Page 117 of Kneel Before Me

“It does not matter what I would do for you. The situation is not reversed. And you do not have my permission.”

“And if you die? What happens then? The Drakons will remain in power. Is that what you want?”

Kronos pursed his lips. He was silent, his eyes searching hers. “If the choice is between your life or mine, I choose yours, Daphne.”

It was a beautiful sentiment. But it was not enough to convince her. “My life will be in danger if this bite doesn’t heal, Kronos. If the Drakons remain in power, there will be a war with the humans. Isn’t that what you told me?”

“Daphne.” He shook his head. “Enough. The risk is too great.”

Daphne fell silent. She wanted to cry. He wouldn’t let her do this for him. There had to be another way to help him, to give him enough power to heal himself. “We…could have sex,” she whispered.

Immediately, Kronos shook his head. “No. Not like this.”

“I’m ready.”

“Daphne. No.”

She held up her hand. “You told me basilisks gain power through sex. You told me your rank changes by the hour, even by the minute.”

“That is true. But it is not a good enough reason for us to have sex.”

“It is if it would give you could gain enough power to heal the bite.”

Kronos shook his head. He was so pale. “Sex would not be enough, Daphne.”

Unlike earlier, when the words had pained him, this he said easily. He was telling her the truth; sex would not save him. Silence fell. The only sound was their combined breathing. It was a horrible situation, and Daphne felt helpless. What would give him an extraordinary amount of power? A memory came to her suddenly of a conversation they’d had long ago.

“Isn’t there another way for you to gain enough power?” she whispered.

“The crest might give me enough.”

Daphne looked him in the eye. “Crest me.”

If possible, he went even paler. “Why would you say that?” he whispered.

“You told me it was a way to gain power.”

“I also told you it was not an option.”

“But it will save you. Won’t it?”

Kronos didn’t answer.

“Won’t it?”

He closed his eyes as if to block out this entire conversation.

But Daphne was not going to let him retreat. “Whatever it is, just do it, Kronos. I can take it.”

“It is not a matter of taking it, Daphne. I cannot crest you.”

“Why not?”

“Because it is not what I wish for you.”

“I don’t understand. Can’t you just—”

His eyes flew open. “You are more than a source of power for me.”