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“You were present when Nyktos came to Cor Palace and asked permission to take Seraphena as his Consort,” Kolis said, and a jolt of surprise went through me upon hearing him say my name. He hadn’t since I’d told him I was Sotoria. “Did I give my permission?”

Kyn raised a brow as he took a drink. “No.” He glanced at me then, his handsome features apathetic. “You did not.”

I took in a small breath as my stomach clenched. Of course, Kyn would lie, but it was yet another shock for some damn reason and sent hot, pulsing anger through me.

“So, as you can see, she is no Consort.” Kolis nodded at Kyn. “Thank you.”

Kyn bowed curtly, the twist of his lips mocking as he turned, drinking deeply from his cup.

Bastard.

“Then is she here until Nyktos is released?” Keella asked.

Kolis chuckled. “She will not be returning to Nyktos.”

His statement felt like a blade to the chest, causing the glass in my hand to tremble.

The Primal goddess said nothing for several moments. “So, she is here of her own free will?”

A moment passed.

My heart sank because I sensed what was coming.

“Why don’t you ask her yourself?”

Keella’s gaze shifted to mine, the eather in her eyes swirling while Kolis’s stare drilled into me. I wanted to scream, “No!” But the deal…Ash’s freedom. The taste of vomit filled my throat as I said, “Yes. I’m here by…by choice.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

I never knew a half-truth could feel as bad as taking a blow to the chest.

But I did now.

“Has that addressed your concerns?” Kolis asked.

Tension bracketed the corners of Keella’s mouth as she gave Kolis an abrupt nod. “Thank you.”

I watched her step back and turn, my shoulders slumping under a sudden wave of exhaustion.

“Keella?” Kolis called.

She stopped, facing us again. “Yes, Your Majesty?”

“It seems you’ve forgotten the oath you made to me. Question me again, and you will find yourself in the Carcers,” he warned in that soft, breezy voice of his. “Do you understand?”

Keella inclined her head. “Yes.”

“Good.” Kolis leaned back, finishing off his drink.

The Primal goddess sent me one last look and then turned, drifting back into the small crowd. I didn’t know if she believed me. I doubted it.

Still, the half-truth burned the back of my throat.

The same servant from before returned to refill Kolis’s chalice from a decanter. She left again, but this time as she headed toward the door, she didn’t make it out into the hall.

One of the unknown gods seated on a couch snagged her by the waist. She was barely able to keep hold of her woven tray and decanter as the god pulled her onto his lap. He said something to her, and she gave him a short nod before placing the tray and bottle on the floor.

My eyes narrowed as his head disappeared into the crook of her neck. A second later, her body jerked, and the one painted wing I could see contorted in pain.