The warrior line, as Caro referred to it. Except her definition of their gifts reminded him more of strategy than physical combat.
She explained that hundreds of Seraphim family lines existed, all with varying powers. When he likened them to Hydraians and Ichorians, she continued to say that human genetics maintained similar coding to her Seraphim brethren. So it stood to reason that Hydraians and Ichorians would wake with unique gifts once his father’s blood triggered their resurrection.
Magic.
Or science.
Either way, geneticists would have a field day researching the origins and how they morphed through rebirth.
“The Fates didn’t mention your importance, but then again, they wouldn’t.” Gabriel’s words pulled Sethios from his thoughts. “Especially if they are hoping to influence an outcome.”
“Such as?”
“I’m not sure.” Gabriel scratched his jaw. “They are playing with their own desired endgame, which is evident by not warning my mother of her purpose prior to her assignment. She’s loyal and would have followed through if they issued an edict. That the council felt the need to withhold the directions suggests other players in place that have not yet been identified or discussed.”
Okay, they would come back to the “additional players” part in a moment. Something else required clarification first. “Your council can demand procreation?”
Gabriel blinked. “Of course. Why do you think I exist? It was not by Caro’s choosing but by the will of the Fates.”
Sethios’s eyebrows lifted. “She didn’t want a child?”
“Whether she wanted one or not matters little. I was needed, therefore she created me with Adriel.”
“Procreation by prophecy.” Wow. And Sethios thought his father’s commands were bad. “What if she didn’t desire a child?”
“Desire is a human emotion that serves no true purpose in our world. We do what is needed when it serves a purpose.”
Right. No wonder Gabriel looked so bored. “My purpose is to enjoy life.”
“You are strongly influenced by humanity.”
“And you’re not?” Sethios couldn’t help the sarcasm. The posturing from before certainly felt emotional.
“Correct. My gift is not tied to humanity, unlike, say, Zara’s bloodline. Her talents would prove futile in the absence of humans since her gifts are based on emotions. Meanwhile, mine work regardless of humanity.”
He frowned. “Zara?” That name had not come up in conversation with Caro.
“She’s a member of the High Council and the leader of her line. Your father didn’t teach you of our government structure?”
“No, but Caro mentioned each family has representation in the council.” Considering there were hundreds of lines, Sethios imagined a giant auditorium filled with old, bored Seraphim discussing and issuing edicts. They probably throw killer holiday parties.
Gabriel studied him, a flicker of something drifting through his gaze. “Yes, typically the oldest one in a state of awareness sits on the council.”
“Awareness?” Sethios repeated. All these terms were completely foreign to him, at least in this context of conversation. His father had made it seem as if Seraphim were a dying breed, but Gabriel and Caro painted a picture of a well-structured society that existed somewhere.
“Eternity is daunting. Most Seraphim fall into a state of unconscious after a few millennia and awake only when they are needed.”
“Like to procreate.” Sethios meant it as a joke, but Gabriel took him seriously.
“Yes. Adriel awoke to create me.”
“And he’s on the council.”
“Yes.”
“Which makes you next in line.” It was a guess considering everything Sethios had learned.
“Yes.”
