Page 154 of The Gods Order

By the end of the day, though, Yemi and I no longer had to stop and think through every step.

Separating sight. Separating sound.

Separating the perception of power.

The process finally flowed together instead of feeling like three completely different exercises stitched into one.

Val called that progress. I called it exhausting.

Apparently, neither of us was wrong.

Today’s training is going to be even more difficult.

Kyzen and Mara continued with their rotation in the Court this morning while Yemi and I ran through the same exercises as yesterday. Val wanted to make sure we had it down before moving to this phase.

Extending what we’ve learned to our entire group.

Gladian canceled all training in the Court for the rest of the day today and tomorrow so we could have the space to ourselves.

That’s all the time we have left. Today and tomorrow…then we leave.

“I think the best course of action is for you all to split up,” Val says, eyeing all fifteen of us, who are standing in a straight line in front of him, Meridamus, Lambrit, Rose, and Havar.

“No,” I argue. “We’re not splitting up once we get to the Abandon.”

“I don’t mean actually split up like go separate ways. I think you and Yemi should divide who you’re responsible for. She takes half and you the other. That way you both aren’t stretching yourselves thin trying to concentrate on sixteen beings the entire time.”

Huh.

“But how will they still see, hear, and sense our power?” I ask. “They need to be able to know what’s going on with us the entire time and vice versa.”

“Yes, they do. That’s why when you cast your power out, you concentrate only on those you want to break the connections with. You don’t want to separate the connection with Yemi and her group, so you don’t.”

Yemi and I glance at one another.

So basically, if we split up who we’re responsible for, I don’t bother with her group at all. I won’t worry about separating or not separating anything around them. I just leave them be.

I can do that.

My eyes scan over our entire group.

“There are only fifteen of us going,” I say.

My neck snaps to Val’s shoulder and my eyes narrow on V’s small hoot.

“You’re not going.”

“I am. We discussed this last night. Everyone starshooting separately poses far too much of a risk. You or Yemi could lose the connection or any one of you who’ve never been to Kira’s house could starshoot too far away from everyone else. It’s been decided, Thayla.”

I grit my teeth and ball my fists at my sides.

“It has not been decided entirely. You will starshoot us there safely, then leave. I will call for you if there’s any issue or if, for some reason, we need you to come get us. That’s my compromise.”

He ruffles his feathers out and situates his feet as he stares at me. I don’t allow those beautiful bright teal eyes to change my mind.

“Fine.”

He soars over to my shoulder and nuzzles into my cheek as if that shit will make this easier for me to accept.