Page 176 of The Gods Order

We’ve definitely found what we’re looking for and it’s far different than the other five we’ve acquired.

I grunt low the closer to the guards we get.

“Fully powered Oblirians,” I warn. “Stab straight through the hearts. Kyzen, use your power if need be.”

Thayla gives him a timid nod as she, Amick, and Riven unsheathe their swords. The distance between us and the Oblirians shrinks in seconds and my breaths fall measured from my chest. I wrap both hands around the hilt of my sword and raise it.

“Three, two—”

Before I can get to one, before I can fucking blink, four piles of ash form on the stone floor.

My head slowly turns and I trace Thayla’s outstretched arm.

“That was not the plan,” Amick says low.

“No, it wasn’t,” she says like that makes it okay.

“Then why the hell did you do it?” I ask.

Her lips pinch tighter as her gaze meets mine. Beside me, Riven lets out a small laugh.

“Our sweet little Binder couldn’t stand the idea of her men adding any trauma to their hearts because of this place.”

Her eyes narrow on him.

“Everything is fine. My power is still locked in place. Let’s go.”

She attempts to step forward, but I snatch her ass back to my side and step into her space.

“Don’t risk protecting our hearts when it costs yours something.”

“You are my heart. I’ll risk everything a thousand times over. And there’s not a damn thing you can do about that.”

I scoff and smirk at her fucking sass.

My Goddess of Death.

“We ready now?” she asks, arching her brow at me.

I roll my eyes and nod for Amick to move forward. He’s practically bouncing on his toes, ready to push those doors open.

Everyone piles in close behind us as he lays his palms flat against the wood. As soon as he shoves, we race forward.

Cold air spills through the widening gap, slapping me in the face like a freezing reality shock.

It’s wrong. Very wrong.

The sensation hits my skin and sweeps through me like invisible chains snapping into place around my soul. Every instinct I possess recoils as the powerful protections that I’m all too aware of snap into place.

Beside me, Thayla stiffens.

Kyzen swears under his breath.

Riven’s curse follows a heartbeat later.

Everyone behind us recognizes what surrounds this room.

None of us need to test it.