Threads of Fate

Chapter 52 ~ The Temple in the Mountains

    Kaius was barely aware of the passage of time and their trek through the mountains. He was lost between visions and reality. The Deimen's presence was perpetually in his head, tearing deeper and deeper into his mind and dragging up every semblance of guidance Drenusha had offered him.

    When he found all he could, he continued to taunt him with other memories. Memories of Tissaia and Talarion, and all the time they'd spent with each other. Memories of his parents' deaths. Memories of the Blood Fae ripping into him. Memories of nights of pleasure, with Talarion's hands in his hair and their lips pressed together.

    Private memories flaunted before this strange male as if he had any right to view them. Any right to steal them. Because that was what he was doing. Kaius could feel his mind slipping away with every piece the Deimen shredded. He could barely make sense of his own thoughts.

    He couldn't tell when he was trapped in a dream, reliving a memory, or being tormented by a vision. And he was beginning to not care. Perhaps his mind would be broken and he could lose himself to madness forever. Let Roshan try to make sense of his jumbled thoughts then. It would serve him right.

    Kaius let out a harsh grunt as he was pushed off a horse and onto stony ground. Hands dragged him upright, but he couldn't manage to stand. His body was too heavy and the weight of his head alone was pulling him back down.

    "Make him stand," Roshan's strangely distant voice ordered. His legs locked at once and panic tore through his chest as that invisible grip spread to the rest of his body, forcing him to straighten. "Well, Phoenix? Is this the place?" Roshan gestured to something looming before them.

    Kaius blinked his vision into focus and his breath stalled at the ancient stone structure carved into the side of the mountain. The temple from his visions given life. It was still beautiful despite the neglect of the Ages, and he could already tell this temple wasn't like any other he had seen.

    His gaze shifted to the columns holding up the domed entryway and he stiffened as he caught sight of the Doe who stood at the top of stairs, gazing back at him. Her eyes seemed to beckon him to follow.

    "It's the place," the Deimen confirmed. But he made no mention of the Doe, and Kaius cocked his head. Perhaps he couldn't see Drenusha, even in his memories.

    "Then let's quit wasting time." Roshan beckoned to two guards and Kaius gritted his teeth as they shoved at his shoulders roughly, forcing him a few steps forward. He refused to go further of his own accord, and the Lord rolled his eyes. "If he won't move, then make him." The Deimen seized his mind once more and forced his legs to cooperate.

    Kaius fed the male as dark a look as he could, receiving only a cold smile in response. They approached the temple slowly and quietly, with Kaius at the head of the group. He gazed up at the columns as he mounted the stairs, taking in the signs of erosion they had suffered, though there were still many scenes carved into them.

    Rain gave way to dry, musty air as they entered the main chamber of the temple. Kaius's gaze landed on a statue in the center of the room and again, his breath caught as he realized who this temple was for. "Is that..." the Deimen began.

    "Nepenthe," Roshan scoffed at his side. "A temple for the Mother herself. I wasn't aware there were many left."

    He disregarded the statue and began to move about the chamber, taking in every aspect of it. The Deimen accompanied him, and briefly, Kaius's mind was his own. Ignoring his guards, he stepped closer to Nepenthe's statue and lifted his shackled hands to touch her marble dress.

    It had been sculpted around her in soft gathers, barely clinging to her shoulders, but with sleeves that covered her hands completely and fell to the gown's hem. It did not accentuate her tall, slender frame, but rather hung from her like a loose fitting nightgown. Her hair also hung to her feet before it had been chiseled into delicate curls clumped around the base of the statue.