Page 230 of The Gods Order

Or we face our ultimate obliteration.”

I repeat the words in my mind. They’re definitely more prophetic than the simpler version I’ve heard, but it’s no doubt the prophecy.

“That’s the one we all know,” I say.

“That’s the one I told.”

She tightens her fingers in her lap once more before flexing them and reaching toward me. I allow her to hold my hands. The patterns she draws with her thumbs are comforting, yet unease knots in my stomach.

“When six gods are woven by the stars,

Together they will align the realm’s scars.

They shall bring the ultimate salvation,

Or we face our ultimate obliteration.

Five shall answer when the stars align.

Four shall keep their souls divine.

One shall bear seven ties.

The Starwoven together will bring about the rise.”

Over and over, I replay her words. My head shakes back and forth from both confusion and understanding.

“That’s the whole prophecy,” she says. “The correct prophecy.”

“You…” My mouth opens and closes like a sea creature gasping for air. “You changed one word in the beginning, then omitted the whole end.”

“I did.”

“Why?” The question leaves me before I can stop it. I’m not angry or exactly accusing, but I just need to understand. “Why change it?”

Her expression softens, but she doesn’t look away.

“Because the truth was dangerous,” she whispers. “When the Valories gave me the prophecy, they also told me I’d be blessed with you. I knew exactly what that meant. They didn’t have to explain which role you’d fill. I knew it in my heart, and I also knew the history behind it.”

My fingers tighten around hers.

“Those born with ties to the seven powers have always been killed. None have survived,” I say.

She nods and a coldness settles in my chest.

“Until you.”

“So you changed it because you thought if they knew…”

“They would search for you before you ever had the chance to live. I was very careful about what I said and who I said it to. Every piece had to line up.”

“Did anyone besides you know the whole prophecy?” I ask.

“Yes.” Her answer is immediate. “I told your father and Sabelline knows both versions.”

The answer shocks me to my core and I flinch.

“Why in the realm would you tell her of all people?”