We will survive until they get here.
I pull on my soul harder.
The strained teether continues to both search and go crazy inside of my chest. Each moment that passes has it growing more restless, fearful, and desperate.
“I present to you, our leading victors.”
One by one, Dimitri’s team starts being announced and true panic sets in as the names continue to grow closer to ours.
“V.”
I don’t allow a second to pass.
“V!”
“Thank the Valories. They’re on their way, Thayla girl. They feel you and know where you are. Keep pulling.”
“Oh gods.”
A chokedsob actually breaks free and both Yemi and Sevryn take a subtle step closer to me. I swallow it down as much as I can as relief and hope attempt to take over. I can’t allow that just yet.
“What part of Hellveilious are you in?”
“The Judgment Rings. Like literally in them, V. Our fight is about to start.”
A strangled hoot filters through my mind, and I almost scream when it goes silent again. My fists clench at my sides as I give it another second before I lose my fucking mind.
“Listen to me, Thayla, Hellveilious has different levels to it, and you’re on the lowest. Creed knows where you are, but there’re protections around it that keep beings from starshooting to avoid the ability to escape. He can explain more at another time. Just know they’re making their way to you as fast as they can.”
“How long, V? I’m not kidding, this man is literally like three names from announcing my team. Which, by the way, only consist of me, Yemi, and one other man.”
He goes silent once more and the only thing that keeps me calm is knowing that he’s relaying my messages to the guys now. A weird sense of acceptance mixes in with my panic.
There isn’t a doubt in my mind they’re going to make it to me, but they aren’t going to make it before the first sword is swung.
“Minutes. Nothing and no one will stand in their way to reach you.”
I try to swallow, but my mouth is drier than powder.“V…”
“Everything’s going to be okay.”
“I don’t feel my power even though I’ve crossed the weird blocking barrier. There’s no tingling, numbness, nothing. I’m going to have to do this powerless.”
“You are never powerless, Thayla Godrun. Keep pulling them to you. Pull as hard as you can. Search inside of yourself. Don’t let me be a distraction for you, but know I am here with you every moment and every step. Focus on what’s in front of you and on your Valtrue.”
“Our public enemy number one.”
I startle as the voice shouts his next announcement and the crowd boos. I send V what I hope is appreciation through my mind and not pure dread.
“Traitor to his name, son of the God of Pain, Sevryn. His team consists of two new additions serving life sentences, and what a treat they are. This is a Hellveilious first and most likely last. Sisters, Thayla and Yemi Menace. It would seem they’ve lived up to their namesake.”
The crowd roars in laughter. Yemi and I step forward together, sharing glances that are as confused as they are pissed.
Who the fuck would lie about our relationship and give us a fake last name such as that?
Sevryn’s eyebrows are bunched together as he observes us. Yemi gives him a quick jerk of her head although it’s hard to tell from how violently she’s shaking.
I slide closer to her, lowering my voice as the announcer continues to spout off taurnshit. “It’s okay. They’re almost here.”
