Dark Stranger Immortal (The Children of the Gods #3)(56)
“Yeah, yeah… You’ll chop me into small pieces. I get it… No worries, Andrew. I’m going to spend my very long life loving Syssi and protecting her from all harm. You have my word.”
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S Y S S I
N othing could have prepared Syssi for Annani’s splendor. The goddess’s radiance and palpable power were so overwhelming that she had an urge to curtsy.
Instead, she reclined her head respectfully.
“Oh, my dear girl, you look so much better already. Poor Kian was going out of his mind with worry. He loves you very much… Come, sit with me.”
Annani took Syssi’s hand, leading her to sit on Amanda’s couch much in the same way her daughter had done.
“So, how do you feel? Anything different?” She patted Syssi’s hand in a motherly gesture that belied her much-too-young appearance.
It was really disconcerting, this dichotomy between the goddess’s youthful looks and the ancient power and wisdom of her eyes. But surprisingly, there was also mischief and liveliness in them—more so than in the eyes of her much younger progeny.
“There is nothing truly significant. I feel healthy and vital, and my senses are sharper than they used to be. I hear and see better and smell… that’s actually the weirdest part; I think I can smell emotions. Am I imagining it?”
“No, my dear, you are not imagining the smells. The body secretes different hormones for different emotions and each has its own unique smell, some more pungent than others…” Annani chuckled and winked at her.
Syssi peered down at their entwined hands. What do I say next? How do you conduct a conversation with a goddess?
Annani was friendly and her smile was genuine. But it was impossible to forget what she was. She was freaking aglow! And not in the metaphorical sense!
“Come on, Syssi, you must have thousands of questions. Ask away. You are going to become the mother of a new clan—our best hope for the future of the last five thousand years. I am here to guide you and help you, so you do not have to do it all on your own. My vast experience is at your disposal.”
Annani gave Syssi’s hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Oh, my God, when you put it like that, it terrifies me. I’m not ready to become this queen bee. I pray Amanda finds more female Dormants, so I can share this burden with others. I don’t think I can handle that much responsibility on my own.” Syssi kept her eyes downcast, ashamed of her cowardice.
“I hope there will be more like you too, but it is beside the point. When I started on this journey, I was an immature, spoiled girl with no idea of what would be required of me. I stepped up to the plate, and so will you, but with the added benefit of my guidance and help. I am older than most civilizations, you know. There is very little I have not seen or done…” She joggled both brows suggestively.
Syssi had to smile, Annani reminded her so much of Amanda with her outrageous persona. “How do you do that? After all this time and all you have seen, you still have your sense of humor and a glint of excitement in your eyes. I get depressed reading the headline news… There is so much suffering and misfortune out there… I find it hard to stomach. It weighs me down.”
“The answer to that is multifaceted.” Annani’s demeanor turned serious.
“You read the news and feel powerless to do anything to make it better. You can only bear witness to all that suffering, and that helplessness depresses you. I, on the other hand, am fortunate to have the means to change this world for the better. And although we suffered many setbacks through the millennia, and the progress is slow, things are getting better. As my efforts bear fruit, I feel fulfilled. I have hope. My dream lives. That is the major source of my happiness, the knowledge that good will prevail in no small part because of me…”
Annani paused, and a bright smile enlivened her perfect face as she continued. “And there are my little ones, my great-grandchildren. I am surrounded daily by their innocence and their unconditional love. I see them grow and blossom into wonderful people… well, most of them anyway…
They fill my heart with love and pride. And last but not least, I make sure to have fun… if you know what I mean… lots of fun…” Annani’s voice dropped an octave, her demeanor reverting to playful and mischievous.
Then she smiled like an old sage and squeezed Syssi’s hand. “So you see, my darling, what I was trying to do with my long-winded speech about my fabulous self—was guide you to your new destiny. You are not helpless anymore; you are no longer a powerless witness to evil; now, you are part of the force for good. But as wonderful as having a purpose and working toward your goals is, the heart needs more to thrive. You have a wonderful man to love, to look after and to guide. I know you think you are too young and inexperienced and wonder what guidance you could possibly provide someone like Kian. But he needs you more than either of you realize. My darling son feels like poor Atlas, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, and he needs you to lend him yours.”
“I’ll do what I can… I have a minor in business and could possibly take over some of his less important tasks. Though I don’t think I’ll be much help really. I have a lot to learn before I’d be of any use.”
Annani dismissed Syssi’s concerns with a wave of her hand. “Oh, I am not talking only about his work. I have already talked him into hiring some of our young professionals for that. But you, my dear, could help him choose the right people for the job. What Kian needs assistance with the most is creating a cohesive team. My son is a natural tactical leader and does great as a commander-in-chief, which served him well in the past when an autocratic style of leadership was the norm. Except, he has never developed the skills necessary for diplomacy and building a strong business team. You, on the other hand, with your sweet nature and humble disposition, could be the glue that binds them together. Everyone likes you; you are approachable.”