“Amick?”
“The Valories are a single entity. This isn’t widespread knowledge. It’s never been recorded. Therefore, I don’t speak about it. I don’t know if it’s truth or instinct that I know that.”
“That would be instinct. A knowingness in yourself provided to you by your power.”
Willow’s face morphs into a scowl as she flicks her focus to V’s hoot. The two of them obviously carry on their own conversation, and whatever is being relayed between them isn’t making her happy at all.
Her eyes drift shut as a deep breath escapes her.
“It’d seem more of your realm’s history has been kept from you than I was aware of. Your creator, or creators, whatever you choose to call them, the Valories, are seven beings that function as one entity. They can’t wield their power without the consent and cooperation of all of them.
“The entire intention behind the creation of creators was to grow their realms and create beings and a system that thrived. The Valories created a Beginning God each in their likeness, believing that they were creating little replicas of themselves and that they’d function the way they themselves do. They didn’t consider that emotions, free will, and eventually the ability to travel far beyond the confines of this realm would change their beings.”
Silence hangs in the air as we gawk at her.
“How could you possibly know this?” I ask.
My question blends with Amick’s.
“Who created the realm’s creators?”
“The Forces created the creators. That’s about as much as I know about them. As for how I know this, it’s my responsibility to know all that I can about the other realms.”
What does that mean?
My question earns me a side-eye but not an answer. Instead, Willow tugs me along, leaving the guys behind and picking up our leisurely stroll once more.
Neither of us forces a conversation.
Honestly, I’m thankful for that.
She hasn’t broached the subject of why or what she’s actually here to help us with, and I don’t know if I even want to push it right now.
I can’t shake the sensation that I’m being watched. Not by her eyes, but just…by her.
It isn’t a gross or judgmental observation, but I swear, a soul-deep analysis. I’m not sure what she’s searching for, but the fear that she won’t find whatever it is sits heavy on my heart. The overwhelming fear of failing again today consumes me.
What if whatever help she’s going to provide sets us up for something that we can’t accomplish? What if more people…
Gods, those people. We didn’t save a single one.
My breath thrusts from my lungs like someone punched me in the gut. The sound of cracking, crying, and screaming blares in my ears.
Closing my eyes and shaking my head doesn’t help.
“I’m going to ask you something very personal, and I ask that you answer me very honestly.”
My lids fly open and my head whips to the side.
“Are you talking in my mind?”
“I am.”
“What the—You did it in the hot spring too, didn’t you?”
“It’s an ability of mine and yes, I did. I try not to invade people’s personal space like this, but sometimes it’s necessary. Idon’t believe you’re going to be completely open with me if my men and yours can hear you, so I resorted to this.”
My eyes narrow.“What do you want to know?”
