Yet part of me yearned to let myself become that ancient wrath.
Miranda's love and belief in me as a man and not a monster, became the only things keeping me from losing myself to the darkness.
Aten released his hold on me and I collapsed, gasping for air as my body trembled from the aftermath of his power. Every breath was a struggle as I tried to regain control and composure after being subjected to such intense pain. But even as I recovered, the fear of feeling that searing pain again lingered in the back of my mind.
The thought of Miranda facing Aten sent spikes of ice through the inferno of my torment. I'd endure a thousand lifetimes of this agony if it meant keeping her safe.
Aten unleashed another wave of torture, and as my body convulsed under the onslaught, a part of me realized the cruel irony—in trying so hard not to become the monster for Miranda's sake, I was enduring a hell few could fathom. Each flame that seared my skin, each bolt of pain that wracked my body, was a testament to my love for her—a love so profound it anchored me to my humanity even as I teetered on the brink of oblivion.
“The people need to know the face of their god and master,” Aten said evenly, but the twitch at the corner of his eye and his need to punish me told me I hit him in a sore spot.
“And how is creating a cult going? I’ve seen some documentaries, and you are no Charles Manson.”
Aten cocked his head to the side, his eyes alien and blank.
I landed a good hit, and no one was here to witness it. That’s the real tragedy here.
“I’ll amass all the followers I need soon enough.” He drew a phone from his robes. “Have you learned of these fascinating little devices? People congregate with their minds and astral selves, pouring their energy—all their feelings and attention—into this little…thing.”
“Can’t say I’ve bothered to pick a provider yet,” I said flatly.
He tsked. “You really are missing out. In no time, I’ve not only created an online church, but so many seeking guidance and a benevolent force to help them have flocked to the church of Aten, where the sun always smiles upon them.” He matched the words with a grin that spread too wide on his face yet didn’t reach his eyes.
Nausea roiled through my gut.
I couldn’t be sure if it was from Aten’s ability to gain power and influence so fast, or if it was from the stench of my own charred flesh.
“Sunny.” Aten snapped.
A young Asian fae woman with black bobbed hair rushed forward.
“You’ve been watching Miranda— make sure she doesn’t go to ground with anyone. I want her completely alone.”
Any teasing humor bled out of me. “What do you want with her?”
Thousands of years have taught me how to endure pain, but the fear of what Aten might do to Miranda carved deeper than any flame.
Panic shot through me. Sunny was going to make sure Miranda was completely alone.
I needed to come up with a plan, and fast. I couldn't let him get to her. But for now, all I could do was grit my teeth and endure the pain as Aten's power once again engulfed me. My body trembled and every breath was a struggle, but I refused to give in.
As Sunny scurried away, bowing backwards, Aten turned an amused look on me.
“I want her to realize how special she is. Don’t you?” He quirked an eyebrow.
Absolutely no fucking way will I believe we have the same intentions for Miranda.
“In fact, we have more in common than you think,” he said, settling back into his throne. With a flash of his eyes, the soles of my feet began to sizzle and burn. I tried to resist. I rattled in the chains trying to escape the heat, but there was no getting away from it.
“I’m just like you,” Aten said, running his fingers back through his golden hair. “I want her to love me.”
I struggled to focus on what he was saying as the pain slowly ate away at my senses. Words came out through my clenched teeth. “If there is one thing I know about Miranda, it’s that she can’t be forced to do anything. She may be mortal, but she has a steel will, more powerful than yours.”
Part of me wanted to see her spit on his offer, just to see his face. She asserted her own independence and strength like she wielded Bob. But another part of me feared for her safety, knowing full well the consequences of defying Aten.
He flicked a wrist as if it was of no consequence. “It’s not about will. It’s about leading her to the only inevitable conclusion.”
The fiery burn had traveled from the soles of my feet up my shins and over my kneecaps. Aten was only toying with me.
