Astarte's Wrath (Kythan Guardians 0.50)

I’ve only allowed myself two hours of sleep, and that wasn’t my choice. My body collapsed from exhaustion and mental fatigue. I don’t berate myself for this anymore, as I know I’m no good to Xarion if I’m too weak to fight for him.

I swallow the last sip of water, then toss the flask and bag to the ground. No movement or noise comes from above. But that doesn’t mean they’re not waiting for me. I consider unleashing my Charge on the hatch; the element of surprise. It may be my only chance to break through their forces. Only my body is taxed, and I want to conserve my energy.

Placing one hand and one foot on the rungs, I whisper a prayer. Then I climb.

The latch gives at the first tug. A hollow bang echoes through the Library, and the element of surprise is lost. I hold my breath and wait, summoning my Charge. But no footsteps come.

My defense goes on high. This isn’t right.

I reach for the last rung to pull myself up and a pale hand grabs my arm. I scream, and unloose a current into my would-be captor.

“Gods—Star!”

Phoenix’s voice is nearly the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard.

“Oh, Isis,” I say, latching on to his neck as he pulls me out of the tunnel.

He brings me to his chest, wrapping his arms around my back. The scent of ashes and smoldering embers engulf me. “How are you here?” I ask, moving out of his embrace so I can look into his eyes.

His face is smudged with soot and blood and earth. His irises illuminate the dark room around us, radiating a fierce red. “I couldn’t defeat Candra.”

My heart thuds painfully against my breastbone. “Xarion?”

Sucking a deep breath into his lungs, Phoenix nods once. “She took him to Octavian. I was only able to escape because Lunia wouldn’t attack me at her command, and the other Leymak was too wounded.”

“How long ago? When did she take him?”

His mouth drops at the corners. “Star, we arrived here in a mere flash. Within moments of leaving you in the desert.” Fear barbs my chest. “I searched for allies, but the Narcos have revolted against the Ptolemies. They’re disillusioned, believing Candra will free them. What Shythe survived, fled. I only just made it to the Library, hoping you’d risk it. Thank the gods you did.” He hugs me again, and I swallow.

“And you’re not grateful to her?” I cling to him, fearful I’ll lose him to her madness as well. “You wanted your freedom, Phoenix. I don’t understand.”

My legs begin to tremble, my body giving out from the long trek, stress, and lack of sleep and nourishment. Phoenix lowers himself and scoops me into his arms, then walks us to a desk.

Placing me on the stool, he sighs. “I was going to be freed before. And I’d have rather been freed by the pharaohs than this—” He motions toward the open door revealing the destruction of the city. “At least Caesarion’s way would’ve been honorable. Candra is one frightening bitch.”

Once he takes the seat opposite me, I shake my head. “Phoenix. What are you saying?”

A slight but sad smile curves his mouth. “Caesarion spoke to me right before we left. He was planning to release the Kythan once the war was over.” His jaw clenches. “He didn’t tell you.”

“No.” Before we even left Alexandria, before we knew what was to be the outcome, Xarion had planned for our future. Tears brim my eyes. He was never coming back to his home. At least not for a long time. His mother needed the army of Kythan to battle Octavian, but once the war was finished, Xarion had her vow to release the guardians’ slavery binds.

To release me.

I know that was his plan before Phoenix confirms it. Though he doesn't know the whole truth.

“He discovered how to use that ancient relic to release us,” Phoenix says. “I was angry when I first suspected that you and him—” He shakes his head, his matted hair brushes his bare shoulders. “I was jealous you’d be free and I’d be stuck a slave. I’m a foul-tempered Narco, what can I say?”

“Phoenix . . .”

“But I was wrong. You deserve happiness, as does he. Who am I to pass judgment? Look at my ways.”

I smile. Though in the midst of our near hopeless situation, it’s fleeting. “I never thought your ways were wrong.”

“I know. And yours shouldn’t be. No one should dictate who you can love. And, Caesarion is still my king. And you’re my friend.” He takes my hand. “Even if he hadn’t told me I was to be freed, I’d still fight alongside you. If it’s my life, I’ll risk it. If I don’t try, then I’ll be bound by my guilt forever. I’ll never truly be free.”

My heart swells, and I grip his hand back. “How long do we have?”

His eyes dim. “Octavian announced the king of Egypt would be punished for his crime against Rome come morning.”