Page 103 of The Arcane God

Greya made eye contact with him, and nodded. They would take a different tack this time—let Steig explain in his own words.

“It’s true,” he said, drawing Syrelle’s and the others’ attention to him. “Now that we have access to Gaia, there are many in the Underworld who want a choice about whom we serve and when, like me and the other two daemons who assisted in retrieving the amulet—apologies for that, by the way,” he added as an afterthought, not seeming very sorry at all. “Our king, however, operates solely on vendettas against Gaia and the witches for what was done to our people. There is no hope for better relations until he is removed from the throne, and replaced with a more…witch-friendly daemon.”

Syrelle’s eyebrows raised. “And you have a certain daemon in mind for this coup, do you?”

This was tricky. Greya had no way to know what Ty was thinking, but Steig seemed to think he was the obvious choice so…she went with her gut.

“Yes, they do. Ty, the son of an Occidens witch, and half-daemon, would be installed as the new King of the Underworld,” she offered.

Syrelle raised her finger, correcting her. “Former Occidens witch, I think you mean. She was banished for her allegiances with daemons.”

“Yes, true,” Greya admitted. “But still, Ty is half witch, and married to one as well. He holds sympathy for our kind, and with him as king, new agreements can be made between our peoples. Agreements for trade, and peace. Together, we can start a new era for witches and daemons.”

Syrelle was quiet for a moment as she absorbed this information. “It sounds ideal,” she conceded. “But what do you need Occidens for?”

“Support, both political, and…logistical, if need be,” Greya said, dancing around the worst of what could be required.

“Witches do not condone violence,” Syrelle said, reading through the lines. “Not unless we, or our livelihoods, are under attack. You know this.”

“I would not ask Occidens witches to fight, nor Auster or Aquilo. Merely to support the change of power, and join us in discussions when it is time to show the Underworld what a new world could look like.”

Syrelle was quiet as she contemplated this, then silently, she looked over at Mel. “What have you seen of this, Mel?” she asked the seer.

“I’m afraid I’ve seen nothing,” Mel said. “I do not know how this will go.”

Syrelle was quiet once more, before she spoke again. “It was never meant to be this way, I believe that. Witches and daemons are two sides of the same card, and it is only because of what witches did that we were forced to shun daemons in the first place. So I am…open to a new way, and I believe my Coven will be as well.”

Greya smiled, despite herself, feeling all at once like an alliance had shifted between the two Covens. The rivalry that had shaped the last two centuries was dead, and in its place, a new friendship had been born.

“Thank you,” she said, nodding in gratitude.

“You can send word when we are needed, and I will take this chance for a better future,” Syrelle added, nodding in return. “But until then, please leave the area by sunrise. The treaty is still in effect. At least until…other arrangements can be made,” Syrelle added as she stood up, the rest of the Occidens witches following suit.

Greya stood up as they departed, placing her hand over her heart in hope. “Of course. Blessed be, Syrelle,” she said.

“Blessed be, Greya,” Syrelle echoed.

“Wait—one more thing, before you go,” Steig chimed in.

Greya turned to look at him, wondering what the fuck he was doing.

“There are two daemons currently in Attax, sent there by the king. I do not know what they are planning, but, in the name of good faith…you should keep an eye on them,” Steig offered.

Greya smiled lightly to herself. “In the name of good faith,” yes, but also Steig’s self-interest. If Syrelle and the Occidens witches decided to capture or delay the daemons…that would keep them out of Steig’s way and stop them from reporting his missing whereabouts to Cole.

“Thank you,” Syrelle said sincerely. “We will do what we must.”

And then the witches disappeared once more into the dark of the night.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Ena

It was a crisp fall morning when Ena found herself riding back home. Mahnin’s dark, glossy fur shone in the early sunlight as they entered the familiar forest surrounding Auster. It had been over a year since she’d been here in the fall—since Samhain, when she was unexpectedly taken by three daemons, two of whom now rode beside her. Not only had she journeyed farther than she’d ever thought possible, but she was returning with a new person she’d created as well.

To say it felt strange to be back was an understatement.

The fresh breeze blew the scent of pine and moss towards her as they emerged from the woods onto the main path leading into her village. The homely stone houses looked the same, with pathways cut through the overgrown gardens, and the sounds of goats bleating in the barn. Her Coven was waking up for the day, getting to their chores, and she smiled at the sight of their familiar faces—though they didn’t return it. Instead, they stared at her and her diverse group of companions with curiosity and trepidation—it was clear they didn’t recognize her in such company as she was.