Page 324 of The Gods Order

My breath trembles as I stare at my feathers, then at my men, then back at my wings.

I…don’t know what to say.

I can’t think of anything with the way they’re looking at me and what they’re pushing through our bond. A shaky breath escapes as I embrace the overwhelming affection.

That’s going to take some getting used to.

“Gods of the new beginning,” the Binding says, low and purposeful as the light fades. “Return to your family, who, with time, will become who they are meant to be. Return to the realm. Not as who you were created to be, but who you choose to become.”

The warmth remains for one final moment as it guides us back the way we came. We don’t rush, and it doesn’t rush us, as the swirling white essence splits open.

Five souls walked into this place carrying the weight of over a thousand years. We leave carrying something entirely different.

My gaze drifts across my men, lingering on each magnificent pair of wings before settling on their eyes.

“Are we ready for this?” I ask.

Four smiles answer.

Amick inclines his head. “The realm’s been waiting long enough.”

Riven rolls his shoulders, giving his wings an exaggerated stretch. “I can’t wait to race Verlet.”

I laugh.

Together, we step toward the exit.

Toward our family. Our realm.

The future we finally have the freedom to choose.

And side by side…

We walk out of the Gods Binding.

Creed

39

“Welcome to Hell, Golden bitch!”

Riven’s damn giggle echoes around the chamber as he raises his leg and fucking kicks Mellcom straight through the black abyss that actually leads to Hell.

Thayla, Kyzen, Amick, Mara, Sevryn, Gladian, and I stare at him as he claps like a fucking child who’s had too many cookies this morning.

“What?” he asks, placing his hands on his hips. “It’s like a two-foot drop. He’ll be fine.”

“I’m honestly surprised he’s survived up until now,” Thayla grumbles, rolling her eyes as she jumps off the side.

Fuck. I thought I loved her sass before…

It does unspeakable things to me now that she actually owns my soul.

“I can’t fathom why she’s giving me attitude. I upheld the stupid promise you made. He’s still alive, isn’t he? And if I recall, I wasn’t the only one who paid him a visit when he was locked up in the healing villa.”

“So it was you four who beat him to the brink of death. I literally asked you and you grunted, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about’,” Sevryn scoffs, looking at me like he’s offended he wasn’t invited to the occasion.

I don’t pay either of them attention as I jump over the side.