Sethios folded his arms. “And you’ve known this since the beginning?”
His best friend nodded. “She asked me not to say anything. It wasn’t the right time.”
“But now it is,” Caro said before Sethios could reply. “Because we’ve already started to figure out that the Fates are not actually working for the council but against them.”
Both men stared at her.
Their blank expressions told her that maybe that wasn’t right. Or perhaps they hadn’t pieced it together yet.
“The Fates have provided prophecies that they’ve allowed the council to interpret without any sort of direction. Like the prophecy about Astasiya being the one to destroy us all—the High Council of Seraph believes it’s in relation to Osiris’s abominations. But what if it isn’t?” Caro continued, telling them about her escape and her healing power awakening, how that couldn’t be a coincidence.
“The Fates have given us the tools we need to survive,” she concluded. “And I think it’s because they want us to succeed.”
“In what? Taking down the council?” Sethios asked.
“Yes,” Skye said from the hallway. “To provoke change.”
“You couldn’t have provided that information forty minutes ago?” Gabriel’s irritated tone came from behind Ezekiel, the three of them obviously standing in the doorway, but Caro could only see Sethios’s best friend.
“I told you they want change,” Skye replied.
“That’s a broad statement.”
“That is now better defined. You’re welcome.” She sounded so prim and proper, like a queen seated upon a throne accepting the gratitude of her people. “Ezekiel. They need to go now.”
“They need to get dressed first, darling,” Ezekiel replied.
“Where are we going?” Sethios asked, his arms still folded.
“Hydria,” Gabriel replied. “Leela was shot in the head, but the Hydraian healer is helping her recover so she can tell us what happened.”
Caro frowned. “How is she helping? We’re immune to their gifts.” Unless something had changed during her time in the reformation chamber?
“Vera etched a rune into Leela’s skin to allow Hydraian gifts to work on her,” Gabriel replied. “Jayson also took a bullet to the head. No other casualties, and both of them will recover. However, Skye says our assistance is needed, and given how close Stas is with Lizzie, I understand that need.”
“Yes, your daughter has a penchant for putting her best friend’s life before her own,” Ezekiel murmured. “I suggest you go talk her out of waltzing headfirst into the council to demand her friend back.”
“She would do that?” Caro asked, a hint of warmth touching her heart.
“Yes,” Ezekiel and Gabriel said at the same time. Then her son added, “You have no idea what it’s been like trying to keep her safe these last few years. It’s like she courts death.”
Ezekiel snorted. “No shit.”
“Right. We’ll be ready in a minute,” Sethios said, his hand on the door.
“I’ll meet you there,” Gabriel replied. “I’ll call you if you’re needed.”
“We’ll be here waiting,” Ezekiel drawled.
“We can build another snowman.” A hint of childlike happiness touched Skye’s voice. “I need a scarf.”
“Of course, darling.” He stepped out of the doorway. “Happy misting.”
Sethios snorted. “Have fun with the snow.” He shut the door before his friend could reply, then rummaged around to find his clothes.
Another knock sounded half a beat later.
Sethios opened the door with an arched brow. “Yes?”
