Page 141 of Taming the Kraken

“Of course, we won’t ever really die. When our time comes, we’ll become part of the living barrier so that we can protect our family forever.” Lita nodded her head and sighed. There were things she could control and things she couldn’t. Sometimes she felt like she needed to fix everything, but it was impossible. Asher was right. The only thing they could do right now was be ready … for whatever outcome.

Erebus watched as the black eyes of the dark titan glared at him. His fangs were bared, and low, menacing growls ripped through his throat. He could feel the power surging from the beast, and he didn’t like it. While the titan was strong, he didn’t see how he could be on equal strength with Ken.

“Perhaps he could destroy Leviathan. But the Kraken? And then both of them together?” Erebus shook his head. “Impossible.”

Meryl’s lips curled upward. “Both at the same time wouldn’t be a fair fight now, would it?”

Erebus stared at her blankly. “They’re arriving together. Do you plan to fight one of them?” He arched a brow at this in amusement.

“I don’t have to. All I have to do is make sure one of them is trapped with him at a time.” Meryl watched as confusion washed over Erebus’ face. Idiot.

“Will you just take a good look at the room? And pay attention to the ceiling.” Meryl clicked her tongue in annoyance. It was painful to explain everything to him step by step.

Erebus tilted his head to the side and peered up through the bars. It was a sealing stone. Something that was created by the gods in order to hold a deity prisoner. He swore softly under his breath and then turned to glare at Meryl. “How the hell did you get that?”

“Doesn’t matter. I have it.” Meryl grinned, her black eyes glimmering in the dark. “I plan to allow only one deity to pass through before it locks. Then … let the deathmatch begin.”

“You better trap Leviathan first. Because I know the Kraken will be able to kill him. He is a terrifying deity.” Erebus looked up as Meryl eyed him quietly. “His skills are unmatched. I’ve seen the part of him that he keeps locked away …” His voice grew quiet as he thought back on his memories. “I have never seen anyone that could be his equal—" Meryl’s cackling interrupted him.

“I can’t believe it. You like him!” Meryl screeched in a raspy voice. “I have been wondering what it was … why you’re so angry. What your problem was with him … It’s because you like him! And he was never interested in you. Oh, that is so so so sad. It’s hilarious.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Erebus growled, though a light red glow spread over his cheeks.

“You want to hurt him … you want him dead or cursed because you can’t have him. Oh, that’s hysterical. You’re much sicker than I took you for.” Meryl cackled until Erebus’ hand wrapped around her neck.

“Shut. Your. Mouth,” Erebus growled out slowly, annunciating his words as he squeezed his fingers around her throat. “You would already be dead if you weren’t useful. But remember—no one is indispensable,” he said, releasing his hold on her.

Meryl let out an airy, raspy laugh. “That is why you want the demigod. Because of the connection there. It’s like having a piece of the Kraken.” She snorted, not caring about the deity’s rage.

Erebus glared at her angrily. He was on the verge of snapping and killing her right there. But then her head tilted to the side, and she smirked.

“You better disappear—and quick. We’re going to have company. Very soon.” Erebus’ eyes widened, and he instantly vanished. A shadow serpent disappeared, and Meryl nodded her head. It was time to get out of there.

A dark smoke surrounded Meryl as she vanished. She would now watch the room through a seeing crystal. She slowly flicked her wrist as she focused on the sealing stone. “This is going to be so much fun … watching them battle. Who do we want to win? Do we even care?” She laughed to herself and then began to murmur and chant. The sealing stone began to glow brighter and brighter. “It’s time for the show to begin.” The stone would allow one deity to enter before it closed off, sealing one inside and one outside. But which one would get in? Who would be stuck with the dark titan?

Meryl watched as a flash entered the arena. Her lips curled up as her black eyes glinted. Of course, this was only one of the stages. She motioned to the shadow snake. “Let them know it is time.” She watched as the creature disappeared in the shadows, and she activated another seeing crystal. “Let the fun begin …”

Ken looked around in confusion. Something had pushed him back, bouncing him away from the entrance. He looked up through the bars and saw Levi and Mikah standing off. But something was wrong. Mikah was snarling, his gaze on Levi predatory. Ken tried to enter but was again met with resistance. Shit. This was a setup. He looked up at Levi worriedly. Leviathan was more of a finesse deity, not one with brute strength. His eyes widened as he watched Mikah lunge for Levi.

Levi’s eyes instantly landed on Mikah, but he could see the darkness in his eyes and how it traveled through his veins. “Mikah … it’s Levi.” He tried to talk to him, but Mikah only snarled at him. His fangs were extended, and his arms bulged with barely contained rage.

“Mikah … it’s okay, son. We’re here for you. Alexa is waiting for you. Remember Alexa? She needs you, Mikah. You have to come back for her.”

Mikah dove toward Levi, who managed to teleport to a spot just behind him. He tried to think of what he was going to do. How could he reach Mikah?

“Defend yourself!” Ken yelled through the bars.

“I can’t hurt him.” Levi shook his head as Mikah turned to face him. He had told himself he would do what was necessary when the time came. But who was he fooling? He couldn’t. He would rather die than kill his son. But if he died … Reiya died.

Blinded by rage, Mikah lunged at Levi again.

“Mikah! I know you’re in there! You have to fight this!” Tears gathered in Levi’s eyes as he stared at the boy he watched grow up. The boy who refused to have parents … but got them anyway. And staring at him right now, Levi realized how much of Mikah was in his heart.

“Leviathan! Now is not the time to play the pacifist. Defend yourself!” Ken ordered through clenched teeth. He wasn’t saying to kill Mikah, but he had to at least subdue him. He couldn’t just keep evading him.

“I won’t hurt him,” Levi whispered as he stared into Mikah’s black eyes. “I can’t hurt you. I love you, Mikah …” he whispered as he watched his son’s eyes flash viciously. Mikah’s fangs shone in the light as he growled, his black eyes narrowing on him.

“You have to! Or we may never see the real Mikah again!” Ken growled at Levi. The damn goldfish. He couldn’t just continue to swim around Mikah. He had to subdue him. Ken looked around the room and noticed the sealing stone at the top. There … he had to break that damn seal.