Page 50 of He Who Ignites The Flame
“Thalia, you and Micah are with Damien,” Lucia said before she turned to me, gesturing to a male standing next to her, his pale blond hair cut short along his skull, his pewter eyes lifting to mine. “Barrett, this is Marcus. He’s with us.”
“Pleasure,” he said, holding his hand out.
“Delighted,” I said flatly, shaking his hand. Fuck all these pleasantries.
“Attention!” Damien called out, and the room quieted, warriors straightening, their arms folding behind their backs.
I crossed my arms as Zephyr checked roll to ensure everyone had arrived, followed closely by Damien calling out orders and finalizing assignments.
“Is your brother always this pleasant?” I whispered to Lucia.
The corner of her lips kicked up into a half smile. “He’ll warm up to you.”
I huffed a laugh. “I doubt that.”
“Have you ever been to Selene’s temple?” Micah whispered, cutting into our conversation.
“Nope,” I said, popping the ‘P.’ “I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to meet me, though.”
Micah stifled a laugh, and I glanced over my shoulder to find Thalia’s attention solely focused on Damien, on every word he spoke as he gave the latest update from the team scouting The Pits. Guards had been spotted on the wall, more than before, but they still had no knowledge of any captives.
Thalia’s eyes hardened and her hands tightened into fists. Micah took her hand and whispered something into her ear. She nodded, her expression softening before she looked up at him, and I drew my attention away as he brushed a soft kiss against her lips.
Magic hummed through the air around us, and I turned toward the head of the room where Damien stood near an altar. I’d seen it before—it was the Propylaea, the gateway to Selene’s Temple within the Godsrealm. Father had one in his study to gain access to the Council chambers, where they held their meetings.
“Everyone with me!” Damien called as wind whipped around us, caressing my skin with a featherlight touch, the magic within me rising to meet the magic within it like an old friend.
I drew a deep breath and let my eyes fall closed as the gateway opened, drawing us in.
The ground disappeared beneath my boots, ice clawing over my skin. I hated the feeling, the world flipping around me as if there was no up or down. My feet slammed into marble, and I gasped as I stumbled forward. Lucia grabbed my arm, stabilizing me.
“It’s tough your first time,” she said softly, and I opened my eyes.
I stilled at the sight of the glowing trees surrounding us, of the stone so ancient, the very fabric of time seemed to be etched into the cracks. Tiny creatures chittered as they scurried about, heads turning to us, glowing eyes lit with curiosity. Their bodies were made of pure night and starlight, long ears and tails swaying with each step.
“The astral sprites are busy, as always,” Lucia whispered, as if the question was plastered across my face. She smiled as some of the tiny creatures trotted up to her to brush their tiny, clawed hands against hers. “Ipromise we won’t make a mess of your temple. We’re only passing through.”
“Goddess,” Damien said, and my thoughts scattered as everyone lowered to one knee.
My heart lurched at the sight before us, her skin glowing as brightly as the moon, her hair falling in silken silver waves to pool on the floor around her. Lucia tugged me down to her side, and I followed her lead, lowering to my knee.
“You may rise,mea bellarios,” she said, her voice carrying across the marble hall like the rush of a tidal wave, the cadence beautiful yet lethal.
We all rose as she descended the dais, each step fluid and graceful. I couldn’t form words even if I wanted to, the sheer power of her presence overpowering, overwhelming me.
Damien stood at the head of the group, his head held high as she came to a stop before him. Her opalescent eyes passed over us, and I avoided meeting them, couldn’t bring myself to.
“Is your company prepared?” she asked, her voice delicate despite its power.
“We are,” Damien said in response.
She extended her hand to him, dropping something into his palm. “Use this to call me when you are ready to return.”
He dipped his head to her. “Understood.”
She looked to the rest of us. “May Celestia bless your endeavor.”
“And may she bless you, Goddess,” the others said in unison, and I stiffened, looking around.
