I heard the sound of swords clashing, and people yelling. I brought my eyes down to ground-level, and saw a massive gold arena standing beneath the glowing palaces.
This arena is where the Eternal Hunt trains, and where my Brygada practices their skills, Milonna said.You should become acquainted with it.
I was more or less an apprentice all over again. No matter how skilled I was, I was nowhere near as good as women who’d been practicing magic and sword play for thousands of years.
When we came to the entrance of the arena, the sounds of battle only grew louder. Inside was a circular dirt area where shifters and sorceresses practiced, both with weapons and with magic. Above the arena were stands where spectators could observe the sport, though there wasn’t anyone here to watch now, only fae who were working on improving their skills.
They looked tough. I was totally going to get my ass kicked a million times before I could stand on my own here.
Milonna sensed my unease, and said,I chose you for a reason, Damawilke. You belong here.
“But why me?” I asked as I faced her. “There were others.”
Milonna gave me the fondest look.My dear, you were the only choice I could possibly make.
The arena around me began to fade into a shimmering waterfall of cascading glitter, portaling us to a different space entirely. Details around the room began to materialize. Everything was made into glistening glass. The room itself was circular, edged with decorative designs of frost. Silver banners hung from the ceiling, and on a long stage sat seven glass thrones.
I found myself in the presence of all the Seven Gods— absent Droga, of course. All of them but Milonna were in their deer forms, peering down at me with a look of interest.
I noticed Radek, the Red Stag of War, first, because he had the brightest coat. His fur was scarlet, his antlers blazing with fire. Fae ruins were tattooed underneath his eyes and across his cheek. He had a very imposing presence.
I could hardly gaze at Luka. Ethan’s chosen god was hard to face as he remained at the corner of the room like a specter waiting to emerge from the fog. His coat was dark brown, face smudged with an ashen substance to disguise his features. His presence was so similar to my mate’s, and it was… disturbing, to say the least.
Neva, the Phantom Doe of Shadow, was the smallest deer in the room. Her white form was ghostly, nearly transparent as she stared at me with pure white eyes, mist pooling around her form. She was the doe that had been in the illusion room with me when I’d watched the replay of my life.
I longed to start asking her questions, but remained silent at her inquisitive stare… for now. I was sure that soon, the goddess of time would explain everything to me.
That is, if she was still my friend.
Vesna, the Blue Doe of Knowledge, stomped her hoof on the floor as if applauding me. My spirit wavered as I took in the love she had for me in her sapphire eyes. Even now, I could sense the pride she had pouring out for me.
The largest deer in the room glowed with a yellow light that was harmonious and true. His coat was golden, shimmering like the very sun. His antlers had hundreds of prongs, and went off in all directions, ivy wrapping around the ends. He was Tomir, the Father Stag of the Hunt, and the king of the gods.
Fae hell, he was even more massive than his brother had been. Of course, my filthy mind immediately wondered howbighe was, and how Milonna handled it in bed.
I wiped my thoughts of that mental picture— I shouldn’t be thinking about my goddess in that sort of way— and immediately got to my knees, kneeling before the deities. I really hoped they couldn’t read minds, and if they could, that they hadn’t surveyed mine. Trust me to be thinking of sex the first time I met such incredible beings.
Arise, champion, Tomir boomed. He had a voice that quaked like thunder.We welcome you into our hall, for you have proven yourself a hero.
I rose to my full height. “Thank you, my king. I am honored to be here in your court.”
I’d been a monarch, but that title might as well have been one of a servant. Tomir had so much endless power. The natural reverence I had for him couldn’t be described.
Vesna transformed, becoming the woman I knew as Lady Magdalina. Her lips tilted upward into a look of love as she approached me, cupping my cheek.I knew you could do it. Well done, Emmaline. Well done.
I leaned into her touch. “I didn’t want to let you down.”
I knew you never could.Lady Magdalina took a step back. Neva approached me, and as she did, her spirit transformed.
The differences were minimal. She had a tiny set of transparent antlers blooming through her pale hair, and flecks of fawn spots dotting her cheeks, like all goddesses did. But her blue eyes were still the same, and so were all her features. I took her in with a combination of wonder and affection as she approached me with outstretched arms.
“Vara!” I exclaimed. I didn’t know if it was allowed, but I didn’t care. I embraced her. As I flung my arms around her, she clutched me tightly to her, giving me an embrace that felt just as full as all the ones I’d felt on Earth, this one even more so.
I’m here, beloved sister.Vara’s voice was as sweet as warm honey.Your task is done. You can finally celebrate your victory.
I sniffled as I wiped away tears of joy. I couldn’t believe she was here in front of me. “How— why didn’t you tell us—”
I didn’t remember my goddess self before my last incarnation died, Vara explained.My previous life on Earth was designated to be short, to give birth to the one who will change everything.
