Page 300 of The Gods Order

Everything the realm always intended for them.

“The choice is yours, God of Order.”

A shuddering breath pours from my lungs as the ancient, indescribable voice fills my mind. My eyes never leave my men’s.

“I know.”

A small, watery smile finds my lips as my men all whisper my name.

I wish I could embrace them, hug them, kiss them, hold them, tell them it’s going to be okay. I can’t do that, though. Not yet.

I offer my father the same smile, but I hold my hand up to stop him from crossing the few feet to me.

“You and Meridamus have to go,” I say.

His head jerks.

“Go? No, I’m not leaving you.”

“You must.”

The argument sits on his tongue, but my attention shifts to the new formation that’s risen in the distance.

My head shakes in disappointment when I spot the two beings standing on top of the small mountain, watching this war as though it’s entertainment.

“Neither of you can fight in this battle. I need you both to go over there with Calista and Rellannaver.”

His brow furrows.

“Thayla—”

“Dad, please listen to me. You can’t interfere.”

Gods, he desperately wants to argue with me. I understand why. I can’t imagine what it was like for him to hold me while I died—well, almost died. Now I’m telling him to go.

“Please trust me.”

His chest expands with his sharp inhale, and I hold my arms out, layering my power of Boundaries with Yemi’s.

“Okay, my shooting star.”

Meridamus’s eyes narrow as they meet mine. Not in a dangerous or negative way, but in the way that only the God of Consequence can look when he’s trying to figure something out.

There’s nothing he can change about what’s to come.

I spare my father one more smile before he grips Meridamus’s shoulder and forces him to come with him.

“Seismet, Verlet.”

“Thayla.” They both sigh.

“I need you both to follow them. Take Havar with you, please. They, under no circumstances, can reenter this battlefield.”

Powerful neighs burst from them as they rear up on their hind legs, then shoot into the sky. I watch their beautiful departure until they reach the mountaintop.

“What do you plan to do with me, little troublling?” Derivius asks, and I smirk at him despite the emotion flooding me.

“You stay by our side. Just as you always have.”