It starts with him and ends with her.
That’s what Savis told Nox she saw in Cascading Light on Thailea millions of years past. She meant Xelan, and Nox eventually took it to also mean Celindria.
But now I’m not so convinced.
[SS]: “You think it might mean Xelan and Rayne?”
Possibly. Or even Nox and Rayne. The end began with Nox’s hatred for Enki that Rayne may one day finish.
[SS]: I wince at that. I hate that so many people talk about your dying like it’s inevitable, Rayne.
Forgive me, amos. Let’s speak of the past and not worry for the distant and only half-understood future.
{Cinder | 2002}
“And this, General, is the blood of Celindria’s descendant, Rayne Callahan. Is it sufficient for your return?”
The primary care doctor traveled a long way via a CoN-maintained trade route with all the pirates and merchants willing to entertain Earth’s growing market. I swear I didn’t know then it involved human slavery. I hope you’ve learned by now that I take personal issue with that form of stock.
[SS]: Right. So, we learned this while you were asleep, but Matt and Lucy discovered a hidden slave ring. CoN abducted girls, forced nacres on them, and sent them through the Enki conduit in Russia. Reipon held auctions where the humans were often sold to Lukemore for mill labor. That’s what happened to Bethany before Razor discovered her in the cloth dyes.
It’s really messed up.
Standing in a minefield under the shadow of Umbra’s Spire, I watched the human sweat and struggle to breathe in Cinder’s atmosphere. I felt little pity for him, but he was a good lackey. I rewarded him and his human escort with a rare gift.
“Our King will grant you an audience once we successfully reach Earth. You have his gratitude.”
Their eyes widened and dazzled. They bowed and thanked me as I opened my wings to their excited gasps. “Best hurry back to receive it before you suffocate on our world.”
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Still expressing their gratitude, they left. I flew back to the Castle with the precious vial.
All our salvation in this tiny bottle belonged to a fourteen-year-old girl.
In Cascading Light, sprite, you look older. Although, it’s admittedly difficult to tell the age of humanity compared to nacre-bearing beings. But I’d estimate early twenties in the image.
Mid-flight, I smirked, knowing where I’d find Nox. Sure, him staring at the image of you was a symptom of his obsessiveness. Not healthy by any means. But it was far better than his brooding at the Martyr Complex or Elden’s throne.
And this way, I got to torment Colita incessantly.
“Oh, you mean you can’t pull his attention away from a non-corporeal fire? Have you tried using your mouth?” I meant kissing, but judging how fast her face flushed cobalt, she thought of another activity.
“I’ll have you know, General, that I’ve tried everything. The only solution is for you to remove the pyre at once.”
I barked out a humorless laugh. “No fucking way. Staring into that image gives our King far more joy than these last two million years of your attentions. And Colita?”
She looked away from me, but I brought her back with a finger under her chin.
I warned, “Do not challenge him on this. I think you look prettier with your head attached. Now, go serve your purpose. I await you both for the journey.”
Colita jerked her head away from me with a forlorn frown as she entered Nox’s chamber.
What happened next, amos?
[SS]: A little bewildered, I blow the air from my cheeks before answering. “Colita challenged him, and he threatened to kill her.”
I never got to say, “I told you so.”
[SS]: Is it bad that I’m snickering at that?
What’s next?
[SS]: “Uhm. He opened a conduit for a small amount of time to let the first of your legions onto Earth.”
Korac… he’s pale.
I’m sorry. But that’s not exactly accurate. Now, I’m ashamed to admit this, but I want no secrets between us. You can redact this if you like, but I’ll be honest with you.
Before we crossed the threshold into Earth, Nox engaged me in a wager. We bet the throne of Earth and you on it. The first man to successfully bed their designated Progeny target in their dreams and in reality, ruled your planet and took you on the throne.
[SS]: “You totally won. Right?” Korac had better. I was trying hard enough to get in his pants.
I… I… That’s not—
[SS]: His mouth is hanging open while he’s gawking at me.
“Look. Let’s face it. Your desperation, impotence, and grief made both of you villainous assholes. This isn’t exactly news to me, but at some point, the two of you stopped looking at us as an assignment. What I’m understanding with Nox and Rayne, is that it was far too late by the time Nox figured it out. He’d committed the ultimate, unforgivable fuck up. But you…
“You never endangered me. You never forced yourself on me. And when it mattered most, you chose my side.
“This revelation changes nothing.”
At some point during my speech, he closed his eyes as if he’s absorbing my words into his soul. Swallowing hard before opening them, he—
I—
Tears.
Korac is crying.