“Oh. I apologize, Yemi. You aren’t complicated. Adding an unwanted and untrustworthy addition to our dynamic is.”
Fuck me. That was an attempt but not a very good one.
“Will you need multiple trips to take us or one?”
“How insulting. Just one.”
I huff.“How was I supposed to know you’re capable of doing things that only Beginning Gods are able to do?”
“That’s a good point, but from here on out, assume I can do everything they do, and if I can’t, like coming into Hellveilious, I’ll inform you.”
I blow out a breath. Everything he says and does still shocks me.
“Sounds good.”
The air that left my lungs gets sucked right back down when I look over the guys’ heads for a brief moment. I hadn’t paid any attention to our surroundings, but now it’s all I notice.
Close to ten or so feet from us, a shimmering veil distorts what I bet is a breathtaking view. It’s still stunning, although it’s partially obscured.
Not only are we surrounded by towering trees that line a path we’d walk down to leave this place, but it seems that the way into Hellveilious is through an archway carved into mountains.
The gray peaks stretch high into the sky, and I assume go farther back than my eyes can see. The sun sits behind them and between its position and the barrier, Hellveilious looks to be on fire.
It’s poetic even if it isn’t truly burning.
The stories that left this realm and traveled the others had to come from somewhere. I have no doubt it’s from this scenery.
A ball of emotion lodges itself in my throat. Many things bombard me at once as I admire this gorgeous but dangerous view.
Where was the sun in the sky when we were carried here unconscious?
Was it purposeful to build this horrific place in such a beautiful spot?
I survived one of the deadliest places known across multiple realms.
I kissed the God of Death in literally a pit of death.
We can’t fail at finding the Binding.
Not only because I fear getting taken to the Abandon, but also, I never want to be separated from them again.
A life without them, in some capacity, whether it be friendship, romantically, whatever, seems…I don’t want to say pointless but—empty.
That’s the word.
“Let’s get you home, little goddess.”
Kyzen’s face comes into focus and I blink my eyes repeatedly. A little dust falls from either my lashes or hair, and that reminder that I’m covered in blood and dirt has me ready to sprint home.
“Yes, please.”
He gives me a small smile that doesn’t touch his eyes and my heart clenches.
“What do we do, V?”
“Have Yemi and her companion lay their hands on me. I’ll take care of the rest.”
I relay his message as he climbs down my shoulder and sits in my palms. Yemi doesn’t hesitate laying her hand gently on him, but Sevryn stares in awe beforetaking my other side. I have half a mind to threaten him, but the utter confusion and I swear, pain, written across his face makes me bite my tongue.
