Page 66 of Vengeance of the Gods

A loud crash vibrated through the redwoods, leaves and snow falling from trees as they swayed from a gust of wind.

Bridger reached out to grab Vega’s hands, but as quickly as the pain came, it left, leaving Vega breathing like she’d ran a marathon. “What the…” She trailed off, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead.

Birds squawked, soaring by the car and shooting into the sky. A bright light deep in the forest pulsed, catching their attention. It was so far away it would have been missed if that flicker of pain didn’t thrum inside Vega like a pulse.

“We have to run,” Bridger said with a breath, turning around to grab the dagger and gun.

Vega snatched the gun out of his hand and opened the door, abandoning everything else inside the car. There was nothing she needed to take home, nothing she cared about more than keeping herself and the bonded alive.

She knew exactly where they needed to end up—could run this path like she’d done it a hundred times before, blindfolded. Bridger kept pace with her, pushing her to go faster with his long strides and perfect control.

It usually took over an hour to walk the trail, but with Vega and Bridger booking it, they might be able to clear it in twenty minutes with the terrain and without their abilities. Another flash of light in the distance made Vega hunch over and scream, more pain radiating through her.

The portal.

The portal was going to fucking kill her.

Bridger reached under her arms and hoisted her to a standing position. “I know it hurts, but we have to keep moving. You don’t get to stop now.”

She’d come too far.

She’d fought too hard.

Vega wouldn’t let this be the end.

This will not be the end.

They were so close—so fucking close to ending this thing.

Vega threw herself forward, fighting the fizzle of pain sitting at the back of her brain, waiting to be refired again.

They had to slow a few more times, Vega begging her own body to keep moving—to push through. To live.

The sound of maniacal laughter rang through the trees, and Vega’s body reacted, goosebumps peppering her skin like jolts of electricity.

So close, Vega. You’re so close.

Light flashed, dimming as they came to a skidding stop. A figure stood in front of the portal, swinging a broken piece of what looked like glass at the branches holding the portal in place.

The person froze, their voice echoing around them like it was coming from everywhere. “Ah, there you are. I’ve been waiting for you.”

The feel of the unfamiliar male voice on her skin made Vega shudder. Bridger stepped closer as he began to turn.

Vega knew who it was the second their eyes met, his shining black against the glow of the portal.

Romulus.

Well, that answered part of their question.

Tolevarre had spent years studying how their world was built and where their powers came from. But no one ever asked about Romulus—as if he’d never existed in the first place.

Romulus was forgotten.

Erased.

He swung the piece of the portal like a sword, its tip whizzing as it caught the wind and sliced through. “I can tell you’re both perplexed, so let me explain. It’s the least I can do before I deliver you to your deaths.”

Vega and Bridger stood side by side, ready to strike when the time came.