Page 296 of The Gods Order

“No.” My voice hardens. “It’s the answer you’re willing to give.”

The Valories remain silent, and I cross my arms.

“You want me to return to the realm? You will tell me why.”

They hesitate, visibly, and unease bubbles in my belly. There’s no contemplation on their faces as they stand still. They stare at me, then at the Stargate. As one, they extend a hand toward it.

“Place your hand upon it.”

The seven of their voices take on an ethereal tone and my shoulders straighten.

Slowly, I approach the glass, casting a wary gaze at each of them. Once I fully approach the Stargate, I take a moment to watch what’s unfolding below.

The battle continues. My body still lies there. My family still fights.

My jaw clenches as I press my palm against the surface.

For one second, nothing happens. Then the glass beneath my hand disappears. I still feel it beneath my fingers, but I’m no longer touching something outside of me.

I swear…I’m touching everything.

A gasp tears from my throat as warmth rushes through my arm, flooding my chest, my mind, my soul.

The realm itself floods me.

Every heartbeat. Every life. Every thread of power woven through it.

The sensation is so immense that my knees nearly buckle.

I see the damage, and I don’t mean the war raging below.

The imbalance that has existed for generations.

Power held by those who were never meant to keep it.

Choices made by those who believed they had the right to make them for everyone else.

Then I feel it.

My choice.

The paths forward.

I jerk my hand back, but the overwhelming, endless, ancient feeling remains. My lips part, and the words leave me before I can stop them.

“I can’t.” I stare at my own hand. “I don’t have the power to do that.”

The Valories watch me silently.

“You will, if you return. But you do not have to.”

My head snaps up. That voice is not any of the Valories.

It isn’t outside of me. It is everywhere.

Oh gods—that’s…the Gods Binding.

“What if I don’t?” I ask, not expecting an answer, but praying for one. “What if I return and I choose something else? Or I decide not to return?”