We all stand as he pushes his chair in. The hurt and disappointment on his face are clear as the sky. I’m sure the shitrunning through his mind, and all the High Chancellor nonsense he has to worry about now is flooding him.
He bows to all of us before turning and heading to the door without another word.
“If you all are okay, I’m going to go as well. I need to go hunt down Consequence and attempt to pry information from him. Plus, I can only imagine the delight and rage Obliteration is feeling right now. I need to try and figure out his next move.”
“Before you go,” Thayla says as she steps toward Derivius. “What did you mean you felt the call of my power?”
He gives her a small smile as he lays his hand on her shoulder. “Anytime there’s an abnormal spike in Chaos, I’m made aware. One moment, I felt nothing. The next…all I sensed was you.”
She nods, dropping her gaze from his as he steps back.
“If any one of you needs me, call. I’ll come. If not, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
His starshoot whisks him away, and for a heartbeat, none of us say or do anything.
My fists clench tighter at my sides as we fucking stand here.
“Would anyone like some food?” Yemi timidly breaks up the stillness as though she’s afraid we’re all going to shatter.
We might.
The offer of food hangs in the air like a kindness and an obligation. She felt rude not offering, but none of us are capable of accepting right now. There’s collective strain in the way everyone is holding themselves together. Not just my brothers, Thayla, and me.
Staying would mean making pointless small talk or a fucking big-ass conversation.
I don’t want to do either.
“We’re okay,” Thayla mutters. “We…we’re going to head home.”
Yemi nods, relief and worry warring across her face. “Of course. We’ll see you all tomorrow. If you need me, though.”
“I know. Same for you.”
They exchange quiet goodbyes and a tight hug as the rest of us share heavy looks. Well, I only glance at Sevryn.
With his small nod, I turn and head out the door.
Get to the house.
Get this fucking armor off.
Bathroom.
Kitchen.
None of us speak as we make our way across the short distance, and I barge through Thayla’s room as soon as I’m inside.
“Guys.”
I grunt as my fingers twitch around the door handle that leads to the hallway. The strain in her tone is just as rough as the strain on her soul.
“What’s wrong, little goddess?” Kyzen asks.
I exhale sharply as I pivot back around.
She curls her fingers by her sides and shifts on her feet as her eyes flick to each of us.
“I…” She tears her gaze from ours as she glances at her bathroom, then at the floor. “I’m not trying to make this about me. Today was—”
