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“He tried to drown the world,” Adam said.
“In order to save it. I am not saying he was right. Clearly, I did not think he was right, but what he intended to do he thought he was doing in service of life.”
“And that is why he locked your mother away, because she is indifferent?”
“Yes.”
“Why not kill her?” Adam asked.
“Perhaps he did not because he simply could not.”
“Because he loved her?”
“Because she is more concept than entity, truly immortal in the same way that Death is.”
“A primordial power.”
“I do not think what the Wolf and the cult managed, opening the Between, would have been possible if my father was still upon his throne. He forged great bindings, and without him, they grow weaker.”
“If you knew, why did you leave her there? She’s your mother.”
“Because she could unmake what she has made. Alfheimr is because the Between is and she is bound inside it.”
“So if she gets free, whether or not she grants wishes to her liberators . . .”
“My world dies.” Silver deflated. “I killed my father, Adam. I did what I had to save your world. I don’t think I can do it again, not even to save mine.”
They hadn’t talked about it. They hadn’t had that kind of friendship, even when they’d been together. After, even when they’d made peace, there was that jangling tension of seeing your ex.
If it had been anyone else, Adam would have hugged him, but Silver was his king, and the feelings were so much more complicated than what he had for anyone else.
Fuck it, Adam thought.
He wrapped Silver in his arms.
The king softened, sagging against him. It went on for a long moment, then Silver stiffened and stepped back. Only when it was over did Adam realize his PTSD had decided it didn’t mind.
“What are we going to do?”
“We?” Silver lifted an eyebrow with an amused expression.
“You have to let me help.”
“Adam, this is not your fight. Your world is not our world.”
“You fought for mine. Let me help fight for yours.”
“You do not know what you’re asking.”
“Then tell me. Tell me how I can help.”
Silver paused for a long while.
“I will consider it.” He turned to lead Adam back up the stairs.
“What about the rituals?” Adam asked.
“I do not understand.”
