When We Were Still Human by Vaughn Foster (best ereader for textbooks .txt) 📕

simmered to a few burning embers and sunlight now lit the small house. Despite internal laments, she released the warmth of the blanket and stood. After cracking her back, neck, and a number of stretches to restore circulation, she then proceeded to shake Paris awake.

“What is it?” the twins grumbled in unison. Castor took over the body and wiped his eyes. Avia stared, still getting used to their transformation. It would happen in under a second, but seeing the small woman grow to a giant man never ceased to disorient her.

“We fell asleep,” Avia said flatly. She quickly crossed to the window and peered out. White stretched as far as the eye could see. Exhaustion had clouded her processing before, but they were clearly standing in strong undercurrents of the aether. The flow wasn’t as strong as Le Ciel, but was far more powerful than the mundane cottage should have been centered in. She turned back to Castor and crossed her arms.

“This isn’t right. We should be in Ys already. It’s no coincidence we just happened to run into a mirage welcoming us with open arms.”

“Valid point,” Castor said, scratching his chin. “When our host awakes we should ask—”

“Good morning!” They both turned to see the man shuffle into the living room in fluffy white slippers. His black hair was now secured in a tight ponytail; his evening garb had been replaced by jeans and a wool sweater. “You three fell asleep before I could introduce myself. I’m Raeyluk.”

“Good morning,” Castor said, shaking his hand. “Thank you very much for taking us in last night. I don’t know what we would have done if you hadn’t. My name is Castor. That’s Avia, and I believe you met my sister, Pollux, last night.”

“Indeed, I did.” Raeyluk chuckled as he stepped into the kitchen. “It’s been quite some time since I saw a Celestial, and I have never met one of the Zodiacs in person.” He clapped a hand on his shoulder and beamed. “And don’t mention it. Figured if anyone could see my house through Ys’ enchantment, they would probably be coming from Le Ciel.”

“What do you mean by that?” Avia asked. She watched him carefully as he rummaged through the cabinets, pulled out three mugs and placed them on the counter. His skin shimmered in the sunlight, and if she squinted, she could make out the intricate pattern of tiny scales.

“Ys is blanketed by a veil within the Annwn itself,” Raeyluk answered. “The city has recently undergone phenomenal political and cultural changes. The people are wary about outsiders waltzing in, mirage or human. This house is placed outside Ys’ walls as a check point, if you will.”

“Alright,” Paris said. The tone in her voice hinted at disbelief, but she seemed satisfied enough. “But one more question.” Castor robotically looked Raeyluk up and down, then narrowed his eyes as Paris continued: “What’s a Sea Monk doing in the Southern Kingdom?”

Raeyluk offered them a sheepish grin. “What gave me away?” He handed them each a mug and led them back to the living room. Though Avia hadn’t seen him pour anything, steam billowed from the cups.

“A merman with red eyes and grey scales,” Paris continued. “It’s like you said. By process of elimination… But what I don’t understand is what you’re doing here? It’s strange that any Atlantean is in the Arctic, but last I checked, Sea Monks remained at Poseidon’s side at all times.”

“Hang on a second,” Avia said, holding a hand up. “What’s a Sea Monk?” She’d been under the impression that the ocean of knowledge from the Mark on her right arm would cover everything. She was fully aware that mermen were one of many types of mirage. Monks, however, were a foreign concept.

Raeyluk raised an eyebrow, then sighed. “Michael must have left a good bit out. Poseidon always said he was secretive…” He shook his head, then sipped his tea before continuing. “Millenia ago, when angels and Celestials came to Earth in search of godhood, most died off or were killed. Poseidon and Hades, however, kept their domains by signing a treaty with Le Ciel. Both gods have an order of monks that will forever remain at their side as personal advisors.”

Castor gave a bitter laugh. “I can imagine better places to spend your vacation days. Are you a victim of one of Poseidon’s personal grudges?”

“No such thing,” Raeyluk said. He took another long sip and Avia wanted to smack the mug away so he’d stop pausing. “Poseidon was stripped of his crown years ago. I serve King Varuna.”

“What?!” Paris exclaimed, causing Castor to cough on his drink.

Avia would have sworn Gemini paled, if that was even possible with his black skin. His eyes drifted to the side as they often did when he spoke with Paris, but she had no clue what they were talking about.

“Poseidon broke regulations from the Treaty of Eden, and Michael was quick to see him dragged to Tartarus. Varuna had become a minor sea god in his years on Earth, so Michael found him eligible to take Poseidon’s throne. I’m surprised you didn’t know.”

“Yeah…” Castor said. “As am I.”

“Anywho,” Raeyluk continued, “Varuna was the one who pushed to annex Atlantis into the Selkie Kingdom. I was sent as ambassador to the capital to ensure relations remained steady.  But you didn’t come for a history lesson.” A smirk formed across his face and his scales shimmered like iridescent prism. “You three are here for the book.”

Sparks danced across Avia’s skin as her body roared into alert. “Excuse me?” She evenly raised her chin to meet his red eyes. They twinkled in amusement. Avia couldn’t help but wrinkle her nose at the smell of burnt copper now permeating the room. It was the scent of old magic.

“The Kirkos-Arkhen.” His eyes darted between Avia and Castor, seemingly expecting a response. Avia