Page 62 of Fated for Dawn

I cut her off. “Incarnate, yeah, yeah. I think we’ve been over this already.” I crossed my arms. “Still, I wasn’t the one hiding for over a year before declaring myself ruler of the world.”

She arched an eyebrow before composing herself, tilting her chin up. “Timing is everything, my dear.” She shook her head as if indulging a child’s naïve question. “But you wouldn’t understand. I can teach you. That’s why I’m here. We don’t need to be enemies. You could join my cause and be one of my generals. Together, we’ll enslave the humans and punish the gods—and anyone who stands in our way.”

“Tempting…” I drawled. “But let’s say we conquer the world—then what?”

“Don’t you wish to be powerful, invincible?”

“Not on my bucket list,” I replied nonchalantly.

“You’re just Hecate’s little pet project. A pawn. And when she’s done with you? She’ll toss you aside like all the others. Tell me, do you truly want to die for her?”

“Done that. Came back,” I declared with a shrug.

Eris’s expression barely flickered. “Once you live as long as I have, you’ll understand.”

“You’re bored. I get it. But hijacking someone else’s body and throwing the world into chaos? Bit dramatic, don’t you think?”

She laughed, the sound ringing through the courtyard. “Bored? Bored? You think I’m bored? That’s hilarious, my child.” But then, just as suddenly, the laughter died. Her face darkened. “I’m Chaos. Destruction. I don’t get bored.”

“Yet you fail to understand that it’s all about balance,” I told her. “Chaos can’t exist without order.”

“I didn’t come here for a philosophical lecture.” Her voice was laced with irritation. “You’re Hecate’s warrior. That makes us enemies. But we don’t have to be. I can offer you everything you desire. Protect those you love. All you have to do is join me.” She extended a hand, her lips curling into a sly smile. “Together, we’ll face the gods and take over this world—and the Underworld. No more dying. No more pain. No more hiding in the shadows.” Her gaze flickered across the crowd. “This offer extends to anyone willing to stand at my side. I will grant you power beyond your wildest dreams.”

Her smile was scary as fuck. Yet, she wielded her charm like a weapon, her voice a siren’s call, promising salvation.

I had to wonder—would anyone take it?

Jealousy was a powerful thing. The desire for strength wasn’t uncommon among supernaturals. Strength meant security, power meant survival. But power also corrupted. Some used it to protect. Others used it to crush those beneath them.

I exhaled, gripping my sword hilt as I drew it from its sheath. “I promised the gods, and I intend to keep it. You won’t spread your chaos here. And your followers will regret every ounce of dark magic they used to bring you back.”

Eris barely glanced at my weapon, waving a hand in dismissal. Was she truly unbothered or just pretending to be? I didn’t know. Gods were unpredictable. And Eris was used to getting what she wanted.

Maybe I really was an ant before a mountain.

But history has proven that even the mighty fall when they believe themselves untouchable.

Eris had revealed herself, and I refused to be intimidated.

I shifted into a stance, my grip tightening around the hilt of my sword.

Around me, Lucien stood at the ready, potions in hand. Professors had taken a position beside him, with Adrien and Raven among them. Alister and Ryker were nowhere to be seen.

A rustle of wings drew my attention upward—Rafe and Zade still circled above, poised to strike.

Eris’s gaze followed mine to the sky, and her smile deepened. “Your allies are impressive, but can they save you? Do you think they can stand against a goddess?”

Before I could tell her to drop dead, her voice rang out across the lawn, cutting through the charged air like a blade. “For those who wish to see what true power looks like, stay. Witness the beginning of something greater than you ever imagined.”

With a flick of her wrist, she sent a ripple of energy through the air. The hum of magic vibrated in my bones.

At first, I thought it was another shockwave.

Then I heard it.

A low, rhythmic thrum. The sound of marching.

Eris’s smile widened. “I want them all to witness.” She gestured to the scattered students, the officers, and even my friends. “I want everyone to understand the futility of resistance. To see that my power is limitless.”

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