Holland clasped his hands behind his back. “You know what must be done.”
I did.
I was just about to ask him how him telling me what needed to be done wasn’t considered interference, but I figured it would be a waste of my time.
“Do you have any questions?”
“Can you tell me anything useful about defeating Kolis?”
Holland returned my stare with a look as lifeless as the marble statues lining the Hall of Gods.
“Whatever,” I said, wanting to leave and return to Casteel. But something Lirian had said resurfaced. “Why would my birth have anything to do with Kolis?”
A flicker of something like discomfort or unease passed over Holland’s stoic face, sending a wave of dread through me. “It’s because of what you are.”
So, it was because of the essence I carried within me? I probably should’ve guessed that at this point.
“It’s because of who you are,” Thorne added, drawing my gaze to his. “To him.”
“I’mnothingto him.” The words spilled out before I could even process them, each laced with venom that surprised me. Sure, Kolis was the enemy, and from what I knew of him, he sounded like a horrible being, but I had no personal ties to him. Still, those stinging words made it feel personal.
The splotches of blue and brown in Thorne’s gaze churned. “You are everything to him.”
I’ve always known you. A chill of revulsion crawled up my spine at the dry, brittle voice that slithered into my mind. I’d taken a step back without realizing it. Where had I heard that voice before?
Thorne stared, his gaze unwavering.
“You know what needs to be done.”
Blinking at the sound of Holland’s voice, I dragged my attention from Thorne. “I know.” I swallowed the taste of bile. “I need to end Kolis. And I will.”
“Good.” The essence flared brightly in Holland’s eyes as a silver, shimmering line of energy appeared to our right. A tear in the realm started to open. “Once you return to the mortal realm, your powers will be unbound.”
I almost thanked him. Luckily, I stopped myself and decided it was probably best to leave without saying another word. I turned to the tear, catching the faint scent of pine. My heart sped up, but I faced them. “What was the point?”
“Of?” Thorne asked.
“Of this. Today,” I said. “Our not-very-helpful chat.”
Holland laughed quietly. “It was important for you to know what you are.”
I met his stare. “I already know who I am.”
Glancing at Thorne, I turned once more.
“Poppy,” Holland called.
Damn it.
I stopped.
“Lifealwaysprevails,” Holland said.
“But you.” Thorne stepped forward, his swirling eyes meeting mine. “Only you can liberate bone and ash. Only you can liberate death.”
CHAPTER 17
CASTEEL
