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“You are greedy like your father, Your Grace. Sadly, you come from King Metheus’s mortal side.”
“You promised me things, Rowan,” the jolly voice had become on edge.
“Powerless mortal,” jeered Rowan.
Because of this distraction, Aruna was able to take over for a little while.
“Luella! Metheus! You are the answer. Together,” she managed to cry out.
I noticed how urgent her words were. So urgent that she called us by name. There was no time for formal titles. Aruna wanted us to work together.
“Metheus, I think I know,” she said. Her eyes seemed to ask me permission. She knew I knew. The more I took from her, the more we became united in thought.
“Let it be, then,” I said. I knew that being a man was not only about taking responsibility for everything but knowing how to share the role – the mission – with a woman.
It did not take long for the Ninurta to take over Aruna once more. The Seer let out a loud shriek before she quieted down, and her eyes glowed yellow anew.
“I control the hungry god, Metheus! You are no longer my king. Abdicate from your throne and give it to me. The people of Rama must be avenged, and you will do it by serving Prozeus on a platter.”
“I will not abdicate, Rowan,” I calmly said, not reacting to her use of my name.
“You will regret it, Metheus. You have so much to lose. I see you even brought back your wife here,” Rowan wrinkled her nose in disgust at Luella. My wife would usually have taken it personally, but she ignored it.
She was serious. She wanted to fight – and I would let her. It was the only answer.
Unfortunately, Ari had other plans. I did not know if it was stupidity or courage, but he suddenly lunged for Rowan. He plunged a dagger into her belly, and she writhed in pain. She was powerful but still very much human. The attack took her by surprise.
“What have you done?” she croaked as she fell to the ground, bleeding.
There was chaos after that, everyone running toward something they must do. Luella immediately rushed to see to Rowan’s wound. I ran to where Ari was and gave him the pummeling he deserved. Oh, he fought. I was surprised that he knew how, but he fought, and I tried to keep him down on the ground. My men had used it as a signal to attack the rebellious members of the Touch, Rowan’s army. How she convinced dozens of members when she looked like a young girl was a testament to her power. Though I had more men, the members of the Touch had powers.
Through it all, we had been too focused on our fights. We were still startled when a colossal voice bellowed from the middle of the Great Hall.
The Ninurta was out. This time, though, its puppet mistress was badly wounded.
