Page 144 of The Gods Order

“By the Valories we do serve. Release the power we deserve…”

I finish the Valories prayer with everyone’s names, including my own.

The number of people is astonishing.

For someone who was adamant about not having a lot of friends and keeping her circle small, it sure has grown.

Unlike last time, there are no grunts or painful whimpers as power slams into our chests. It feels much easier this go-around. The familiar pressure builds and builds, but it isn’t as suffocating. The weight lessens as the power liquefies and travels through my blood, filling my empty reserves.

My heart races as the seven points my powers have claimed across my body stretch toward one another.

Come on, keep going. Keep going. Just a little closer.

A slightly disappointed gasp escapes me when they stop stretching and the flow snaps shut. I wobble back a step, then ground myself again.

No, no. Come on. So close.

I grip the Binding tighter, willing it to listen.

My eyes fly open when a finger presses beneath my chin and tilts my head up. I stare into Val’s glowing eyes as he stares into mine.

“That replica isn’t going to give you everything you want, my shooting star,” he whispers. “Cleanse the Binding and call your power back to you.”

My jaw clenches as the truth settles into my mind. I don’t take my frustration or disappointment out on him, though I sort of want to.

I slam my eyes shut again, repeat the Valories prayer, and command it to cleanse the Binding. I refuse to open my lids, but I know the white essence shoots toward the sky like it’s supposed to.

My power snaps back into me, snatching a small grunt from my tight lips, but I don’t budge.

Strong hands hold me steady.

“Very good,” Val mumbles. “I’m very proud of you, my girl, and I promise when the time is right, you and your men will have everything you deserve.”

He steps away before I open my eyes. For a second, I just stand here, processing. The echo of the Binding still hums in my fingers and under my skin where my power almost became something complete.

Almost.

My grip tightens, then loosens. I let out a slow breath through my nose, inhale deeply, and shove my frustration down.

When I finally open my eyes, the realm snaps back into place. Smiles and excitement spread across everyone’s faces. The moment I focus on my men, my soul shifts. The annoyance, disappointment, whatever the hell I was feeling simply ceases.

They’re each smiling like that small step closer to being full was more than they expected.

That alone makes this worth it.

“Fuck, angel,” Riven groans, tilting his head back. “You’ve really outdone yourself this time. I can’t wait to get you home and eat cookies off your naked body.”

A small laugh bursts free from me, and my smile lingers as the others don’t call him down for that comment.

“I didn’t do anything special, my little psycho. Just gave you what’s rightfully yours.”

“Gods, that’s so fucking hot,” he says.

I shake my head as he races forward and wraps Vullie up in a hug. Kyzen, Amick, and Creed each caress and kiss me as they pass, strolling forward to talk with the others.

Yemi, Rose, and Mara collide with one another, smiling and talking a mile a minute. I watch it all unfold while Meridamus and Val pretend not to watch me. V snuggles into my cheek after he starshoots the Binding back to its hiding place, and I lean into him, taking another deep breath.

“You did very good, Thayla, and Val was right. When the time comes, you will all get what you deserve.”