The Forgotten Gods by Katie Cross

Author:Katie Cross [Cross, Katie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: KC Writing
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 14

Returning to Ava’s collection the next morning felt like crossing a field of coals.

Necessary to do what was needed, but it wouldn’t be pleasant to tell Daemon no, I wouldn’t help their exodus.

I came to save Alkarra.

Bleeding heart or not, I couldn’t lose sight of that.

A sleepless night left me on edge. Half-dreams of Letum Wood on fire, the trees screaming, and me unable to stop it, woke me repeatedly. Always to the sound of Ignis’s voice.

I want you to give up Deasylva.

After declaring such a thing, Ignis had retreated, leaving me to wonder all night long.

Gloomy clouds filled the skyline with frothy depths, where an approaching thunderstorm overtook the dome of the earth—no easy feat in a world of water and sky. The broiling masses swept closer, violet-black and thick as pudding. Wind rushed past, sweeping grains of sand over my arms.

Ava studied the sky with pursed lips.

“Tontes,” she muttered.

Electricity filled the air, standing the hair on my arms up on end. I shuddered. “Let’s get this over with.”

Daemon waited on the beach along with a group of mortals. Fish scales speckled his forearms, glinting despite the lack of sun. Humidity made the air thick and ominous as he closed the space between us, a silent question on his thick features. As promised, Baxter had provided wood, which lay in piles between trees.

“I’m sorry, Daemon, I can’t help you.”

The deepening scowl didn’t frighten me, but Ava shuffled forward. My hand on her shoulder stopped her from putting herself between us. Several moments passed while Daemon took that in. Lightning crackled over the sea.

“The blood of my mortals,” he growled, “will stain your hands.”

Fury rose in me. “I’m not a pawn, and neither are they. I want to help, but leading you to the land of the witches isn’t the answer. It’s a death wish. You’re not prepared for the seasons or the witches or the magic or—“

“That is for us to know!” he thundered.

A wave swept up the sand. Wind gusted by, shivering the thin dress I’d quickly plucked off the wall at the beach house.

Incoming.

Movement caught my gaze. Four figures strode over the top of the waves, bound for here. The same four demigods that had hunted for me around the beach house.

“Jikes,” I muttered.

Ocean churned into a froth under the broiling sky, developing a sickly green tinge. Daemon barked at the mortals behind him. They splintered, scuttling to nearby huts or throwing themselves into the water to swim away. The four demigods closed in, as if swept by the storm.

Thunder exploded.

They came sooner than expected. They are here for you, Lady-witch. Tontes, like all the gods, wants you on his side.

“Tontes can rot at the bottom of the sea.”

It doesn’t work that way. Regardless, his sons will try to convince you to join their father. Should they be unsuccessful, they plan to take you prisoner.

“How did they know I would be here?”

You’re not difficult to track. Also, I may have told them.

“What? Why?”

Let’s just say we have greater opportunity to prove our abilities together.

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