Page 55 of Crimson Skies

The Reaper God sagged.

“Mother, explain this to me,” he mumbled while Myrdin crooned soft words and lovingly stroked his head.

“I wish there were an easier way to say this, but there isn’t, child.” Tenebra pursed her lips. “Myrdin is your father.”

“I knew it!” Benjamin squeaked with scandalized delight.

Mortis’s mouth rounded on a perfect O.

The Reaper God stared at the Black Fate. The light in his eyes dimmed. “Say it isn’t so.”

The flowers in the trees drooped as Myrdin’s face fell. “Temir, you are hurting your Papa’s feelings.”

Mortis shuffled over and tugged on the Reaper God’s robe.

“Master, introduce me,” he said shyly.

A muffled snort drew everyone’s eyes. Pyri was leaning on Hecate’s shoulder, tears of fire streaming down his face. The drops fizzled out when they struck the grass.

“It was worth coming to Earth just for this!” he wheezed.

Tenebra and the Reaper God scowled at the fire deity.

23

The Hornof Flames blazed brightly in Pyri’s hold. The light from the weapon lit up the interior of the private quarters where they were holding an impromptu council of war late into the night.

Cassius could tell its power more than matched that of the other artifacts the Gods of Old had created to vanquish Chaos.

It might actually be stronger than the Spear of Light and Morgan’s sword.

The knowing glance Atropos shot his way told him he was right.

Although Myrdin was sticking to Tenebra and the Reaper God like a remora fish to a stingray, the Forest God’s wise eyes indicated he’d acknowledged the weapon’s power too.

“I’m amazed you managed to keep that hidden from Elios all these centuries,” Boreas told the fire deity gravely.

“Yes, well, there are places inside the Spirit Realm even Pan doesn’t know of,” Pyri murmured.

Styx and Acheron nodded.

“There were.” Hecate was scratching the head of one of her hounds, her brow furrowed. The dog huffed in pleasure. “Kes and Alecto found our last refuge, remember?”

Irritation darted across Pyri’s face. “We would not have been able to hide for much longer, Hecate.We achieved the goal we set ourselves before the Nether tore and the realms fractured. We kept the Horn from getting into that foul God’s hands when our suspicions were roused about his intentions.”The weapon he guarded disappeared when he closed his hand.“Thiswar is something we cannot avoid, however much we wish we could.”

“And that’s the real reason you went into hiding?” Jasper asked cynically. “To stop Elios from stealing the Horn of Flames?”

Pyri narrowed his eyes. “Watch your mouth, demon. We are the Gods of the Underworld.We fear no one.”

Jasper bristled. Reuben laid a hand on his thigh.

“How about everyone calm down?” Boreas said soothingly as tension thickened the air. “We’re meant to be fighting the God of Darkness and his army, not one another.”

“He’s right,” Daphne murmured.

Pyri settled down a little.

“I see not all your brethren came with you,” Atropos said quietly. “Do they still side with Elios?”