Page 28

An Ancient Dance

Grace

I awake in Tai’s room, stretching my tired limbs in his comfy bed. I blink my crusty eyes open and stare at the ceiling for a while, admiring the giant wooden beams. I smile. Today is Solstice Day, and I am so excited. We are going to burn the Yule log. We’ll dance, eat, and be merry. Everyone loves Winter Solstice.

Well, except one person, but I don’t think he loves anything. In fact, he has been avoiding me since we got the log a few days ago. I know why; he is angry with me from our shouting match in the den. And maybe from throwing my shoe at his head, twice. I just want him so badly. If he just gave me a little attention, I wouldn’t have to make him so angry.

Tai chuckles from the couch, invading my thoughts.

“Stay out of my head.” I grab a fluffy pillow and throw it toward the long couch.

“Sorry, I just can’t believe you actually have feelings for him.” He pops his head over the couch and looks at me with a goofy grin. “He is Death , Grace.”

I scowl at him and grab another pillow, but Tai is quicker than me. He dives onto the bed, grabs the pillow, and attacks.

“You think you can win against a War God?” Tai bellows, pinning me and hitting me mercilessly with the pillow.

I laugh while getting pummeled with a soft feather pillow. “I yield!” I cry.

He pauses, pillow in midair. “That’s what I thought,” Tai whispers in fake menace before getting off me. “You need more training.” He saunters away and into his closet.

I scoff at him. “In what world would I ever have enough training to take on the God of War?” I call after him.

Tai comes out laughing before presenting me with a dress. The beautiful outfit catches my eye, stopping my breath. The deep blue gown is long, trailing the ground. An even darker blue embroiders the skirt with beautiful swirls. The bodice is corseted with long sleeves and a matching cloak, complete with white fur trimmings.

“Is that for me?” I croak.

“Yes, Yara and some of the other servants have been working on it for tonight,” Tai answers with a smile. “Do you like it?”

Do I like it? It’s beautiful and so elegant. I’ve never had anything so fine. I walk up to it and touch the soft fabric gingerly. “This is amazing,” I breathe.

He hands it to me. “Try it on.”

I take the dress from him and go to the closet to put it on. Its fabric is sleek like silk, yet warm against my body. Its bodice fits perfectly around my chest and accentuates my curves. I run my hands down my body, admiring the way the dress hugs me. I grab the cloak and clasp it around my neck. The pale white fur is soft, I wonder if it’s rabbit; I rub it gently between my fingers.

I step out and look at Tai. “How do I look?” I ask nervously.

“Fuck, Grace. You look like a proper Goddess. Ro is going to hate me for getting you that.” He chuckles.

“You got this for me?” I whisper.

Tai rubs the back of his neck. “Yeah, well. You deserved it, kid. ”

I flash him a smile before running into him and tackling him onto the bed. “You’re just a big teddy bear. Some War God you are.”

He laughs and throws me off him. “Get ready for the bonfire. Yara is coming to do your hair and makeup.”

“What?” I ask him, wide-eyed. What does he mean, makeup? I’ve never worn makeup in my life.

“Yara wants to do it. Don’t worry, a little kohl and rouge won’t hurt you,” Tai teases. With that, he gets up and leaves the room.

Blazes. Do I have time to hide?

“She’s inside,” I hear Tai’s voice outside the door.

There’s a light knock, and Yara peeks her head inside.

“My lady? Can I come in?” she asks gently.

“Yara, you know you don’t have to call me that. Just call me Grace,” I tell her.

She smiles at me warmly and comes in carrying a small red ornate box.

“How much makeup are you going to put on?” I ask, my eyes going wide.

She giggles. “Grace, are you being serious? You will stand up to Master Death, but you’re afraid of a little makeup?”

I furrow my brows as I watch her open the box. She grabs a small jar and a thin stick. I watch as she dips the stick into the jar, swirling it in black kohl. I flinch as she brings it to my eyes.

“It’s ok, I’ve done this thousands of times,” Yara tells me.

I sigh as she opens my eye and applies it along my lash line gently. She then starts to apply it to my upper lashes. The stick tickles my eyes, and I fight the urge to blink as they water.

“Hey, Yara, do you remember what realm you’re from?” I whisper, being careful not to move.

She pauses before she speaks, “Yes.” Her words are barely a whisper. “A little.”

“What was it like?” I ask.

“I don’t know what to compare it to. I think it may be different than yours, just from observing you. We had many Gods, but they fell under different names. We made sacrifices to them often, mostly livestock. We were farmers and fishermen, warriors too. We were a proud people,” Yara speaks quietly, sadness in her voice.

I hesitate before asking, “Can I ask why you’re here?”

She sighs. “I wanted revenge.” Yara grabs a copper tin with a deep red paint-like substance inside. She dabs her finger in and brings it to my lips. “Something was taken from someone I love. My best friend was forced upon by a brute who believed he deserved something from her. He killed her afterward. Instead of reporting him to my authorities, I took matters into my own hands.” Her hands move to brush my cheeks. “I snuck into his home and dragged my dagger across his throat. I filled a bowl of his blood and offered the beast to the Gods like a common goat.” She observes my face, looking at her work. “Turn, I’ll do your hair,” she orders me.

As Yara brushes and braids my hair, I think of what she has told me. She is definitely from a different realm. We have farmers and fishers too. But we do not make sacrifices, and we only have Moon Mother. She is a strong woman, stronger than I am. I cannot imagine if Evie had suffered through something like that. Would I be able to kill the attacker? It must have been satisfying, though, to offer the Gods the blood of that brute. I wonder if the blood was meant for Death.

“I understand if you do not want to be friends anymore,” she speaks in a wavering whisper.

I furrow my brows. “Yara, it is not my place to judge. I was admiring your strength.”

I hear her sniffle behind me. “I was just angry and all alone. My family had died of a famine from a cold winter and hers wasn’t much better off. Freyr was my best friend. We stayed together. Her family took me in after my parents died, but I was so close to death anyways. There was no way I was going to survive the winter, and I couldn’t let that animal get away with what he did. Master Death understood, that’s why he has given me a second chance.”

“I appreciate you telling me, Yara, but you didn’t need to explain to me. I already support you,” I tell her, reaching for her small hand behind me. She stops braiding my hair and grasps my fingers. Every now and then, I hear a sniffle behind me.

Finally, Yara takes a deep breath and lets go of my hand. “Turn around, I want to show you something.” Her voice is soft as I turn to look at her.

She takes something out of her pocket, an object wrapped in a tan cloth. She unveils it to me, a beautiful hairpiece. It has two silver fern leaves with some swirls adorned with clear, shimmering jewels. Laying in the middle is a large, glowing, deep blue stone, unlike any I’ve ever seen.

“That is magnificent,” I say in awe.

“The girls and I, we’ve been making stuff for you for a while now. I can’t tell you how much fun the other maids are having with a girl in the palace.” She giggles. “Of course, we care for Pearl, too, but she only wears her casual clothes. We thought maybe you would like this. The fern leaves are dipped in white gold with little diamonds in the swirls. The large blue stone in the middle only comes from Elyssus, it’s called an Ifera Orb Sapphire. It glows a deep blue in the light, but the color changes in the dark, turning into a very bright blue. It can light up a room, acting as its very own lantern.” She smiles excitedly at me. “Do you like it?”

“I love it, Yara,” I breathe. “I have never had anything like this in my life.” Now it is my turn to cry. I feel my eyes watering as I take a shuddering breath.

“Oh no. Your makeup. Don’t cry.” Yara hugs me. “It’s ok, Grace.”

“How did you make this?” I mumble into her neck.

She lets go of me. “Well, I got Lord War to help me make it, but I got the sapphire from Master Death. He actually chose the design.”

My breath hitches. Ro gave her the gem and the design? He was ok with me having this? I smile a big, toothy grin. I knew that asshole liked me.

“Let me put it on.” Yara jumps excitedly.

I turn my head, and she places it gently into the back of my head, secure in my braids.

“It’s so beautiful, Grace, it fits perfectly,” she says.

Good. I’m gonna go rub it in Ro’s handsome face.

The sun is setting behind the stormy clouds, basking us in the darkness coming. Ro, Tai, and Kai stand in front of the Yule log with torches in their hands. They are all dressed in fine furs and elegant clothes. Ro looks beastly with his beard and braided hair. It makes him look different, less cold, but still powerful. They face us, and Ro steps forward.

“We Gods have lived through many generations and many lives. We have been called different names throughout the realms as mortal societies collapse and rebuild,” he bellows, his deep voice echoing against the walls of the mountain.

“I have once been Anubis at the time when sand overcame their lands. As Yama, I rode my beast, catching the souls who tried to run from me. Odin was fair and gifted warriors a place in Valhalla. He was a treat to be worshipped as such. Hades was a protector of souls. I accept his portrayal with pride.

“Mortals come and go, creating new Gods to worship over the centuries. Call me what you will, but I remain as Death, ancient and final. And so, we celebrate another Winter Solstice as such Gods, welcoming new mortals to our lives. We vow to protect them and to honor them.

“We vow to do right as their Gods, whatever they wish to call us … and even if they wish to forsake us. May the Yule log burn long and bright. Happy Solstice.”

The brothers stand tall as they toss their torches simultaneously onto the massive, decorated Yule log. The smaller kindling and logs set ablaze around it, sending dark smoke into the sky. The servants cheer, and Pearl whoops next to me. Tai watches her with a dorky smile on his face. I look to Ro as he watches the fire blaze. He then begins walking away, back into the forest beyond.

“Let’s eat!” Kai bellows, running toward the table while laughing maniacally.

We all chuckle, and I follow Pearl to the tables of food.

“Where is Ro going?” I ask her as I grab a plate.

“Oh, Ro likes to give his thanks to the Celestials. He usually goes into the woods while everyone eats,” she says nonchalantly.

“Give thanks like how he did in the forest? With the song?” I ask her, tearing off some pork from the roasted pig.

“Yeah, he also sacrifices something of his. Usually, he will give some of his blood as an offering. He does it every year, with or without a Solstice celebration.”

“Why?” I ask.

“Tai said it has something to do with dark giving way for light to come. He is allowing for rebirth by giving some of his power away.” Pearl grabs some berries and stacks them on her plate. “He should be back later.”

We walk together and find some logs to sit on next to the boys. Tai is already sitting while Kai is scarfing down his food, not even bothering to sit. We all eat in silence, listening to Kai’s moans and grunts while he eats. I watch him in fascinated disgust.

When everyone is done eating, Kai starts telling stories. He jumps around the logs, shouting and booming, waving his arms around like a madman.

“—And then, Cael jumps off of his ship and into the water, straight for the colossal tentacled beast! I couldn’t believe it. I was there, fighting off four of the thick squid arms!” Kai yells, waving his arms around like an octopus.

“Bullshit,” Tai mutters.

“It was four, asshole. You weren’t there!” Kai shouts at Tai before resuming his story. “And so, I’m fighting four tentacles, while the others are slamming into Cael’s ship, smashing wood and sails. His men are stabbing it with spears, and you can hear its screams under the water, vibrating the whole sea. But just when I thought we were going to be fish food, the tentacles fall lax and back into the sea. Cael climbs back onto the ship, his clothes torn to shreds, but with a victorious smile on his face. I thought he killed it, but then Cael said to me, ‘I have a new pet.’”

We all start laughing while Kai doubles over in his laughter, hitting the ground.

“I can’t believe the God of the Sea has a Kraken for a pet, that’s insane,” I remark.

“Yeah, well, Cael is a tough fucker,” Tai tells me. “You have to be strong to survive out there, even stronger to command it. The sea is a cruel mistress.”

Memories flash of being underwater, dying in the sea. The biting cold and burning in my lungs and eyes. Yes, the sea can be very cruel indeed. I get up from my seat and walk to the Yule log.

The massive branch burns in the bonfire, radiating warmth and awakening my blood and soul. I want to dance. I look to find Ro. He stands in the back, leaning against the black mountain. His cold eyes watch me, sipping from a steaming hot cup. I swallow my pride and gather my courage, walking up to him, weaving around servants enjoying the Solstice.

“Hi,” I breathe, looking up into his cool stare.

Ro regards me silently, looking straight into my eyes. He turns away without a word, ignoring me completely.

“Do you want to dance?” I raise my voice to him, and I’m met with more silence. He is such an asshole. Whatever, let him be sour, I’ll find someone else to dance with. Perhaps then I’ll get a reaction out of him. I stomp away from the God, who is acting like a child, and look for Kai.

I spot Kai dancing with Tai and Pearl. “Kai.” I run over to him and wrap him in a hug.

He chuckles, holding me tight against him. “What brings me such honor to hold you so close, babe?”

I look up at him and watch the reflection of the flames burn in his blood-red eyes. “I want to dance,” I breathe.

He chuckles darkly. “Well, come closer then,” Kai purrs, pulling me into him and holding me close.

We sway to the thunderous beats of the drums, the sounds resonating in my soul. Men chant with low voices as a woman sings, her lilt like a melody of a bird. She sings her praises unto us and the Moon Gods. I dance with Kai, swirling and undulating to the beats of the drums. He spins me against him, pulling my back into his chest. I feel the edges of Chaos peeking through as he nuzzles my neck, sneaking little kisses on me. His rough hands wander down my body slowly, feeling every inch of me. Kai settles on my hips, making my ass grind against him. I can feel his hard length pushing into me, his breathing becoming uneven as his chest rises and falls rapidly. We sway sensually in front of the blasting heat of the Solstice fire, but the air around us is ice cold. I lose myself to him completely, the music emboldening our passions.

“May I have a dance?” Tai’s deep voice interrupts us as he steps in front of me, holding out his hand.

I feel Kai tense behind me, his hands tightening on my hips, and a small growl escapes his lips.

“Chaos. You know you’re to stay away from her. I won’t say anything if you give her to me now,” Tai says calmly, but his voice is full of warning, his hand still extended.

Kai doesn’t relent at first. He holds me tightly against him, ready to fight for me like a hungry dog who found some prime meat. He breathes heavily into my neck, his fingers digging into my hips. Finally, Kai nuzzles my neck once more and lets me go. “Sorry, sweet girl.” He smiles at me apologetically, a glint of madness peeking through his eyes. The God watches me for a moment, longing clear on his face before turning away slowly, walking off.

I watch Kai sulk away and turn to Tai. “Why did you intervene? We were fine.” I glare at him .

“Yeah, you were. You were also making someone very angry who was about to pummel his little brother.” Tai takes my hand and puts his other hand on my waist, pulling me into a slow dance.

“Yeah, well, he didn’t want to dance,” I mutter.

“You were making him jealous on purpose, Grace,” Tai’s tone reprimands me.

“He’s being an asshole,” I whisper at him.

“He’s confused. And you are getting Kai mixed up in your issues. Firstly, you don’t understand what it does to Kai to bring Chaos out. He doesn’t want to hurt you, Grace, he cares for you deeply. Secondly, he doesn’t deserve to have the shit kicked out of him, because you and Ro can’t figure out your issues,” Tai scolds. He looks around and takes a deep breath. “Look, Ro doesn’t know what is going on. He thinks you are some witch trying to steal something from him. He has never felt lust, love, or warmth from anyone besides you. He has feelings for you, and he doesn’t understand them. You’re confusing him, so just go tell him how you feel.”

“I can’t,” I whisper.

“Why?” he asks incredulously.

“I threw my shoes at his head,” I mumble.

“Grace,” Tai breathes and chuckles, stopping our dance. “No wonder he is sulking. Go apologize to him. Now,” He demands.

“But—” I try to interject.

“Now, Grace,” Tai orders.

I pout and stomp away, scanning the crowd, looking for Ro. I don’t spot him outside, which means he must have gone inside. I will probably find him brooding in his study. I really don’t want to do this. He does not want to see me right now. This will be the night he actually kills me.