Page 46 of What did you do?

“We think your father might have been an Ancient, Calypso,” Eli said, moving closer to put his arm around me and guide me to the edge of the bed. “It’s the only thing that makes any sense.”

I shoved his arm off and stepped away from the bed. The rage that bubbled up when I thought about the man who left myfamily poked me like a red-hot iron. “What do you know about my father?” I shouted, feeling that rage start to surface.

“We don’t know for sure, but from what you’ve told me, the timeline would make sense, and you share an uncanny resemblance to one of the newer Ancients in particular. He used to come around before he ascended. He was good friends with our dad. It’s the only explanation we have been able to come up with,” he said as his jaw clenched. “If it’s who we are thinking, he is an Ancient, a child or grandchild of the old gods.”

I couldn’t be doing this. The last thing I had been prepared for today was to talk about my father with Eli and Tarani.

Trying to remain calm, I moved to the cool wall and pushed my back against it, needing something, anything, to support and hold my frame upright. “So how can I get to my father?”

“Well…Artemi are rare, and they have several powers that make them unbelievably dangerous, one of them is their connection with nature and animals. Most of them were peaceful and noncombative, which is probably one of the only reasons they were able to be destroyed as easily as they were. The ones still hidden ascend at a certain time and go to Moirai with the other Ancients.”

“Just tell me how I can see him.”

“I have no idea.” Eli shrugged. “Ancients are only ever seen when there is a huge metamorphic event that could change the course of fate or if the Fates demand an inquisition. Even then, you must receive an invitation in order to even pass through the gates of Moirai.”

I stared wide-eyed, choosing what to ask next. “Eli, I’m not what you think.” I shook my head. “My sister…” I trailed off.

“As far as we know, your mother and sister were human. None of it makes any sense, and it’s just a theory. I don’t know much, but it seems like your father might have tried to hide youin the human realm. But either way, you most certainly are not human.”

“But do Artem…”

“Art-em-ee,” Eli offered.

“Thank you,” I grumbled, absently touching the tips of my ears and feeling the uneven scars I’d had since I was a child.

Eli looked at his sister.

“We think someone modified your ears, cutting the tips off,” Tarani said. “Artemi have slightly pointed tips. Eli told me that there are scars on yours, that you thought they might have been from an accident when you were little, but most likely it was your father who did it so you would blend in more with the humans. It really was smart. As for your lack of power—” She trailed off.

I felt numb. And what was worse, I had no more answers than before. No matter where I went, desolation followed.

My veins began to burn like fire. I needed to get out of here before I hurt something or someone.

“Are Artemi allowed in Seelie?” I asked.Just hold on a little longer, just a little longer.

“Yes, they are allowed anywhere they want to go once they have been registered. Until then, they can’t use the portals. But, unfortunately, they are not safe until they ascend. There is no better place for you than here at the castle. We will keep you safe,” he rasped softly, his own eyes moistening.

“Why are they not safe until Ascension?” I questioned.

“Because nearly every creature with the tiniest amount of power fears the Artemi will take their powers and leave them for dead. The more powerful they are, the more they have to lose with an Artemi alive. Every kingdom on this side of the veil fears the takeover and destruction of their courts and realms. It makes for some pretty dangerous and affluent enemies.”

Great.

Something inside me snapped. “How does the tie work?” I asked Tarani, unable to look at Eli for fear I’d punch him.

“Artemi are the chain that ties all of nature together. They have the ability to manipulate nature to their will and are generally incredibly peaceful and loving.” Tarani rubbed her neck with a scowl. “The blood that created shifters came from the oldest of the Artemi. Because our royal blood is so pure?—”

Eli cut her off. “Pure-blooded Seelie royals who have the ability to shift are capable of tying themselves to an Artemi. It’s not a known thing anymore because the only Artemi anyone knows of are gods or Ancients,” he said, moving to my line of vision.

“So, what? Any shifter can save my life and tie themselves to me?” I asked as I watched him closely.

“Artemi send their powers to the child of their choosing. Every generation gets stronger, so they have to choose carefully. They could have seven children, but the most powerful parent chooses which child they send it to before they are even born. Just as only one child can get all of the powers, only one shifter can be tied to that one Artemi,” Eli said. “All it takes is the tiniest amount of Artemi powers to tie with ours.”

“Eli, I can’t be responsible for your life. This will ruin everything!” I shouted. How could he have done this?

“It can’t be undone,” Tarani bit out. “The only way it breaks is if one of you dies, killing you both.”

“I… This is too much. I’d like some time to think. Please leave,” I begged, trying my hardest to keep it together until they left. I wanted to strangle someone.

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