Page 68

What is that?Kohl demanded, as Kaos traced the raised lines on her skin with his fingers.

A seal.

What kind of seal?

Kaos kissed her once more, his human counterparts racing.That’s what we’re about to find out.

He moved to the door, barefoot and bare-chested in divine form, power still thrumming beneath his skin. Jaxi flitted to his side and crammed her tiny hand in his, her panic instantly commanding his shielding power to cover her in symbiotic black goo.

The sight of her in it ignited his Lust and put his Rage on a warpath. He was ready to execute the intrusive beings beyond the door that prevented him from fucking her that second.

Jaxi held his gaze, her ability to know his thoughts filling her eyes with heat and awe. “Really?” she accused him quietly. “You like methatmuch?”

Another knock. Faster, louder.

Kaos growled and Jaxi giggled. “Be nice, my beautiful beast,” she whispered.

Kaos opened the door.

The cold met him first. Then power. Ancient and stirring.

Kollaborator hurried in, boots sharp on the floor. He caught Jaxi’s eyes first and offered a soft, hurried smile—still tethered to something personal, even in the rush.

“Hello again,” he said, voice low. He turned to the others entering, gesturing at the Heavenly King. “Kildare you’ve met,” he said, turning sharply. “And Kross—our King’s King.”

Kaos held the gaze of his son as he entered, his powers stirring at the last memory they shared.

“Father,” he greeted quietly, coming to stand before him as Kollaborator continued introductions. He covered Kaos’sshoulder with a hand, sending a golden ripple of power through him.

“And this is Larena,” Kollaborator said, her presence drawing Kaos’s curiosity. “Known as the Angel of Mothers. And you’ve met Krave. This is his wife, Josie. Also known as our Lost Saint.”

Kaos froze as his gaze landed on her. His severed Queen.

Jaxi’s hand tightened in his and he realized she knew the second he did.

“Hello,” Josie called with a small wave at him, her eyes landing on Jaxi next. “You must be Jaxi. It's a pleasure to meet you. Very excited to have you on the... team.”

Kaos felt the pull of the Earthly King’s stare but couldn't take his focus off of Jaxi's jealousy now clobbering his powers. A mix of shock, pain, and helpless rage pressed outward like a shield while the severed, phantom bond slipped between his ribs like a blade.

Jaxi’s hand tightened in his till their connection heated up. It soon burned like fire and coated him from head to foot.

She’s protecting us, Kohl marveled the second Kaos realized it too.

She feels what was and what no longer is, Kaos said, needing to bury himself in this fire she wrapped them in.

Kollaborator came before them. “And this is Jaxi,” he announced, glancing up at Kaos. “She bears the seal of the Artifex.”

Kaos and Kohl felt her pulse quicken.

“She is no longer just an artist,” Kollaborator said, turning to the others. “She is the new Pontis—the bearer of cards. Directions are encoded in her creations and every step in this hidden war will now be delivered through her.”

Jaxi didn’t move, but they felt her soul brace as Kollaborator’s gaze shifted to the black square on the wall. He walked toward it like it might speak.

“This is not paint,” he said, pointing at it, glancing toward them. “It’s a veil.” He took several steps back and nodded at it. “It hides five keys,” he murmured, scanning the paint. “And only the fire of your son, Kross, can burn away the cloak that conceals them.”

Kaos lowered his wings around Jaxi, shielding her from all eyes like a jealous lover. She leaned into his body and clung to his arms covering her.

Kross stepped toward the wall and stood next to Kollaborator, staring at the veiled square. His hand ignited with a mix of red, gold and green fire. He stepped closer and waved his arm, sending flames racing over the surface.