Page 119 of Wicked Bonds

But Seraphim lines had continued to develop well into his exile. It was like they’d grown off from the original roots of life, creating massive trees with various branches. Some of which had intertwined, while others had grown in opposite directions.

The result was a forest of power with some trees being much larger and more robust than the rest.

“And once he perfected the process, they exiled him,” Luc said.

“Yes. And they use him as an example of what not to do for all Seraphim kind.”

“Clever.” Luc sounded impressed, probably because he could understand that strategy on an intelligent level. “Makes him a villain while also being used as yet another control mechanism for the general populace.”

She nodded in agreement. “The story we’ve been told is that reformation didn’t work on him, which is one of the many reasons he’s known as the Poisoned One among my kind. It’s also because he’s seen as poisoning the blood of humans by creating Ichorians and Hydraians.”

“And to vilify us, they call us abominations.”

Her chin dipped again. “Yes, because part of Osiris’s punishment was a provision that forbade him from continuing his bloodline. The Seraphim see Hydraians and Ichorians as a blatant disrespect of a council edict.”

“My father and I are direct descendants of the line,” Stas pointed out. “Yet the council wants to meet with me.”

“Because the Fates have prophesied that you’ll destroy Osiris and his creations. Or that’s the council’s interpretation of the prophecy, anyway,” Vera replied. “Whether it’s true or not remains to be seen.”

“I won’t be destroying anyone,” Stas vowed.

Don’t make promises you can’t keep, young one,Vera thought. But that was a discussion for another day. She didn’t have the energy to debate fate tonight.

“They forbade Osiris from procreating to ensure no one else could take control of reformation,” Luc said thoughtfully. “Or I imagine that was the reason, anyway. Yet Stas is prophesied to destroy his creations. Do you think the Fates meanreformation? That Stas is destined to destroy it?”

That wasn’t something Vera had considered yet.

And from the silence of the others, neither had they.

“My parents mentioned that they think the Fates are actually trying to work against the council, as it’s clear they’ve been enslaved by them.” Stas spoke slowly, as though half her mind was still reeling from Luc’s suggestion.

Vera noted that Stas didn’t immediately deny that possibility. Very unlike how she’d reacted to Vera commenting on her destroying Osiris’s creations.

Which meant that perhaps this path seemed more agreeable to her.

Could that be what the prophecy truly means, then? Or is it just the surprise of the suggestion giving her pause?

Issac stretched his arm along the back of the couch behind Stas, offering comfort in the way a bonded mate should. “It’s quite possible that the Fates see Aya as some sort of salvation that will destroy the mechanism currently holding Seraphim kind hostage.”

“An unknown power is surfacing. She will possess the strength and will to destroy us all unless certain measures are put in place to curb her inclinations.” Luc recited Skye’s original prophecy without so much as blinking, each word verbatim. “Do we know if that’s the same prophecy the Fates delivered to the council?”

Vera shook her head. “Only the council hears the prophecies.”

Luc leaned forward to balance his forearms on his splayed thighs. “Recordings of them? Or in person?”

“Echoes,” Vera confirmed. “Similar to recordings, but not.” They were captured by scribe Seraphim that played them back for the council in visual form.

“Which means they could be manipulated,” Luc pointed out.

“Yes,” Vera agreed. “But Seraphim would never think of that. They’re too practical.”

“As a result of their council making them value practicality over emotion.” Luc relaxed back into his chair. “Your council has perfected the art of a beautiful dictatorship filled with obedient sheep.”

“Not all of us are obedient.” It might not have come naturally to her or Leela or Gabriel or Caro, but they were all here now. And they could recruit more to their side with the right strategy.

Which led her to her next point.

“I’ve seen Osiris’s memories. I don’t know all of his intentions outside of what he’s told me, but it involves showing the Seraphim the truth. Which was a good enough reason for me to willingly talk to him. Everything he’s done for Lizzie and Jayson was his way of proving himself to us as a worthy source.”