A tic started in Xev’s cheek. “They are attacking humans.”
“They’re not attacking here.”
“What if they do?”
Caleb gave him a hate-filled glare. “They’ll seriously regret it.”
“We could use your help.”
Caleb laughed. “Have you lost your mind? I can’t just go back and pretend nothing happened. Have you met your mother? Our uncle or aunt? They’re not trusting gods. They’ll gut me if I show up after all this time.”
“Myone could take you to our father.”
Caleb smirked in disbelief. “I know you didn’t just suggest that. And why aren’t you fighting with the Kols?”
Xev looked away sheepishly. Because he knew what Caleb did. They were turncoats. Didn’t matter who they killed, what they believed or what they did. They were both born half evil. No one on their father’s side would ever accept them as anything other than traitors and liars.
“Exactly, Xev. There’s no going back. I knew that when I decided to stay and honestly, I’m good with that.” Caleb started away, then stopped himself. “How’s your son?”
“Healthy. Beautiful. His name’s Jared.”
“Who named him?”
A slight smile played at the edges of Xev’s lips. “Myone.”
Caleb nodded. “I hope he grows up happy.”
“Thank you. I hope war and trouble never find you.”
Inclining his head to his brother, Caleb made his way back into the crowd to find Lilliana.
“Where’s your brother?”
“He had things he had to attend to.”
She frowned. “He’s not staying?”
“No. But he wishes us well.”
Lil looked past his shoulders as if seeking Xev in the crowd. “What was so imperative?”
“He was giving me news of our father and of the war.”
Fear darkened her eyes. “Is it bad?”
“Not at all.” Kissing her forehead, he savored this moment with her. “We’re going to be fine. Trust me.” But even as he said those words, he wondered how long they’d last.
As much as he wanted to deny it, he knew Xev was right. If the gods didn’t kill each other off, it was just a matter of time before their war spilled over this world.
I hope you all kill each other off. That would be the best outcome.
But gods didn’t die easily. Demons even less so.
Sighing, he tried to put it out of his mind and focus on the celebration Lil loved so much.
5
SIXTEEN YEARS LATER
