by JoAnna Grace
A disappointment Dante lived with every day.
When he first came to the Thracian Training Center, he was quickly categorized as a second-tier warrior. He could not control fire or wind, he could not run faster than the eye could see. His strength was that of an average Thracian soldier. Physical tracking did not come easy to him and he couldn’t read the auras of others like most trackers could. The Earth did not bend to his will, the metals of the Earth did not come at his command.
He was nothing special; nothing amazing or stunning.
When his fellow students did understand his gift, the semi-seclusion began. The men would be happy to talk to him, study with him, and have lunch together. But no one wanted to spar with him. No one wanted to share a dormitory with him.
Not that he blamed them. If his power was an offensive one, something useful like manipulating water or telekinesis, he would be protective of it too.
However, Dante was the eraser of gifts. One touch, and he could disable powers. Coming or going, he neutralized the threat. To shake his hand was to be a mere mortal temporarily. In that moment, Dante could get an intimate feel of their powers.
Even the mighty General Xavier didn’t like to embrace his son, as proven by his greeting when the Avondales arrived at the palace. Xavier had acknowledged him with a quick visual assessment, then dismissed him with a head nod. “Soldier.”
“General.” Dante bowed his head slightly. There were no handshakes, no hugs, no happy reunions with the father he hadn’t seen in the last couple of years, nothing. Dante might as well have been a faceless soldier in the crowd to his father.
What made him lift his chin higher and not feel the sting of rejection was the fact that he stood beside Master Ryse. The Master of all Thracians world-wide invited him to this meeting. Dante was an Elite apprentice, taken under the wing of the five most deadly men in the Olympian world. All because one woman didn’t glance over him the way his father had.
Avery.
She saw him. For that, Dante had devoted his life to the princess, earned the gratitude of the royal family, and now could accept the cold shoulder of his father without guilt stabbing his heart.
Victory and pride swelled in his chest as he sat in a meeting with the Master and the general. Xavier had heard all the accusations against Salina and requested a private audience with Ryse.
“He does not have to be here simply because he is of my blood,” Xavier to Ryse, waving off Dante as inconsequential.
Of my blood was much different than my son.
“No, he has to be here because he was privy to Salina’s actions from the beginning.” Ryse delivered the words without looking at Xavier. He sat down and waited for Xavier to follow. Hammon was also in attendance and nodded to Dante take a seat on the opposite side of the Master.
Xavier did not miss the position of his seating. His jaw tensed and his eyes narrowed a fraction. “I was not aware of him achieving any accolades to earn him a place beside you, Master Ryse.” Xavier’s body language betrayed nothing of his agitation. No one in the room knew the general like his own son. Dante saw the way his fingers drummed on his thigh and his lips pinched together, creating thin lines around his mouth.
“Your son,” Ryse accentuated the familiar term, “has proven to be a valuable asset. I believe his talents have been overlooked far too often. However, that is not why we are here.”
“Of course. I would like to know exactly what happened. You may feel free to give me the details that were too harsh for the family. I need to be abreast of the situation, for their sake.”
Dante paid close attention as Ryse vaguely explained the circumstances of Salina’s capture. But he would not make a move to punish her until he heard from the gods, who had been silent far too long.
“Nothing like this has ever happened in the history of our people and I find the absence of Ares’ instruction a telling sign that I am not to make a hasty, rash decision. Until the gods express to me their wishes, I want you to be aware of all the security measures we will take. It is not meant to be insulting, but simply to protect those under my care.”
“I understand, Master. Whatever you need, I will provide and aid you in your—”
“Your assistance will not be necessary. My Elites will handle all interrogations and General Falcon will have a team doing searches of all visitors and their belongings.” Ryse’s immediate shutdown caused Xavier to blanch, but the man said nothing. “I’m surprised that General Gaston did not come with you. Why did he remain in Europe?” He referred to Xavier’s only superior officer.
“With Charles and Ashton both gone, he thought it pertinent to continue having a powerful presence in our country.”
“Understandable.”
Their business was finished only minutes later. There wasn’t too much that passed between the two men. Ryse and Hammon left in order to allow Dante to speak to his father.
He stayed seated, but Xavier stood and paced the room. “How far are you from finishing your training?”
“A couple weeks, although recent events have caused me to place schooling on hold.”
“Humph.” Xavier shook his head. “I bet. I can’t believe you’re in the middle of this mess. Didn’t I tell you to keep your head down and lie low?”
“It was not a conscious choice, Father. I had to step in. It’s my duty to protect the Deities, isn’t it?”
“It matters not. You will say only what is necessary and we will get you out of this place as soon as possible.”
“I cannot leave.” Dante didn’t push his father often—or ever. But circumstances had changed. He had changed.
“You can and you will. Your training is nearly complete; you have no purpose here now.”
Dante pushed back his chair and leaned over the table on his knuckles. “I do have a purpose here. I will not leave.”
“Do not forget your place, soldier,” Xavier yelled, reminding Dante of his true position in his father’s life. “You will obey orders. I know they have at least taught you that.”
Xavier stormed out of the room before Dante could let him know exactly what he had learned.
As an Elite, even only an apprentice, Dante answered only to other Elites and Master Ryse. Avery, of course, when she woke up, would be his mistress and he would gladly follow her lead.
Now wasn’t the time to inform Xavier of such things. But the time would come and, when it did, Dante feared it would be an ugly scene.
***
ASHTON WAS MORE than angry with his pathetic sister. Honestly, killing dogs? Bloody freaking dogs? What the fuck was she thinking? Why bother? Then to use a Shadow Lady as an assassin…yeah, brilliant. Nothing could go wrong with that plan. Idiot. She’d made so many mistakes. Screwing the scientist as blackmail. Trying to get Avery to commit suicide. And getting the teleporter killed? Bloody. Fucking. Hell. If the gods weren’t already going to have her head, there would be shit to pay with the demons. As it stood now, his little sister was a pig waiting to be slaughtered. Ryse Almighty was going to have to chop her blonde head right off her shoulders.
Admittedly, the bastard Prince looked rough. Despite her mistakes, Salina had killed Avery and it made Ryse weaker. He was prey now and the rogues could thank her for that.
Ashton walked down into the pit of jail and was shown to Salina’s cell. His parents were still too upset to come see her; at least, that was what he’d convinced them to think. But he’d seen this one coming. Salina’s ambitions had always blinded her common sense. When the cell door opened, it took his eyes a moment to adjust to the dim light.
“Ashton.” Salina flung herself into his arms and he nearly fell over. Thracian guards came to pry her off, but he waved them down.
Damn, she stank. He wanted to gag.
“You’ve got to get me out of here. You can fix this. I know you can.”
He laughed and Salina recoiled. “Salina, my darling, do you have any clue what a bloody mess you’ve made? You’ve killed the Grand fucki
ng Deity, a Divine Grace, and apparently, a good dozen Thracian soldiers. I can’t help you out of this.” He raised his hands with a shrug and chuckled.
The only clean thing was the cot. He couldn’t sit down, so he stood still, careful not to get dirty. This cesspool was far beneath anyone of royal blood, but she’d earned it.
“Ashton,” she pleaded, trying to sound innocent and seductive, kneeling in front of him. “I didn’t kill anyone important. It’s not my fault those Thracians felt the need to sacrifice themselves to save their princess. I had nothing to do with that stupid maid killing Troy. I adored Troy; you know that.”
Ashton bent down to look her in the eyes and whispered, “And Avery? Did you have nothing to do with the knife that plunged itself into her heart over and over again? Innocent of all charges, huh?”
A glare of unadulterated hatred crossed her beautiful features, making her appear positively maniacal. “No, that bitch got what she deserved and I’m glad she’s wandering the afterlife. Ryse has belonged to me since the night I took him into my bed and I will not share.”
“You’ve killed his mate, Salina. The gods will determine your innocence of the other charges, but you’ve murdered his Divine Grace in a room full of witnesses. He’s a wreck over her.” Ashton leaned down until he was but a breath away from her. His eyes bored into hers. “Know this, sister. He will not hesitate to run his blade straight through your neck when the time comes.” His finger trailed across her throat slowly.
Fear bloomed in her eyes. She shook her head wildly. “No. No, he wouldn’t kill me. Not my Ryse. He’s been inside me, Ashton; a part of me.”
He examined his cuticles, bored with her theatrics and delusions. “Half the Olympian population has been inside you, Salina. It’s not nearly as glamorous as it once was. Trust me.”
“What will you do while you’re here if not champion for my life?”
“I’m watching, Salina. Every move those Castilles make, every rotation of the guards, every Thracian in training will have eyes on them. I must carry on the mission. But you? You’re far past my aid.”
Salina stood and ran her hands over her long, tangled mess of blonde hair. “Daddy. Daddy will get me out of here. Daddy will not let me die.” Her desperate conviction nearly made him pity her. Nearly.
“He’s heard everything. He’s talked to witnesses, he’s spoken in depth with the scientist you—what was the word—raped?” Ashton shook his head, took a deep breath. “I doubt he will even try. You’ve botched this one up royally.”
“I can’t be killed. I won’t be killed.” She lifted her chin. “I’ll tell the gods everything. I’ll—”
Ashton had his hand around her neck in a blink. He pulled back her hair so hard it made her gasp. “If you think for one second that they will help you after you’ve cost them a teleporter, you’re far more insane than I thought.” He twisted her hair and she winced. Her eyes watered. “Listen and listen good, you whore. If you think the wrath of the gods is cruel, wait until your soul gets to Hades.”
Her eyes rounded.
“Haven’t considered that, have you, Salina? For killing a Grand Deity and a Divine Grace, you will be sent straight to the fiery depths of Hades for all eternity. And that, my sister, is where the demons are. You can either go down as a martyr for their cause or you can go down as a sniveling, spineless rat. Which do you think the demons will welcome?” He tossed her back on the cot and dusted off his hands more than necessary. “Think about how you want to play this, Salina. If I were you, I’d go with anger to the gods and pray the demons think it’s good enough rebellion.” Ashton looked back as Salina righted herself on the bed. “Demons have no mercy, and a tender morsel like you would be a prized gift.”
Tears dripped down her cheeks, cutting through the grime on her face. She nodded her head in understanding. If Salina had a brain, she would play her cards right and maybe her eternity wouldn’t be pure torture.
“Get cleaned up, Salina. Our parents want to see you and I’ll be damned if they are going to see you like this.” He flicked his hand at her as he walked out of the cell.
Two hours later, Ashton stood out of the way. He’d delivered his warnings to Salina privately. Now his parents had to face their murderous daughter. As much as he hated to admit it, this was one thing he would keep his mother from if he could. Per his request, Salina had been moved and cleaned up. Filene didn’t need to see her daughter looking like a pig in squalor.
Now they sat at a table, the three of them. Salina on one side, his parents on the other. Guards were outside the door, his parents’ personal Thracians stood inside the room upon Ryse’s insistence.
Tears ran down Filene’s face and, despite her anger, reached over to take Salina’s hand.
“Why?” she whispered. “How could you do this?”
Salina cast a quick glance in Ashton’s direction before she answered. “I wanted her gone.”
Filene drew back her hand, covered her mouth, and closed her eyes.
“Ryse was supposed to be with me,” Salina continued. Her voice never betrayed her. It was firm and unwavering. “I thought that when we, when we were together, it meant the gods had given him to me. A true Deity doesn’t break his celibacy, except for his mate. You’ve both said it time and time again. Ryse slept with me. I thought it meant he would be mine.”
“Did you use your telepathy then?” Charles’ question held the heat of his disgust. “To get him to bed?”
“Only a little. I promise.”
Salina lies so easily, Ashton thought. He knew better. She’d used every ounce of her Olympian magic to get Ryse to sleep with her. When he realized what transpired, he left her immediately, blaming himself for something forced on him in his weakest hour.
Charles stood, wiped a hand over his face, and around to rub his stiff neck. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done, Salina? Can you conceive of the consequences of your actions? The gods will punish you for this and there is nothing anyone can do to stop them.”
“You could—”
“No.” Charles cut her off with the slashing movement of his hand. His head shook back and forth. “No, child. I will not, cannot defend you in this.”
Salina tilted her head to the side, looking at their father. Her jaw went slack and her eyes squinted. “I’m your daughter. I’m a Princess. Aphrodite gave me—”
“You’re a murderer,” Charles screamed over her. He leaned over the table and slammed his fist down. “You. Are. A. Murderer. He was my oldest friend. Troy was like a brother to me and you had him killed. I can’t even fathom the magnitude of it.”
Filene tried to calm him down, but there was no getting through to him. Ashton had never witnessed his father so enraged. Perhaps he wasn’t a spineless tool of the gods after all.
“I didn’t want that girl to poison Troy,” Salina confessed. “I wanted her to kill Avery. How was I supposed to know they were so closely bonded? She had only been assigned a couple days. I’ve had my Shadow Lady for over a century and we can barely stand each other. I never meant to hurt Troy or Dynasty. You must believe me.”
“She was his mate, Salina,” Ashton said as he rolled his eyes. “What did you think, that he would come running to your bed after you killed her?”
Salina pinned him with a hard glare. “He’s mine. He’s always been mine. I’m a princess; she was a farm girl. She didn’t deserve him.”
“The gods chose her. The gods—”
“Damn the gods,” Salina shouted and everyone halted. With those three words, she’d stopped them all in their tracks. “When was the last time the gods showed their faces around here? No one has faith in them any longer. They have abandoned us and the people worship us. We have become gods to the people.” She crossed her arms over her chest. That outburst was too close for comfort. Ashton needed to get his parents away from Salina before she said something that would condemn them both.
Thankfully, Charles righted himself. “You bring shame to this fa
mily, to our country, our religion. Yes, you were a Princess, and you had an obligation to the people beneath you. Because of your greed, your petty jealousy, and your promiscuous ways, you have separated yourself from this family.”
“Charles?” Filene looked up at her husband. “What are you saying?”
Salina’s eyes widened a fraction.
Ashton straightened from his post against the wall. His father couldn’t seriously be—
“You are no longer a princess.” Charles could have been made of stone. He was unyielding. “You are no longer a part of the Avondale clan, and you are no daughter of mine.”
Salina looked first to Ashton and, for a split second, he thought she was going to spill everything. Her mouth hung open and her eyes were the size of dinner plates. She turned her attention to Filene. “Mother?”
“Come, Filene, Ashton.” Charles helped his wife stand and motioned for his son. “Our business here is done. Her life rests in the hands of the gods now.”
Right before they left, his mother broke. She ran to Salina and pulled her into her arms and began to sob hysterically. “You will always be my child,” his mother declared, then looked to her husband. “She will always be my daughter. I’m her mother. I can’t, I simply can’t quit.” Filene wiped her face. “I will pray to the gods every day for her soul. They must forgive her if she repents.”
“First,” Charles said with a growl, “she must feel remorse. I doubt she feels anything but her own selfish desires.”
He left without another word. Ashton pried his mother off Salina and took her to the temple, where she began to pray fervently. Such a waste. Salina had a point. His mother was devoted to gods who barely showed their existence anymore. The time was coming when they would no longer be needed. That was when he would step in to take their place.
