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A smile tugged at his lips as he shook his head.
She exchanged looks with Avi and Yuki and Akane all at once, who were just as in awe as they watched the flowers yawn open.
Ash let out a gleeful giggle, leaping. “It feels funny!”
Tears pricked Naia’s eyes, and she smiled so wide, it cramped her cheeks. “I bet it tickles.”
He dashed ahead of her through the sand, creating more footprints for the dahlias to grow in.
Ronin came to stand beside her. “Looks like your dad is here with us.”
Naia wiped her cheeks with the heel of her hand. An overwhelming sense of happiness exploded in her soul. One she didn’t know was possible. “It seems so.”
Ronin’s arm drifted around her. The chill of his fingers slid into the back of her hair, bringing a solace along with it as he pulled her into his side.
He kissed her on the temple. “Happy Birthday, babe.”
EPILOGUE
The screams went on forever.
Finnian had never been so glad in his life to have lost hearing in his right ear, annoyed by the endless wails. Much so, he considered jabbing his finger into his left ear to spare the torment. The damage would undoubtedly heal, but it would grant him at least a few minutes of silence.
The cries belonged to the unfortunate souls trapped in the hell known as Moros.
Finnian couldn’t lie. The dedication with which Cassian consistently tortured the prisoners thoroughly impressed him. From what it sounded like, they never got a break.
Leaning his back against the bars of his cell, he cursed the oppressive humidity clinging to his hair and neck. A despicable heat capable of making a deity sweat. From the roaring pool of fire in the center of the prison, there was a constant billowing rise of steam and ash.
After arriving at the abominable location, Cassian took extra precautions by binding Finnian’s wrists with manacles, disabling his ability to use magic. Going further, Cassian confiscated Finnian’s hearing aid, reveling in his own abusive authority, before shoving him into the cell situated at the utmost distance from the entrance.
Finnian learned by watching the beast with horns imprisoned in the cell across from him that if one grabbed the iron bars and tried to break them apart, the metal rods grew teeth and feasted on flesh.
Even after some time had passed, the unmistakable metallic scent of the beast’s blood still hung in the air. Mixed with the stench of boiling flesh and the persistent, mutilated wails echoing beneath the mountain they were confined under, Finnian was beginning to regret his decision to trade places with his dear sister.
And somewhere in these depressing halls was their father.
Finnian sighed. Fidgeted with the ends of his hair. Propped his elbows up on his knees and peered down the narrow corridor lined with executioners—tall, hooded figures, their faces covered in plated masks, and large, leathered wings curled at their backs. Abominations of Cassian’s tethered to the land. Excruciatingly obedient to their master. They would not hesitate to tear Finnian’s throat out with their reptilian teeth if he dared try to tempt them to set him free.
The day would come eventually, as Finnian had no desire to rot away in a place like Moros. Timing was everything, but Finnian was growing bored.
Footfalls sounded against the stone. He angled his head, pointing his left ear in the direction, trying to listen beneath the clunking rhythm of the executioner’s boots against the dirt terrain. He could sense the High God’s presence amongst them—powerful in a way that made animals cower and birds flee. Despite his best efforts, Finnian couldn’t discern his angelic steps, which seemed to float in the air like a feather.
Finnian sank his head back against the rough stone, his arms still hanging limply on his knees as the two executioners emerged in front of his cell, positioning themselves on either side of Cassian.
The High God presented himself with a suave disposition, his flawlessly styled hair and immaculate attire only serving to further irritate Finnian.
The corridor was lit up with only a faint flicker from the sconces lining the wall. Yet, even in that darkness, Cassian shone like a pale moonstone.
Finnian made no effort to address the High God, aware of how his indifference always bothered Cassian.
Cassian materialized in the cell and loomed over him. Finnian easily detected the tension in his eyes.
“Where is it?” Cassian demanded.
Finnian was aware of what he was referring to. The full syringe of his nephew’s blood he had stolen.
Finnian gestured to his right ear with a lazy wave of his hand. “You’ll have to forgive me, Lord Cassian, as I cannot hear you.” He snidely tilted his head to get a better listen with his good ear. “What did you say?”
