Sethios’s face drained of color. “Does that mean Osiris can do that to me? With compulsion?”

A logical jump in thought, however, not accurate.

“Osiris may send you a message of displeasure, but his persuasion does not extend to that state of being.” She paused to sip her wine, needing some liquid to clear her dry throat. Caro almost pitied Sethios’s obvious lack of understanding. These were key principles of their life. How he had survived three thousand years without them was beyond her.

“Blood bonds are a way to pass each other gifts, and they serve as unique family ties. Technically, you’ve tapped into mine by drinking my blood. If I were to imbibe yours, we would form our own bond of sorts that would allow us to telegraph to each other as well.”

It would also grant her access to his gift just as she’d given him the ability to use hers, except the ties would be indefinite. She preferred to avoid that. Being bound to anyone for eternity did not appeal to her. That he was an abomination should be the biggest deterrent, but she found it to be a minor detail, for some reason. She’d examine that thought later.

“If I’m to follow what you’re saying, then all of the mortals Osiris’s blood has altered are technically part of my family line?”

“Essentially, yes, but it’s not quite the same. You are the only one to receive the direct line of resurrection as Osiris’s blood progeny, hence your ability to persuade and likely resurrect minions of your own. I imagine it’s somewhat diluted due to your mortal mother, but Seraphim genetics would still command the majority of your essence. As for the humans imbibing the line of resurrection, they are merely gifted the opportunity of rebirth and immortality. Assuming they die within the allotted time period, of course.”

“Which explains why some mortals do not transition into Ichorian status,” he murmured. “Fascinating. I always wondered why that occasionally happened.”

“Mortals are delicate beings. If the blood passes through them before death occurs, then resurrection can’t be triggered. The essence needs to be active for it to happen.”

“Yet, Hydraians can be turned at their choosing,” Sethios replied, his tone holding a note of curiosity that she interpreted to be a question.

“The only reason Hydraians—as they like to be called—can choose their rebirth is because they are born into the bloodline. It’s actually why they are stronger than their Ichorian fathers. They carry Seraphim blood in their system which is enhanced during their eventual resurrection, essentially meaning they are rebirthed twice—initially and again on mortal death. That’s why they have multiple abilities.”

She’d consider it all fascinating if it wasn’t so incredibly wrong.

“You realize all Osiris’s abominations need to be destroyed, yes?” she asked.

Sethios grinned. “Let’s focus on my father, then we’ll talk about the bloodline.”

“Because you have no interest in eradicating them?” she guessed.

“Considering I’m one of those ‘abominations,’ I’m probably not your best recruit. But I will help you with Osiris.” He finished his sandwich and pushed his plate to the side. “Regarding your son, you said it might take a few days?”