Page 129 of Faerie Hunted

“What the hell do you mean by life, then? Am I going to die anyway?” I thought I had.

Did it make a difference if I died now, or later? No.

“This is not what I wanted for you, Octavia.” The goddess ignored my question and considered me sadly. “I am so sorry.”

How did I know she was sad without seeing her full expression?

I just felt it. Deep inside of me.

“This wasn’t part of the plan. But even the gods are thwarted by the deeds of men. Free will enables them to make decisions outside of the best interests of the few and the many.”

I shook my head. “I don’t get it. Gods are supposed to be all-powerful and all-knowing. How in the world can mankind—any kind—thwart you?”

“Free will. It is the way of existence as well, as you have found. Directions are not always followed and the future is never set in stone.”

At once, the words to the Faerie Prophecy filled my head.

At croaching light of black moon morn

A shifter child shall be born.

An innocent and pure of heart

Born to rip the Fae apart.

Born to rip the Fae apart.

A wicked end, downfall's start.

And falling into endless night

Shall bathe the blood with sweet delight.

And as the light of day is done

The fearsome battle shall be won

For those who claim the heart of Fae

To mend and shape, no more to slay.

The shadows done, the feud descend.

No more to sunder. Done and end.

The shifter child, half and whole,

Tis she unites the factions old.

Tis she unites the factions old,

Tis she who rules.

All hail.

Her soul.

It said nothing of witches or powers or goddesses.

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