Sacrifice by Mayandree Michel Read Free Book Online Page B

conversation in another direction. I had a feeling that he knew I was lying. I they all did.
    “Let’s hope that you don’t place the welfare of this empire directly in harm’s way,” Lucien said stiffly.
    “Once Victor has his powers, I will see to it that he protects each and every one of you. It will be his first priority. So there we have it.” It was final.
    I began to walk away as the members began to disappear, but not before I heard someone whisper, “I would have tried being nicer to him had I known she would have him babysit us.”
     
     
     
     
    Five - Cordelia
    Warrior Teams
     
    The next morning I watched the sun wake from behind the Sierra Nevadas to meet my smile. I had faith in my warriors. They were resilient, brilliant, and resourceful. Julius, a fire spewing weredragon, and his sister, Hedea, a werevulture, led my winged warriors. They will lead their team through the maze of clouds, which they knew like the back of their hands.
    The depth of the ocean would be trusted to Bethany. Thankfully, she knew her duties as a disciple and put her personal feelings aside to handle this task. Bethany, a water siren will led Portia, whose red hair sometimes reminded me of flames, and Delos, whose fins were the same hue as her eyes – beautiful, iridescent turquoise. The sisters were mermaids and descendants of the Nereid, Amphitrite, Poseidon’s wife.
    Olympia, of the Leonidas family, led the last group, which will cover the Earth. She was an air shifter and tornadoes were her divine specialty. She will lead with the help of Betrand, of the Octavius family. He was a fire and metal shifter. They both were one with the Earth’s terrain.
    I watched as twenty-one of my disciples prepared to depart on a mission that they understood was close to my heart. I was pleased that Nikolas was content with Bethany leaving. When they kissed, as they did now, I thought about the elder’s comments regarding Evan and I not being the right match in the eyes of the gods. I will fight for Evan. I wanted him more than anything. However, I wondered for the very first time since having my memory restored, if Evan would go to such lengths for me. I hated doubting him. I never have before learning that he had gone to the council.
    “I have the Spiro boys watching over the elders for the first forty-eight hours,” Evan informed.
    I smiled and nodded, not quite ready to confront him. I had to make sure that this mission went off without a snag.
    “No one or thing will get past Patrick, Dmitri, and Heracio,” Nikolas said. “Hercules’ boys are unstoppable.”
    “The elders will be fine. We’ve taken the appropriate measures,” I said.
    “Yes, my love, we have,” Evan said, reaching for my hand. I took his hand and squeezed it lightly. I listened to his thoughts and they were of the warriors and their success in the mission.
    “Evan may I speak to you alone?” I asked, sweetly.
    “I’m about to take Christopher and Phoebe for their morning ride,” Nikolas said. “Those two divine little brats should be ready.”
    “You will let them ride their own horses, won’t you Niko? They can’t ride on your back every time.”
    “Oh, alright,” Nikolas sighed, faking sadness. I winced as his bones began to crack and he transformed into a centaur. “Maybe this time I’ll let one of the kiddies win.” Niko galloped away, disappearing into the air.
    “You have me all to yourself now,” Evan said, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me close.
    “Are we on the same side?” I asked.
    “Huh, what?” Evan cocked his head to one side.
    “Are we, or aren’t we?” I asked pulling away from him.
    “I’m not sure what you mean.”
    “It was my decision, Evan. You had no right to go to the council and turn them against Victor.”
    “They didn’t need me for that. The elders’ minds were already made up.”
    “Is this what you want?” I asked, throwing my hands up. “Division in the empire.”
    “No but, I