Page 224 of The Gods Order

A small gasp escapes me as I pass through the opening and get my first glance at what it’s been hiding all these years.

My head swivels from side to side as I map out the foreign land.

Thanks to the late hour, the main source of light is from the moon and stars, but it provides enough for me to see the flourishing town hundreds of yards in the distance. Pale lights flicker from what I assume to be homes that are all kinds of shapes, sizes, and designs. The space stretches so much farther than I imagined it would.

My feet carry me a few feet forward, but fingers grip my bicep gently for a second, then let me go.

“There are more than gods who live here,” my father says. “Magical and powerful beings from around the realms who didn’t get out before the portals closed have made a home here. This is where they feel safe, but they are wary of new gods when they arrive.”

“Understandable. We don’t have the best reputation,” I mutter. “I assume that means we shouldn’t just waltz through their streets like we own the place.”

“No, we shouldn’t. It would be best if no one knew we came. I’m going to move us straight to our home. Hopefully, one day, I can bring you all back to see it all.”

Our home…

They had to make a home here.

Emotions block words from coming up and out of my throat, so I give him a bob of my head. He sees right through it.

“Do you see, way out there in the distance?”

My focus follows the direction his finger points. Way, way in the distance, a small beam of light cuts through what I assume are trees.

“Yeah, I believe so.”

“That is where we’re going. Nearly on top of the mountain. We can see across the Valorian Veil from our view.”

On top of the mountain…

I’ve always wanted to live in the mountains.

“Okay,” I mumble.

He gives me a tight smile, then glances at my men.

“Everyone ready?”

They all say yes with no hesitation.

I swallow.

“Yes.”

His power wraps around us not a moment later, and he whisks us through this new land. It’s the same as if we were starshooting anywhere else in the realm, and that brings me comfort.

Until his power fades from around me and I gaze up at the most gorgeous house I’ve ever seen.

It’s unlike anything I expected.

An enormous A-frame rises from the mountainside, and its sharp peak stretches toward the stars. Towering panes of glass make up nearly the entire front of it, reflecting the endless night sky until the structure almost disappears into it. Warm golden light spills from within, soft against the cool darkness surrounding us.

I turn in my spot slowly. My gasp catches in my throat. We’re standing along a narrow ridge overlooking the realm below.

Smaller mountains roll endlessly into the distance before giving way to forests, rivers, and valleys painted beneath the moonlight. From here, I can see farther than I ever thought possible. I can see Oddian. The barrier doesn’t block the view out. Only in.

It’s…beautiful.

Painfully so.