I nodded because there was no other option. Gray’s aura took us away from the safety of our home and to the council chambers. The piles of rubble had been cleared away, and the pillars stood proudly again. The thrones were righted, and the room was packed with Gods and Goddesses all talking until there was a steady hum. There were no injuries. No visible sign Elysia had been at a tipping point. The only scar was on Gray’s side where the oleander had left its mark, darkening his flesh and raising the skin.
Sloan and Erik were standing together and Larkin had taken her place by her throne, chin tipped upwards. Archer was brought from the cells and as we locked eyes, he afforded me a curt nod.
Could I let him take the fall for Larkin? Gray mentioned that the Gods would decide what justice looked like, but I’d been around long enough to know that they were all vying for blood. An eye for an eye was expected here. Would I be able to live with myself if Archer lost his life for something he never did?
My stomach twisted uncomfortably, and my aura pulsed out from around me, lighting up the surrounding area in a golden hue. A flurry of whispers and eyes in my direction did nothing to calm my nerves. The last thing I needed was for them to think that I was trying to influence things. But then I remembered yesterday and how so many auras had shone before me to make sure I was protected. I had no idea what they thought of me, but I didn’t trust that they wouldn’t change their minds at the drop of a hat.
My aura had remained around me from the moment I returned from Earth. Even when I tried to focus and bring it back to me, it remained in the air. The prayers I asked for that I so desperately needed were still being channelled to me. Mortals didn’t know that the war was over. That now we were dealing with the fallout.
Gray’s hand squeezed mine as he looked down at me. I gave him a small smile in return. Through our bond, I sensed the excitement that bubbled through him. As he’d said, this was the first step to our eternity. After this, there would be no more obstacles for us. No need to look over our shoulder. He led me across the room towards the dais and stopped in front of his throne.
“You can sit here,” he told me.
“Gray,” I said, feeling uncomfortable in a spot where I was so visible.
“Erik will look after you. Remember, you have nothing to worry about. I love you.”
The confidence poured from him. In the few hours it had taken him to heal and come back to himself, Gray had flourished. It was easy to see that this was a role he had been preparing for his entire life. He was ready to step up and take Elysia forward even if it meant having the uncomfortable conversations. And I was proud of him for doing it. For opening up and allowing them all to see the other side of his personality. The part of him that showed mercy and kindness to his friends in a time of difficulty and darkness.
Gray’s footsteps echoed as he strode to the centre of the chambers where he could command the attention of the room. The rest of the Gods found a seat and the whispers soon died away as they waited for the show to begin. It was impossible to ignore the few curious stares that were thrown my way.
“You requested a trial.” Gray’s voice filled the space, deep and authoritative. “And I have granted that request. It should have been done a long time ago, and I hope it brings you the peace you seek.”
Archer stood a few feet away from Gray, still bound in cuffs. There was no panic or fear evident on his face. Instead, Archer continued to carry the same calm tinged with a smugness that he always did. It made me question what his plans were for this public spectacle. The temporary camaraderie, if it could even be called that, between him and Gray against their common enemy had disappeared in the blink of an eye.
The tension in the air was thick, reminiscent of the way it had been the last few days, but on a smaller scale. We were meant to be witnessing a public trial, but something about it felt more personal between the two Gods. The final battle in their long-running feud.
“The minor Gods would like to see your memories surrounding the events of that time,” Archer said. “Please project them for all to see.”
“I thought you needed physical contact to share memories,” I said, leaning towards Erik.
“You usually do, but if you’re good with your aura, then that should be enough. Watch Gray. See how he’s moving it out to the room?”
The council chambers grew dark with Gray’s aura until nothing was visible around us. Even my aura was no match for his.
I focused, the way Gray told me, on channelling my gift towards this entire situation. But the focus was difficult when his memories flooded out around me.
Hunter stoodat his home looking out of the window while Gray and Erik sat at the table behind him.
“It can’t go on any longer,” Hunter said.
Gray shifted in his chair. “So, what exactly do you plan to do?”
“When you have a problem, eliminate it.”
“Please don’t tell me you mean…”
Hunter turned around to face them. “That is exactly what I mean, Grayson.”
“Don’t you think that’s extreme?”
“I’m surprised you care.”
“I’m just saying there must be a reason they’d cause so much unrest. They must be unhappy. We’d be better off opening up the chambers and hearing their grievances.”
Hunter scoffed and shook his head. Disgust and distaste marred his features.
“You’re both soft,” he spat. “They’ve been trying to tip the balance here and if they succeed, we might all cease to exist. The demigods will be fine if people stop believing in us. They’ll resume mortal status, but the rest of us… well, that would be the end.”
