Page 326 of The Gods Order

“We’ll find him, and when we do, he’ll be coming back home to join those he once reigned over,” I say. “I’m going to the Crypt, then we’ll escort him down to the lower level. After that, I’ll visit the Soul Chamber and take care of everything there.”

The three of them bow to us and I lead everyone to the door that would lead us to the platform that overlooks the upper level.

“You three go. The rest of us will stay here,” Thayla says, giving my hand a squeeze.

My lips lay against her forehead before she steps away, and I press my palm against the door to give it my permission.

The familiar chill of the Crypt settles over us as Gladian, Sevryn, and I step between rows of stones and essence. Gladian handles seeing this place for the first time way better than Sevryn did.

We walk in silence toward the back, and my footsteps gradually slow to a stop as we reach Vihaan’s sarcophagus.

He’s already waiting, staring down at the place he rests like…he knows this is goodbye. His eyes meet mine for a fleeting second, then they jump right to the man beside me.

“Gladian,” He breathes. “You’ve brought him to see me.”

I nod.

“A goodbye gift.”

“Goodbye…” he says, never taking his eyes off his brother. “It’s time.”

“It is.” I focus on Gladian and hold my arm out toward where Vihaan is standing. “He’s right here.”

Gladian bobs his head and stares at the space before him, hands shoved into his pockets as though he can keep them from shaking.

“I’ve replayed this moment more times than I can count. My last words to you.” He laughs under his breath. “Thought I’d have some grand speech prepared.”

Vihaan’s smile softens.

“You never were good at speeches. Barking orders, yes. Speeches, no.”

I can’t help the smallest twitch of amusement on my lips as I relay his words.

Gladian snorts. The sound echoes through the stillness of the Crypt before fading just as quickly. His smile slowly disappears.

“I’m sorry.” His words hang heavily between them for a breath. “Before you say I don’t have anything to be sorry for, I do. I’ve done…so many things that would disappoint you. I used your death as an excuse to become someone I’m not. I should’ve been stronger.”

Vihaan’s expression doesn’t falter.

“I know.”

I speak the two simple words and Gladian closes his eyes.

“You have time to become who you truly are, though. Make up for the mistakes you made, Gladdy.”

I also repeat that and arch a brow as Gladian chuckles.

“He did not use my childhood nickname.”

“He did,” I say.

“Don’t tell your brother.”

Riven would be pissed to find out he didn’t give him that nickname.

The humor slowly fades away once again, and Vihaan steps closer until he stands only an arm’s length away. His gaze casts over to Sevryn.

“Seveous is dead,” he says, somehow already knowing.