Page 239 of The Gods Order

“It’s beautiful,” I whisper.

Her shoulder brushes mine.

“It always is.”

I meet her gaze and match her smile, although my lips are trying to tremble. I bite my bottom one to stop it. I’m not ready for the night to end.

“It’s time, isn’t it?” I ask.

“I’m afraid so, my girl.”

I nod, despite the fact I’d rather shake my head.

Regardless, when she stands and offers me her hand, I take it. Somehow, she knows exactly where the door is, while I still see nothing but glass.

I clear my throat and turn back to face her after I step into the hallway.

“It’ll all be over soon,” I say. “Soon, you and Dad will be back together and I…we’ll have more time.”

A sweet smile crosses her lips as she tucks a piece of hair behind my ear. With a deep breath, she steps past her threshold and pulls me into her. I melt against her chest. My eyes flutter shut and I breathe in her scent.

“When the seven become one, he’ll make his move. Don’t wait for him. Make yours first.”

Her whisper has my lids flashing open and my arms tightening around her. A small chuckle squeezes through my throat.

“Feels good, doesn’t it?”

She laughs low.

“Feels like freedom.”

“You’ll know true freedom. I’ll make sure of it.”

We slowly, reluctantly, pull apart from one another. Tears swell in her eyes, but she refuses to let them fall. I believe I get that from her.

“Go, my girl. Show the realm who you are.”

A long breath pours out of me and I straighten my shoulders. I don’t allow my tears to fall either as I hold her gaze for a second longer. I hate the fact I have to leave her here. All alone. Without my dad.

It’s unfair. So cruel.

I’m going to make it right, though.

Starting now.

Kyzen

30

Beyond the barrier feels different.

Time feels…not slower, but more patient. Like the realm itself remembers how to breathe here.

Maybe it’s because the taint of the realm hasn’t reached this place yet. Or maybe it’s because the people who live here stopped measuring their lives by urgency decades ago. I’m not sure, but it’s peaceful.

I’ve honestly enjoyed the hours we spent wandering the yard, staring over the ridge, and sitting in the chairs Val conveniently set out. I knew the second Thayla slipped through the front door we’d be here a while. She deserves far more time than she’ll get.

There’s been no need to fill the silence, but Val’s taken every opportunity to tell us something. Not explanations or excuses.