Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 231436 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1157(@200wpm)___ 926(@250wpm)___ 771(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 231436 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1157(@200wpm)___ 926(@250wpm)___ 771(@300wpm)
He thinks that means she wants to spend time with him, so it makes him happy. She asks him what he plans to do about the embers, and he tells her he’ll take them and Ascend her, not knowing she is already on her way. She asks what Ascension will mean for her, and he says she’ll become an Ascended. Sera can only think about the woman she killed.
She then asks what will happen when he Ascends, and he tells her he will ensure loyalty in both realms.
After breakfast, Kolis frees her. They walk, and Elias joins them. Sera asks if it’ll be night anytime soon, and Kolis says it will be in about a week. He explains that it’s only night once per month, which is the equivalent of three days in the mortal realm. Sera’s shocked that she’s been there for three weeks already. Kolis tells her that she slept for several days after her escape attempt.
Looking at the city, Sera remembers telling Ash that it was beautiful and him telling her that it is on the surface and from a distance. She asks Kolis how many live within the City of the Gods, and he says there aren’t many. When she asks what happened, he tells her they’re dead. She thought he killed them, but he tells her it was the Fates. She then asks about the current scent of death, and he tells her that was him. Some gods disappointed him.
Kolis walks away, and Elias reminds Sera to be careful how she speaks to Kolis, warning her that he’s easy to rile. She thanks him.
The false King returns, and they continue their walk. Sera sees all the alcoves, and Kolis tells her she looks perplexed. She replies that it’s just a lot of sex. He asks if it bothers her, and she says it doesn’t; it’s just a lot. He explains that being near Death makes the living want to live. And what better way to capture that feeling?
They get to the Council Hall, and the embers hum within her, making her nervous. He asks her why, and she says it’s the crowd. He tells her she needn’t worry. When she says she knows, he takes it as her thinking she’s safe with him.
It’s so not.
When they enter, Sera sees a napping draken and the throne. She locks gazes with Kyn and wonders if he knows Kolis’s gift is no longer on the table for him. Then she sees Attes. And Keella. The Primal goddess has sadness in her eyes. Sera wonders if she knows her plans went awry.
Phanos and Embris aren’t there, nor are Maia or Veses—though that one is to be expected since she’s still a prisoner at the House of Haides.
Callum brings in a floor pillow, and she’s made to sit at Kolis’s feet like a hound. She watches as the servants enter and listens as Kolis addresses the gathering. Sera notices Diaval, another beautiful god next to him, and more draken. She also sees the Revenant, Dyses.
Kolis orders her to drink when a server brings around a tray, then shifts his focus to Keella. The Primal goddess says she’s come because of Sera and knows who she is. Kolis says she should, insinuating that Keella knows whose soul Sera has. He then asks her if she knew before the coronation.
Keella addresses Sera using her Shadowlands title and asks about Nyktos. Kolis snaps and says he is where he should be, given he killed Hanan. Keella then asks if he did it to protect his Consort, referencing the law. Kolis says his nephew’s actions could have had lasting consequences. Keella counters that another has risen, and it should be a blessing, then asks if he’s going to stop what he’s doing since it goes against tradition and honor.
He asks her since when, then adds that he didn’t sanction the coronation. Turning to Kyn, he asks if he gave permission, and Kyn lies and says he didn’t.
Keella asks if Sera will be released when Nyktos is, and Kolis tells her that she’s not going back to him. When the Primal asks if she is there of her own free will, Kolis tells her to ask Sera herself. Sera wants to yell that she’s not there of her own accord, but she knows better. She says she’s in Dalos by choice. It makes her feel ill.
Sera watches as a god grabs a passing servant and bites her. It makes her see red. She asks if the Chosen have choices, and Kolis says they’ve had nearly all their choices made for them all their lives. He looks at the couple and says it appears as if the servant is enjoying herself. Sera disagrees. He tells her that where they couldn’t be touched or spoken to in the mortal realm, they can in Dalos. He says Sera views them as victims, whereas he sees those starved for what’s been forbidden. He tells her that the Chosen have opportunities in Dalos. They can shed their veils or Ascend.