“What did the seers say about my purpose?” she asked, returning the conversation back to something pertinent.

“You were never meant to complete your assignment. Sethios was your target all along.” His green gaze lifted to the man holding her. “Your child represents a future possibility the seers wish to see fulfilled.”

“The unknown entity,” Sethios whispered, his expression morphing into one of awe and skepticism. “But how is that possible? I’ve fucked numerous women over my lifetime—so many that I’ve lost count. None of them have ever fallen pregnant.”

“Caro is a full-blooded Seraphim, and it seems your genetics were a perfect match for breeding.”

Sethios didn’t appear convinced, which she didn’t know how to interpret. It wasn’t like she fornicated with another man recently, or even within the last three decades. He had to know his seed was the cause.

“Fine, but my mother was a mortal. The human influence is why Hydraians can’t reproduce, or that’s always been my understanding, anyway.”

“Perhaps.” Gabriel shrugged. “I imagine your father’s genes overrode much of your mother’s, which is the reason you were able to procreate with Caro. Further, according to the seers, you are ideal mates for one another.”

“Meaning they anticipated this and wanted it to happen,” Caro added, uncertain of how to feel about that.

“Yes.” Gabriel folded his arms. “I’m guessing the council didn’t inform you because they didn’t want to tempt fate.”

“They don’t know you’re here,” she realized.

“No. I discovered all of this on my own after learning of your assignment. Your summons only expedited my research. What appears to be the issue?” His gaze dropped to her still-flat stomach. “Aside from the obvious, I mean.”

“Osiris’s seer prophesied his pending demise at the hands of his son,” Caro replied. “We wanted your help in learning more about what she foresaw, which you’ve already discovered.”

Sethios’s thumb traced a pattern against her hip as he held her seemingly closer. “I’d still like to know exactly what Skye told my father, as well as his plans for tracking me down.”

“Interesting,” Gabriel said, his hands falling to his sides. “See, I suggest we give you to Osiris as a distraction while Caro brings the child to term in the sanctuary of other Seraphim.”

Caro froze as the tension in the room thickened. She didn’t need emotive abilities to tell how Sethios felt about that suggestion.

“You are more than welcome to try,” he murmured darkly. “But first, tell me why you think Caro would want to be surrounded by beings who sent her here under false pretenses? They essentially lied to impregnate her with a child she may or may not have wanted.”

“It was a logical assessment” was Gabriel’s reply. But even she could hear the uncertainty in his response.

“Hmm, logic. Yes. Let’s discuss logic. What rational part of you believes I will allow my child to be raised by anyone other than me and the mother?”

“I didn’t say you would agree,” Gabriel pointed out.