Cursed (Enchanted Gods #1) - K.K. Allen Page 0,57

army out of the Equinox descendants to rival Astina. Out of fear, the Equinox did as Erebus commanded to work against her, doing whatever they could to sabotage her position of leadership in the deity community. Erebus and his Followers caused the Great Enchanted War in ancient Greece in an attempt to overthrow Astina completely. Loved ones were torn apart, our bloodlines were compromised, and while the Solstice Army came out on top, the Equinox Army still exists to this day.”

Fear bristles in my chest. “Are you serious?”

“Quite serious, dear. The threat is real, but we’ve built a safe community around the world, one that thrives by constructing protections all around us. While Zeus created the Horae to preside over the seasons and time, it never changed our roles, even if the Greek mythology stories don’t reflect our history.” She purses her lips to reflect her annoyance. “As Solstice descendants, we believe in the purest of all things. We do not tolerate evil, sinning, or defiance of any kind. Our ancestry tells us that the purer our souls are, the stronger our powers grow to be. And that is how we live.”

For eighteen years, I’ve lived in a world where magic was make-believe and Greek gods and goddesses were merely elaborate stories told as a way of teaching, and here she is, expecting me to accept this as if it’s all real.

“I’m sorry, Rose, but so much of this isn’t adding up. If we are good, why would my mom take me away?”

“Oh, Kat—” Rose’s expression falls, revealing her age. She sees my impatience and places a hand on my shoulder. “You will know everything, I promise, but there’s a lot you need to understand first.”

I should have known the secrets wouldn’t stop. It seems Rose is filled with them. I push my frustration aside for the time being. “Are there many others?”

Rose’s eyes light up. “Oh, yes. Some live here, in Apollo Beach. You’ll meet them all soon.”

“What about Charlotte? Is she a Solstice too?”

“She is.” Rose adjusts herself in her chair. “Charlotte lost her parents many years ago. Like you and your mom, she was left without parents at a very young age. She’s traveled the world, alone with her power and a vague understanding of her existence.”

My heart squeezes. “That’s so sad.”

“You’ll find it’s actually a common occurrence in our community.”

I tilt my head but say nothing, allowing Rose to complete her train of thought. At least she’s talking.

“Over the centuries, our kind has been split apart by wars and circumstances beyond our control. Some descendants live their entire lives without knowing what they are or how to control what they can do. Settlements were established around the world to keep whatever communities we could together. One of those settlements is here, in Apollo Beach. Solstices are drawn here like moths to a flame.”

“That’s amazing.”

“It is. Out of all things I do here, my favorite thing is to help the Lost find out where they came from. Some stay, and some leave. That’s how Charlotte found me, and I’m so grateful that she stayed. She’s been a wonderful companion to me ever since George… well—” Her voice catches. “Anyway, I’m used to the Solstice life, but since his death, my powers only grow weaker with age. A direct descendant’s powers are much stronger, and they can survive a longer lifespan.”

“So one day your powers will just fade completely?”

There’s a darkening in her eyes that twists in my gut. “Something like that, yes.”

I frown, her answer not sitting well with me. “So, what is it that we can do exactly?”

“As Enchanters, we can manipulate the natural progression of things. We can even influence the emotions and sometimes the actions of others. What we can’t do is rewrite history.”

“But we can levitate and teleport?”

Rose chuckles. “Levitate, yes. Teleport, not exactly.”

I frown, confused. “But then how do you explain what happened to me yesterday? One second I was at the pool with Alec, and then next, I was on the beach alone.”

“We call that cross-dimensional awareness. It’s when your senses take over your body and allow you to travel between two planes of existence. When I came outside and saw you with Alec, I saw what was happening. I immobilized him so he wouldn’t see. Then I planted a little scenario in his mind before releasing him from the frozen state.” She shrugs like there was nothing strange about it at all. “He walked inside, none the wiser, and I