“I know how hard it is to lose a family member, a sister… but you can’t falter,” Phoebe said. “Your task as the Omega takes precedence. You must always remember what your true goal is—and once the Emperor is defeated, the rest of the Empire will fall.”
Leukos clenched his jaw, a tell Alena recognised as him biting back words he wanted to hurl. “It’s not that simple. Any one of his legates could take control?—”
“No.” Phoebe’s tone was final. “The Rasennans grew because they accumulated the most power, the most magic. Strip that away, and they still have a formidable army, yes, but the odds are in our favour.”
The words rattled Alena. “Strip that away? How?”
Phoebe’s frown deepened. “Did you not understand the Maiden’s words?”
Alena searched her memory, thoughts spinning. The surrounding courtyard seemed to fade, the world narrowing to Phoebe’s unyielding stare. The Maiden’s words, once dismissed as cryptic nonsense, surfaced in her mind. “The realms of gods and mortals will be separated once more, as they should be,” she said aloud.
Phoebe’s nod came with a grim finality. “That means no more immortals meddling in human affairs, no more pacts, and no more Gifts. Magic would forever disappear from our world.”
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
ALENA
The silence that followed was suffocating, heavy as the realisation sank in.
Kaixo slipped from under Nik’s arm, seized the discarded wooden sword, and began swinging again, as if he could fight off the dread tightening the air.
Nik’s brow creased. “We’d lose our Gifts?”
Phoebe pressed her fingers above her Gifted eye in a rare display of vulnerability. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “It’s hard to say if they would remain, fade over time, or vanish at once.”
Alena’s thoughts churned. She tried to imagine a world without magic—no power coursing through her veins, no bond with the wolves, no more wielding her Gifts in battle. The Mother Goddess’ plan—her attempt to undo the consequences of Gifting her lover—would forever change their world.
Leukos stilled, his expression darkening as if some terrible realisation had just struck. “That’s why so many Omegas failed before. If the truth was known, every power-hungry ruler would have united to stop them. No one would give up magic willingly.”
Phoebe’s silver eye flicked to the shadowed edges of the courtyard, searching for eavesdroppers. “The Maiden told me the descendants of the shepherd passed down their knowledge and influence. Most were cunning, guarded by wealth and armies, skilled in rallying those desperate to preserve magic at any cost. The Emperor will be no different. The closer you get to him, the more dangerous he will become. He’ll stop at nothing to protect his power.”
Alena swallowed hard, her throat dry. Every new revelation made her task feel insurmountable. “The Maiden said the Emperor’s already trying to fashion himself into a god,” she murmured. “Building temples to expand his cult throughout the Empire.”
“Yes,” Phoebe confirmed, taking the reins of her horse once more, “and that’s why you must act fast. All of you.”
She adjusted the bow slung over her shoulders and secured her sword to the saddle.
Alena glanced at Leukos and Nik, the same grim understanding passing between them: the road ahead was carved in blood, and it would not spare them.
“We’ll leave as soon as possible,” Leukos said. “I’ll speak to Danaos. We need to return to the lake camp and join Volcos before the legions strike the Western Lands.”
Just then, Theo emerged from the palace, his posture rigid. He scanned the courtyard before settling on Leukos, who raised a hand in acknowledgement.
He turned to leave, then halted, his gaze lingering on Alena. They hadn’t had much chance to speak alone all day. Alena wanted to say something—anything—but the weight of their audience held her back.
¨Phoebe leaned against her horse, watching the exchange with a raised brow. “Well, I trust you’ll have this little mess sorted out by the time I’m back.”
Nik snickered, earning a sharp glare from Leukos. Clearing his throat, he muttered, “I’d better go warn Pelagios and help prepare if we’re to leave tomorrow.” With a ruffle of Kaixo’s hair and a nod to Phoebe, he strode towards the newly repaired palace gate.
“Be careful in the Western Lands,” Phoebe said to Alena. “The Omega means little to them. Don’t take any risks.” The Amazon gave her a pointed look, no doubt remembering Dodona. “I won’t be around to help you this time.”
“I remember yourhelpall too well,” Leukos retorted, his tone icy, “and we’ll be just fine without it.”
“Leukos!” Alena’s admonition did nothing to soften his glare.
Unfazed, Phoebe’s smirk widened. “Funny, I remember my help keeping you alive. And yet, you never thanked me for it.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” Leukos shot back, already striding away.
