Into the Veihl

Warriors of the Veihl

April Rankin

Copyright © 2013 April Rankin

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition

With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book or portions thereof may not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without permission. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it or it was not purchased for you, please return to the vendor and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Into the Veihl is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual locales, events, or persons, dead or alive, is used fictitiously and is entirely coincidental.

Cover:

Model © Francesco Maria Cura

Hands © Edhar Yuralaits

Vector Art © Artem Efimov

Phoenix, Cover Illustration, apple © April Rankin

Table of Contents:

Title Page

Table of Contents

Other Books by April

Foreword

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Author Bio

Other Books by April Rankin

Contemporary Novels:

Undercover Attraction

Undercover Desire

Warriors of the Veihl:

Into the Veihl

Foreword:

I have had this story in my head for a long time. Even before I began the Undercover Series, I knew exactly where I wanted it to go, and which of the characters would take it there. Mythology has been a major interest of mine since I was young. I remember reading The Iliad and The Odyssey before I was really even old enough to comprehend the words. I saw so many versions of Hercules and wrote research papers for school about mythology and gods and religions of ages long past.

And even having that prior knowledge, a complete sense of what I wanted to do, and knowing which of these creatures, gods, and beings would be in Mac's story, it still took so much research. I read Mythology Dictionaries. Several of them. I browsed the web for hours, finding links between those gods of old that only I could form into a logical, coherent thread to the character and story. It was a lot of work.

I wrote chapters and then deleted them and rewrote them. Mac just did not like where I was taking her. She hates me right now. We have that kind of creator/character relationship. I piss her off, she gets over it when I give her chocolates (or good sex) in her story; she pisses me off and I completely screw her over.

You'll see what I mean while reading.

Enjoy.

Chapter 1

Break this heavy chain,

That does freeze my bones around

Selfish! Vain!

Eternal bane!

That free Love with bondage bound.

---William Blake, Songs of Experience

This is nothing like I expected Hell to be.

No, I had expected fire and brimstone, demons and monsters, smoke and ash. Not the beautiful land stretching out before me.

The beauty of fields of rolling green and flowers so bright that my eyes water makes me feel completely inconsequential, as if nothing else matters beyond this place.

This can't be the Underworld, I think to myself, knowing full well that it is. Butterflies flit from dewy petals on breezes that carry the sweet perfume of cherry blossoms. Birds chirp happily in the branches above my head as deer and rabbits lazily move along the banks of a gentle stream.

People--no, souls--mill about laughing, talking, walking, as if this is a normal day in their endless lives.

But I know better than to trust what my eyes present. In fact, believing it could very well get me killed in here.

This wasn't a slice of a Disney cartoon. This isn't a nice little glen with harmonious angels and friendly animals. No, I am walking along the interior of the Underworld, in the Fields of Asphodel, where the good souls come to live out the endless existence in which they now find themselves. I call them good. Fact is, they are the people who were neutral, neither doing good or bad. Which meant they probably wouldn't help me if I needed it. Even so, something about them makes me wary, hesitant. Maybe it is because they seem so harmless but I can sense an undercurrent of malevolence. Then again, perhaps it is just being here that makes me edgy.

A few of them watch me as I make my way through the fields, perusing my body as if they were starving and staring at a buffet. Their eyes are empty, yet still burning with desire for something I don't understand. Maybe a tangible form. Maybe a meal.

Lucky for me, the new tattoos inked on my skin have kept them at bay so far.

Damn Cael for those freaking tattoos.

I shudder at the memory of searing pain and then shiver at the thought of the hard male who had given me the tattoos.

Sex and raw power rolled into one nicely muscled package and wrapped with a bow. He should come with a warning label.

I can't help being grateful, though. Cael had given me protection in this realm of the dead by inking seven powerful symbols into my skin. My ankle, calf, wrist, bicep, neck, back, and chest all now bear the intricate markings he had effortlessly branded onto me.

Despite the fact that I had fought him, I'd already agreed to his protection. All my life, I had always thought that if I were to get a tattoo, it would mean something. Instead, I had gotten seven, all of which meant something to him, but not to me. They reminded me of the constant conflict within myself, not to mention the shame I had felt when he'd seen my savagely scarred back.

Begging him hadn't stopped him, and in the end, he had held me to the bargain we had struck.

Hell, I don't even have a good story to tell my friends about the damn symbols when they see them.

Yeah, I could see that conversation going well. I wanted to go into Hell, so Cael marked me because I agreed to it in a damn orkos.

The orkos. Bane of my existence. Now I know better than to use it against one of the arrogant warriors. I had mistakenly overheard a group of them laughing at another warrior because he had agreed to an orkos not to have sex for a month. Curious, I had eavesdropped, and had found them to be a veritable font of information.

Listening to them from behind a door that I left slightly ajar, I learned all about how, if a female offered a male a bargain and her demands were within his powers to give, he was compelled to accept it. There were exceptions to the orkos. For instance, if she made a demand, the man could then name his price in return, and if she were unwilling to pay it, the bargain was void. However, if she agreed, the man was bound to accept it, and could not escape the agreement until it was honored or upon one of their deaths. Agonizing pain was brought to the man if he refused, and it continued to worsen until he accepted.

I have witnessed this pain firsthand with Cael. After demanding information about the Underworld, he had been so quick to deny me. So, I enacted the orkos, offering him a bargain. He'd refused of course, and I watched him double over in pain as he tried to disobey the agonizing force of the orkos.

In the end he had to accept, the pain too debilitating and insistent for him to do otherwise. Unfortunately, the demands he made in return were much too high for me to pay. But I was forced to agree in order to save Alex.

There's little time for me to dwell on my actions. Now, I have to focus on finding my best friend's lover and getting out of here before my time is up. Failure isn't an option, because Alex would remain a breathing corpse and my bestie Amy would slip into misery, unable to recover from losing him. Again.

Well, not if I can help it. After all, this was my fault to begin with.

Just a few days ago, Amy and I had been in Paris, researching a strange stone artifact for the Louvre. Turns out, the stone wasn't just a stone; it opened a portal to a hidden realm of mist and magic. A group of dangerous men called the Legion wanted it as well, and Amy and I had made the fatal mistake of playing right into their hands during a plan I conceived to escape the barbaric warriors who were guarding us. In a rescue attempt, Alex was murdered.

Luckily for us, the portal was activated. Along with several of the warriors who had considered themselves my protectors, Amy and I barely escaped with our lives, Alex's body in tow. I knew Amy wouldn't survive long without Alex. Their love is just too strong, especially since they just found each other again after five years of misery. At first, I had thought I could possibly save Alex with the new power that infused me once I entered the portal. My own wounds healed, stones bloomed into flowers in my hands, so why not?

Don't believe me? I don't blame you. I thought I might have been dreaming for a while, too. Now I know better.

Alex was deader than a door knob, looked worse than roadkill, but I made his heart beat again for Amy. Although to outward appearances he was healed and healthy, I hadn't known that his soul already departed his body. Essentially, I'd only brought him partially back to life. A body can’t survive long without a soul, and there's no way I could just sit by and watch Amy wither away in grief. I owe my best friend too much, including my own life several times over, and I refused to allow Amy to lose Alex again, especially since she had only just begun healing from a brutal rape that happened five years ago.

So here I am, searching for a soul. Finding him is supposed to be the easy part. Getting out; not so much.

I turn the direction that Cael instructed, determined to get out of this eerily serene Underworld as soon as possible.

Don't touch anything. Don't drink the water. Do NOT speak to any of the souls. Don't become distracted. So many demands Cael had given me. Damn Neanderthal.

Walking through the Fields was like stepping through my own little slice of heaven. Calm. Peaceful. Beautiful. Then I feel the exit.

It burns, searing my palms as I push forward through the ward, giving stubborn resistance as I press onward. For miles it seems to sear the flesh from my bones, heat so intense my lungs feel as if they are melting with each breath. But further into the depths of Hell I venture, refusing to give up.

Then finally the ward breaks, spitting me out like I was some disgusting thing it wanted to be rid of immediately. The air becomes moist and chilly, my body quickly cooling in the new atmosphere because of the sweat that covers my skin. Exercise is not my thing. I don't have to work hard for this body, don't really care that I'm a tiny bit jiggly in the backside.

I look around, taking stock of my surroundings. The ground is barren, consisting of ashen rocks and gray sand. A river with green flames dancing above the surface flows in a lazy spiraling path around a massive black palace far in the distance. There! That's my destination.

I wish I was back in the Fields, breathing in the sweet air, watching the fluttering butterflies. I can't help feeling an impending sense of doom as I gaze at the black palace and the distance that I have to cover to reach it.

Pacing the banks of the river, I look for a way to cross. Miles of the strange river stretches before me and with each step I feel drawn to look down into the murky depths, curiosity drawing me near to the water. Several times I catch myself before stepping to the edge to peer down.

No. Find Alex. Get out. Save Amy. I repeat it to myself with each step. I don't know what it is about the water, but the sound of it reminds me I am parched. And it goes beyond that. It calls to me in a way that I am physically shaking to ignore.

Tired, feet aching, I become aware of the sound of a waterfall in the distance and aim towards it, instinctively knowing there would be a bridge as Cael had said.

Find Alex. Save Amy.

My mind is becoming fuzzy, things slipping from my thoughts the longer I stay. It's one of the mystical powers of any of the Gods' lands: it begins to stake a claim on you. My task is beginning to no longer seem like such a dramatic burden. I must hurry, else I may forget why I am here.

The waterfall grows louder, and, with no memory of the past few minutes, I find myself standing at a bridge. It stretches across the river, black smoke rising from what appears to be seared bones that construct it. I shiver at the creepiness of it.

Alex. Amy.

I place one foot on it then cringe at the sound of eerie wails that accompany each step, disembodied screams echoing in the night. Was I inflicting pain on some poor soul by treading on their bones? Is this one of the punishments in Hell? A chill climbs my spine at the thought and I stop, trying to remember where I'm going.

Another step. A bone snaps beneath my feet and I instinctively look down, following its descent down, down, until it splashes into the water, sending a spray of flames and liquid. The ripples spread outward, captivating me, hypnotizing me, as images play across the waves in perfect tune with my life.

There are my parents, looking at one another with so much love shining so brilliantly in their eyes that my heart breaks for longing. I miss them so much.

The images come, one behind another. A glimpse of a life that had quickly been snuffed when my parents died, memories of happy times when I had been wrapped in my parents' arms. Those memories call to me, beckoning, and without realizing it, I sit at the edge of the bridge, my feet dangling over the edge. My parents look at me and wave in one of the scenes, and suddenly, I am there, with them, hearing their voices and feeling their touches against my skin.

For hours the memories play out across the water, until nothing else exists. I try to remember where I am, what I'm doing here, how I got here, where I am going, but the thoughts wouldn't form. The niggling feeling that I'm missing something important keeps creeping up into my consciousness, but it's like when you have words on the tip of your tongue and you just can't say them, so I brush it off in favor of seeing my parents' faces again.

They smile at me, show me how much they love and miss me, invite me to join them there.

Yes. I should be with my parents. Why am I not there already? I lean over the bridge, reaching for their outstretched hands.

You may not wish to do that.

I jerk, startled at the voice. It takes great effort to look away from the water, but when I do, a handsome man stands next to me. I blink, trying to clear my head and get my thoughts in order.

What? I ask then shake my head. Am I supposed to talk to him? Do I know him? I can't remember.

He tilts his head towards the flowing water beneath us. If you touch the river Lethe, you will forget everything and wander this place for eternity, unable to escape. Since you are very much alive, I do not think you wish to do that.

I blink, letting his words sink into my muddled brain slowly. What would I forget? Who are you? I ask, shaking my head to try to dispel some of the fog that clouds my brain.

I am called Roahn. His voice is thickly accented, deep, rich, strong, permeating some of the fog.

I shouldn't speak to anyone here, I say, suddenly realizing it was a rule that someone had given me. Who?

The attractive man smiles at me, the flames of the river reflected in his eyes. I am not a threat to you.

Suddenly, my memories rush back to me and I gasp. Alex. Amy. I'd gotten distracted. How long have I been here, wasting time? I stand, staring at Roahn as I did.

He was ruggedly handsome, with a strong jaw, bright green eyes, beefy body. His chest was bare, and dark pants clung to his muscular legs. Tattoos shone in iridescent ink across his entire torso, almost glittering in the dim green light flickering from the river. A sword is strapped to his back, the hilt at his shoulder so he could grab it quickly. His hair is short, but strange symbols are shaved into a pattern that was foreign and exotic. He is one sexy warrior.

Why aren't you a threat to me when everything else here is? Or are you just a figment of my imagination that I conceived in order to trick myself into thinking I am sane? I ask, curiosity overriding Cael's harsh commands. I don't sense any danger coming from him, but really, who am I to know for sure?

He shakes his head and looks at me sadly. I am very real; however this form is just a projection. My body is elsewhere, but my soul is trapped here. I could no more hurt you than you could me.

Um, okay. How does that make any sense? Then again, nothing is ever as it seems in these places, as I mentioned before. I look at him in confusion, but decide to let my curiosity go. You know, cat and bags and all. I have to get back on track. I must go, I tell him. Moving around him, I head for the other side of the bridge.

Time is growing short. My deadline's quickly coming, even though I feel as if I've already been here forever.

Finally, I reach the opposite bank of the river then stop abruptly when Roahn appears in front of me. God, that ghosting thing was annoying.

I may be able to aid you, he says.

Yeah, and my brain is made of marshmallows. I shake my head, knowing better than to accept anything from a ghost. I sure as hell don't want to be haunted by him when I do get out of here. No thanks. For all I know, he may be some sort of parasitic creature that lies in wait down here for a host.

I try to move around him again then squeal when he appears in front of me abruptly. I expect to bump into him, my momentum propelling me forward, into him. Instead, I go through him. An involuntary shiver creeps up my spine. That was all kinds of wrong. Guess he isn't a parasite after all.

I can sense the protection on you. I know you have to go into the Veihl.

The Veihl is where souls go before they are judged. It stands as a sort of wall between worlds, or realms, or whatever. The Atalans call it the Dreaming, some call it Erebus. I call it a great, big, pain in the ass.

I look at him through narrowed eyes. First of all, it was disturbing on so many levels that I had literally stepped into a man. Second, he was insubstantial so couldn't be of much help. Third, Cael said to trust no one. But somehow this attractive stranger knows where I am going, and can sense Cael's tattoos on me. Is that a good thing or bad? On one hand, I am terrified to have him near me. On the other, this is the Underworld, so I can use all the help I can get. Fine. But don't do that ghost thing again. It's just creepy.

He nods. Agreed. Follow me.

I follow him in silence for what seems like eternity, crossing other bridges over flaming rivers of blue then green, taking care not to look into the water. Despite the warnings Cael had pounded into me, something about this man made me want to trust him. I can't explain it. The only thing I come up with is that I feel a sort of kinship with him, as if we might be cut from the same thread. Maybe it's like meeting someone new and instantly knowing you could be best friends forever. I don't know. I might regret it later. But he is leading me towards the black fortress instead of away from my destination.

Still, I had questions. The only knowledge I have about this place consists of ancient mythology that I studied in college and what little information Cael had given me. I do remember the only creatures that could exist within the Underworld for any length of time were either dead, demons, cursed souls, and gods with their children. Demons were tangible beings here, but Roahn isn't. His body is insubstantial, which means that only his soul is here, so his physical form is still alive and somehow detached. Had something similar happened to Alex?

I wrack my brain for anything I may have learned in those seemingly endless lectures in college. I had loved studying mythology, had found it to be one of my favorite subjects, although the actual class had left something to be desired. Not because of content, but because of the instructor who was both boring and old enough to have been able to speak from experience. A vague memory popped forth, a lecture about curses that the gods would inflict on mortals. After so many years, the specifics were hazy.

So how are you here? I ask, tired of the endless silence and my pointless musings.

He shrugs his massive shoulders ahead of me. Cursed.

Just as I thought. Why?

He looks back at me, those bright green eyes seeming to glow in the darkness. I am a Gaul Druid. I once lusted after a goddess and in return she placed a curse upon me.

So, what does that mean exactly? Your curse is to be a ghost? Can it be broken?

He shakes his head. My curse is one of the worst that can ever be given. My soul and body are no longer attached to one another. My body is above, buried somewhere in a cavern of black crystals, golden diamonds, and glowing ice, while my soul was cast here, to wander the levels of the Underworld forever.

I don't understand. Why hasn't it been broken? And why would a goddess do that?

You are the only one who has ever been able to see me. That, and no one has found my body to restore my soul. As for the goddess... he shrugged. Suddenly, his eyes narrowed as he stiffened. Prepare yourself. Hades comes for you.

I stop short and my heart gives a thud out of beat. Huh?

Roahn disappears just as another man steps from a cloud of wispy black smoke.

I stand still and watch him walk towards me. Should I run? Is it even possible to outrun a god? Oh shit, he's standing in front of me.

To what do I owe the honor, my dear? I so rarely have visitors these days, the man says in a voice much different than any I've ever heard. I can easily imagine him making orders in that voice, quietly but still powerful, allowing no one to rebuke him.

He is incredibly sexy—as in, holy-hell-drool-worthy—with short black hair, a five o'clock shadow, pale skin covered in black and red tattoos that climb up his arms and neck, and a muscular build that almost puts Roahn to shame. His pale blue eyes are almost clear in the dim light as he looks at me.

I take a step backwards in alarm, but he advances.

Do not fear me. I mean you no harm. That voice; deep, rough, but gentle and quiet. Almost dangerously quiet. I briefly wonder if he rarely used it down here. I mean, there aren't really many people to converse with.

I eye him suspiciously, not knowing what to do. I've never met a god before. Shouldn't I bow or something? I feel so unprepared and inconsequential near him. I mean, he's a god! And I'm a nobody human.

Come now, love. Is this any way to treat your gracious host? I am Aides, or Hades—whichever you prefer—ruler of this forsaken Underworld. I have come to invite you to my palace.

I look behind him to the giant looming black castle. It is still miles away. Mackenzie Grae. I only wish to complete a task. Then I will be on my way. I'm sorry to have disturbed you.

He smiles at me, face transforming to one of kindness instead of brooding intensity. Never you mind. I am honored to have such a beauty in my realm. It grows tiresome to see corpses and moaning souls all the time. It will be nice to have someone to speak to for a bit. Come. I offer you rest and refreshment. Surely you are parched after your journey.

Was it polite to refuse a god? I rather thought not, and since he was the equivalent of the big, bad boogie man, only much bigger and badder, I wasn't going to take a chance angering him, especially since Alex was down here somewhere in this man's realm.

If you insist, but I can not stay long. I place my hand in his and am abruptly whisked to his home. It is disconcerting and disorienting. One second I was stepping through ghosts, the next I felt my body dissolve and reform somewhere completely different. It wasn't painful as much as it was a feeling of complete disembodiment. My body was one moment shattered into a billion microscopic pieces, then solid, landing on the floor gently. From one spot one second, to another the next. What an awesome way to travel!

He waves a hand around him. Welcome to my home.

It's certainly nothing like what I would picture the home of Hades to be. No fire and brimstone walls or floors, no pit of despair, no gate guarded by Cerberus. Instead, I see golden chandeliers hanging from a gilded ceiling, crystals splash dazzling lights dancing along the pristine white walls, and the furniture is elegant and lovely. It is beautiful, every bit as worthy of a god as I would expect, even if that god was supposedly wholly evil. I'm kind of jealous of his decorator.

It's gorgeous, I gush, not know what else to say.

He smiles, his face transforming, and I get the sense that he doesn't do it often. I am glad you approve. Just because I rule this dreary place does not mean I will reside in a pile of bones and rotting corpses. Do not always believe the stories you hear.

I know that most myths and legends stem from a fraction of truth and the tales about him were not nice. Maybe that isn't a good omen.

With a hand at my elbow, he guides me to a massive chamber. In the center sits an elongated table piled with food and trenchers of water. This is the only place you will be able to find water. Please, drink your fill. He slides a chair out for me, and I sit.

He lifts his hand and a golden goblet appears in it, full of cool liquid.

My mouth waters, but the story of Persephone plays in my head, of how Hades had tricked her into remaining with him by feeding her the seeds of the pomegranate.

Partake in the fruit of the Underworld, and forever be bound to it. Golden rule number one here.

No thanks. I don't want any part of that.

I'm fine, but thank you. I hope I don't offend him. Best not to anger a god.

But he smiles and takes the seat next to me, plucking grapes from a tray and popping them into his mouth. Very well, then. Let us talk. Who do you seek to remove from this realm?

How does he know? I guess because of who he is. So how much to tell him? Would he know if I was telling the truth? After considering my options, I decide lying probably isn't a great idea, just in case. I am looking for my friend Alex. His soul slipped from him yet he still lives. The life of my other friend Amy, relies solely on his recovery.

Ah. I see. You seek to enter the Veihl and restore his soul to save your friends.

I nod.

Such loyalty. Would they do the same for you? Hades asks, tossing another grape into his mouth.

I try hard not to drool over how refreshing the food must be. After what seems like ages of tasting nothing but dust and death, the temptation is overwhelming. I swallow and look away from the food. Yes. Amy has before. They deserve happiness more than anyone else I know. It was true. Amy has suffered too much in her life to not have this chance at happiness.

He studies me carefully with those eerie blue eyes. What would you give in return to have them reunited? To ensure their happy lives? Their love?

Anything, I almost say. But I know better than to offer just anything to a god. Especially to one who could give them the happiness they deserve but at a cost that I'd be unwilling to make. Almost anything. I might be willing to bargain for it.

His eyes light in interest. Hades was renowned for rarely losing a bargain. Ah. You would risk much, then.

Yes. I would give up my own happiness if it meant Amy could be.

I know who you are. I sense your powers. Powers you do not even understand as yet. Stay. Become my goddess. Rule my realm beside me and I will grant your request.

I would have said yes if that were the only way to save Amy and Alex. But mercury eyes flashed through my thoughts, reminding me that I can save Alex without Hades. I can't.

He suddenly swells with power. I feel it pressing on me, like being barraged by hurricane-force winds. You dare refuse a god?

I stubbornly lift my chin. I've ridden out hurricanes before. No. I dare to refuse a man who sees only my beauty and wishes to make it his. You aren't the first.

The god laughs at me. You do not know your own strength yet. Many men quake in their boots when faced with my wrath.

Yeah, well, you are sort of scary when you do that, but I won't barter for something I know I can get in other ways.

He seems genuinely surprised that I am standing up to him. His body deflates, and he once again is like a normal man. Well, as much as he can be. I like you, Makeanna Graelynn. If only my true bride were like you.

I wrinkle my nose at him, trying to shake off the strange feeling that went through me when he uttered that name. Why do you call me that?

It is your birth name, the one given to you by a goddess.

Okay. I really don't want to go there, so I choose to ignore it. What do you mean, your true bride? Persephone? I ask, curious as to whether or not the myths are true. Maybe I am opening my mouth only to insert my foot, but I'm a sucker for romance and tormented tales of star-crossed lovers.

Hades smiles, a tender expression falling over his face. He nods to the goblet of water in front of me. Drink and I will tell you a tale many know not of. I hesitate, licking my lips, but still not daring to drink. Do not fear, the water will not bind you to the Underworld, and you will need your energy to get out of this place of damnation.

I believe him, and reach for my cup just as a plate heaped with food appears in front of me.

As I eat, I listen intently to his story.

"Many centuries ago, before I was the god of this cursed place, I was a normal man. Powerful, attractive, wealthy. I lived in the palaces of Olympia, happy beyond belief. One day, I heard the sobbing of a mortal woman, begging for the aid of the gods. Her mother was dying, and she sought the elixir of life, for her mother was the only person she had left in the world. But the Old Ones would not answer. They did not care about mortals and their incessant problems.

"For weeks, I watched as she came to beg at the temple, and I became more besotted daily. Her beauty had entranced me, and I appeared before her to offer my aid.

"In exchange for her mother's life, I asked that she become my wife. She agreed, and we were wed. She believed me mortal, and I was happy to live the rest of my days with her believing it. But my father, terrified that his sons would overthrow his throne and steal his powers, came to her. In the form of a bird, he sat on a willow branch and whispered all of the dark things to her that I wished to keep hidden.

"At the time, I had little power, but I was immortal. She didn't believe the bird at first, laughing it off as a