Armgard?”
“Athorvath is an ancient one worshipped through telluric sacrifices like acorns and flowers. You and I were spawned from creatures who were worshipped through blood sacrifices. Maybe the old Armgard’s lineage was incompatible with yours.”
“They also had those little horns,” I teased, making Calla smile.
“They were easier to control,” Calla said and rested her hands against my chest. “The Gathering viewed the old Armgard as flawed because they weren’t drawn to violence and destruction. They dismissed them as too docile.”
“They were definitely not docile,” I grumbled, recalling the warriors I faced. “They were capable of killing my kind.”
“Because they were ordered to, Roque. The ones who came before me possessed no bloodlust. They only had overseers holding their leashes.”
“I refuse to pity them.”
Calla studied me before nodding. “I don’t expect you to, but understanding what we are matters. Forces exist in this world that understand how we were made. Why should they know us better than we know ourselves?”
“Does it really matter? You aren’t returning to the Citadel.”
“No, I can’t. I’ll be executed.”
A growl left my lips as I imagined Calla in danger. “Why?”
“They’ll worry I can’t be controlled. The Gathering’s greatest fear isn’t the Murade learning of their existence. They worry their creation will outgrow them,” Calla said and cradled my face. “And they’re right to worry. The New Armgard doesn’tbelong to them. We are the offspring of Solme Divige, and she is not one to be dismissed once her magic has been consumed.”
Calla stretched out on her back and stared at the tree canopy again. “Solme Divige wanted us together. I can’t argue with her plans.”
“I’m apprehensive about an ancient beast brandishing control over my life.”
“Solme Divige might not know what will happen. Imagine once roaming powerful and free in this world, only to now hide in the dark and watch lesser creatures live out their lives. We might be mates for no other reason than she needed entertainment.”
Grunting my disapproval, I asked, “Can she see us?”
“I don’t know. She only shows me what she wants me to see.”
Nothing inside me wanted to consider the plans of the ancient beasts. My only interest was the beautiful creature stretched out next to me. I rested my hand on her chest, feeling her strong heart beating. Though my fingers felt too rough to touch Calla’s soft skin, she smiled when they caressed her pale flesh.
“Roque, I believe traveling to Elatalora is a mistake,” Calla said in a tender voice. “We need to go to Mt. Elysium and warn your kind.”
“I’ve lost track of time. Tempe might already be prepared for war. He could have even sent more Bane Shifters into the world to seek vengeance. The loss of Haven Junction tore a hole inside him, and he’s no doubt volatile now.”
“Your kind would be safest on the mountain.”
“No one dares to fight us there,” I said as my fingers traced the pink skin around her nipple. “Tempe will think I’ve gone mad when I bring you with me to the mountain.”
“Do you think your pack will accept my presence?”
“They will have no choice. The world has changed. We need to change with it,” I replied, feeling edgy about Tempe’s potential reaction. “I will build you a house on the mountain.”
