Damian's Oracle

"Damian," Two said, waking her.

"He needs you," she whispered. "He's in trouble."

"Damian in trouble," he repeated.

"Yes, Darian."

"Don't cry, kiri." He fell into silence again for several hours. When he freed her again, she approached him and touched his hood.

"Remove it, Darian."

He didn't respond. She touched his arm, replaying the videos. After a brief mental tug-o-war, he pulled off the hood with one hand. His face was as deeply scarred as his hands. His hair was brown rather than white-blond, his beautiful eyes deep set and large. She took his face in her hands the way she had Damian the night he wanted to destroy the world and forced him to meet her gaze. His honey gaze was still.

"Damian needs you," she whispered. "He's in danger. I love him, Darian. Please help us."

"Damian."

She rose to her tiptoes and kissed him, her own memories of Damian forefront in her mind. She replayed their first kiss, his ring, the way his men spoke of him. She showed him Czerno - his master - and the darkness in Czerno's mind. She dropped to her feet and moved away.

"Kiri." His eyes were closed as he said the word.

"Your name is Darian. Your brother is Damian." She touched her hands to his cheeks again. Emotions rippled across his face. "Please, Darian, please. You can do this."

His eyes opened, and he met her gaze. For the first time, she sensed he was aware of her and his surroundings. His golden eyes swirled.

"Remember," she said, holding up the necklace.

"Two!" Czerno pounded on the door. She waited. The life died from Two's eyes, and he replaced his hood.

"No. No, no, no!" she shouted, pounding on his chest. Sobbing, she dropped to her knees. Two stepped aside. Czerno entered.

"Congrats. You've survived two days. Looks like I was right," he said, satisfied. "Two, put her on the table. Kill Damian and come back when you're done."

Sofia tried to push him away as he lifted her onto the table. There was a tug at her neck, and she touched it, surprised to find the necklace gone. Two left, the necklace dangling in his hand. She sensed his deep confusion. He took the symbol with him for a reason, even if he didn't fully understand what. Her sudden flicker of hope died when Czerno spoke again.

"As soon as he's done, we'll start working on you," the Black God promised. "Start thinking of which way you want me to fuck you first." He closed the door behind him with a cold laugh, not bothering to bind her.