Embrace the Desire (31 page)

“Yes, a new age is approaching, and soon these prison walls will crumble around us and the doorways will once again be opened.” Charon's face shimmered, leaving behind the bleached white bones of a skull with red eyes. “Soon the tides will be set in motion, and the game shall begin. Only destinies chosen wisely will lead the sun to set on a new era.”

“I have kept watch over Varick for many years.” Terror Sky ran his hand through his long, dark hair. “He must be protected until the time comes for his decision.”

Charon grinned under his hood. “A game of life and death. No doubt you're aware of his former life and what he'll become if the wrong decision is made.”

Terror Sky narrowed his swirling eyes. “We must set things right and force the right decisions on these Destroyers if Isten's intended future is to be realized.”

The book opened in Charon's hand as Terror Sky said, “Now is the perfect time to push Varick toward the life Isten intended for him.”

Pointing a long talon at the words that had appeared in the book, Charon whispered, “This Varick Ta Farg, a half-breed vampire, must rise from his own ashes, choose a destiny that lies before him, and … ” He paused as Styx rushed around him, causing small whirlpools to appear chaotically across the island. “And he will pave the road that will lead to salvation or destruction.”

Terror Sky replied, “The fate of the world rests on a half-breed vampire's head. Are you prepared for that, Charon?”

Charon laughed. “The book has commanded, and I must obey.”

“Someone is changing the words of Jaiden's books. I don't know how or why they do so, but they must be stopped before more harm befalls this universe.”

“If the books are to be found, the
Book of Creation
will guide me to them,” Charon stated.

Terror Sky paused, listening to the River Styx gurgling and swirling faster around the island. “Varick will have the power to restore the wrongs, but he must choose to do so freely.”

Charon shook his head. “Perhaps his death will set things on the proper course.”

“With my life, I'll protect him and his power even against the strongest of the gods.” The Elemental's voice dropped dangerously low. “Even from that book and from you.”

“I will not harm Varick at this time unless the book commands it — you can bet your immortality upon that.”

“Or ever. Do we understand each other?” His silent threat hung in the air. “Or do I need to make myself perfectly clear on the subject?”

“Don't threaten me, Terror Sky.”

“Harm one single thread of hair on his head, and you'll have no need to worry about your precious book!”

Abruptly the Elemental vanished, his telltale purple flash the only reminder of his presence. Charon laughed. Terror Sky's visit could only mean one thing. Whoever was meddling with Jaiden's books had to be found and stopped.

Styx churned with power as Charon stepped into the vortex of translucent water. Styx swept him up and cradled him as the Tree of Life groaned and settled deeper into the island's core, preparing itself for whatever might come.

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