“Ready?”
V glides over to him after he dips his head. We all wait silently as he does whatever it is he does to see something in someone’s mind.
After a heartbeat, he hums and soars back to me.
“Let’s go to the Court and we’ll decide what we’re going to do from there.”
Mara flinches and her head darts around before settling on V. Everyone else has most certainly grown accustomed to him speaking in their minds over the last almost forty-eight hours.
Lambrit, Rose, and Havar pull Yemi and me into a group hug that I teasingly laugh at. Really, their love and care for me sink deep into my bones.
I’ll never be able to repay them for everything they’ve done for me.
Not that I really think they’ll want repayment, but what do you say to those who’ve literally been ready and willing to put their necks on the line for you?
“We’ll be back. Straight to the entrance of the Court,” I mutter as I separate myself first.
Those of us going collectively nod to one another as Lambrit, Rose, Ellian, and Havar step away.
Our footsteps fall in line with each other as soon as our starshoots release us. Yemi’s ass lowers my arm before I can tell the Beginning Gods’ mural fuck you with my middle finger.
“Today’s probably not the day to chance that,” she states, cutting her eyes at me.
True.
The last of the Defenders leaving the arena of the Court cross the archways to the chambers just as we step foot into the dirt. Gladian stands in the center, twirling two swords with two more strapped to his back.
“Go ahead, V,” I say.
“There’s a small pathway that leads to the gates of her house. Do you want me to drop you all there, or right in her gardens?”
“Right in the gardens would give us the element of surprise. We just come out swinging. But…the gates would give us a moment to regroup,” Nero responds.
“Yeah, but what if there’s something that’s surrounding the gates? It could take Thayla and me too much time to break through it. That would for sure grab the attention of all the Dark Gods,” Yemi says.
Fuck, she’s right.
The choice kind of makes itself then.
Deep breath.
“The gardens it is.”
I unsheathe my—well, Creed’s swords—and keep them pointed down so I don’t accidentally slice one of them. Everyone follows suit, readying their weapons.
“Are you all ready?”V asks.
“Yes.” They all respond. Except for me.
“You drop us and leave, V.”
“I can help.”
“I have no doubt about that, but it’s too risky. What if the Goddess of Creation senses the commotion and sends the God of Obliteration to check on things?”
“I’ll stay and block everyone’s power so you go undetected. I’ll stay out of the fighting.”
The finality in his tone makes my jaw tense.
