“And why not?” Larkin asked her. “You bridge the gap between us, Quentin. In nature, you are closer to the minor Gods whilst being bound to an elite. You might be the change we need.”
Aria rose from her seat. “I won’t allow it.”
“I will,” I said, keeping my focus on my golden girl. “You have my backing.”
Quentin’s eyes grew wide. “Have you lost your mind? This is your job.”
“You’d be better suited for it.”
That was true. It was my dream, but that had been before. I’d assumed when I took the throne I would shoulder my way through any objections. It was my right, and that was all I caredabout. I wasn’t exactly fit to take on the position and since meeting Quen, I cared for it a lot less.
Larkin had made some valid points. The minor Gods were enamoured by Quentin. They found in her something that they had lost. She was mistrusting of everyone, and that would serve her well.
“You have our backing,” Erik said.
Elva and Ignacio had risen from their seats, and Quentin looked panicked. The chaotic energy was building, and I planted my feet to stop myself from going to her. She needed to appear strong in that moment. If I waded over to her, it would sway opinion. So, as much as it pained me, I forced myself to stand and watch her.
“Looks like most of Elysia would be content to see you in that position, Quentin,” Larkin said.
“Does anyone intend to stand against her?” I asked.
Aria opened her mouth, but Flynn was quick to cut her off.
“Piss off, Aria,” he said. “As if anyone wants to keep listening to you.”
“What do you say, Quentin Scott?” Archer asked, standing before the minor Gods. “Will you take the post?”
I sensed it before it happened.
“Quentin, wait,” I said, making my way towards her.
But it was too late. The gold of her aura was blinding for a moment before she disappeared from sight.
“Go and find her, Gray,” Erik implored.
“No.” Larkin put a hand on my arm. “I’d like to talk to her in private.”
“I don’t think that’s the best idea. You’ve just sprung this on her. Talk about throwing her in at the deep end, Larkin. Why would you do this?”
“It is none of your business why I’ve made the decisions I have.”
“You should explain to all of us.”
“I owe none of you an explanation apart from Scott,” Larkin snapped. “You can find her afterwards, but I think it’s better for me to talk to her first.”
“Grayson,” Sloan said softly. “Let Larkin go first. I think Quentin would appreciate it.”
“You have half an hour,” I told her. “And then I’m coming to find her.”
When I opened my eyes, I was surprised to find myself at a temple. The same one I had wandered into a few months ago. My aura was still unpredictable, but if it was going to take me anywhere, I’d expected it to be home or maybe even the lab. To be taken away from the chambers and straight to a temple was almost laughable. It thought that I’d find safety and solace here.
The space was empty, and I wondered if they had locked their doors for the night. Or if it was just a case of people seeking the Gods less. That was the original question that had brought me into this mess. E.L.I. was meant to help build an understanding that helped solidify faith again.
My footsteps echoed as I travelled down the aisle towards the front of the room. I noticed a young man sitting there peacefully in prayer, but when he clocked me, a look of shock came over his face. He scrambled to his feet, bowing low before leaving the room. Good to see that the live streams had left alasting impression on people’s minds. That had been the point, but I realised that life would be more difficult now. It was hard to regret the decision, though. I’d have done anything to stop Hunter.
“Don’t you find it strange that you didn’t believe in us and yet you seem to always end up in a temple?” Larkin’s voice was light, but it still made me flinch. “Quentin, we should talk.”
“You told me to trust you,” I said, refusing to turn around. Instead, I kneeled on the floor as exhaustion flooded my bones. “You tried to humiliate me in front of all the heavens. Larkin, I am sorry if you feel like I crossed you or did you wrong. I’ve only ever wanted to help you. And I thought you would appreciate that I did what I did in order to survive.”
