Flavian is accustomed to being the lover. The person who brings slight, immediate relief to his partners. He is not accustomed to being loved. After a bitter break up with his ex Takashi, Flavian is determined to prove himself and his worth by stopping Poseidon’s biggest enemy.
Takashi has hidden himself from love. After countless mistakes, his past haunts his every move. No one knows their biggest enemies are connected to his secrets and family. He must clear his name if he is ever to be worthy of winning Flavian back.
Can the two find love in one another and let go of their troubled pasts while defeating villains who know their every secret?
“Be careful with Takashi. He went further than I,” Nikolaus’ voice whispered in the wind.
Flavian twisted but saw no one. He was alone in the sea. Flavian pushed Nikolaus’ words out of his head. He would confront Takashi later. He swam to the shore, his head abuzz with intrusive thoughts.
Alexandria crossed her arms and glowered at the sea. She shook her head in defeat and provided the air with a snarl.
“That man holds too many secrets to stay alive. I will inform Poseidon of our failure and his words about Takashi,” Alexandria declared, marching into the sea.
“Wait, give us a moment to figure out what he has done,” Xander begged, nodding to his beloved, who held Takashi in his arms. “Please, he is Makoto’s best friend,” Xander pleaded.
Alexandria provided Xander a sympathetic look but shook her head again. She crossed her arms, the gentle waves crashing against her ankles.
“No. I do not hold secrets from my god. From my friend. Poseidon loves you, and he will not act against your wishes unless the realm depends on it. We need guidance, not secrets. I will inform you what he says,” Alexandria answered, throwing her body into the sea. She disappeared under the waves, returning to Atlantis.
Xander’s head fell into his hands in defeat. Flavian rubbed Xander’s back, knowing physical touch brought him comfort. Xander’s back muscles were as familiar as his own skin.
“I’m sorry for making you feel disposable. I know people tend to think of you as an unserious person, and therefore, they take you as unserious. I fell into that trap. I do care for you a great deal. Your emotions matter to me as much as mine,” Xander coughed, tears brimming in his eyes.
Flavian rested his head on Xander’s shoulder and sighed. Xander had lost Flavian and now fretted about losing Takashi. Flavian stared at the sea, thinking of what to say.
“I will not admit to liking Takashi. I do love him. He is not cruel or careless. I do not know what he did or why, but I do know he would not harm an innocent person. He would not massacre innocent people. We all have made mistakes, but I doubt Takashi has done anything that will bar him from Poseidon’s realm,” Takashi soothed Xander.
Xander bit his lip and shrugged. He wrapped an arm around Flavian’s waist and guided him to Takashi. The man remained on his knees, resting in his closest friend’s lap.
A pang of guilt pierced Flavian. He wished to let Takashi rest, but that was not an option. They needed answers before others revealed them.
“Why did you seek Nikolaus, and what did you do? He told me you were as corrupt as he was,” Flavian informed Takashi, glaring at the man who broke his heart.
Takashi closed his eyes, his face pained. Makoto grimaced at Flavian, his eyes widening in anger. He crossed his arms and stood, facing Flavian.
“Takashi would do nothing like Nikolaus. How dare you question his motives? Nikolaus lies as he always does,” Makoto countered, his eyes knives.
“I’m aware of Takashi’s nature. He sought Nikolaus for a reason. We need to know why before Poseidon is told by someone who is not bothered by Takashi’s fate,” Flavian demanded, unrelenting in his requests. “Alexandria will determine why he went to Nikolaus. Poseidon will insist on it, and she will not relent.”
