Free Ominous Odyssey (Overworld Chronicles Book 13) by John Corwin Page B

Thomas sitting at the table, eyes steely, his face set in stone. Across from him, her back to us, sat a sera with long golden tresses. Her white dress shimmered like gossamer threads and her hands and bare shoulders were white as porcelain.
    My first thought nearly stopped my heart. Daelissa?
    Thomas's concerned gaze found us. "They're here, Empress."
    The sera turned and regarded Elyssa and me. "Welcome, boy. It has been too long."
     

Chapter 8
     
    She wasn't Daelissa.
    My dread enemy was still rotting in her grave, but seeing who now sat on the Brightling throne twisted my insides with uncertainty.
    "Kaelissa." I offered her a slight bow. "How—"
    "I am the mother of she who ruled the Brightlings," she said. "My blood is ancient, my powers formidable. Though my affinity is for Murk, I am powerful with Brilliance."
    "They made you Empress just like that?" I snapped my fingers.
    Kaelissa tilted her head slightly. "Do you mock me, boy?"
    I waved my hands defensively. "Absolutely not Your, uh, Eminence. I just find it surprising the Brightlings would raise a Darkling to the throne."
    "I am the mother of Daelissa." Kaelissa stood and hooked a fingernail under my chin, pulling me closer. "When last I saw you, I decided it was time to bring greatness back to this sad realm. I journeyed to Zbura and met with Arturo. It took only one look for him to realize I was the rightful Empress. Once I demonstrated my power, the others swore their loyalty and I took the throne."
    I jerked up my chin and backed away. "Really? That easy?"
    "Of course I am glossing over details, a few individuals who refused to acknowledge me." She pursed her lips. "It was a small matter to dispose of them." Her tone sounded so much like Daelissa's it made me shudder. Kaelissa had spoiled her blond daughter and disdained Nightliss. For millennia she'd done little but breed in an attempt to create another perfect daughter, but all had come into the world bearing the taint of the Desecration from the end of the First Seraphim War. All would die of old age because Daelissa's defeat had cursed them.
    Thomas spoke. "Kaelissa—"
    " Empress Kaelissa." Her eyes went hard as stones.
    Thomas didn't miss a beat. "Empress Kaelissa has expressed interest in uniting the nations under one rule," Thomas said. "She has modified the treaty Primarion Arturo discussed." He tapped a gem on the table and stood up. "Perhaps you should take a look."
    I sat down on the crystal chair and charged the gem. Cyrinthian words projected into the air. The treaty was short, to the point, and about as one-sided as it gets. "You want the Darkling legions and our army to disarm and leave the borders."
    Kaelissa sat back on her chair. "Of course. It shows that you are ready to unite under one government."
    I barked a laugh. "No, it means that we're to roll over on our backs so you can scratch our bellies."
    Kaelissa attempted an empathetic expression, but it came across as condescending instead. "I understand the plight of the Darklings. I do not wish them to suffer under the thumb of oppression. Once they have demonstrated obedience, I will grant them equal rights." She spread her hands as if preparing for a hug. "We will again be one people."
    I didn't believe her for a second. "And if we don't?"
    Her face hardened. "There will be war. I am the rightful ruler of all in this realm, and I will not accept defiance."
    I wondered how Kohval would feel about this new peace treaty. Unless Kaelissa gave him assurances of power, he'd probably do an about-face on his stance. "You may have nearly three times the soldiers we have, but they still have to breach our defenses. Are you willing to sacrifice thousands?"
    A confident smile spread across her lovely face. "I am willing to do whatever is necessary." Kaelissa stood. "There is little hope you could win a war. If you refuse, I will soon sing a song none can resist."
    I held up my hands in mock terror. "Please don't karaoke us to death!" Kaelissa was