Chapter 61
SIXTY-ONE
"I don't remember anyone inviting you tonight, Ze," Thea quips, breaking the spell.
"I invited myself." Ze shrugs, not taking his eyes off me.
"You—" She takes a deep breath as Cer grabs her hand, a warning in his gaze. "The least you could do is acknowledge Wyn. She is the one we're celebrating tonight, after all."
Ze takes one look at Wyn and nods before going back to ignoring them.
"I hate him," Thea grumbles under her breath, followed by a stern reproach from Cer.
My body trembles with relief as the fog that's taken over my mind slowly dissipates. Relief fills me to the brim. Good Lord, what was that insanity? What the hell had come over me? I'm not sure what would have happened if Thea hadn't spoken at that moment. It's almost as if my body had a mind of its own, and only one purpose—him.
I remain silent as we continue on to the ballroom.
The doors open just as we arrive, the blinding lights from the chandeliers dazzling me. The music is loud and boisterous, as is the chatter that engulfs the room. There are refreshments and small bites by the side of the room, available for everyone to help themselves. Everyone is preoccupied with socializing, and so far no one is dancing—but I assume that may be because Wyn has yet to arrive.
In line with the rest of the house, the ballroom is a combination of marble and gold, with baroque-like wall decorations. There are marble columns adorned with golden leaves at every entrance, as well as friezes depicting battle scenes on each side of the room, high up where the wall meets the ceiling.
As we stop at the entrance, Maros and Rhea come forward to greet us. As her father, Maros takes Wyn's arm, leading her into the ballroom as the butler announces their arrival.
Everyone stops what they're doing to stare at Wyn and admire her dress. Whispers abound, and I catch wind of a few remarks—mostly positive. They're praising her beauty and the way the color blue accentuates her coloring. Yet there are also the off-handed comments, and they all come from one side of the ballroom. I hold onto the sound of those bitter voices and search them with my gaze, not surprised when I spot Elora and her band of bullies present. The king is by her side too, together with a few other people whom I assume to be in the royal entourage.
As Wyn and her parents go around the room to make introductions with all people present, the butler calls out our names and invites us to proceed inside—me on Ze's arm, and Thea on Cer's.
"What happens now?" I whisper to Ze as I let my gaze roam about the room.
"Arwyn and Cerenios will open the first dance. But first, she must finish her introductions."
"Maros and Rhea are taking her to meet all the men, I see," I note drily.
Although I suppose they'll have to greet everyone eventually, it's quite obvious that her parents are vying for the eligible bachelors first, more or less pushing Wyn forward to force them to notice her.
"It is my understanding they wish to see her wed before the end of the year."
"So soon?" I blink.
He purses his lips as he nods, and I get the impression there's more to that than meets the eye.
Ze takes me to the refreshment table, straight to the dessert section, and piles a plate full of chocolates for me before thrusting it into my face.
"Eat," he commands.
"Oh, thanks," I murmur, accepting it. Did I eat today? With everything that happened, I don't remember having much. And although chocolate doesn't qualify as food—technically—it is the one thing I can never refuse.
As I take a bite of the delectable truffle confections, I turn to look for Cer and Thea. After we came inside, they somehow disappeared.
"There." Ze points to the open doors that lead into the gardens. "They are there."
I don't get to question him for reading my mind without my approval as I note the tension between Cer and Thea. He grabs Thea by the shoulders, shaking her while telling her something. His jaw is clenched tight, his body tense as his fingers dig into her bare flesh.
"What's happening?" I whisper, worried. We've barely been here for a few minutes and they're already fighting?
"Something about a bet," Ze frowns.
"What about the bet?"
He licks his lips as he slides closer to me.
"You cannot proposition a male in the middle of the ballroom, Thea," Ze says in a somber voice, and it takes me a moment to realize he's repeating what Cer is saying. "This is cheating. The bet is off."
"I didn't see her proposition a male." I blink. If she did, damn, she works fast.
"You didn't say how , Cer. You're just salty you're losing," Ze continues, now changing his voice to a high-pitched one to emulate Thea.
Laughter bubbles in my throat at his acting, though even more amusing is the fact that Ze doesn't realize how funny he is.
"You know, sometimes Cer acts more like a jealous boyfriend than an overprotective brother," I add jokingly.
Ze narrows his eyes at me, silently glaring at me.
My smile dies on my lips.
"Cerenios should learn to ignore her folly. She is an inconsequential female in the grand scheme of things, and his affection for her will only bring about his downfall," Ze grits out.
And that is my cue to drop the subject. I can understand that a stickler for rules like Ze would disapprove of Thea for her past mistakes, but I don't see why he'd carry such a grudge for centuries. He really doesn't like her. And that in turn makes any conversation that mentions her uncomfortable. He might be my friend, but Thea is my friend, too, and I don't badmouth any of my friends.
We remain on the sidelines as I continue to silently eat my chocolate. Ze is faithfully by my side, his hand on my shoulder as he keeps me close to him, looming over me with his imposing height.
Yet even as we keep to ourselves, it's easy to see that Ze acts more or less as a repellent to everyone in the ballroom. There's a danger zone of a couple of meters radius that no one dares to cross, just because Ze is there. The space around us is eerily empty considering the ballroom is packed. And the few people whose gazes stray to us quickly look away and pretend to busy themselves with something else.
"I hate people," Ze grumbles when a couple scurries away, careful not to breach the danger zone. All the while, the man warns his date not to look at Ze—loud enough that even I can hear him.
"I think I hate people too," I mumble, once more incensed on his behalf.
"Do you want more chocolate?" he asks when he notices my almost empty plate.
"No. I'm full," I add absentmindedly as he takes the plate from me.
He nods slowly, but he doesn't take his eyes from me.
"Would you like some ale or wine?"
I shake my head, the taste of alcohol immediately inundating my mouth.
"No. I'm good," I mutter, doing my best not to retch.
"Juice?"
I shake my head again.
"Water?" he continues.
"No, thank you."
"Hot chocolate?"
Now, that gets my attention. And not because I want some—I've had enough chocolate, thank you very much. But because Ze is being odd.
Turning to look at him, I note his brows bunched together as he studies me.
"What do you want then? Tell me and I shall get it for you."
"I don't want anything."
"You must want something. Tell me. Whatever it is, I will get it for you." He lays his hands on my shoulders in assurance.
"I'm serious, Ze. I don't want anything. But thank you for asking."
"Not even a cow from your world? I could get you one—just the meat this time. It might take me a bit longer to go to your world and return, but I can bring it to you in...ten minutes?"
"Ze." I blink. "What's wrong with you? Why are you suddenly bent on getting me something?"
He pauses, watching me with trepidation as he bites his lower lip.
"You do not want anything?"
"No. I told you."
He takes a deep breath before he nods, turning away from me.
"Ze. Can you tell me what brought this on?" I ask as I pull on his sleeve, willing him to face me.
He doesn't, merely staring ahead. But slowly, he signals around us with his hand, pointing to the danger zone. It takes me a few moments to realize what he means.
My heart is in my throat, my mouth suddenly dry.
He was trying to distract my attention from the fact that people are openly insulting and avoiding him.
Just at that moment, the orchestra changes its tune, going into a melody that resembles a waltz as Wyn and Cer slide onto the dance floor, their feet moving gracefully to the sound of the music. Far from the tense look he sported previously, Cer is gazing upon his sister with brotherly adoration.
They twirl around the middle of the dance floor for the first few minutes before other couples join in.
"Let's dance," I suddenly say, grabbing Ze's hand and pulling him toward the dance floor. Maybe this will help him take his mind off those rude assholes.
A look of pure horror crosses his face.
"Are you mad, human?" He hisses. "I do not know how to dance!"
"Neither do I. But we can follow what others are doing. Come!"
He releases a deep sigh, but he follows me.
We take our place among the many other dancers, and Ze pulls me to his chest, fitting one arm against my lower back. We move slowly to the music. We may be slightly inept, but no one's laughing—and if they were, who cares?
The heat from his body is intoxicating, speaking of safety and comfort despite the danger he poses to my senses. It's an odd dichotomy, but whenever I'm with him, I feel untouchable.
A smile pulls at my lips as I regard him affectionately, my heart as warm as his embrace. His scent infiltrates my nostrils, a combination of musk and leather and a hint of an oriental scent, spice and smoke—all making for a tantalizing combination. I breathe him in, and a deep calm settles over me. The same spell that's messed with my mind before is starting to sink its claws into me again, making me lose all willpower when it comes to this man—all ability to say no.
"See, we can do it?" I murmur, tilting my head to the side.
His pupils are dilated, his cheeks sporting the merest hint of red. His lips slowly curl up to reveal a boyish smile as he lets himself go, enjoying the moment without a care for the world, for his reputation or how people perceive him. That doesn't mean it doesn't exist, though. Unfortunately, just like before, a danger zone forms around us. People avoid getting too close, and the mutinous stares abound.
"Just say the word, and I will destroy them." He leans in to murmur in my ear.
"W-what?"
"If they insult you, they insult me."
"And if you are the one they insult?"
"I do not matter," he replies evenly.
"Why would you not matter?"
"Because I do not." He shrugs.
"You matter to me." I smile at him.
His eyes widen. He ponders my words for a moment.
"Then I matter only if I matter to you."
We stare at each other for moments on end, the music an insignificant pulsation in my ear as the beat of my heart—of our hearts—becomes deafening. So much so, I have trouble breathing, a myriad of ant-like creatures furrowing under my skin and making me infinitely restless.
"I quit the Game," I blurt out, afraid of this moment and his effect on me.
He doesn't seem surprised. If anything, his smile deepens as he nods in appreciation.
"You have made a fine decision."
"You don't want to know why ?"
"Because you are a sensible female." He nods.
"I clearly remember you calling me sense less ," I add drily.
"Nonsense," he scoffs. "You are merely young and inexperienced."
I raise a brow at him. I guess this is a step up from senseless and foolish.
"You are impossible." I laugh.
At that moment, the beat of the music changes, and the pairs of dancers switch partners. I glance around in confusion. Cer stops in front of us, his hand thrust forward as he invites me for a dance.
"No," Ze states vehemently, more or less shoving me behind him while glaring at Cer.
"It is just a dance, Commander," he says wryly.
"Not with her . Go find yourself your own female," he grits out, baring his teeth at him.
"Uhm, Ze... It's fine. It's just a dance."
"No," he repeats.
Cer has an amused expression on his face, silently laughing at Ze's feral one. As they are engaged in a glaring competition, I scan our surroundings, noticing that Wyn is dancing with a different man. Thea, too, has a partner for this dance.
Aha! So this is why Cer chose me to switch with. All his other choices are already taken.
"Ze, seriously. It's not a big deal."
"I said no , human," he mentions to me in a softer tone before turning his attention back to Cer, his voice becoming harsh and unyielding. "Stand down, Cerenios. This is an order."
Just as I think this exchange is pointless since Ze is never going to get it out of his head that I can be his friend and also be Cer's friend, too, both suddenly stop, their bodies tensing.
"Demons have been sighted at the South Gate," Ze mentions. "They have already overpowered the guards and are heading for the palace."
"Damn it," Cer curses.
"We need to take care of it. Now," Ze commands, to which Cer nods.
Turning to me, Ze appraises me with his gaze.
"You will be safe here. I will return once the demons have been annihilated. Should you need me in the meanwhile, simply call my name." He doesn't wait for my reply. With a glance at Cer, they both vanish out of sight.
Since I'm the only person alone on the dance floor, I quietly retreat to the side. But seeing that I'm now without Ze, random people swarm around me to question me about him. Despite disliking him, they sure are curious about him.
"I heard he eats a god a day. Is that true?"
"Does he even sleep?"
"Oh my, does he sleep with you?"
The barrage of questions keeps coming, and surprisingly, it's mostly the women who have those curiosities. Out in the open, they snub him, but secretly, they wonder what it would be like to be with someone of his notoriety.
"If you'll excuse me." I force a smile as I elbow my way through the growing crowd, doing my best to evade these hypocrites. Ze is not some zoo exhibit for their amusement, and I have no interest in telling them anything they might use to start some new rumor that will paint him in an even worse light. To avoid more of the same questions, I make a beeline for the double doors that lead to the inner gardens.
I take a deep breath as I fit my back to the cold wall. I suppose no matter what world you're in, people will behave the same—be they mortals or gods. There's the same hunger for gossip; the same joy at someone else's downfall.
These damn people hate Ze so openly, but they're still hungry for more information about him. Due to him being so private and closed-off, I don't think too many things are known about him other than the fact that he's scary.
And that he can kill gods, which seems to be a skill not many have.
"Enjoying the party?" a voice asks from deep within the shadows.
I raise my brows as I search for the source.
Small, graceful steps reveal a lithe woman dressed in a red gown. Her hair is in a slick bun at her nape, her makeup sultry and heavy. Her green eyes are entirely kohl-lined in black, emphasizing the color of her irises.
"Yes." I nod, mustering a pleasant smile.
I assume she's going back inside as she walks by, but she surprises me by taking a spot next to me and leaning against the wall.
"The crowd can be a crush. I've never been a fan of these events, but Arwyn looks lovely," she comments.
As I was about to put my guard up thinking she's looking for more gossip on Ze, she surprises me with her kind remark.
"She is beautiful." My lips pull into a smile. "And she looks so happy. I'm glad the ball turned out so well for her."
"It is by far one of the most successful debuts I've ever been to."
"You've been to a lot?" I blink.
She nods.
"Hundreds. But that is to be expected at my age."
She doesn't offer a number, but the implication is enough to note she's old—very old.
"This is my first one. I've only been in Aperion for a short time."
"You are human, no?" She tilts her head to the side.
"Does that bother you?"
"No, of course not. I am not a snob. I have nothing against humans or any other mortal species. We have created them, have we not? Why should we look down on our creations?"
"I've heard that not many share your view."
"They are snobs," she scoffs. "And far too arrogant for their own good. We might be eternal, but we are not invulnerable. That is something that too many of my kind tend to forget."
"I'm Luce," I offer, extending my hand.
A smile curves on her lips.
"Anami. Pleased to meet you."
"What House are you from?" I ask out of curiosity.
"House of Psyche," she answers.
"Oh, do you oversee souls after they die?"
"Some do. Not me," she replies succinctly.
It's on the tip of my tongue to question her more. Nikki is still around in his soul form, and since I quit the Game, I'm anxious to know what more I can do to get to him. The letter mentioned that he is not with the House of Psyche, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't have more information—they are the soul guardians, after all.
"Oh," I murmur.
"Someone you knew died recently," she states. It's not a question. It's an observation.
I nod.
"Your...husband," she continues.
"Yes."
A sad smile tips her lips.
"My husband died, too. Many, many years ago."
"Can't you get him back? Since you're from the House of Psyche..."
"It does not work like that, unfortunately. There are two ways in which a god can die. One is due to an injury. When that happens, their soul can be salvaged. But if they die through the second way, it is permanent. My husband died through the second way."
"What is that?"
"Execution," she deadpans, her eyes meeting mine.
I freeze, and my intuition gives me a kick in the gut.
"Once a god is executed, their soul is obliterated. And that is because the sword used to execute them, The Infallible , is the only weapon in existence that can kill a god."
The expression on her face changes. No longer does she sport a kind and inviting smile; now there's only resentment.
"I should go," I murmur as I back away.
She's faster. Her fingers curl around my arm as she pulls me to her.
"Are you not curious who I am talking about, little human?"
"I know who you're talking about," I whisper.
"You know who he is— what he is—and you're still by his side?" She snarls.
"It's his duty. If your husband was executed, he must have done something bad..."
"You want to know why Azerius killed him? Because he refused to marry the chit the Supremes commanded him to. Because he chose me. That is why he had to die."
"I... I'm sorry. But your gripe is with the Supremes, not with Ze. He only enforces the rules. He doesn't make them," I say as I try to escape her hold.
"And yet, you remain by his side while knowing he is a cold-blooded killer?"
"I don't understand why you're telling me this. I have nothing to do with it."
"You don't? Think better." She smirks. "I am doing you a favor, little human, because it seems the unfeeling commander has finally caught feelings. But his ability for empathy continues to be nonexistent."
"I don't?—"
She cuts me off.
"Tell me you haven't wondered about the coincidence of it all. Your husband dies and you magically get an invitation to The Wishing Game. And if that wasn't enough, you suddenly get a team of the most powerful gods in existence aiding you win trial after trial. Do you think everything was by chance?"
"What are you talking about?" My lashes flutter in confusion.
"Are you not curious how you got your invite to the Game?"
"I was desperate to get my husband back and?—"
She laughs. She throws her head back and laughs at me.
"If only it were that simple." She shakes her head, her tone mocking. "When I saw him save your life after you fell from that bridge, I was intrigued. It was completely antithetical to the cold, emotionless Azerius I knew. He does not help people. He kills them. So if he went out of his way to save you, what else was he willing to do? Had I actually stumbled upon the one weakness the great Azerius had?"
My eyes widen. Ze saved me? He was the one who...
I swallow hard, my throat dry. One by one, her words start to make sense. It had been a coincidence that I got the invite, and soon after, three powerful gods teamed up with me and helped me pass the first two trials.
" You gave me the invite?" I ask in a tremulous voice.
She nods, a smug smile on her face.
"It confirmed to me that Azerius was in deep—far too deep. He was breaking rules right and left for you. So I just watched, collecting all the evidence I needed to end him. And oh my." She laughs. "Initially, I thought about reporting him to the Supremes so he could get the same treatment he doled out to others. But I think I have a far better punishment for him. One that will finally make him understand how I, and all the other people he hurt, feel."
A shiver goes down my back.
"You're going to kill me?" I whisper in horror.
"No, no. Nothing that dramatic." She chuckles. "But I will give you a gift."
I frown.
She releases my hand and I stumble back, rubbing my aching wrist. Opening her palm, she materializes a silver mirror in front of me.
"I will gift you the truth," she says as she hands me the mirror.
"What are you talking about?" I frown.
"This mirror will answer three questions for you. Choose them wisely. But if I were you, I would be curious to know what happened on the day my husband died. Was it really... an accident?"
I stare at her in shock.
She smiles. Taking a step back, she holds my gaze as she leaves me with one last bit of information before she vanishes.
"His sword can obliterate any soul. Even a mortal one."