Page 24 of Vasmora

“Then, how will I see him again?”

“The same way he glimpsed you. In Caligorya.” She nodded toward something behind me, and I twisted around, finding my twin once more dancing in the asphodels. Behind her, a dark figure lurked in the grass, a predator that moved with stealth. Before I could call out to her, he swiped her up into his arms, and my heart lurched in my chest when I caught a glimpse of his handsome face. Through a blur of tears, I watched Zevander press his lips to hers, the adoration beaming in his eyes.

“What is this?” I asked.

“A possibility.”

“How?”

“Gods are not permitted to interfere, but we can bend reality.”

Sweet agony, I ached at the sight of him. How badly I wanted to run to him, to feel those arms wrapped around me, holding me. To smell that delicious scent of metal and leather. To hear his voice and feel his lips pressed to mine. “Is this real?”

“As real as you want it to be.”

The image faded into white smoke, and while I knew it was only a vision of the two of us, the sight of him was bittersweet. A drop of delicious poison that I longed to chug.

“But you must agree to live. Set me free.”

“How do I set you free?” I stared off, the lingering image of his smile burning through my thoughts.

“If I knew the means, I certainly wouldn’t be here rotting in the Aethyr. That knowledge is forbidden. You must find out yourself.”

Frowning, I glanced back at her. “But you’re a goddess. Powerful.”

“And trapped by an even greater power.”

My frowned deepened. “A power greater than death?”

“There are gods that mancers and mortals worship. And there are far more powerful entities worshipped by the gods.”

I couldn’t fathom such a thing. That level of power seemed terrifying. “If I refuse? If I choose to give up?”

“You will die as mortals die. No sight, nor sound. Neither pain nor joy. Only silence and regret.”

“I am your vessel. Freeing you means I die, anyway, yes?”

An expression flashed across her face, brows pulled tight as if I’d insulted her. “Absolutely not. You become far more powerful. Practically invincible.”

I ran my thumb across my palm, smearing blood from a cut I hadn’t noticed before. “My blood. Can it kill her?”

“Not in your weakened state. She harbors an ancient curse too strong for your blood.”

“He’s dead, isn’t he?” I studied her expression as if I might be capable of detecting a goddess’s lie. “If he were alive, he’d come for me.”

She huffed and rolled her eyes. “Is that what you long for? To be saved? Rescued like a helpless damsel? You’re stronger than this, Maevyth. You have the power to avenge him. To hurt those who’ve harmed him.” The silver in her eyes burned brighter, swirling as if the very thought excited her.

“How?”

“When you set me free.” The thrilling glint dulled to a sobering darkness. “We will destroy all of them.”

“And Loyce?”

“She will suffer worst of all.”

I let out a mirthless laugh. “But not before she subjects me to her own horrific torture.”

“Your pain. Your suffering. It will be the price you pay for power. I will not allow her to take your life. And in time, she’ll grow bored of you. So long as you stay strong.” The doubt in my mind must’ve been sketched across my face, the way she crossed her arms, brow raised as she tipped her head. “What would he tell you if he were standing here right now?”