Page 63 of Crimson Skies

He looks worn out.

Somehow, he had a feeling the God had been tasked with a mission that left a bitter aftertaste in his mouth.

Hyperion’s next words chilled the air inside the tent as effectively as Boreas’s powers. “Though the story goes that Chaos’s children were victorious in their battle against their father, they did not truly win that war.” He indicated Myrdin. “He can attest to that too.”

Morgan’s heart slammed against his ribs.They…lost?!

Shock reverberated across his bond with Cassius. His lover was as stunned as he was.

Pyri’s eyes shrank to slits.

“Does he speak the truth?” he asked Myrdin.

The Forest God dipped his chin, troubled. “He does.”

Atropos stared numbly at the Titan. “What are you implying, Rion?”

Hyperion’s face gentled at the use of the endearment. “It has been a long time since you called me that, dear.”

This time, Atropos did not snatch her hand back when the Titan took it. “Please, just—” The Moira closed her eyes briefly, agony twisting her features, like she’d just guessed a truth she abhorred. “Tell us what you know.”

Hyperion pulled her into his arms and kissed her brow. “I am saying that, in the end, Chaos went willingly into the Abyss.”

* * *

Blood roaredinside Cassius’s skull at the Titan’s calm words. He gazed unblinkingly at Hyperion, knowing the words he’d uttered were no lie.

“How?” He couldn’t stop the rising pitch of his voice. “Why?!”

The burst of divine energy that erupted from his soul core made the air tremble and caused everyone to draw a sharp breath. Even Hyperion stiffened as the muted wrath of the Awakener raised the hair on his flesh.

Warm fingers tightened around Cassius’s hand. He turned his head and met Morgan’s sedate gaze, his chest so tight he struggled to draw air.

“It’s okay. Let him finish.”

Cassius inhaled raggedly. It took a moment to squash the bitter emotions churning his stomach. The explosive force threatening to erupt from his body finally abated as he regained his composure.

That means everything was for nothing. The War in the Nether. Losing Ivmir and Rohengar. The Fall.He gritted his teeth.Even the upcoming war. Is he saying we were always pre-ordained to lose?!

“No one knows what the Primordial God was thinking when he agreed to surrender and enter his prison of his own volition,”Hyperion continued.“But a promise was made that day. A promise that any attempt to stop his second coming must be curtailed.”

Theo’s eyes rounded with horror. “His second coming?”

Victor wrapped an arm around his shoulders, his expression equally dismayed.

The color had drained from Atropos’s face. “Is that why the Gods of Old abandoned Icarus and his army during the War in the Nether? Is that why they closed the Gates of Heaven against me and my sisters when we sought their help?!”

Dismay and revulsion made her voice tremble. Clotho and Lachesis huddled closer to her.

“I am sorry, my love.”Hyperion gazed at Atropos, his expression pained.“The Dominions and I could not disregard their orders. The Covenantcannotbe broken.”

Pan rose, pupils aglow with the same fury and indignation reflected on everyone’s faces. “Are you saying we must not fight Elios? That we should just let that bastard do as he pleases and kill us all?!Is that truly what Heaven wants?!”

An echo of the primitive power of fear he possessed underscored his voice.

Hyperion did not seem the least bit affected by it. “No. Fight Elios all you want. In fact, the reason my army and I were allowed to leave Heaven was so we could assist the East and West Stars in defending the Nether.”

Nildar and Archon exchanged a startled look.