into the frying pan

WESSEX after all is said and done you're just a carnivore let you in and drink my blood you're nothing but a monster “That explains a couple of things...” Wessex says with a face of not-quite surprise. Loren’s dogmatic fascination with right and wrong, Zariah’s need to feel superior, the power, the obsessive family loyalty. But of course that isn’t what they’re here to talk about, and it’s foolish to give them any more power than they think they have. Back to the Old Gods. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they go for a more personal attack. Ludo told Roana to kill us. Amalia Chandrakant is a powerful, but brainwashed child who wields far more influence than she knows, and she would do anything for Safrin. There are others whose hate for you and the Ascended is almost tangible. It might be devoted follower versus devoted follower.” There’s some detectable regret in her voice when she describes the current situation in the Grounds - of which she’s sure the Voice is aware of, but painting an accurate picture in Her presence seems necessary. The Wraith wonders if it wouldn’t be easier for her to assume the mantle of ‘bad guy’ in order to allow the rest of her family to live in peace and do some of the work unhindered and unsuspected. It’s an idea for later down the line, once they see how the next portal opening goes. If each is going to be accompanied with death and destruction, perhaps she should live up to her nickname - for practicality’s sake. Especially if she must work with Sam. Whatever distaste Wessex may feel at the mention of the man she keeps internal. “Why did we work to open the Mathair first, if there was a potentially easier portal in the Spire?” she asks quietly. Was it something they did wrong prior to that night, or was the fallout greater than any of them anticipated? Because all in all, the snake was immensely easier than the Fae. “Was it an oversight on our part?” comes as a follow-up, wondering if Her children had been blind to it, if Wessex herself had been too caught up in ruling to consider that the easiest thing might be right in front of them, beneath rubble she’d stepped on whilst chasing Melita. Because now the Queen’s gotten herself into a pickle that only she can fix. Her Goddess is not a crutch to lean on unless absolutely necessary - and so far, it isn’t absolutely necessary.