Page 208 of The Ascended
"That's not possible," I said, my voice shaking.If we kill Olinthar, we'll both die. That's the plan. That's always been the plan.We'd accepted that cost together. I had never once considered a future where I lived, and he didn't.
"Plans and fate are seldom aligned," Heron said gently. "But take heart—fate can always be changed if one alters their path."
I shook my head, unable to form words through the terror gripping my throat. The idea of continuing without Thatcher, of ascending to godhood while he died, was unbearable. We were twins—two halves of a whole. I had never imagined existence without him.
Before I could press Heron for more information, his expression smoothed into that same serene mask he'd worn when we arrived. A moment later, Xül returned.
"We should be going," he said, apparently not noticing my distress. "I think we’ve taken up enough of your time."
Heron rose to his feet with surprising grace for one so old. "It wasa pleasure to meet you, Thais Morvaren." He took my trembling hand in his. "Remember what I said about fate. Nothing is truly fixed until it happens."
I nodded mutely, my mind still reeling from his revelation.
As we walked back through the village, Xül glanced at me with narrowed eyes. "You look as if you've seen a ghost."
I forced myself to breathe normally, to keep my expression neutral. "Just processing everything."
He studied me a moment longer, clearly not entirely convinced, but he didn't press the issue.
We reached the edge of the village just as the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the desert sands. Xül raised his hand to open a portal but hesitated.
“Would you mind terribly if we stopped somewhere before returning to Draknavor?” He eyed me, lifting a brow.
I was so lost in my own thoughts, I barely registered his words. I forced myself to shake my head.
As the portal swirled open before us, I made a silent vow. I would find a way to speak with Thatcher, to warn him about what I'd learned. Together, we would change our approach—find a longer game, perhaps, or a different path entirely.
Because I had not fought my way through the Trials, had not endured Xül's training and the horrors of Voldaris, only to live for eternity without the one person who mattered most to me. If fate decreed Thatcher's death, then I would tear fate apart and reweave it to my liking.
Xül's hand touched my shoulder, pulling me from my dark thoughts. "Ready?"
I nodded and followed him through the portal.
Chapter 50
Reflections
I stumbledthrough the portal after Xül, Heron's words still burning in my mind.Your brother's line is cut short.The moment the silvery light of the portal gave way, the world transformed around me.
The desert heat vanished, replaced by cool, gentle air that carried the scent of water and greenery. I blinked, momentarily forgetting my panic.
Mist hung low over canals that stretched in every direction, their surfaces reflecting the golden afternoon light. As the haze thinned, it revealed buildings that seemed to float upon the water—cottages with steep thatched roofs, their walls painted in vivid colors that stood out against the brilliant green. Footbridges arched over narrow waterways, connecting homes that would otherwise be isolated islands.
The world painted itself before my eyes: a child running along a narrow path, trailing a colorful kite; birds with over-stuffed plumage soaring between trees; flowers climbing trellises and spilling over window sills in cascades of purple and white.
"Where are we?" I whispered, afraid to break the spell of this place.
"Somewhere I should visit more often," Xül replied. “The Village of Mireen.”
A narrow boat glided past, steered by a woman with dark skin and long black curls. She called out in a language I didn't recognize. Xül responded in the same tongue, raising his hand in greeting.
"You speak their language," I said, stating the obvious as I tried to gather my scattered thoughts.
"It would be strange if I didn't." He began walking along a narrow path that bordered one of the wider canals. "This is where my family lives. Osythe's descendants."
I hurried to catch up with him, pushing thoughts of Thatcher aside for the moment. "You didn't mention we'd be meetingmorefamily."
His eyes scanned the village, taking in details with quiet appreciation. "I didn't want to miss the opportunity."
