Page 97 of Vengeance of the Gods

Vega shared a look with Arlet, and it didn’t matter they couldn’t talk internally—she could feel her answer.

Taking a deep breath, Vega made the decision they should have made days ago. “Vincere.” Bridger’s soldiers perked at the mention of what was obviously their home. “We move to Vincere,” Vega declared.

“When?” someone asked through growing excitement.

“As soon as possible.” Vega would deal with Khort later.

She had to get their people to safety. Vega didn’t know what kind of time limit she had. How long would it take for the darkness⁠—

“Death.” The shadow shifter sat up, stretching like a cat waking from its nap. It shook its shadowy wings, their shape reforming once settled.

Vega felt like she was in two places at once. Physically in the real world, fighting to remain calm, and stuck inside her head with the dark—No, wait.

It corrected her… Death. Not darkness.

“Death,” Vega repeated.

The shadow dragon nodded. “Us.” It leapt down the pit, leaving Vega to feel hollow in a way that made her sick to her stomach.

Bridger’s fingers stroked over Vega’s pulse at her wrist, bringing attention to the rapid beat of her heart. “Are you okay?”

She couldn’t hide from Bridger…

Vega wanted to be annoyed that his touch was the distraction she needed, but she was too grateful to escape the alternate reality in her mind to spend a moment griping. “Better now,” she replied honestly, even if she wasn’t telling the whole truth.

“We don’t have time for division.” His eyes trailed over the group. Bridger’s fingertips grazed Vega’s delicately before returning to his side. “Learn to work together or find a way to accept your imminent death.” His words left the group silent, their two unfavorable options staring them in the face. “Get back to training.”

Bridger made his order, and then turned to leave without saying goodbye.

“I hope you’re prepared for the fit Khort’s going to throw when he finds out we made this decision without him,” Arlet said, grabbing her belongings from the floor.

“I’d rather he throw a fit than lose more lives because he’s letting his ego get in the way.” Vega hugged Arlet tight. “Stay safe tonight. I love you.”

Arlet was taking the overnight sky shift, letting Khort have the night off.

“I love you too,” Arlet told her before Vega jogged after Bridger.

She caught up to Leo first, reaching out to grab his arm. A flash of Jak’s horrified face running from Vega made her hand fall to her side. “New assignment. Go make sure they don’t kill each other in there, please.”

“What about Bridger?” he asked hesitantly.

“I can handle Bridger,” Vega answered. “Plus, it’s probably not safe to leave you two in a room alone together for a while.” She spun and walked backwards, still facing him as he stayed back. “Since Loose Lips Leo can’t keep a gods-damned secret.” She smiled smugly and popped her shoulders, turning her back to him.

“You know what, Vega Caelum? I hope he handles you real good. Maybe it’ll make you nicer to your friends!” Leo’s infectious laugh broke the tension forming in Vega’s muscles.

“Where are you going?” she asked, catching up to Bridger who moseyed at a much slower pace than he normally did.

“Back to my cell until you summon me again. I’m like your own personal god you pray to when you’re bored or need backup.” He ticked his head and raised a brow, ready for Vega to argue.

She tingled all over from the playful look in his eyes.

“You caught me…” Vega sighed, toying along. “I didn’t even get to start praying for the good stuff yet. I had so much to ask for.” She pouted, jutting her bottom lip out. She watched Bridger’s eyes dart to it and linger until they pulled into a smile. “How does a frigid cold shower sound?” Vega asked, quickly adding, “Not with me.” Bridger mimicked her pouting. Vega ignored it. “But I’m headed to the houses outside the cave and just figured⁠—”

“You wanted to spend a little time with me,” Bridger cooed. His husky voice inside Vega’s head might not ever be something she got used to.

“No.” She shook her head and rolled her eyes. “That you’d want a real shower for the first time in gods knows how long. Sponge baths aren’t cutting it.” She scrunched her nose and waved her hand in front. “It’s why no one wants to let you out of there yet.” Vega nodded to the cell.

He didn’t stink, but she couldn’t let him know it was actually because she wanted to be alone with him outside his cell for more than a few minutes.