Chapter Five
A Game of Gods
Shuddering isn’t at all the way it feels when Ryder guides me through space and time. There’s no pain or anxiety. It’s freeing and euphoric and consuming.
I honestly don’t know why Ryder walks anywhere. This is the most addicting feeling I’ve ever felt.
Gentle winds kiss my skin but I don’t feel whole. It’s as if my mind, body, and soul have turned to dust and I’m just caught up in the wind somewhere in an unseen space. I’m aware of the quick movements of my travel but I can’t see anything. Darkness blinds me to the world around me.
Until I land.
Ryder’s gaze is alive with excitement.
“You did it,” he whispers.
The quiet sound of his voice echoes around the arched hallway. Morning sunlight warms my back and before I can turn around he’s speaking.
“You are a remarkable little thing, aren’t you?” Loki’s emerald eyes flash with interest. “I am curious which god blessed you so. I do have my guesses though.” He leans against an artfully sculpted column, his back to the deep green field behind him.
“Perhaps I’m deserving of my gifts.” My chin tips up to him.
Loud and unrepressed laughter shakes through him. The sound of it hums around the hall until he’s doubled over laughing.
He stands to his full height. A smile still creases his features as he stalks closer to me. Ryder doesn’t move but I feel his chest lean into me, brushing against my back.
“What sort of help do you require from the gods? Although Idofeel someone has already helped you enough.” His long fingers strum against his chin as he studies me with rapt attention.
I try to think of all the people in Juvar who will be harmed first. Then the villages past the sea. And then the world and realms beyond that will be destroyed because of Tristan.
He’s invincible. I stabbed him through the heart twice and still he’s a threat with too much power.
Dark magic is all that will stop that man.
“I want death magic.”
Death. What an awful thing to ask for.
Loki’s brows raise high but he never looks away from me.
“Death magic. You think gods would willingly hand out such a powerful energy?And you didn’t even say please.”He shakes his head in disappointment.
My lips part and I consider adding the word as an afterthought, but it seems low and taunting of him to ask.
So I say nothing instead.
“What makes you think such magic exists?” His gaze flickers across my features.
I have no idea if death magic exists. Death is real. Magic is real. It is very possible that death magic is real as well.
“Are you saying it does not?” I’m careful with my words.
Birds chatter quietly in the serene distance just as a humming laugh skims across Loki’s lips. He leans closer until his eyes narrow on mine.
“What are you willing to give for it?”
Anything.
Anything but Darrio, Dax, and Ryder.
