Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 75457 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75457 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“I do,” I assure him, offering him the biggest lie I’ve ever told. “Now… I’m ordering you back to Faere. Perhaps you can find comfort in the arms of Deandra.”
That last jab was exceptionally cruel, not only to him but to me as the thought of him experiencing pleasure with her, or anyone else, is repulsive.
We stare at each other. His jaw ticks as he struggles to disobey my order. My own pulse pounds as I fight the overwhelming urge to fling myself at him and recant everything I said.
But then he gives the barest of nods, an acknowledgment he accepts my edict, and disappears.
A wave of grief drives me to my knees. My hands claw at the damp sand as I suck in air, trying to push the sorrow away.
It doesn’t work, so I lift my head to the artificially created sky and scream so loud the birds flying overhead die and plummet into the sea. A few fall on the sand, their eyes staring at me blankly.
I wonder if I have enough power within me to end my existence. It’s not one I would have ever chosen for myself knowing what I know now. It’s too harsh and while I’m a god, I’m still too human to not be hurt by the reality of my world.
The moment is fleeting and I eventually stand. I replace my clothing with my prior leather ensemble and pull the Underworld to me, stepping out onto the Bridge of Judgment where I catch Amell tossing a recently departed over the edge and into the Crimson River. The citizens of Otaxis who came out to watch cheer.
The king blinks at me in surprise, and Nyssa, who stands to the left of his throne, smiles in welcome. I glance over my shoulder at the long line of humans who will be brought forth for their reckoning and decide I don’t have time to wait for him to evaluate each one. With my power, I’m able to take in the entire lot and judge immediately if any are redeemable.
Not a single one, so I flick my wrist and they all tumble into the river, effectively ending the judgment.
There’s brief, shocked silence but then the dark creatures on the opposite bank below the bridge let up a deafening roar of approval. Because I rule death, I’m their primary deity, and my appearance is important to them. I hate to be revered for such a thing, but it’s definitely nice to feel appreciated.
My attention comes back to Amell. “We need to talk.”
When we arrive in his private living space, I decline food and wine, getting right to the matter. “Your punishment has been lifted. You are free to move about the dimensions at your discretion.”
Amell’s eyebrows shoot high, but it’s Nyssa who shouts in delight. I’m stunned when she flings her arms around my neck and hugs me close. “Oh, thank you, Zora. You don’t know what it means to him to be able to see Thalia more.”
Spontaneous acts of affection are like shocks of electricity. Uncomfortable at first, but with a pleasant tingle left behind. I hesitate before returning her hug. Nyssa holds a special place in my heart because she’s a lot like me. Most of her existence has been spent in a mortal body, and she’s now trying to navigate life as an immortal.
When we release, Amell offers a slight bow of gratitude. “Thank you.”
I give a curt smile. “Will you go after the Book of Shadows?”
He shakes his head as Nyssa steps next to him, slipping her arm around his back. It makes me almost cry that I never had the opportunity to bestow that type of gesture on Maddox. “I trust Kieran to find it. If he needs my aid, I’ll give it, but I’m hesitant to leave the Underworld right now.”
His tone sets me on edge. “Why is that?”
“There are rumblings and rumors,” he says in a grave tone. “Something big is brewing.”
“Like what?”
Amell shrugs, not in a blasé manner but to indicate he’s frustrated by the unknown. “We’ve been ferreting out hidden supporters of Jago, and one recently divulged that there were rumors that Rune is going to be freed from his prison and restored to his god status.”
My knees actually go weak. “And you trust this information?”
“I trust the torturer who got the information. His specialty is in peeling strips of skin from his subject and cauterizing the wounds with fire.”
I grimace and my stomach rolls. I’m a god with a queasy stomach. “But how would that even be possible?”
“He didn’t know, only that it’s being bandied about by Jago’s remaining supporters. It could be nothing but a false claim to keep their movement strong. The prospect of escaping the Underworld is a powerful way to hold them together. The promise of a god who would let them all out would be inspiring.”