Page 245 of The Gods Order

I inhale slowly, letting the air fill my lungs as the ground vibrates beneath my feet. My awareness reaches through the realm until it collides with a power so vast it nearly forces me to brace myself.

Val’s Boundaries stretches around Hell like an unseen wall, each pulse thicker than the last as he layers protection over this prison.

I’ve never felt anything like it.

It took quite a bit of convincing to talk him into this. Not because he didn’t agree Hell needed more security. He just wasn’t comfortable doing exactly what I asked.

The guards at the doors appear, but before they can kneel, I wave them off and shove my way inside.

We don’t have time for formalities.

Three days. That’s it.

That’s the timeline Amick basically declared when we returned from the Unclaimed Region. No rest. No sleep. If not for Thayla’s warning glare, he probably wouldn’t have let us eat breakfast.

She won that battle, though, and told him he could plan the one we were preparing for while we ate.

He jumped right into it.

In the blink of a fucking eye, our house was full of our…soul family.

It’s difficult looking left at Gladian’s scowl and knowing my soul decided we should be close.

Fucking mental.

Anyways, everyone was given a task, a role, and a duty. No ifs, ands, or buts. They didn’t question the sudden plans or press Thayla for information about seeing her mom.

Thankfully. We would’ve had to lie to all their faces.

“Sir, welcome home,” Faron says as he races toward me. “Impeccable timing. I haven’t even had time to send a summons for you.”

“Phoelius and Zareb were calling for me?”

“Yes, sir. They’re already on the ridge, awaiting your arrival.”

Fuck. That can’t be good.

The four of us march down the hall leading to the platform overlooking the upper level. I don’t spare the waiting gods a glance, but I cast my power out just to be sure.

Phoelius and Zareb whirl around the moment I shove the door open.

“What’s happened?” I ask.

“That was rather fast. Faron is getting more impressive by the year,” Phoelius says, giving me a slight bow. “Barir, I do miss you, old friend. Gladian, I’m seeing more of you here than I ever thought I would lately. And dear young Seveous, aren’t you tired of this place?”

“Phoelius,” I bark. “Do you two have a problem?”

He huffs, rolling his eyes.

I swear to the gods, the realm could literally be burning around this man, and he’d still find time to address everyone he sees.

“Unfortunately, yes. Delun is missing. You instructed us to let you know if he did anything suspicious, and I’d consider disappearing suspicious.”

“Shit,” I curse under my breath, pinching the bridge of my nose.

My father is already making moves.

Well, maybe not him since Meridamus claims he’s healing, but he’s obviously sending word around.