Page 89 of Vengeance of the Gods

“Down, Kitten,” Bridger purred, taking a step into Vega’s scattered lightning. It shot up his leg, split at his sides, and met again as it traveled across his right collarbone and down his arm until it extended into an electric sword.

Everyone was boggled, Vega’s own lips parting in surprise even though this was the second time she’d seen it. “How?” she asked, reaching for the weapon.

“Your power calls to me.” Bridger let her take it, the weight of the electric sword heavy in her grip until it fizzled out and became one with the power inside her again. “If Marlena's world is a world you want to continue to live in, a world you believe is worth fighting for… then fight for her. My army is no longer a safe place for you.”

Meyer eyed Bridger. “You’re making us choose too?”

Vega couldn’t read his expression. Meyer’s features were schooled behind a mask that had certainly been taught by the best friend standing before him.

“I’m giving you a choice to make the right decision. It’s not too late, Meyer.” Bridger reached out and clasped a hand over his shoulder. “I know you. I know you don’t believe the people of Tolevarre are less than because of the power they possess. I know the kind of leader you are.” He let his hand fall from Meyer’s shoulder, and Bridger stepped back. “We don’t have to make the same decisions our parents made.”

“I fight for you,” the woman behind Meyer said, taking a step forward. “Marlena took everything from me. I won’t stand by and watch her do the same to others.” She unsheathed her weapons and tossed them forward, willingly surrendering them.

A few others joined her, parroting some kind of similar story.

“For Tolevarre.”

“For Oliver.”

“For Klara.”

People named off the loved ones they’d lost to a ruler only looking out for herself.

Weapons clattered to the ground one by one.

Vega couldn’t believe what was happening—what Bridger had just done. She stood shocked, and the darkness in her mind slid back inside the pit, knowing death would come…

Just not today.

Bridger turned to face Khort, nodding to the rebel soldiers who answered to him guarding the mouth of the cave. “They will not harm my soldiers who go peacefully. Understood?”

Khort lowered his chin in a single nod, making eye contact with Leo over Bridger’s shoulder. He and a few other rebels gathered up the weapons.

“We are their guests. No fighting, or I’ll kill you myself,” Bridger warned.

Meyer reached behind him and unsheathed a sword Vega knew wasn’t his, followed by a dagger Vega would know anywhere.

Bridger’s bonded weapons.

He held them out for Bridger to take. Vega felt the hum of power radiating through the palm of Bridger’s hands as he took both from Meyer.

“This is where you’re meant to be.” Meyer’s tone was soft. “I only hope you’re ready for what comes next.”

Meyer wasn’t choosing Bridger… even after Bridger had chosen to save him over Vega. The hurt in Vega’s chest was multiplied by the momentary pain Bridger found himself letting slip down their bond.

Bridger backed away from his best friend, passing his weapons to Vega. “Vincere won’t be safe for anyone who stays behind once you’re gone. Not until I get there. Tell them to leave.”

Meyer nodded, but didn’t say another word.

When he was gone, retreating back into the tree lines, Bridger turned to Vega. “More will come. I suggest we”—he motioned to the bonded—“talk about our living arrangements. I’m pretty sure I’m the only one with a viable option here.”

Vega raised a brow, watching as Leo escorted Bridger’s soldiers into the cave. “Your underground bunker?”

“Underground training facility,” he corrected. “It fits thousands and is impenetrable from the outside. It’d be a safe place to house the rebellion.”

“And how do you expect we take it?” Khort asked.

Bridger chuckled, his amusement real. “It was built for me, by me. I don’t have to take what’s already mine.” He didn’t have to act confident. He was confident. He always had been, and it was palpable standing this close to him.