Wrath of the Forgotten: Descendants of the Fall Book II by Hodges, Aaron (best romance books of all time txt) 📕

A long silence followed as they stood staring at the Old One. Understanding seemed to dawn in their eyes and they straightened, bowing their heads in respect.

Yes…Old One, the one who had been speaking replied.

Good, Maya rasped. Her gaze lifted to stare down the broad avenue that stretched across the island. And there are others…to the north? When the two nodded, she stepped closer, placing a hand on the first’s chest. Better. Go to your brethren in the north. Tell them that none may leave the city this night. Then return to your post.

I… the Tangata’s eyes flickered in Adonis’s direction. He gave a slight nod, and the Tangata repeated the gesture to the Old One.

Releasing him, Maya stepped back. The guard seemed to take a moment to gather his composure, then he spun and started down the avenue, running with the long, bounding stride of the Tangata. Maya turned her gaze upon the second of the guards.

You know your duty, child? she whispered.

The Tangata nodded eagerly. Maya left him as he was and with Adonis they started down the avenue after the first of the guards, though they soon turned onto lesser streets. They made their way quickly through the moonlit avenues, over bridges and between the blossoming trees, making for the grand basilica the humans had raised to honour their so-called Gods.

The thought sparked an image in Adonis’s mind and he saw again the Anahera as it soared towards him, wings flared, teeth bared. With the memory came anger. The Anahera could have aided the Tangata, could have stood alongside them against the disease that was humanity. Instead, they had sided with the enemy.

He shook his head. The Anahera would pay dearly for their betrayal, but that revenge would have to wait. The creatures were too powerful—first the Tangata must regain their strength.

The sound of voices came from some of the buildings they passed, and at these Maya would pause, eyes shimmering in the lanternlight. Adonis could sense her anger, that her descendants had fallen so low. But she never made a move towards the revellers, and finally they neared to the basilica.

Crossing the open plaza, they found the great doors of the temple barred. Guards of the fourth generation stood to either side, eyeing their approach, though they bowed their heads in respect when they recognised Adonis.

We must see the Matriarch, he called to them. Our greatest hope has been realised.

Grey eyes turned to inspect Maya. She said nothing beneath their appraisal but met their gaze with a soft smile. To Adonis’s inner ears, it seemed the pounding in his skull increased in notch. A flicker crossed the guards’ faces.

Old One, they whispered, any hints of defiance evaporating beneath her piercing stare.

The Matriarch, Maya’s voice all but thundered in the silent square.

The guards leapt to obey, thrusting open the great doors to admit them. Maya strode through, once again leaving Adonis scrambling to keep up. The familiar darkness greeted him within, though it made little difference to his vision. An aged figure moved upon the dais as the Old One strode across the chamber.

Adonis, my child, what have you brought me? The Matriarch rasped into his mind as they came to a stop before the pool that surrounded the upper dais. He was surprised at its softness—always before her voice had rung with power. Now it seemed but a whisper beside the thundering of Maya’s words.

He fell to his knees all the same. Matriarch, he called, I bring you Maya, of the Old Ones.

Whispers spread through Adonis’s mind as movement flickered at the edges of the chamber. Beside him, Maya said nothing, though her eyes flickered towards the unseen guards.

So it’s true. Clothing rustled as the Matriarch leapt from the dais to land before them. She inclined her head to Maya. Welcome to New Nihelm, Old One. You have no idea my joy at your emergence.

Maya leaned her head to the side, regarding the Matriarch with those deep, dark eyes. And how did you find my prison?

The Matriarch smiled. A human who came to us. He bore a map of the Birthing Grounds from which the Tangata sprung. Yours was the last.

Silence answered the Matriarch’s words as Maya paced. And why did you seek me?

Our people are dying, unable to produce offspring without a human partner, the Matriarch responded. And so our powers fade with each generation. But if we were to merge our line with yours, we could begin to rebuild, to create a new generation of Tangata.

Maya did not immediately reply to the Matriarch’s words. Her gaze fell upon Adonis, still knelt upon the floor beside them. A frown touched her face.

Why does he kneel? she murmured, though even at a whisper her words had the strength to make the lesser generations flinch.

The lines on the Matriarch’s face deepened as she frowned. Kneel? She glanced at Adonis, then gestured for him to rise. It is a gesture of respect, Old One.

I see. There was a long pause as she regarded the Matriarch. Then…kneel.

Shock registered on the Matriarch’s face and even Adonis lifted his head in surprise.

I am the Matriarch. The response was slow in coming. This is my city, the Tangata my people. I bow to no one.

Cold grey eyes watched her for a long moment, then Maya smiled. Of course.

Turning away, she paced to the edge of the chamber where the guards stood watching. She started her way around the circumference of the chamber, eyes on the dark alcoves in which the Tangata hid. Adonis and the Matriarch watched as she disappeared behind the dais.

Such grandeur, Maya’s words carried to their minds. All of it, crafted by the strength of your Tangata?

She reappeared, rounding the chamber, drawing the eyes of the guards. Doubt showed in the Matriarch’s face as she watched the Old One’s return.

Crafted by humanity, she admitted hesitantly as Maya returned to stand before her. Taken from them as spoils of war. It will be the foundation on which we build