My son, she kissed the babys forehead, is actually my daughter.

A girl? Jonas couldnt help but grin at that. Nicely done, princess.

Please, call me Lucia. I think youve earned that right.

All right. Now what do we do, Lucia? he asked.

She has a name. Do you want to hear it?

He nodded.

Ive named her Lyssa, she said, looking up at him. After a brave girl named Lysandra I wish Id had the chance to know.

Jonass eyes began to sting. An excellent name. I approve, he said, swallowing the lump in his throat. All right, then. Before you lay waste to the rest of Paelsia, lets find you and Lyssa a nice, dry inn so you can regain the rest of your strength, shall we?

CHAPTER 32.

CLEO.

PAELSIA.

Cleo took in the faces that surrounded her in the rocky pit, her heart beating out of her chest. This wasnt how it was supposed to go. She wasnt sure how she meant to stop Amara, to take the Kindred and save everyone, but this wasnt it.

Fear not, little queen, I am with you.

Her breath caught. Somehow Kyan still thought that they were together in this. But why would he need her now? Shed never felt as helpless in her entire life as she did at this moment, even surrounded by strong young men who were normally more than capable of protecting her from harm.

Except Magnus. Her gut twisted. Where was he? Imprisoned somewhere else? But where?

Cleo watched as Selia slowly levitated herself into the pit as if standing on an invisible platform of air magic. She prayed that Felix, Taran, and Enzo werent foolish enough to try to attack the witch. Cleo had no doubt they would fail quickly.

Thankfully, they didnt budge from where they stood.

How long have you been planning this, Mother? King Gaius asked from his seated position. He hadnt moved an inch since Cleo and Amara had been cast into the pit.

A very long time, my son, Selia replied, her fingers brushing against her snake pendant. My entire life, it seems.

You were the one to teach me about the Kindred, to drive my passion to find the crystals.

Yes. And you took to this promise of power just as I knew you would.

But you didnt tell me everything.

She met his gaze. No. It had to remain my secret until now.

He nodded. When I was younger I thought you simply wanted the magic of the Kindred, like anyone else whod heard their legend. But its always been more than that, hasnt it? You wanted to help free them.

She crouched down at his side and put her hand to his cheek. I wasnt lying to you. You will rule the world, only differently than I had originally planned. The fire god is in need of a new corporeal vessel. I believe that only you are great enough, worthy enough, to have that omnipotent power within you.

Before the king could respond, Cleo felt a draft of warm air slide past her.

No, little witch, Kyan said. This fallen king wont do at all. Hes too old. Too sick.

Who just said that? Nic asked, staring around the pit.

Cleos wide eyes glanced over to him. You can hear him too?

Nic nodded.

I hear him too, Taran said, scanning the pit. Felix and Enzo stood on either side of him, their expressions tense, but they also nodded in agreement.

That is only because I allow it, Kyan said. Like the little empresss brother said earlier, theres no reason to hide any longer.

Gaius is improving, Kyan, Selia assured him. He was horribly injured, near death. It will take more time to fully heal, but hes well on his way.

No. I wish for a different vessel.

Of course. Selias brows furrowed, the only sign of her disappointment as she glanced around at the others. What about the Kraeshian here, Prince Ashur? Young, handsome, strong.

Again, no. I need someone already possessed by a soul of fire. There was silence for a moment as the sensation of heat moved around the circumference of the pit. This one. Yes, this one is perfect. I sense greatness within, greatness shielded from the world.

Who? Cleo thought frantically. There was no way to tell to whom the fire god referred.

Then lets begin, Selia said.

The witch held her hand out, and the three crystal orbs Amara had hidden in the pockets of her robes flew across the pit and into Selias hands.

Cleo watched tensely as she placed the aquamarine, obsidian, and moonstone orbs gently in the center of the pit. Where is the amber crystal? Selia asked.

Its not here, Kyan said.

Where is it?

I am already free from my prison; there is no need for it now. The ritual must work without it. Proceed.

Selia yanked the silver chain from around her neck, and Cleo realized with shock that the large snake pendant she wore wasnt simply jewelry"it was a vial with a small stopper.

The witch tipped the silver vial over the three crystals to drip dark red liquid onto them. With each drop, the orbs brightened, glowing from within.

You have Lucias blood, the king said, his voice hoarse. How?

She raised a brow. I bled her when she was a child, before my exile. It only took the barest trace of earth magic to keep it fresh all this time. Selia looked at Olivia. Come here and hold out your arm.

Olivia moved toward Selia and did exactly as commanded. The witch produced a dagger and cut Olivias arm. When the immortals blood joined Lucias upon the orbs, they each flared brighter than before.

Cleo wanted to rush forward, to knock the dagger from the witchs grip, but she knew it would be the last thing she ever did. She felt utterly helpless as she watched this dark ritual unfold in front of her.

But despite her anger with Magnus about so many things, she knew that he wouldnt leave the compound if he managed to escape from Amaras guards again. He wouldnt focus on saving only himself.

No. He would intervene when it seemed like all hope was lost.

Had he understood the signal shed tried to give him"having him call her Cleiona? She needed him to know that shed tried to align with Amara only out of necessity and opportunity. That she had meant to use that alliance to regain her power.

To regain Magnuss power as well.

The storm above grew more violent. Rain began to fall in sheets, soaking Cleo.

Selia raised her hands, her eyes glowing. The crystals flared with light, like tiny suns. Cleo gasped aloud as the wisps of magic that had been inside the orbs streamed outward.

Three crystals. But there were now four wisps streaking through the air all around them: red, blue, white, and green.

Why did Selia say the ritual required the amber orb if Kyan was already here? Cleo wondered. Did it matter? Could it make a difference in stopping this?

Fire god, Selia said. You have chosen. And now it is time for you to claim your new flesh-and-blood vessel.

The flame-red wisp of magic swirled violently around the pit before it finally plunged deep into Nics chest.

Nic, no! Cleo yelled.

Nics eyes widened as he cried out. Choking, he collapsed to the ground in a heap.

Then her dearest friend slowly turned to face her.

Nic, she gasped. Are you all right?

He frowned. I took the name of my last host, Kyan. I like it much better than Nic. I shall keep it.

She stared at him with disbelief. What? What have you done? Nic, can you hear me? You have to fight this!

Nic is gone, the boy who looked like Nic told her. But I assure you that hes been sacrificed for the greater good of the world.

Hot tears rolled down her cheeks. Shed just gotten him back, and now he was lost to her all over again.

Earth goddess, Selia said, stealing Cleos attention from Nic, you are free. Claim your flesh-and-blood vessel.

The green wisp of magic swirled around the pit, and this time everyone stepped back from it, watching it with fear.

Olivia gasped as the magic plunged into her.

Nic . . . or Kyan . . . or"Cleo didnt know what to think"went directly to Olivia and took her hands in his. Sister?

Yes. She looked up into his eyes. You did what you promised. I am finally free!

Yes. And youve chosen an excellent vessel.

What was her name? she asked.

Olivia, he told her.

Olivia, she repeated, nodding. Yes, Olivia will be my name now.

Mother. Gaius had moved to Selias side, his black hair slicked to his face from the rain.

Im sorry, my son, she said to him, shaking her head. You have the bloodstone; it will have to be enough.

He nodded. Youve always put me first, no matter what you had to do.

She searched his face. I shouldnt have done what I did to Elena. I see now that it hurt you more than I thought it would. But I just wanted you to be free.

I know. And you were right. My love for her clouded my mind. It threatened to destroy my thirst for power. He took her face gently between his hands and leaned forward to kiss her forehead. Thank you for helping to make me the man I am today.

She touched his hand, then frowned. Wait. Where is the"

With a sharp twist, he snapped his mothers neck and let her body fall to the ground.

Kyan stared down at the witch, then his furious glare turned to the king. What have you done?

Ive interrupted your self-serving ritual, Gaius said, glancing down at the body of his mother. I knew there was a good reason I hadnt killed her yet.

Kyan eyed the remaining two wisps of magic with anger in his stolen brown eyes. Little queen, I need you now. I need blood descended from a sorceress"your blood. The magic from it will be enough for now. Later, Ill find another obedient Oldling to seal all thats been done here.

He was right next to Cleo, holding Selias dagger. I will give you your throne. All of Mytica. All of this world and beyond. Anything you desire.

Tears mixed with the streaming rain on Cleos face. Give the dagger to me.

He did as she asked, and she looked at the dagger in her hand, knowing she had to do this. Knowing there was no choice.

Kyan could not leave here today, no matter whose body he had stolen. But just as she raised the dagger to thrust the blade into Nics heart, Ashur caught her wrist.

She stared up at him as the rain came down in torrents upon them.

No, he said. The single word held no room for argument. He squeezed her wrist until she gasped with pain and dropped the weapon.

When she turned back to face Kyan, he slapped Cleo so hard she spun backward, hitting the wall of the pit.

You disappoint me, little queen, he snarled.

Magnus, she thought with panic. Now would be a perfect time for you to save the day.

The walls of the pit began to crumble inward. The blue and white swirls of magic"the water and air gods"continued to spiral around the pit.