Page 151 of Stars in Aura

The goddess’s fingers traced the rim of her goblet, her nails taloned and shaped from black diamonds.

‘Your presence here was long foretold.’

Issa swallowed. ‘Why?’

The immortal’s gaze slid in the direction of Ki’Remi, assessing him.

‘Because it was prophesied eons ago that Sulfiqar’s downfall would come at the hands of three potent wizards. At the behest of you both.’

A slow, predatory smirk curled Ki’Remi’s lips. ‘Nada, no idea of what you speak of.’

The goddess tilted her head, eyes glittering with amusement.

Her stare locked onto him, raking over and impossibly through him.

‘Naam, you do, for you are more than you seem.’

Issa’s breath caught, and Ki’Remi’s mind flooded with the vision of his shifting spirits.

The ancient warlock, witchman, and warrior.

The Seer, Soothsayer, and Sorcerer within him were like the echoes of a force older than time.

Somayeh raised her goblet, taking an unhurried sip.

‘Whatever you two have come to stir up, tis not a game, Issandra Elaris Astraeus D’Leqan. Tis war.’

Irritated, Issa clapped back. ‘Appears you’ve already started one by ridding yourself of Ssigard. Where is your husband, pray to tell?’

‘Tis not of consequence; all that matters is one deity. Sulfiqar.’

The name landed like an invocation to battle, laced with bitter anger.

She bent forward, her breath warm as it washed over them both.

‘The Divine Immortal is unwell.’

‘We know that,’ Issa gritted.

The goddess tilted away from them. ‘He’s now out of control, half out of his mind, an unchecked storm in a blitzkrieg of vengeance.’

Her gaze darkened.

‘And tempests destroy. We can’t have that.’

With that, she marched away, leaving the couple alone.

Issa exhaled, shaking her head. ‘They’re petulant children.’

Ki’Remi curled a lip, still unimpressed. ‘Agreed.’

Issa arched a brow. ‘However, all they do is amplify our behavior, for we demi-gods and mere mortals all have bad days, tantrums, and weaknesses.’

The Sableman scoffed, rolling his deltoids. ‘Not me.’

She snorted. ‘Arrogant mofo.’

His grin was slow and dangerous.

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