Page 57 of Damned and Broken Gods (Labyrinth of Gods #2)

A Time To Trust

ARAZ

T here’s a veil between Leela’s mind and mine. I can’t hear her, can’t see through her eyes. I’m locked out, and a serpent writhes in my belly.

You must trust that she will remember , the voice of authority in my head says. Trust that your connection is strong enough for her to feel it, to follow it to the memories that the river has suppressed.

I do trust her. I trust her with my life, but it doesn’t stop the serpent from writhing.

“She’s been through so much. Defeating the mirrors drained her fire. She can’t feel it, but I do. She needs to recharge, and this…this is too much. Taking her identity…”

Yes, they have taken her identity. But she has her soul. Her soul holds the memories of many lifetimes. She will survive this. She will remember.

He sounds so sure that it calms me.

Or… the drawling voice says. I could go spend a little time with her.

I feel the voice of authority go still as stone in my mind, and my stomach contracts. How can a voice in my head go and be with Leela, unless… “No. I won’t allow you to invade her mind through her connection to me.”

Invade her … He lets out a bark of laughter . I don’t need to get into anyone’s mind. I’m not trapped like the two of you.

I feel him begin to fade. “What’s happening?”

This isn’t a good idea, the voice of authority says.

And yet, you’re not stopping me… he singsongs. I’ll be back soon.

Silence falls. “How? How has he gone?”

A deep sigh resonates in my mind before the voice speaks. C’ael is not bound to form, and our connection to you now allows him a little freedom to roam if I let him.

“You control him?”

Sometimes.

“And you? Who are you?”

I’m not sure. Sometimes I am mortal and others I am a god. But most of all I am a ghost. Your pain called to me. Your mission stirred me into waking, and you invited me into your mind through your dreams.

He wasn’t lying and yet, he wasn’t telling me the whole truth either. I could sense it. “What’s your name?”

You may call me Ilyarien. You have given me harbor, and I am yours to command.