“Um, Khent…”
“Do not speak back to me that way, boy.”
“Don’t tell me what to do with my mate, female.”
Morpheus clapped a hand over his face.
Val did the same, not surprised when a beam of moonlight shifted and speared into Khent, throwing him through a stone wall out into the vast desert.
His sudden disappearance brought Selene’s attention to Val.
Not an idiot, Val took a cautious step back. “Um, I would never tell you what to do.”
“Of course not.Youhave manners.” Selene studied her.
Breathing out a sigh of relief, Val didn’t expect Selene to approach and cup her chin. The goddess’s hand buzzed with light and energy.
“Ah, I see it. You are the vessel. Such a sweet morsel for those who crave life.”
Val blinked, unable to move, caught in the web of moonlight’s kiss.
“You have power, Valentine Darkmore. A great gift given to your parents and thus to you. Because they chose to value your life over their own, the prophecy has grown in strength. It can no longer be avoided.” Selene sighed. Then she bent to kiss the top of Val’s head.
Val wavered on her feet, overcome. She would have fallen if Khent hadn’t arrived to sweep her into his arms while he growled at his ancient relation.
“Khent, stop,” she whispered.
He ceased, switching his focus to Val. His eyes narrowed. “What did she do to you?”
“Thank her, you idiot,” Morpheus said as he joined them and nodded to Selene.
“For what? Annoying me?”
Morpheus glowered. “For blessing your mate with moonlight.”
“What?”
Selene shook her head. “He takes after my husband.”
“Thank you.” Khent nodded, full of conceit.
She chuckled. “Our wild children, so fierce. Ambrogio will like you, Khentimentiu. That’s if you live long enough to greet him at the end.” Her expression saddened when she glanced at Val.
Khent held her tighter, dark wings flaring wide then curling around them, caging her within his protection.
“Remember, Valentine Darkmore. You have choices to make. And those choices will affect everyone around you.” Selene slowly disappeared into a passing moonbeam.
The sudden silence felt reverent.
Until Morpheus ruined the moment. “She sure has a way of leaving you wanting more, am I right?”
Khent huffed. “Dream god, is this necessary? Valentine and I were sleeping peacefully.”
“You’re welcome.” Morpheus huffed, mimicking Khent. “I just wanted her to meet you. She’s been asking, and I thought it was time.” He studied them and ran a finger over one of Khent’s black feathers. “Whoa. A lot of death there, big guy.”
“Yes, for those asking for it,” Khent said, his teeth sharp as he hissed at Morpheus.
Val nudged him to set her down, feeling more herself. “I, ah, maybe we should head back, Morpheus. The last time you brought us somewhere, you got hurt.”
