Ya girl is back! Just wanted to give a quick announcement. @bubblekissed is doing an interview with me on their AAD fan book! I'm super pumped and want to share it on here. I shared the news on my previous one shot, but not everyone reads the one-shots and I really wanted to get the news out there! I'll let everyone know when the interview is done. Now enjoy the chapter!

3823 words.

Super unedited.

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The silence in the elegant parlor was agonizing. Alexios sat on the ottoman, his head in his hands. Mansi and Alvar were sitting on the barstools, Mansi gripping her fiance's arm tighter and tighter the more Sophie and Maha told. Nour glower at his feet, leaning against the fireplace with Filomena holding onto Nour's shoulder, ready to faint. You could only truly hear the crackling of the faint fire in the marble fireplace.

Maha had done this before. Her fathers knew she was an heiress. But the only person Sophie told was Ruy. And it was so much easier than this.

She and Maha had told them everything. Every little thing.

"If Kynareth hadn't found you and Leto," Filomena started, looking up to Sophie.

Sophie nodded, "I would still be dead."

Filomena's eyes watered, looking down and tightening her grip on Nour's shoulder. Alexios ran his hands down his face, tightly clamping them together in his lap. Only then did Sophie see her brother's tears.

"Excuse me," He muttered, briskly walking out of the room. The agonizing silence but was cut by Filomena.

"Your father had one of these artifacts. When you were in Cariana years ago. Do you have any clue where it could be?" Filomena asked.

"Not a clue. I had no idea he even knew it existed."

Filomena took a deep breath, crossing her arms.

"Filomena?" Nour inquired, noting something was off.

Filomena bit her lip before beginning, "For the last few months before he passed, Allesandro got secretive."

"My pater was a secretive man." Sophie countered.

"No, but this was something different. He would disapeer on missions not even Leto or Maria knew about. And he had correspondances with people outside of the guild."

Sophie tensed, "And you only brought this up now?"

"Knowing how tense things were after the Fall, people would've thought he orchestrated the Fall of Inalia. And we were comepltely in the dark about it all. Leto was furious Allesandro was leaving him out of things." Filomena's eyes widened, "Oh gods, Leto. His ramblings... Maria just thought it was his sickness, but it was true. It was all true. She went to Egypitnat to find a cure for him."

Nour straightened, his mind already working, "We need to find these artifacts fast. Mansi, where is the one Cynna gave you?"

Mansi just realized what was sitting at home. What she cried over when she thought of Cynna, "It is on my dresser. Oh gods, that thing is on my dresser." Mansi turned to Sophie, "Is that why Cynna gave it to us in the cloth? Becuase if our skin touched it-"

"When I touched the rope in Foxfire, in trsported Vespera and I to a polane where we were in direct contact with Kynareth. Cynna must have known it was important to the Neverseen."

"How many of these things exist? Did Byzanthar or Kynareth give you guys anything to work on?"

"Clearly you haven't heard us describing our gods. Pushy, rude, vague for SOME REASON-" Maha interrupted Sophie's rant, "No, their instructions were short to say the least."

"Well, we need to figure out where to start. We already have one and another has been destroyed."

"I'm going to get our spies scouting for both artifacts and Egil's children." Maha said, crossing her arms.

"I'm going to focus on finding a place for our ships and Spartans." Sophie bit her lip, glancing at the door her brother walked out of. It felt wrong planning without her brother.

"You should talk to him, passerota." Filomena smiled, sadly, but smiled nonetheless. Sophie gave Maha a quick nod before striding out the door after her brother. The guildhall was quiet, even with all the Assassins returned home.

She followed her gut, and her gut led her right to him.

Alexios sat in the fields behind the guildhall, watching the distant ocean and picking apart the blades of grass. He knew his sister was there long before she sat down next to him, the silence settling between the two siblings.

Luckily, Alexios started, "You know the years you were gone were dark for me."

"Yeah."

He took a shaky breath, still dissecting the blades of grass between his fingers, "I know you hate how protective I am, I know that. But every single time you go into danger or somebody hurts you, I can't help where my mind wanders. I think about those agonizing years after the Fall, wondering what fate befalled upon you. You hurt more then uncle Allesandro did, because I knew what happened to him. I watched as we sent his soul to the after life."

Alexios swallowed, taking a deep breath before continuing,"But you? My mind always created the worst nightmares of what you could've been going through. And I was right, my worst fears were true." Alexios snapped a blade of grass in half, not protesting as tears slid down his face, "You died. You died uncermionosly and in agony, terrified and tired. And my heart hurts thinking about that. I always wanted to protect you, even if I'm the younger sibling. I wanted to know that you had a place to feel safe, but I failed at that. And you were hurt- no, not hurt. You were killed."

Sophie gently rested her palm on Alexios's back, "My fate wasn't your fault, Alexios. You were a child. A child in a time of war."

Alexios didn't believe her. His lip began quivering, making Sophie's heart hurt in ways it hadn't in years.

"I know I'm making this about me, but I can't imagine a world without you anymore Amalia. And the fact that you would be nothing but bones in a ditch outside of Inalia, that your soul would haunt those hills for eternities to come makes me sick. Makes me physically ill. And normally, I would be thanking Kynareth for her mercy and kindness, for returning my sister to my family. But after hearing how she is treating you," His fists clenched, his breath stiffening in his chest, "You have always been a slave to someone else. Whether it be in physical chains or not, you have always been a pawn. First the Neverseen, then the Elven Council, then the Black Swan, and now Kynareth? That isn't what I want for my sister."

Alexios put his head in his hands, "You were dead, and she gave you no choice but to become her conduit. You were dead and a child, dead, dead, dead..." Sophie wrapped her arms around her brother, her wet eyes clamped shut as she held him tight to her shoulder. He didn't fight her. He let the tears flow.

The shock that his sister was a reincarnated slave to a goddess was filtering through him. The fact that he was unable to save her and help her. That was why he sat in the field of green grass and wildflowers and wept. Alexios always lived to help and cherish his life, to do anything to save those who truly need it. But the helplessness at his sister's fate made him crumble upon himself, like an old tower's mortar crumbling away, allowing the whole structure to come down.

"I love you Alexios. Please know I hold no resentment towards you about this. This isn't your burden to bear." Sophie whispered.

"Please don't say that. I want to help Amalia. I'm your brother, and no matter how much we fight, I love you and I will always be here for you." Alexios stiffened as his sister leaned against his shoulder, sniffling.

"You sound like pater. You even protect me from boys like he did." She giggled.

"I mean it Amalia. Whether it be godly bullshit or a guy I know is bad for you-"

"Alexios, Cesare was a sweet boy and you scared him away with a war axe before he could even walk up to my house-"

"No matter what! I want to help. I know what you've been through makes it hard for you to be transparent sometimes, but please try to understand where I'm coming from here. I may hate lots of things, such as responsibility, the Senate, and Brussel sprouts." Sophie giggled, smiling at her brother's attempt to lighten the mood, "but I don't hate being your brother." Alexios insisted, ignoring Sophie's comment about her past date that he ruined.

Sophie sighed, holding her brother close. She let his words sink in.

"Alright baby brother. No more secrets."

"You promise?"

"Upon the bread we break and the wine we share, I swear my lips speak only my honest truth." Alexios smiled at the old Inalian proverb, nudging his sister.

"Well, if you really promise that, then I have a few secrets I have to share." Alexios said, returning back to his flower picking.

"Ooh, do share." Sophie smiled, looking up at the now night sky. Alexios hummed for a few moments longer before holding up a wildflower chain. Sophie just thought her brother was butchering the flowers around him as he thought, but he hasn't made one of these since they were children. Sophie smiled as she took it, admiring the different vibrant colors. But it morphed into confusion when her brother asked, "Have you ever visited the Pythia?"

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Sophie asked, glancing over her shoulder.

"To be honest, this is an awful idea. I'm pretty sure I've incured teh wrath of the gods becuase of her. But apparently she is more important than I thought." The Morretti siblings stopped in front of the Gardens of Adonis.

"Whelp. Time to inerogate the Messanger of the Gods." Sophie sighed.

That is what they thought would happen, at least. Easy to say, it wasn't that simple.

"I'm not asking you bothersome old hag!" Alexios barked, running around the table in an attempt to catch the Pythia.

"I thought I washed my hands of you! Gods above, I thought Maria would have instilled some manners in her barbarians."

"I have plenty of manners, but not with you!" Alexios tumbled back as the Pythia flipped the table, running for the exit.

But screeched to a stop at the sight of the eldest Morretti sibling, casually leaning against the door frame.

"You are only making this harder on us." Sophie groaned.

"Y-You..." The Pythia stuttered. Sophie rolled her eyes, beginning towards the Pythia.

"Yes, I'm Amalia. Yes, I'm still alive. Any more questions?"

But the Pythia fell to her knees, bowing before Sophie's feet.

"My goddess." She breathed.

Sophie stopped with shock, but Alexios was more pissed that it only took one look from Sophie to make her comply.

"I can't believe you are truly here. In the flesh!" The Pythia shimmied to Sophie, holding her hands as if they were the most delicate treasures.

"Kynareth!" She exclaimed.

Oh. Ohhhhhhh.

"Uh, no, I'm sorry but you're-"

"Why are inhabiting the body of this mortal beast, my lady. These Cyevan Assassins are no good, they are monsters! They took her from me! I would've gladly given my form if you have told me."

"Okay, now that's just rude." Sophie scoffed.

"Told you she was a treat." Alexios muttered.

Sophie pulled herself away from the Pythia, crossing her arms as she sized the Messanger up and down.

"Why do you hate the Morrettis?" Sophie hissed.

The Pythia clenched her fists, glaring at Sophie.

"My goddess-"

"I, Kynareth, stand before you asking a question. Now answer!" Sophie didn't notice a storm outside, but the minute she demanded her question answered, thunder shook the world. The Pythia's lip quivered as she took a deep breath.

"Allesandro murdered her, my goddess. He murdered my sister."

Alexios's face also dropped at the accusation.

"The bastard promised her he would keep her safe and he lied, my goddess."

Sophie saw red, "How dare you accuse him of something like that! My pater would never-'

"What do you mean he killed her?" Alexios stepped in, gritting his teeth. The Pythia turned away from Sophie, and her eyes darkened. As if looking away from Sophie made the holiness wash from her body.

"I refuse to answer you scum."

"Answer his question!" Sophie roared at her.

The Pythia jumped, biting her lip. "N-No."

Sophie clenched the table, the glass cracking beneath her grip.

"No? You mean to tell me that you would throw around such a heinous accusation and not defend yourself?"

"I'm sorry my goddess, but I simply cannot! I do not trust Morrettis with my secrets! And the fact that you are inhabiting a Morretti body does not help-"

"What will loosen your tongue then?" Alexios interrupted.

The Pythia jumped at that.

"Answer my single prayer. The one prayer I have chanted." She said expectingly.

"We aren't your genies, Pythia. Answer my questions!"

"You promised, my goddess!"

Sophie opened her mouth the spew some more hatred, but a chill ran down her spine. Lightning followed the ink imprinted on her back.

"I did promise her something, Amalia." Kynareth whispered.

Sophie closed her eyes and leaned backward as Alexios surged forward, demanding answers. Sophie's mind was scattered and loud, but a gentle chill silenced it all. Before her, in the silence of her dark and forever unending mind, formed to statues. A girl made of shadows and one boy wrapped in light. They looked like polar opposites.

"These are who I promised to her, Amalia." Kynareth whispered, each word she muttered filling her mind with knowledge. By that one sentence, Sophie knew everything she needed to know. It was as if Kynareth telepathically filled her mind with the information.

"Please don't make me do this, Kynareth." Sophie whispered into her mind.

"She deserves to know, Amalia." That sounded like true regret in her mind.

Sophie's eyes fluttered back open, the world swirling around her with taunting familiarity. A reminder that this was truly what she needed to do.

"Your nephew and neice. You want to know what fate befalled them." Sophie answered. Alexios's mouth dropped, not fully believing that she knew. The Pythia nodded intensely, her smile wide.

"I know the location of one. If I bring her to you, will you answer anything I may ask?"

The Pythia fiddled with her fingers, her blusterous personality faltering at the sign of holiness.

"But, my goddess, I asked for the two of them."

"I bring you one, you give us at least some information we want and more on your nephew that was I can track them down."

"But why would a goddess need to-"

"Do we have a deal or not?" Sophie barked.

"Yes!"

Maha straightened as Sophie approached, waving from her big desk of supplies and plans. Maha was the one to bring up the Island of Kephalonia as a hiding spot for their men. It had the remnants of the once-prosperous island territory provide good enough shelter for their men. It was rich with resources and was close enough that they could get to it for an emergency. But the haunting skeletons and signs of previous war made it a little bit harder to call home.

"Are you sure this is a good idea? I can't help but feel like we got in over our heads with this." Sophie sighed. Maha clicked her tongue, tapping her pen against her clipboard.

"Too late for second guessing now," Maha gestured to their small island. Technically, they should've gone to the bank to let them know that the small island of Kephalonia was now under the use of the Morrettis. But it wouldn't work because the bank and Senate would want to know why they wanted to purchase it. And stowing their small armada and army seemed like a good way to get thrown in jail and have their entire operation shut down.

"Kephalonia is too perfect Amalia, don't fret. It is so large that our men can handle theirselves for a while while we handle things on the mainlands."

Sophie shook her head, "The Senate is already on our asses. And now that we know the Espositas are sponsers of the Neverseen we have to treck carefully. And this isn't being careful."

"Amalia, trust me. I'm going to say here and make sure everything is situated with everyone. Just until we handle our next moves." Maha held a thick roll of parchment over her shoulder, waving it for Sophie to snatch. She did so, unfurling it to see... another list of chores. Lucky her.

"But you do need to handle these while you're on the mainland."

Sophie crossed her arms. It has only been a few days since they all came clean about their godly personas. The Inner Circle took it surprisingly well, except Alexios still took a couple days to get over his shock.

Sophie bit her nails, beginning to pace.

"What is it, Amalia?" Maha groaned, recognizing Sophie's anxiety even with her back turned.

"Have you heard from Ruy?" She asked. For some reason, a small smile could be seen, even with Maha's back turned.

"I'm sure he is busy. We just sent back up spies to help him out not to mention he has been setting up a Neverseen spy ring." Maha glanced over her shoulder, "Why do you want to know?"

Heat filled Sophie's face. Why was Maha acting sly like this? Did she know something? See something?

Sophie straightened her back, "He is a member of the Inner Circle and my second in command. He is vital to the guild and is needed to be in constant communication with us."