A breastplate of overlapping mother-of-pearl scales covered her front and back, surprisingly light and flexible, yet fitting her like a second skin. The scales ended at a golden girdle that cinched her waist, protecting her stomach and hips, while a cascade of dawn-coloured skirts flowed behind, parting in the front to reveal golden greaves and leather sandals.
Kaixo stared, wide-eyed.
Alena touched the armour, speechless. The cool smoothness of the scales shifted beneath her fingertips, humming faintly with power. She’d never worn anything so beautiful, so exquisitely crafted. The mother-of-pearl gleamed with iridescent hues, catching the light in a captivating display as she moved.
“It will protect you from any weapon, be it blade or arrow, but beware of Gifted ones.” The goddess rose to her feet, her expression sharpening. “Shine your light, Omega. The Achaean Twelve are with you. We may not agree on much, but none of us like seeing Achaea in Rasennan hands.”
She lifted Alena’s chin, forcing her to meet her gaze. In the Cyprian’s eyes, Alena saw a beauty so radiant, so flawless, it bordered on agony. Beneath that dazzling surface stirred something older and merciless. The weight of it pierced her, leaving shivers in its wake.
“Once upon a time, I could have made you the most beautiful maiden in all the kingdoms of the Great Sea.” The goddess’ voice shook with power, thrumming through Alena’s bones. “Kingsand warriors would have killed friends and kin just to glimpse your face, and all would have fallen at your feet with a single look.” Then her lips curved into a teasing smile, and her gaze slid to Leukos, watching from afar, arms crossed. “But I know there is only one man your heart truly longs for.”
Heat flared in Alena’s cheeks. Her feelings for Leukos were something she hadn’t dared name, and yet the Cyprian had plucked the truth from her in an instant.
The goddess released her chin with a delicate flick, then bent to Kaixo and whispered in his ear. His eyes lit with mischief, and he took off towards Leukos, laughing.
“Let me offer you some advice instead, Omega.” Alena, still reeling from the Cyprian’s insight, barely caught the wicked smile on her lips. “You are the only one who can help him with his Gift.”
Alena’s focus snapped to Leukos. “What’s wrong with his?—?”
The question died on her lips.
Leukos had gone rigid, tension carved into every line of his body. His eyes were locked on Kaixo as the boy bounded towards him, oblivious to the shift in the air. Nik’s expression turned ashen.
Panic slammed into Alena. Something was terribly wrong.
“Kaixo, stop!”
But the boy, laughing, didn’t hear. Just as he neared, Nik intercepted him, scooping him into a tight embrace and ruffling his hair with a forced grin.
Only then did Leukos exhale, the rigid edges softening as he gave Kaixo a faint nod, maintaining his distance.
Alena frowned. Leukos never kept Kaixo at arm’s length—never. When they travelled together, he had taken the boy under his wing, shielding him without hesitation. He’d done the same today against the Sea God. Whatever was wrong with his Gift, it was worse than she’d imagined if he felt the need to keep away.
She turned to ask the goddess—only to find her gone.
Typical.
Pivoting towards the palace steps, she halted. All eyes were on her. The court and guards stood motionless, wide-eyed, their stunned silence breaking into a wave of whispers.
“That’s the Omega!”
“She’s real!”
“She was Gifted without a sacrifice.”
“The gods favour her!”
The Cyprian’s armour shimmered in the light, drawing every gaze. Alena bit her lip, keenly aware of how the revealing design left her cleavage and thighs bare, making her feel both powerful and vulnerable.
She lifted her chin and stepped forward, moving towards Kaixo with the wolves flanking her.
Ahead, Leukos leaned in to murmur something to Theo. Whatever he said made Theo turn to the gathered court on the grand staircase and raise his voice.
“The queen has found her soulmate!” he proclaimed. “All hail Queen Charis!”
Cheers erupted, the tide of attention shifting to the queen and the officer at her side, who bore a striking resemblance to Nik.
“The Sea God has spoken!” another voice rang out among the courtiers. All heads turned as a priest stepped forward, amber robes rippling in the breeze. He lifted his arms, the silver thread in his sleeves glinting in the sun. “Tiryns is blessed,” he declared reverently. “This union is divine!”
