Page 101 of Obsidian Dream

“That isn’t a reason to give it to you.”

Lucien sighed dramatically.“It is better than the alternative.You dying for nothing.”

“I don’t plan on dying.”

“No one does.But that is the price of Ninhursag.Only in death do you get to escape her,” Lucien casually added.“It is a pity.I think I could like you.”

“I don’t take that as a compliment.”

Lucien ignored him.“You could help me find Atlantis.”

Talik snorted.Finding their ancient ancestral home had never been a burning desire of his, let alone something he had ever actively looked for.“Wrong Atlantean.That is more Dante’s ambition, and we both know who he chose.”

Rieka.

Lucien rolled his eyes.“Ungrateful family.You should be glad that all your blood relations are gone.”

A tic started on Talik’s jaw.He flexed his hand, careful not to give too much away.“And why should I give you the artifact?You already have Vandana’s amulet.Are you getting greedy?”

“Turns out mother dearest was very meticulous and not trusting of anyone.”Lucien took a step closer, forcing Talik to look up.“Unfortunately, I have not inherited her patience.Atlantis belongs to me.”

“I don’t care who owns Atlantis.I have no ambition to rule or have unlimited power—you can have Atlantis.There will be others who will not be as accommodating as me.”

“Don’t make any promises you can’t deliver.”Lucien chuckled.

There was nothing pure about the sound.Instead, it reminded Talik of the sermons of his childhood, where the Catholic priests would preach about demons and hell and eternal damnation.

“You will have to pick a side.Saving the world is not your style.”Lucien shrugged.

Talik couldn’t disagree, but if it was what Khalida wanted and would do, then he was going to do everything in his power to ensure that she could save the world.What he wanted was secondary.It was the least he could give her—a little bit of the salvation she had been looking for.

“We both know you aren’t a hero.You are not the type who will sacrifice yourself for the greater good.Ninhursag will force you to kill Khalida.It will be your final act before she disposes of you.But you will live long enough to watch the last breath leave Khalida’s body,” Lucien coldly stated.

Each word was like a knife in his flesh, twisting deeper into him.

Lucien’s pale-blue eyes were icy, but Talik could taste the emotion coming from him.The words were not a hypothetical, but something Lucien had experienced.Talik could feel it deep within him, a fracturing that was eternal.

Talik blinked and Lucien smiled at him, a vacant expression on his face for a moment.Had he imagined it, or worse, projected his emotions onto Lucien?No.It had come deep from Lucien, the scent of a memory that couldn’t be hidden.

“Pick your side wisely.You won’t live long enough to watch the aftermath.”

***

TALIK

“Talik.”

He winced as he unmuted the earpiece.“Connection issue.”

Unsure if either of them believed him, he turned around, trying to get sight of Lucien.But like last time, he seemed to have vanished.Talik blinked and surveyed the area.Maybe he had hallucinated the entire conversation.He glanced at the patch of dead grass surrounding him.No, it had been reality.

Moving to the other side of the building, he cautiously glanced around him, stopping only when he caught sight of Khalida’s silver hair.

He touched his racing heart.At least she was safe.

Lucien’s words continued to haunt him.

You will live long enough to watch the last breath leave her body.