Page 66 of The Sins of Silas (The Otacian Chronicles #2)

Chapter Sixty-Six

LENA

T he smell of salt water and seaweed filled my senses as I gasped at the territory before me.

Nereida. We made it.

As we approached, following the robed Mages, I admired the architecture of the hundreds of sandstone buildings. Most of the women wore shelled tops and flowy skirts, while the men were topless, wearing nothing but a pair of shorts. Their bright smiles went from carefree to wary as they watched our group being led through their home.

I wonder when they last had a visitor.

The tops of many of the buildings were a pearlescent blue color. This place was stunning—more beautiful and brighter than any place on the mainland. It was hard to believe that just yesterday, I had been in the most terrifying snowstorm of my life, and now I was sweating from the heat .

The Mages walking the streets now gawked at the sight of the humans in our group, perhaps as equally as the Warlock, who gladly strutted with us in her usual form, pupilless eyes scanning the scenery.

Roland leaned toward me as we walked. “You think we're the first humans they've seen?”

“It's very likely.”

Weaving through the village, I couldn't fathom the number of Mages here. Thousands, maybe more.

They had been here, living—no, thriving—while those of us across the sea had been struggling to survive.

We were led through lush gardens and trickling fountains. A medley of flowers was in bloom, and the aroma mixed with the ocean breeze was an intoxicating scent. Palm trees were looming around us, coconuts hanging, ready to be harvested.

I'd never had coconut before.

We reached the front entry of a massive palace. The elegant sandstone building overlooked the southern sea, the pale blue domes above gleaming in the sunlight. Its size rivaled Castle La-Rune, though its design was far brighter than the gothic architecture in Otacia.

Upon entry, we were met with bright white walls and high ceilings in the grand hall, shimmering crystal chandeliers hanging above.

I studied them in awe as we moved forward. Moving up a set of stairs, I came to an abrupt halt when I caught movement near the sea.

I immediately rushed to the window. “No…there's no possible way,” I gasped .

Sitting atop a large boulder perched in the ocean were three Sea Nymphs. Their tails varied in color—one turquoise, one a medley of greens, and one a bright white.

“My Gods!” Elowen exclaimed. Her head whipped to the people leading us. “I thought the Sea Nymphs were extinct!”

The woman who had addressed me smiled. “There's a lot those on the mainland are unaware of.”

My eyes slid back to the gorgeous creatures, their upper halves appearing similar to ours. The main difference, other than the whimsical tails, was their ears, which were pointed but also webbed. Along their cheeks and temples, their skin was tinted to match their tails.

I wanted to get closer and see them—meet them. But as we continued onward, I knew meeting the ruler of this land would come first.

Sitting on a throne, a beautiful Mage woman beamed at us. A chunk of white hair framed her face, but otherwise, the rest of her curls were black. But that wasn’t her most striking feature—no, that was her skin, which was not brown nor white but a mixture of both, almost marbled. I had never seen someone with such a complexion.

To her right was another woman, one with tanned skin and light sea-green hair whose length rivaled mine. She had it tied in two long fishtail braids, the ends resting at her waist. Her brown eyes studied us with slight surprise.

To the throne’s left was a Mage man, his skin a rich brown and eyes a striking green. His dark brown hair was cropped short to his scalp, and his hands were kept politely behind his back. His eyes remained on me .

“Lena Daelyra,” The woman on the throne began, her nearly black eyes studying me curiously. “We have been anticipating your arrival. Allow me to introduce myself.” A warm smile overcame her face. “I am Lucretia Crane, Supreme of Nereida.”

I began to bow, and Lucretia raised her hand. “You and I are equals, Supreme. No need to bow.”

I felt my cheeks heat, and I gave an embarrassed smile. “We are pleased to be here.”

Lucretia motioned to her right. “This is Kismet, my consort.”

The green-haired woman—Kismet—gave a warm smile.

“And this is my son, Valter.”

The green-eyed Prince smiled slightly, inclining his head.

I returned the gesture, my eyes sliding back to Lucretia. “How did you know my name?”

Lucretia smiled, lifting a note between her pointed fingernails. “Your seer informed us a few months ago to anticipate your arrival.”

“Kayin?” I asked breathlessly.

Lucretia's smile faltered as she lowered the note. “No. A man named Igon.”

Gods…Igon really knew a lot. If only he had lived, we would have so many more answers.

I nodded. “He was our Supreme.”

“Yes,” she responded gravely. “It appears he knew of his impending death.”

“I can’t believe a place like this actually exists,” Viola began. “I can't believe Igon knew yet kept us in Ames.”

“We once were a kingdom under the sea,” Lucretia explained. “Until The War of Three Pirates, that is.” She gestured to a looming statue resting along the northern wall. It was of a male Sea Nymph and what appeared to be a Mage woman in each other’s embrace.

The War of Three Pirates…Immeron had mentioned that war.

“I’ve never read any literature on this place…never heard of it, except from a couple of Mages I know.”

“That is for good reason,” she explained. “We don’t wish for the humans to know of us. While we have a powerful ward protecting our land, it still would prove tiresome if we had a group of people constantly wishing to pass through.”

“What of all the rest of your people? We are suffering…our numbers dwindling by the day.”

“It seems that is the humans’ fault, no?” Her eyes shifted to Dani. “I wasn’t expecting a Warlock to be in your company. A longtime enemy of ours.”

“Warlocks are not our enemy,” I protested as Dani's gaze narrowed.

Lucretia's eyes slid to Silas. “It appears you don’t believe humans are, either.”

“Bad people exist among every group of people. Our real enemy is the necromancer plaguing our lands.”

As my words came out, Valter stiffened. “A necromancer?”

“You don’t know?” Dani asked. “Or perhaps you are harboring him, seeing as though there are thousands of Mages here.”

I shot Dani a warning glare. Lucretia shook her head, raising her nose. “I’m aware of the threat.” To that, Valter shot her a surprised glance. “Those that live here never leave. They have no desire to see the rest of the continent…see all the places where we are discriminated against. As for the necromancer, I became aware of his presence when the Undead recently seized Wrendier. I've had to strengthen our borders due to their continuous desire to get here.”

Viola clenched her fists. “You keep to yourselves while the rest of us suffer. With how many of us are here, we could’ve stood a chance of winning this war before it even began!”

“I have no interest in bringing my people to war. We are happy here. Safe. You’re more than welcome to stay.”

“You may not be safe here forever,” I said calmly. “This necromancer isn't just any Mage…he is a God.”

The room became silent.

Lucretia's brows lowered. “What did you say?”

Silas was the one to speak next. “The God of Deceit.”

Valter's eyes became saucers. “You know of the prophecy? How are you certain the necromancer is him?”

“I suppose he could be bluffing, but judging the extent of his power, I believe him. He claims Valor fell in love with a human—his mother—resulting in his conception.” I swallowed. “He also spoke of a rift. He showed the Prince of Otacia and me a device of some sort. Something from another world.”

Valter anxiously peered at his mother, whose own eyebrows were raised. “Do you have this device?” she pressed.

I shook my head. “No. He has it. But he is in desperate search of something called the Weapon. Is it…is it here?”

Kismet frowned. “What kind of weapon do you speak of?”

“All we know of it is that it is a type of magic that no one has ever seen,” Silas answered. “A seer told us this…one different from the two mentioned before.”

“Magic to stop all magic or all of humanity. It is vital we find it and keep it away from him,” I insisted. “Did Igon mention anything about it in his note?”

Lucretia 's shoulders slumped, and she shook her head. “No. He mentioned no such thing.”

I sighed. “All he said to me was a riddle regarding the God of Rebirth, and he gave me a memento of his before he died.”

To that, Valter's head snapped in my direction. “A memento, you say?”

Kismet's eyes slid over to him, and Lucretia clapped happily. “A memento, of course.” At my obvious confusion, Lucretia continued. “Have you ever heard of the Chamber of Time? Odds are you haven't since you haven't heard of our lands.”

“Tithara's gift was the ability to alter time. Her temple resides on our island,” Valter stated. “Now, the Chamber of Time does not alter time, but it allows you to go back for viewing.” He smiled. “All you need is a memento of the living or dead, and their memories will play for you.” He tilted his head. “Your seer gave you a memento of his. We will use it in the Chamber of Time, and you will see all he did.”

Hope blossomed in my chest. “Oh, my Gods! Let's go do it, then. I have the compass in my bag—"

“The Chamber requires charging,” Kismet interrupted, and all our eyes went to hers. “It is a powerful, sacred space. We will need a handful of Mages to surge their energy into the altar in order for it to work.” Her brown eyes slid over to her lover. “We should get started on it right away. Have it ready the morning after next.”

“That would be incredible,” I breathed. “Thank you.”

Kismet nodded, then stepped away from her spot beside the throne, exiting politely.

Another question popped into my head. “Igon told me to find Oquerene. Do you have any information on the place?”

Valter’s eyes flashed. “One does not just find Oquerene. ”

“Ah, the land ruled by the Angels.” Lucretia shook her head. “I have not been, nor do I know how one would get there. But what I do know is that the Angels oversee that realm. And Angels have a worse reputation than the Sea Nymphs once did.”

“I was told Sea Nymphs had gone extinct,” I murmured. “Yet I saw them, basking by the ocean. And now you’re telling me Angels exist, too?”

“Why, of course, they do!” Lucretia exclaimed. “Angels, Pixies, Half-lives—there is no shortage of mythical creatures in Oquerene. That is the land of the Gods. Every being they crafted still resides there.”

“Like an…afterlife?” Elowen asked.

Valter shook his head. “No, Valor oversees the afterlife. His realm is the Underworld—also known as Elytial. Ravaiana oversees Oquerene, the original place of creation.”

“Wait…I thought the Underworld was a hell of sorts,” I questioned.

Valter’s chuckle was warm as he laughed at my confusion. “There is much knowledge of the Gods that has been lost on the mainland.” His green orbs sparkled. “I can show you all I know. Perhaps it would help.”

I smiled at his kindness. “Igon told me that…that I would be the savior of our kind,” I said with a slight flush to my cheeks. “I’m feeling quite lost, understandably. So, I appreciate any help you’re willing to give.”

His eyes remained on mine, and after a brief silence, Lucretia said, “You all must be exhausted. I know some of you had a more troublesome time in the Valley of Awakening. It can be hard to readjust after.”

My eyes flared, and I felt Silas tense beside me .

Merrick cleared his throat. “You can tell when someone's in there?” he asked cautiously.

“Oh, yes. When someone passes through, they're passing through our defense system.” Her eyes raked down him, then slid beside him to Erabella. She said nothing else on the matter.

“Let me guide you all to your rooms,” Valter offered, stepping down. When he reached our group, I noted he was around the same height as Silas. “Our beds are incredibly comfortable. You'll all probably sleep like babies.”

We were led down the pristine hallways, down an outdoor passage taking us to a separate region of the palace. Once again, I found my eyes drifting off to the sea, gazing upon the Sea Nymphs who swam along the current. There weren't very many, at least from what I could see up here, but still.

I almost felt enraged, knowing we could've been living peacefully here. How long had Igon known about this place?

We continued ambling forward, Valter leading the way.

I supposed this Chamber of Time would give me some answers.

Entering another hallway once back inside, Valter stopped. “All of these rooms are free. Take whichever you like.”

As I went to step forward, Valter gently held out his hand. “Supreme, your room will be a floor higher than the others.” He offered me a warm smile. “I can show you there.” His eyes trailed over our group. “Will anyone be joining you?”

My eyes found Silas's.

I wish.

“Nope. Just me.”

“No invitation, Ginger Snap?” Roland pouted.

I chuckled, giving him my middle finger, and followed Valter up a flight of steps.

“Don't like him much?” Valter asked over his shoulder, an easy smile on his face.

I laughed through my nose. “I love him. I love all my friends.”

When we stopped in front of an ornate, white door, Valter bowed.

“Now, rest up. Dinner will be brought to you in a couple of hours. You'll get to explore the city tomorrow, and in the evening, a ball will be thrown in your honor.”

“A ball? That isn't necessary—”

“Nonsense,” he interrupted, his bright green eyes shimmering against his dark skin. ‘As you will come to see, we like to be extravagant with our celebrations. And you being here is a celebration indeed.”

Heat flooded my cheeks at his compliment. I inclined my head. “Very well.”

Valter departed, and gladly so, because the gasp I released upon entry to my room would've been embarrassing for him to hear.

Purple mage light was glowing throughout the room. On the back wall rested a massive bed stacked with multiple pillows and a thick comforter that was calling to me. But the most impressive sight was to my left. Water trickled down the stone wall into a bubbling bath of sorts, large enough to hold multiple people. Blue mage lights were under the water, illuminating the tub.

I set my bag beside my bed, removed my armor, and stepped toward the bubbling water. Kneeling down, I dipped my hand in. It was pleasantly hot.

I grinned, removing the rest of my clothing.

Gods, did I wish Silas were here—

Just as I was about to release my hair from its braid, there was a knock on my door. I quickly grasped one of the white towels beside the bath and wrapped it around my body. I rushed over to open it, expecting Valter to be here telling me something he had forgotten.

But when I opened the door, golden eyes found mine, then trailed down my body.

“Silas…what are you doing here?” I whispered, my head peeking out, my eyes darting down the empty hallway.

He cleared his throat. “I was just making sure you were alright. We don't know these people, and it worried me you were rooming elsewhere.” His gaze flitted behind me. “Although now I see why. That bastard wants to woo you.”

I slapped his arm, and he smiled playfully down at me. “That 'bastard' is essentially a Prince.”

He let out a hum as he raised his arm, leaning against the doorway. “He isn't the first prince enthralled by your charm,” he murmured.

I snorted despite my face flushing. “My charm? You think me giving the finger to Roland charmed him?”

“Oh, most definitely,” he purred, leaning in closer. “To those who live a life refined and proper, your authenticity is a breath of fresh air. That, and your undeniable beauty.”

My eyes became heavy, and I took a steadying breath, grasping one of the stones of my necklace. “I wish you could stay with me in here,” I whispered .

His grin slowly fell. “I wish I could, too.” His eyes flickered behind me again, just for a moment. “Just don't allow him entry into this room. I doubt there'll be any peace between our kinds if I end up killing him.”

I pinched his side, then, without thinking, pulled his face to mine, kissing him.

We held it for a moment. Silas's eyes darkened when I pulled away, and a grin tugged at his lips.

“Oh, my Gods.”

Panic surged through me, and when Silas and I whirled our heads to the side, Roland was gaping at us.