Page 125 of Hero of Havoc

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, and he offers me a sad smile.

“It's okay. But what I need you to understand is, in that moment, if she'd have begged me to help her, I would have. I would have done anything for her, just as I know your hated mates would do anything for you.”

I roll my eyes. “It's only fun when I call them hated,” I grumble, and he smirks, his lips parting, but before he can speak, the door at the end of the hallway opens and Archer sticks his head out.

“Ivy,” he states, and I blink at him. He takes a deep breath, his spine stiffening as he clears his throat. “A meeting with The Fates has been called.”

“Second-guessing yourself?” Professor Viola asks as I step into the small chamber, engravings curling around the floor, creating a replica of what I recall appearing the night of my mating ceremony.

A shiver runs down my spine as the dull light peers in through the slightly ajar door behind her.

“Should I be?” I ask, and she shrugs.

Brushing invisible lint from her sleeve, she peers at me. “What is it you're trying to gain from this, Ivy?”

“Answers,” I reply honestly, and she purses her lips.

“Power?” she asks, and I scoff.

“Do I look like I want any more responsibility? I came here for a normal experience, like everybody else. Yet I've died three times.” Viola shakes her head, and my irritation rises. “If you're worried that I'm after your job, you can rest assured that that's not the case,” I clarify, and she leans back, eyes wide, a startled look on her face, but it doesn't quite meet her eyes.

“I didn't assume that.”

“Of course, you didn’t.”

“Your mates will wait on the other side of the door. Knock on the door when you return,” she explains, and I frown.

“Return?” I repeat, and she smiles.

“I hope you get the answers you desire.”

Without another word, she exits the room, closing the door behind her, taking the final sliver of light that exists along with it and drenching me in darkness.

My pulse rings in my ears, my heartbeat a backing track as I wait with bated breath. With every second that passes, my mind races faster.

Why do I even need answers?

Why can’t I have the option to bury my head in the sand?

Why am I not choosing that for myself already?

Maybe I don’t have to deal with any of this.

Maybe I⁠—

A flash of flames dances around the room, dimly shimmering in a twist of reds, blues, and greens before three hooded figures appear before me.

I tilt my chin up, feeling my skin tingle under their scrutiny as they circle me.

“The phoenix.”

“The phoenix.”

“The phoenix.”

They all state, and I gulp.

“Why are you here?” The one to my left murmurs, and I gulp.