Like she’s still figuring out where she stands among us…and is choosing not to overstep.
Yemi gives her a small smile and nod, both of which Mara returns.
“Okay,” Mara says, shaking her shoulders out. “Let’s do this. I’m going to be in so much fucking trouble when he senses something’s changed.”
I still don’t think she sees the way that gigantic fucker looks at her…
I turn in my spot and focus on my men.
Their small smiles are full of confidence and confirmation, but I still send a single stroke down my soul to be sure.
The one, well, four, that responds takes my breath away.
“Come on. Show them what you can do,”Seismet encourages when I turn back around.
“This isn’t supposed to be me showing off.”
“It should be. Show everyone I have the best companion.”
I bite my lip to hide my smile and shake my head at him as I focus on V.
“Same as last time, but this time, I need to say everyone’s names, right?”
“That’s correct and then cleanse it at the same time. You’ve got this. You and your power.”
Okay. Me and my power.
My shoulders rise with my deep inhale. I do spare everyone one more glance, but I don’t ask them if they’re ready again.
They’re waiting for me.
My eyes drift shut as I cradle the Gods Binding to my stomach. My power vibrates beneath my skin, anxious for me to call them all forward.
Okay, you seven. Let’s prove to everybody—okay, myself—that we don’t need an emotional barrier to work together without issue.
We got this.
On my exhale, I call them forward and direct them into the Binding.
They pour out of me in waves, and I choke back the grunt that attempts to slip through my lips. Each spot inside of me—my mind, tongue, throat, upper stomach, lower belly, hands, and my spine—empties, leaving me feeling far more unnatural than I was expecting.
A dull ache spreads across me that freaks me out far more than it did the first time when I only used my Seduction.
Fuck…it almost feels like my body wouldn’t function without my powers at this point.
Petrifying.
I clear those thoughts and focus back on the task as that ache morphs into a subtle pain.
That would be my cue.
“By the Valories we do serve. Release the power we rightfully deserve. Riven, Creed, Amick, Kyzen, Thayla Godrun, Yemi Andino, Lambrit Armend, Rose Galeen, Sevryn, Doren, Nero Valadi, Iric Obi, Havar Andino, and Mara Willmer.”
Grunts echo through my ears, mingling with my own as power slams into our chests.
The pressure continues to build, and I don’t know if that was Yemi or Rose, but someone just let out a whimper.
Probably should’ve warned them it’s painful before it becomes—
