“But I’m not done, Your Majesty, “ I mock. “I’ve seen your son in the Under Realm…on his knees.”
Nobus’ fists ball at his sides, perfectly playing into the chess match I’ve laid out before him.
The length of my presence here is precisely timed. While I occupy the God King, the Goddess of Protection smuggles theirson out into the night. The Prince of the Gods may have been born a lamb destined for slaughter, but it’s a man that kneels in my throne room in the Goddess of Truth’s vision, not a child.
“Crowned inshadows.” Nobus repeats the snippet of the prince’s fate that has no doubt replayed in his mind since the bestowing. “No son of mine would ever bow to you, Dark God. You must trick him! Why else would he have your power?”
“I couldn’t tell you,” I say, leaning forward to meet the god’s challenging stare. “And furthermore, I could not care less who sits their immortal ass on your cursed throne or how they get there. I do not play your games or fight your wars. I am a king and I only do what serves me and my realm. What happens to your son is of no concern to me.”
The half lie tastes strangely bitter on my tongue, a sensation I am not familiar with. Once the prince is delivered to the mortal realm, once Selene’s life is no longer tied with his, I won’t care. I won’t even spare the boy another thought.
“Prove it.” Nobus calls my bluff. “Swear it in blood at the altar of Creation that you will not give your magic to the Prince of the Gods and I will uphold my end of our bargain.”
Taura often says that fate can be changed if only one is strong enough. I don’t know how the child gains my dark magic, but I hope for his sake that he’s strong enough to overcome whatever curse I am about to deliver to him.
Terror mixes with magic in my veins as the reality of our destination settles in. My last visit to the altar was a century ago, and every part of my being hopes that Creation does not wish to summon us to their realm.
With a deep inhale, I push down my fear, drink in Nobus’ desperation, and stand to my full height.
“Lead the way, God King.”
CHAPTER 14
DEATH
Nobus’ power vibrates through the throne room as the gods of the Golden Pantheon kneel before him. His magic grips them by the throat, wrapping around their necks like glimmering collars. Their immortal bodies, still coated in fresh blood and torn clothing, tremble under the weight.
Mikais lies unconscious on the dais. Nobus raises his foot, firmly planting it atop the barely rising chest of his brother as he further taunts the crowd.
“Did you think I could be so easily overthrown? That my brother could save you from me? What a joke.”
He pushes up, straightening his leg. A crunching sound echoes in the room as Mikais’ breast bone breaks under his weight. A day, maybe two, and the god will be as good as new. Damaging the Wolf God’s body is simply a display of power and control.
Several gods in the crowd wince at the noise, and one even cries out in agony for the public face of the rebellion. But the true leader, the one who planned this battle and ensured a level head ruled over emotions, glares at the God King with flaming eyes. Ihave no doubt that the dais would be fully engulfed in Nina’s fire if Nobus’ magic didn’t suppress it.
From the recesses, I watch, lurking in the shadows. The wound on my hand itches as it heals, the only evidence of my blood promise disappearing rapidly. I roll the sleeves of my black shirt up before shoving my hands into the pockets of my pants.
Look at ease. Don’t give yourself away.
I am here as a threat, an ominous presence meant to stoke their fear. And I am that to many of them, but I am not that to her. Selene’s head hangs in apparent resignation—all a part of the game still very much at play.
“This is the god you would elevate toking? This is the god you would sacrifice your immortal existence for?”
Nobus flicks his hand, causing Mikais’ body to tumble down the stairs like a bouncing ball. The God King stomps forcefully after him, bending at the waist and gripping Mikais by the hair. Nobus lifts the limp body of the Wolf God above his head. A bloody, desecrated show of just how merciless he is, even toward his own brother.
“The price for his treason is your life in exile.”
Denial fills the room as the gods take in their sentence. I can taste their fear, their surprise, their disgust. I step out of the darkness, allowing myself to be seen.
Countless eyes flit in my direction, eyes that silently beg for me to claim their souls instead. Shimmering bands of dark magic roll through the crowd, twisting and turning around the gods but remaining just out of reach.
The first notes of a song follow alongside them. Lyra’s cracked voice squeaks out a haunting dirge around the magical collar that binds her. Every note is filled with a pensive sadness that settles deep in the bones of the pantheon.
The God King drops the Wolf God into a heap on the floor. He wipes his brother’s blood on his white shirt, caring little for thecloth or the god who barely clings to life. Nobus climbs the dais again, planting his ass on the obnoxiously large golden throne and leaning back with casual ease. He loosens the magic that restrains the kneeling deities slightly.
“Now is when you beg,” he says with a prideful smirk.
Selene glances my way, cueing my exit. She will have to beg alongside the others, and we both know I can’t stomach watching it.
