Page 138 of The Stolen Kingdom

Cerberus struggled in her grasp again, and with a soft curse, she squeezed her tighter, earning a pained meow from the cat.

“How do you—”

“Maris Era Thalassa. Daughter of the ocean guardians. Survivor of Storms.”

“I am not Thal—”

“Your parents— birth parents were Thalassa.” With a grin, the creature dipped their chin to their chest and curtseyed to Maris. “Heiress to the throne of the Sea Kingdom, I am The Oracle.”

The Oracle.

Maris blinked, surprised. Valda had told her stories, but never in her wildest dream did she ever think she would find them. The one thing she couldn’t peel her eyes from was blood stains on their ragged clothing.

“Do you need me to heal your wounds?” Maris uttered, her voice a slight whisper.

The Oracle’s grotesque smile sent a shiver down Maris’s back.

“A true Asclepius worshipper, indeed! Worried about other’s wellbeing rather than her own. You have learned your lesson, it seemed.” The Oracle’s hand trailed over their chest, touching the bloody wraps. “I usually answer one question, but you are the first to ever ask about my wellbeing.” Grinning, the Oracle waved their hand dismissively before shaking their head. “I do not need healing. My wounds will return. But you seem to be terrified about something. I hope is not because of me.”

Maris shook her head. Realizing that the Oracle couldn’t see, she answered with a simple no. The Oracle waved their hand for Maris to come closer, but she didn’t. She didn’t move an inch before the Oracle straightened their back.

“I am a vessel to the Fates. I wander Umbriel’s desert seeing everything…” They inhaled and lifted their head to the dark sky. “I know you have questions about the war, Survivor of Storms.” Their voice cracked, dropping to a heavy whisper. “Ask me anything. I will answer your question. But it can only be one.” The Oracle pointed one crooked finger at Maris and chuckled. “Don’t play tricks like your mate did. Even if you ask two questions in one sentence, I will only answer one. So, think your question through.”

The fear diminished, as did Cerberus’ snarls. The cat rumbled and purred within her arms, her tail swatting from side to side. One question. She was allowed to ask the Oracleone question. There was only one thing she wished to know, and as much as the answer petrified her… Maris needed to know.

“Oracle,” Maris cleared her throat as the creature leaned towards her, tilting their head to the side, angling their ear. “I need to know, if—”

“Maris!”

The press of a furry face woke her up. If it wasn’t for the smell of burning wood and the sound of hooves outside the tent, Maris would’ve sworn she was back in Oberon Castle, in Valda’s bed, with Cerberus sleeping on her chest.

Maris found Valda’s eyes on her, her powerful body over her, her gaze nervous but determined.

“We have to go,” Valda announced, standing by the mess of furs and sheets they had used as a bed the night before.

Maris sat up, pushed Cerberus off her, and turned to the opening of the tent. It was still nighttime, yet there was a lot of movement outside. Frowning, she wondered if what she had just experienced was a dream or if her conversation with the Oracle actually happened.

As Maris stood up and grabbed Poseidon’s trident, Kenna walked in, followed by two of her men.

“Are we ready to go?” Kenna asked.

Valda nodded, handing the Heaven Sword to a Vulcanian soldier, who secured it by the scabbard. Maris passed her trident to another guard, who accepted it with a silent nod.

As the preparations continued around them, Valda turned to Maris one last time, her jaw tightening. “Stay close to me.”

Maris swallowed hard, her heart hammering inside her chest as one of the Vulcanian soldiers pulled two sacks from their belongings, along with a length of rope.

She glanced at Valda, offering a rueful smile—one that was returned almost instantly. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily, Valda. Your mother told me to take care of you, and I intend to keep that promise until my last breath.

Valda’s gaze softened and her lower lip trembled before she straightened her back. “See you on the other side, Seashell.”

Maris nodded, a shaky exhale leaving her lips as darkness swallowed her vision.

Valda’s body swayed from side to side, bumping slightly against Maris, who sat next to her. Her arms ached from being tied behind her back, and the bag covering her face reeked of cat piss. She hoped Cerberus hadn’t sat on it—or worse, peed on it—before the Vulcanians shoved it over her head.

With a huff, Valda nudged Maris with her shoulder, only to be met with another shove in return. Maris was agitated, and not happy with the current situation.

Valda sighed, irritated, just as a soft wooden thump sounded beside her. Though Maris tried to hide it, Valda could feel her anxiety seeping through their bond. She couldn’t blame her.

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