Page 60 of Consort of the Dragon King

“Their mother was the Destiny Power before Shaleia. She abandoned her post when she fell in love with their father, who was a spider shifter here in the Living Realm. Unlike your father, she refused to return to the Divine Realm to face the council. To punish her rebellion and put the fear into the rest of the Powers, they banished her to the Beyond Realm and forbid her daughters Sophina and Shaleia from ever returning to the Living Realm.”

Auslin’s heart went out to the twins. “I can’t believe they punished her daughters because of what she did.”

“It is exceedingly unfair, but the council refuses to change their minds, despite the twins obeying the ban for centuries.”

“The council won’t punish me if I go to the Divine Realm, would they?”

Kizoshi shook her head. “No, you have nothing to fear from them since you do not have an official duty.”

“In that case, I’d like to go someday, if it’s not too much trouble.”

She smiled at him. “It is no trouble at all.”

The prospect of visiting the Divine Realm was beyond exciting. He regretted he wouldn’t be able to bring Sephen, though. As Auslin continued trying to process all the information, he realized, “Wait, so does this mean my scent changed, too?”

“Slightly, yes,” Kizoshi confirmed. “There is now a trace scent of ancient magic that is a signature marker of all the Powers. It is most pleasant, I assure you.”

Auslin could only imagine what that smelled like. He wished not for the first time that he could experience the world on that level. His mind wandered as he tried to process everything he hadlearned. “Why are you answering all my questions so directly?” Auslin suspiciously asked.

“Would you prefer me to be indecipherably cryptic?” It was impossible not to laugh along with Kizoshi.

“No,” Auslin denied while still laughing, “but it worries me you’re being so upfront instead of making me decode your riddles.”

She tilted her head to concede the point. “I suppose that is fair.”

“I mean, don’t get me wrong. I appreciate your directness,” Auslin hurriedly reassured her, “but somehow, it almost makes me more nervous.”

“Be at ease, Auslin. I am merely telling you what you need to know.”

“You mean what I need to know rightnow,” Auslin corrected, knowing Kizoshi was a stickler for technicalities and qualifiers.

Kizoshi radiated amusement. “If you wish for sneak peeks of the future, you will have to befriend Sophina yourself.”

“The thought is slightly terrifying. I can only imagine how fearsome the Fate Power must be.”

“I believe the reality will surprise you,” Kizoshi predicted. “It is one more thing for you to look forward to on a future visit to the Divine Realm.”

“Since you’re being so unusually generous with information,” Auslin said in a teasing tone, “is there anything else you wish to tell me?”

“I have already told you more about the future than you realize.” Kizoshi’s playful wink made him laugh. “But you will come to understand my meaning one day.”

Auslin ruffled his hair. “Are you saying that you were being cryptic by being direct?”

“You should know better by now than to expect anything else.”

“Yes, I suppose that’s true.”

“You need not fear me, Auslin. I will always have only your best interest at heart,” Kizoshi promised him. “We will have more words later.”

He recognized the dismissal. “I appreciate you talking with me today.” Auslin gestured at his arms. “And for all this.”

“It is always a pleasure,” Kizoshi replied with a beautiful smile.

Before he left the room, Auslin had another question. “Are you staying long?”

“For a few weeks,” she answered.

“Great! I can introduce my brother to you.”

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