“What are you saying?”
“I think . . .I can destroy this world.”
Seven words had his magic rallying in objection. Seven words sent sparks along his skin.Destroy the world?There was nothing more horrible to Creation.
“You don’t like it.” She laughed softly, glancing at him. “I can feel it.”
“I don’t like it. But I love you.” This was his mate. He would hear her through and hope that there was perhaps something more to her words. He wrapped his arms around her waist, tugging her close. “Tell me what you would create.”
“What I would see destroyed, you mean,” Destruction corrected. Then, sighing softly, she unloaded her thoughts. “A god split makes demigods, right?”
“Yes. Unless the demigod is one such as I and has been formed by greater gods.”
“Well, a demigod split is made mortal.” Something in Creation resonated truth to the statement so he made no objection, allowing her to continue. “If I were mortal, I could not be targeted by Chaos. I would be useless to her to make Oblivion, in such a state.”
“If you were made mortal, you would die.” His grip tightened around her. He didn’t want a single lifetime with her; he wanted eternity.
“I would, but . . .” She sighed again. “Very well, here’s my thought. If I were to split myself, or be split, part of me would be mortal and the other part of me would be my raw divine essence.
“You could craft a container, a box of sorts, to keep that essence within. As long as it survives, I could never truly die. The other lingering part of my magic and soul would perpetually seek it out.”
“We have no proof of that.” Already, visions of his Destruction fading away into nothingness flooded Creation’s mind.
“But you have no proof otherwise, and itfeelsright, doesn’t it?” Despite his reluctance, his godly intuition agreed with her. “You could use that magic, and with it, you could destroy this world.”
“And destroy your mortal form with it.”
“But I would return as a mortal again, in a new world—a world you created with your own two hands. I’ve felt the magic unleashed from the destruction of worlds when I destroyed the stars. I know you would have enough power to usher in a new age. Then, there, my soul would return in a new body, looking for its magic, for its other half.” Destruction turned in his arms, cupping his cheeks. “Looking for you.”
He couldn’t tell if she was saying this just to appease him, to win him over to her cause, or because she truly believed the words. But, no matter what the motive, they had the desired effect. He would do anything in the world for her.
“You could give me my magic back and with that I would stand by your side as a demigod. We would rule a new age, just you and I.”
“You’re asking to kill the pantheon, to kill this world,” he whispered.
“And I don’t ask it lightly.” Destruction shook her head. “Despite my name and magic, I don’t celebrate wanton destruction. I celebrate the natural breakdown of the universe, feeding its natural order. But I don’t know if there will be any other way to be truly free. I can’t explain it . . . but I’m not confident in Hunt.”
“You don’t know her.” Creation nuzzled her cheek.
“Neither do you.” Destruction tilted her head, kissing his lips gently. “Think on my idea. Go back to Hunt if you must. I have faith you’ll see this is the best way.”
Creation was helpless to do anything more than nod. Even if he offered resistance and even if it was well-founded, he couldn’t protest her. She was everything to him, and if she wanted the world only to destroy it, then he would give it to her.
Perhaps Light had made them too perfectly matched, for Creation was discovering he was truly loyal to only her.
“I will see what the status is with Hunt, and I will return to you. Hopefully she has already made strides in finding Chaos.” Creation kissed her gently on the lips. “Stay here if you would like. If I am the mortal’s prince, then you can call yourself my princess—though queen is far more accurate.” Was that the faintest of blushes he saw on her tan cheeks?
Destruction nodded, looking back out the window. “Perhaps, it would be nice to have a home to rest in for some time. One that’s slightly more sheltered than my own.” She laughed, then added, mostly to herself, “It’s comical how much your home and mine look alike.”
Just that statement alone sent Creation’s mind wandering. He daydreamed of a world to call their own, a place that would be wholly theirs. But first: Chaos. First, he had to find a solution that ensured his love’s freedom.
To gain everything, he may first have to destroy the world.
