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I step a little closer to Thanouq and ask, “What’s with the kneeling thing?”

He frowns. “You do not know of the prophecy?”

“Er… nope. There’s a prophecy? About me?”

“It’s said that our redemption will come on wings of darkness.”

“Oh.”

“It is believed by some, and hoped by many, that the goddess Selene has not entirely forsaken us. That she will return to save us from our enemies.”

“And she’ll come to us on dark wings? Wasn’t she a silver alicorn?”

He studies me for a moment then raises a brow, he seems to be returning to normal. I’m glad; I couldn’t take him turningall weird on me. “You’re the only alicorn since Selene. You have dark wings.”

“Maybe there’s another out there,” I say hopefully. Because I don’t want to be responsible for anyone’s redemption. I have enough on my plate as it is. The last thing I want is anyone thinking I’m a freaking goddess returned.

After all, I’m Lucifer’s daughter.

That’s about as far from goddess material as you can get. But I really don’t want to get into that. Thanouq isn’t aware yet of my dodgy family connections. I should probably tell him sooner rather than later. That will put a stop to this kneeling nonsense.

“There are no others,” he says with finality.

Well, that’s not helpful. But the truth is I don’t want to be special. Growing up, I came to hate the word. I wanted to be normal and not have everyone freaking die on me. Well, unfortunately that ship has sailed—or more likely sunk. Which doesn’t mean I’m going to take any of this goddess crap. Khaosti’s people—and I suppose they are mine as well—believe they are gods, descended directly from Selene and Vortex. So I’m not sure why it’s a big deal anyway—Thanouq has never bowed to Khaosti.

I’ll think about it when I’m alone in a darkened room.

A couple of guys have brought a stretcher and are lifting Khaosti onto it. He doesn’t wake up. Thanouq is watching, a brooding expression on his face. When they met it was hate at first sight. But I think they’d developed a bond in their time together. In many ways they are so similar. The two soldiers pick up either end of the stretcher and head with their burden toward the path that leads up the mountain to the city gates.

Another soldier is leading Stella away. She looks back at me and whinnies, and I hurry over. I rest my head briefly against her shoulder, breathing her in. “You’ll take care of her?” I ask.

“I promise,” the soldier replies. “She will have the best treatment.”

“Good.” I stroke her soft nose and look into her dark eyes. “Go with the nice man, Stella.”

I watch as they walk away. I hadn’t noticed but it’s getting late, the sun has already disappeared behind the city, and a shiver runs through me. Then my stomach rumbles and Zayne snorts.

Would a goddess’s stomach rumble? Hell no.

“Let’s get you inside,” Thanouq says. “Can you walk?”

“I’ve got legs, haven’t I?”

“I was going to offer you a horse.”

I sigh. I’m just so on the defensive right now. And it’s not fair, because these people literally just saved my life. And Khaosti’s and Stella’s. I force myself to relax, taking a couple of deep breaths, then smile. “A horse would be great. And thank you.” I reach out a hand and place it on his big muscular forearm. He’s so strong. “You saved my life.”

Zayne snorts again behind me. I sniff and ignore him.

“It was my pleasure,” Thanouq replies. “It will always be my pleasure to come to your aid.”

Zayne makes gagging noises, and I hold back a giggle. I’m quite aware that Thanouq finds me attractive and would have liked to develop some kind of relationship with me. At the same time, I also sense there’s a streak of “duty” involved. That he believes I have a part to play in the coming escalation and wants to bind me to him because of that.

A man approaches leading three horses—two blacks and a chestnut mare. I take the reins of the mare and swing myself into the saddle. Thanouq and Zayne also mount, and we set off up the mountain track. I’m glad I accepted the offer of a horse, because the adrenaline is draining from me and I’m drooping in the saddle.

I glance at Thanouq riding beside me. I want to ask him about Hecate. But you know what it’s like to be really scared to ask something, because once you get the answer, then all your hopes will be dead? That’s what I feel like. And I can’t quite bring myself to ask. I’ll know soon enough.

The track is steep, but the horses are sure-footed. Occasionally it widens, and we pass jagged piles of rubble that might once have been buildings. The city was decimated over a thousand years ago, besieged by the shadowguard, the occupants slain including the ruling family—Thanouq’s ancestors. All except the queen who escaped, disguised as a servant woman, pregnant with the royal heir.