Page 277 of The Gods Order

I tug the straps across my back, tightening my armor until it settles snug against my body.

A body that hours ago was caressed by warm hands. Laughter echoed through these walls. Promises were whispered against my lips. I fell asleep wrapped in the arms of the men I love, pretending—for just a little while—that tomorrow wasn’t waiting outside the door.

Now, as I run my fingers down my armor, I’m reminded that tomorrow has become today.

I draw in a slow breath before reaching for my new Death-embedded swords, securing them across my back with practiced ease. Their weight settles against my shoulders like an old friend.

I spare one last glance across my room.

The bed remains unmade. Blankets tangled from five bodies refusing to let the night end. A smile tugs at my lips before I can stop it.

Then it fades.

The messiness is a sweet reminder, but the fact that Amick left without making it tells me where his mind is.

Soft murmurs echo from the kitchen, and the scent of coffee and bread lingers in the air, although none of us managed to eat.

All heads turn as soon as I reach the kitchen.

Creed leans against the counter, arms crossed. He isn’t sipping from the mug in his hand. His finger taps it over and over. Riven’s feet are propped on the table, one ankle crossed over the other but no mischief on his face. Kyzen stands at the window, absently stroking the handle of a dagger on his hip. He offers me a small smile.

One that somehow says everything words don’t need to.

My father and Meridamus stand shoulder to shoulder, speaking quietly to Amick as they stare down at the center of the table.

At V and Lestari. At the seven replicas.

Another twitch pulls at my lips.

I have a sneaky suspicion Riven placed the replicas directly on top of the impression of my ass I put on the table.

“Is everyone in position?” I ask, breaking the stillness.

Amick’s eyes flick up and he nods.

“Yes. Gladian, Mara, and Sevryn are stretched across the front lines, giving their speeches. Havar already has the Veilatara there. They’re waiting for our arrival.”

“Okay.” I release a heavy breath. “Let’s run through everything one more time.”

He straightens, lacing his fingers together.

So, so serious.

“The seven of us will starshoot to the original Gods Binding. We’ll place the replicas within it. Since this has never been done, we don’t know what will happen but can assume the response will be immediate. Then we starshoot to the front lines and the entire army will cross the barrier to the Abandon. You, Seismet, Mara, Fausta, and half the Veilatara will take to the sky and obliterate the decimated buildings and rubble. By then, the first wave of Oblirians and Dark Gods will show.”

“And the two of you are staying with the Binding?” I ask my father and Meridamus.

“Yes. You all just worry about clearing out as much of his army as possible,” my dad says. “Once we have him subdued, it’ll be easier for you all to take control of the Abandon.”

“If he shows.”

I exhale at the pointed look he gives Amick and square my shoulders.

“And what if he and Sabe show up together?” I ask, then hold my hand up when that look crosses his face. “I know you’ve said she isn’t going to and you believe she’ll stay out of the fight until she can’t, but you don’t know that for sure. Desperate times make people do desperate things.”

His shoulders deflate a fraction. He gives me a small smile.

“If she shows up, I’ll call for Derivius, and the two of us can hold them off until he arrives.”