chapter
Rhysand came early, per my request. Winnowing us to the top of the house of wind, resting within the mountain of Velaris. I knew a lot, but not every detail, this was one of them. The city yet to be destroyed.
I took the seat next to Rhysand, setting the journal on the table. One by one they arrived, feeling the nerves go up with each person who joined.
Amrin looked different, like her form was hiding something underneath it.
"Rhys is early, no doubt you're doing." Cassian joked as he sat next to me, he propped a fist as he gazed into my eyes.
I looked out, then down. "Possibly."
I could feel Amrin's eyes watching me while Mor and Azriel had a side conversation too future outings something about Rita's and karaoke. I waited for the food to be served, for most to finish. The longer I waited, the less courage I had to talk.
"Well. You called this dinner, canceled and rescheduled, what was so important Rhysand." Armin's eyes flicked to me.
"Yes, I'm the reason." I pushed my plate away, scooting the book over. "I know you all, but you all know so little about me. I was trying to figure that out too. Do to recent events, those memories came back. Some foggy due to age, but I did my best to put them into ordered."
"Do tell, I am intrigued to know just what you are."
"Amren, tone." Rhys shot eyes down the table.
My lips pressed, I had to stay calm. "Shes not wrong to feel how she does." My eyes looked to hers. "Then I should start at the beginning. I must warn you; this will be an info dump, and like a story. I do like my books." I took a deep breath.
"The mother was gifted the cauldron by the father as a marriage gift. He killed five old gods' and many demi-gods to forge it in silver Iro. It was empty, but she felt the power thumb inside and accepted. One day, after many years it had filled with black tar. Disgusted, she tipped it over just to see what would happen and this world was created. It was merely a baron rock devoid of any life."
I flicked the page. "She called it a useless pot, to which the Cauldron let out rippling power vaster than her own, almost killing her. She locked it away for its disobedience, it hissed and vowed to never let her use it for her maltreatment. A millennium passed and with no luck with trying to conceive a child she turned to the cauldron and made the first bargain.
It agreed, all the liquid inside turned gold and condensed itself into the first forged being. Power beyond belief, one that rivaled the mother and father combined and then some. It had been transformed into a new god wrapped in gold. Mother named this child Fayrie. It was now mother, father, and daughter. At least for a few hundred years before they bore a child of their own."
I did not look up, not wanting to see the gazes. "The daughter fell to the shadows, watching as they fawned over this miracle they created. That is was what began Fayrie's interest in the cauldron that felt so familiar. She wanted someone... something like her. As it spoke, it told her things, and she listened, tipping the cauldron over the rocky land. It flourished to life in Golden light.
"Trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers. Mother found her playing with it, and Fayrie was severely punished her for touching what was hers. She did not see the light except for her glowing skin for almost a half a millennium. Where she learned the shadows could sing, and that they provided a comfort to not be so alone and to hide."
The sting in my voice present, I wiped my face. Felt like such a baby, but they should also know. "She was only released when the mother told Fayrie to get it under control. The cauldron was seething, threatening to destroy Valhalla and them with it for how she disobeyed the bargain.
"As Fayrie touched it, it purred in delight. She put her hand in the murky thick liquid, and it turned gold. Humming sweet melodies. She used a hand full of water to create the first fairy. It looked much like her, but no glow. So, she kept creating. Before she knew it, the world had many beings of varied powers and abilities.
"They all knew her; they all worshipped her. As time turned, they had their own children. She watched over them for generations, she also seen Deveros, the brother, and his manipulation to her creation.
"She let it be and would give those unfortunate souls better lives as repentance. Then she found Annastasia. She explored the world with no worry too the dangers. Loving every little detail down to the minuet ones.
"Long story short, they traveled together. Fayrie looked closer, seeing more than she had realized was created. How it all worked and held itself together. She stopped many bad things from happening to her, bending her fate over and over."
I smirked. "Eventually, it turned into something deeper. A loved so unconditional. She wanted something to tie them for life.
"She took to the cauldron and created the mating bond. So, others could find there equals too. She brewed within the pot, and then let it turn into a storm. It rained for several days. It wasn't perfect, and even in that failure, Anastasia still said it was good. Annastasia pushed her to do and be better. So, Fayrie forged the book of breathings with the same Iro used on the Cauldron, putting all the spells and recipes inside." They were so quiet, I had little belief that they were buying any of this.
"Deveros, her brother, was jealous and he attempted and succeed in killing Anastasia several times. But… she could breathe life, so she brought her back time and again until she was so fed up, she caved. He terrorized all her creations, giving them thoughts of war, starting fights. He couldn't do much to her, but them, yes. If you know anything, it is when gods fight, worlds are ripped apart."
I took a deep breath. "Creating a gate spell, she then I used the cauldron as the gate. Not knowing it would rip the fabrics. She wanted to be gone. She ran from this world and the Cauldron grew angry. It stripped her of power, and it named here something else."
Slow claps came from the other side of the room. I peeked a glance. Why was he here? "Tell them the name, nice roundabout way of telling a story, you even mentioned your first name… Don't ignore me, they can see me this time."
My eyes widened as I looked up, all eyes on him. "And you are?" Rhysand asked cocking his head.
"Deveros." I placed a hand on the table, individual shields around them all.
"Calamity." His finger grazed over Amren's shield. "You did that so fast, it's like you don't trust me at all."
"I don't. I have many reasons not to."
"You know, this one is not from here, it's your fault she's here. That rip sucked her right in."
"Don't listen to him." Rhysand spoke, Devero's smirking with a glint in his eyes.
My eyes pleaded with Rhysand's. "Don't speak."
"Did I…" He sauntered around the table, touching the shields around Mor. "Interrupt something?" He placed a hand on Azriel's. "What a cute family dinner you're having. Still trying to make your own I see. Blue stones was in my way last night, that was irritating to say the least. I could just." He slammed his fist down but stopped before he hit the shield, he chuckled. Eyes flicking to me. "I'm not stupid, I know your dirty little tricks. I'm curious, everyone has one but you."
"What if I'm playing a trick?"
He leaned in between Rhysand and Azreal. "You, purple eyes, you're the High Lord. You let traitors to your kind dine with you? One that damned you to that mountain. You know, I got bored. Calamity didn't break the mask curse, I did. Then I whispered in Amie's little ear to make her take the deal but making her add that waiting stipulation." He scoffed a laugh. "I wanted to watch her suffer, but you…"
He shook his finger. "You healed her for two weeks of time, too bad for the child. That would have been such an interesting turn to events. One day sooner and there would still be a spring court child nesting in that womb, one that would rival even you. You let her be here after all that? After tearing your house apart, making a mess of things. Subjected you to matters beyond this world. Why help a traitor to her own creation."
Deveros was practically wagging, and he leaned up, moving around him. "No answer, weaver got your tongue? Well, I'll help you out."
"I changed, what a load a crock. Why, Deveros? Why leave the comfort of Valhalla to come here? Are you that bored with life you must waltz into mine?"
"Careful, I know you can feel it. I thought my sweet older sister might miss me." He touched the top of my head. "I thought so." He slammed my face into the table, my claws coming out and scrapping against it. "You still don't love yourself enough. Tell them." He purred, "or I'll make this so much harder on you. Tell them your given name that glorified pot gave you." His fingers crushed in.
"Calamity…." I gritted my teeth.
"You can do better."
"The great Calamity, breaker of worlds."
He pushed harder. "Keep going."
"The traitor, and the mother of abandonment."
His hand loosened. "See, that wasn't so hard, but you forgot to say bastard child. That is what mother deemed you so long ago." He released me, sitting on the edge of the table. "I missed you more than you missed me. My heart is broken." His head turned to Rhysand. "I like you; those pretty eyes make me think all kinds of thoughts. Amie kept you all to herself."
I grabbed the cloths on his chest and slammed him to the table. "Your beef is with me."
He laughed. "Beef? Is that not what cows get turned to?"
"Ugh, it means problem or issue."
"Going to try and ground me to." My shadows opened, a knife flying out and stuck in his chest. "Ow, oh no, such pain. What ever will I do." He shoved me back in my seat, pulling the knife out. "You stabbed me, that hate in your heart still runs deep. Thought you might be over it by now."
"You kept destroying everything I loved, even now you're trying."
"Wow Cali, I'd say were a few words shy of leveling ground. Your turn." He threw the knife forward, it barreled towards my chest, but I opened my shadows, consuming it. "You had two facts wrong in your story. One, it was seven hundred and forty-nine years, four months and like three days. I counted it, in those days, I actually liked you, waited for you. You spent that much time in the darkness, but you still let it consume you while you're in the light."
"Be there long enough and it looks back, time becomes irrelevant. It whispers and begins to be a comfort in the solitude. You should try it. Rather humbling."
He crossed his arms, face contorting to anger. "I think I'm a little upset you wish to rid me already. Do you know what would make me feel better? A game, just like the good old days. My true sisters never play anymore, but the bastard child always searched for any kind of approval." He edged off the table to my other side. He lifted my left arm, turning it over.
"Isn't that a little childish?"
"I was thinking Leap Fairy."
I glared "No. Not that one." I spoke fast, the panic prominent, and he smiled with a sigh.
"Why not, I think its befitting for one member in particular here." He poked at the eye of the tattoo.
"Anything else, please."
His finger nail dug into the palm of my hand. I barred my teeth as I felt his magic alter the bargain. "How stoic of you. From now on, if little Rhysie peicie stops you from doing anything you want, it will cause you pain. Understood, Lord of Night? So nice of you to leave this behind for me. As for him, he said he would not use it again, if he does, it will hurt him. She is to be free of all, as a Goddess should be."
He dropped my hand and I stared at the Eye. Blood pulled itself back in and the black tattooed eye was now red.
"That's for not letting me play Leap Fairy with him, how about… hide and seek?"
"Please don't do this, you said you wouldn't."
"Never said I wouldn't, just that I understand you." He rubbed his chin. "Hmm, you seem to not be able to decide, I really did not think we would have to choose like this. How about catch a Fairy to determine?" I stiffened. "I will take that as a yes. Let's see, we have two, no, three who can play. Purple eye's keeps his hidden his as you do yours."
My nails dug into the table, tears forming as I knew what was about to happen. He would pick one, one to torture. Because I was too weak to protect; I could feel the difference in power. How much he could level me like I used to do to him.
"Cali." He held my hair, yanking it back, but I closed my eyes. "Choose, Cali. Which winged beast is going to play. If any of the were to survive, I'd say it's mister high and might at the head of the table." He purred, almost singing.
"I will only play if it is you and I. You know how jealous I get."
"I knew you missed me. Fine, it is the first time in Fifteen grand." He ripped the train from the dress.
"I just..."
"Open you fucking eyes, or I change the game." I did, and he forced me to look everyone in the face. Steeled expressions, not one phased as they watched us. "They don't even care, these little creatures hate you now they know exactly what you are and all those sins you carry on your skin. So, go ahead. Might as well let them out. Let them see the thing you are."
I focused on no one as they moved up my back and extend out, waving softly. "Happy?"
"Very. These barriers are such a pain, when will that pool run out?"
"You know better." He relaxed back on the table, foot on my chair.
"Till death do you part, such a sweet and loving sentiment. Just so your aware, I'm getting four birds for this. Ene meeny miny mo." He tilted my chair back, shoving hard, it kicked back and across the room with me in it. It broke as my weight landed on it and I rolled myself to my hands and knees. "Catch a Fairy by the wing." My eyes widened. "Hmm, barrier, barrier." His hand gripped around the base of my right top wing. "If she hollers."
He yanked, dragging his hand down my wing. It crumpled and I screamed as clawed the ground. My hair glowed, flowing up like flames. Power surged through me, blinding all my other senses as I swung at him, missing as he moved back, and I fell forward.
"Let her go." He snickered.
My teeth gritted as tears fell. It lay limp like crumpled paper.
"Ene Meeny Miny Moe." His foot collided with my stomach, sending me flying. He moved so fast; I had no time to react. My back hit the wall, his hand wrapped around my neck, holding me there.
My hands held his arm. "You win, okay?"
His language changed, hiding the words from all but me. "Why won't you fight back. I know that temper of yours must be seething by now. Has all that time away tamed you? Why, we could do this like the good days. We could flatten this area again, break the mountain. Why did we fight here again?"
"You destroyed the little village we treasured."
"That's right, I remember now. It turned into a pretty city. If anything, it was an improvement. I think some survived. Anyways, I'm pissed you took the legs to the cauldron. They were not in the temples I told them about. I was going to have those island savages build it. Break that silly little barrier held buy a fraction of your power. Humans, such hateful creatures. We should rid the world of them, right? Like the old days. Anyways, I'll be taking those back."
"They will use it for destruction far beyond that, that cauldron could kill even you, but not me. Be careful of the brew, brother, because it becomes poison with bad intentions."
"Why do you think I won't touch it. I know better, but bargain is a bargain." He gleamed in excitement; his hand tilted my face back and forth. "This fight is not fair to you. The cauldron took so much from you, and it's so far spread, good luck finding all your treasure. That empty trove of yours is collecting dust."
He dropped me, his power ripped through the mountain and back out. The whispers of the cauldron were going with him. I curled in, my glowing hair fading out. When I was sure he was gone, I let the barriers fall.
My wing popped and crackled back into place; with each movement I cried out in pain.
"Cali." Rhysand was by my side. I held my hand up, stopping him from touching me.
"Don't, being around me is dangerous."
"It's not healing."
"It won't, it must..." I breathed in hard. "Mend on its own. Just like Lucian, God level dam…" I cried out. Pop, snap, crack. My hands ripped the floor apart. "It can only mend with the same type."
"Why not fight back?"
"Valaris. He would use me to destroy it, I had to stay calm, make him lose interest. That's what he does. He…." Was all I spoke as my wing straightened in a whip, back arching. I screamed and I felt the mountain shook under me, my claws destroying the floor, creating a hole. It ached, but the worst was over. I held myself up, pacing my movements.
"He knew, I knew… I would not win. I couldn't see it leveled, either. Deveros knows I'm weak, he knows my power is a quarter of his. I'm less than half a god, and maybe a tenth of what I used to be. I could beat you to a pulp, squish you like a bug with single thought. Now times that by four or five, that is the damage he could deal. He went light, because I was not the true target, just a pit stop. That's how low I am to him." I sat up, pulling myself together.
"Well, Cali." Amrin stood to the side of Rhysand. "I see now it is you that let me come here." I looked down. "Do not think for a second I resent it; I came on my own. Seeing him, I can see why you made some of your choices. Anyways, a god battle will happen, could you win if you were not on land you wished to protect?"
I shook my head; Rhysand helped me to my feet. "He has never won a fight with me before, not until now. Before this, he placed a nightmare curse on me when I was human. His 'daydream' game, all his games are just forms of torture. Leap fairy is a death sentence. I was nothing until the little kernels of power the high lords gave. You all accepted me, and it broke the curse on my soul. The one the cauldron gave me, but I did not remember until this." I looked at arms.
I looked her in the eye. "When the cauldron made me, it was to spite my mother. Even gods reduced to Iro are sentient. I have no parents; I was forged like you do with metal. I'm basically a kettle baby. If I return to full strength, I could get him under control. He wants nothing more than to see this land, this beautiful thing I created, crumble. I have no doubt he dropped the pot and book to this world to watch them destroy themselves with the very thing that created them."
She nodded. "Indeed, five hundred years ago. I know several items and monsters that were created from it in that time. I do not know all of the conversation, but I understood enough to know he's telling you what to look for. The dread trove is a good start."
"The bone carver. He might have some answers." I looked at Rhys, wondering who this person was.
Cassian spoke out. "I would like to sit that one out."
I shook my head, strong warrior, but this thing scared him? "Who is that?"
"A death god." I titled my head. "One of three, and probably the only one who might be willing to talk. The one in the cottage is territorial and crazy, the other, well. Is locked in a lake. They are as old as the rips."
"You're choosing this path?"
Rhysand took my hand. "No, I'm choosing you."
Cassian put an arm around me. "As am I."
"We all are." Amren added. "When you go to The Prison, do not fear it. Those things can smell it, and they will try to use it. That's why Cassian can't go."
"That was one time, tiny ancient one."
Amren smirked. "And you never wish to go back, big strong one."
