“Thayla!”
His shrill of my name has a harsh breath escaping me as I’m marched out of their line of sight. The sorrow in Derivius’s gaze has both rage and pure fucking dread thundering through me.
“Thayla—”
“Don’t. I’m trying really hard not to blame you right now. You said it always seems like shit’s your fault because you’re the one who shows up. You didn’t just show up tonight, though. You allowed this to happen, with no warning to us. You’re allowing this to happen to me, right now. We’ve been trying to talk to you. We’ve needed you. So don’t fucking say my name like that unless you’re about to give me an explanation about what’s going on.”
He bows to me, and multiple gasps sound around me. I choke down the lump in my throat. The silence that spears me in the chest as my front door shuts behind us makes my heart thunder.
“V, do me a favor, please, and make sure the guys don’t do anything dumb. Whatever Derivius has going on, he hasn’texplained, but until he does, make sure the guys don’t lose their shit.”
“What is happening?”
I quickly explain what’s going on, while simultaneously trying to listen to the instructions the High Chancellor is giving the Dark Gods.
V’s hoot is loud, nearly blocking out the conversation.
I pick up enough of it, though, to understand he said that the relic wasn’t found and that it isn’t in the Godsdawn.
Fuck, I hope that works for now.
“I’ll keep an eye on them. Until the God of Chaos leaves, Verlet and Seismet are protecting what needs to be protected. I’ve also informed Yemi, Lambrit, and Havar of what’s happening and to stay in their homes.”
“Thank you, V.”
“Everything will be okay.”
“I hope so. It’s just the healing villas. It’s not like I’m being whipped again.”
“Thayla…”
“Gods. Don’t say my name like that right now.”
He goes silent and my breathing picks up. The path stretching ahead of me seems endless thanks to the darkness. They, of course, had to do this shit after dinnertime.
I’m almost to the point of panting when a body crowds in too close to me.
“Oh, sweet T. I swear you seek trouble.”
“Back off her, Jeremiah. Now,” Gladian barks before I get a word out. “You, Chasin, and Mellcom head back to the house.”
I refuse to be grateful for this fucker, but that’s the first order he’s ever given that I agree with.
“They shall stay.”
My leg twitches with the desire to kick Harriseen’s feet from under him. I slowly release my breath as Mara takes a spot on my other side.
“You all may go ahead. Give my regards and apologies to the God of Obliteration.”
Piece of shit.
The Dark Gods do as the High Chancellor said and sprint ahead of us. I’m perfectly fine keeping up this leisurely pace we have going even, though the gravel is killing my bare feet.
“V. What’s going on?”
“Give me a moment.”
“A moment for what?”
