Page 169 of The Gods Order

Our Binder.

Our bodies moved between reckless, desperate, and devoted as we showered her with pleasure. She endured all of it. Craved more of it. It was as though she was determined to have every last piece of us until there was nothing left to give.

Part of me wanted to tell her to stop acting like this was the end.

The other part wouldn’t let me utter the words.

We don’t truly have any idea what we’re about to face.

The dread curling through my soul is a combination of nerves over the possible success or failure of this mission and…

Facing our childhood home.

The memory she brought forth for me last night when she asked her innocent question calmed something deep inside of me. But now…

The countless souls I took within those halls plague my mind.

I’m old enough to understand that none of those beings were truly innocent, but I also know that some would’ve abandoned the Abandon if they’d been given a choice. They would’ve run from my father if an option had been presented to them.

I can’t dwell on any of that at this moment, though.

My eyes scan Val from head to toe as he hovers his hand inches away from the barrier to the Abandon. His pinched lips and wrinkled forehead say plenty about its condition.

It’s not going to be able to withstand this corruption much longer.

Fortifying it won’t matter after today.

The clock has already been ticking.

Once my father lays eyes on him in a few moments, the real countdown begins. He better fucking come back today from the Neutral.

My endling is almost ready to face his truth.

“If anything goes wrong and you need me, you call. Immediately. Don’t hesitate,” Derivius says, gripping Amick’s and Kyzen’s shoulders.

He moves on to Riven and me next.

The strain on his face is telling. The Chaos lurking beneath his surface is far more subdued than I figured it’d be with this situation.

Thayla’s shoulders relax a fraction when he lays both hands on her. A small, tight smile crosses his lips.

“You got this, little troublling.”

She nods far too many times.

“I know.”

He cups her cheeks for a heartbeat and lays his lips to her forehead, then steps away. Her gaze falls on Meridamus.

He doesn’t offer her any words of encouragement, nor does he inch closer to her. He dips his head once, then turns his attention to Val.

“I’ll let you know when Kira arrives at the Neutral.” Val bobs his head a couple of times as Meridamus aligns himself shoulder to shoulder with Derivius. “Let’s go, Chaos.”

This is the first time that not only can I tell, but I see clear as day that the three of them aren’t just concerned with our travels but their own.

Valveilious could turn into a battleground today.

Bright white light steals the two Beginning Gods away, and beside me, Thayla exhales heavily.