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“I swear to you, Olivia, I will tell you everything. I know I promised to answer your questions, but there are just some things I can’t tell you yet, it would put you in too much danger.”
I hold his gaze for a moment seeing the sincerity there, and nod reluctantly. I already had a good idea that he wouldn’t tell me much more, and with everything going on right now, I’m not sure I need the weight of his secrets on my shoulders, too. My chest lightens, unsure I was actually ready to hear whatever earth-shattering news may be more shocking than, ‘oh hey, you’re actually a god.’
Titus’ words float back to the surface of my mind, taunting that I must have some idea. My mind flashes to the mysterious black book that appeared in my bookbag on my first day at the academy. The black smoke that engulfed me, smothered me, empowered me. The thought sends an icy shiver of fear slithering down my spine.
I jolt in surprise as my father inhales deeply, the sound jerking me from my thoughts. Yet, I can’t shake the lingering chill of fear that tightens and grips around my heart like a vise.
“Now, please let me at least teach you how to use the power of strength. It’s your decision whether or not you use it,” he adds the last part, pursing his lips as though the words leave a foul taste on his tongue.
And I agree, just to chase away those lingering thoughts that haunt my conscience. To drown out Titus’ jeering words echoing through my mind. Instead, I use them as fuel, as motivation, to master this facet of my power. So if I ever see that fucker again, I can add a little oomph to my hit and send his ass sprawling across the room.
* * *
As I suspected,the four of them are waiting for me when I return to the manor. I step through the door, catching them scattering from the back room, clearing their throats as though that would cover up their spying. I narrow my eyes on them, cocking my eyebrow in question, but they all simultaneously avoid my gaze, acting innocent, that is until my father walks through the door, striding into the sitting room as though he owns the place.
Mateo’s eyes narrow in on him, a scowl twisting his lips for a moment before he straightens, strangely not taking the bait. My brow furrows, and I glance between the two of them, expecting one of them to bark out an insult, their animosity too ingrained to let go of that easily. But neither of them say a word, to my complete and utter shock.
My father steps forward, but I move in front of him, gesturing to him that I will take the lead.
“My father came up with a plan in case the council tries anything tomorrow,” I say, stepping towards them. I glance at each of them nervously, unsure how they’ll take the news. “If the council sabotages my trial tomorrow, I’ll leave for the mortal realm. Nelle has items my father arranged for me and I’ll go on the run, letting you all know when I’ve found somewhere safe for you to meet me.”
“Absolutely not,” Mateo bellows, stalking forward. His face reddens with anger as he approaches my father. I go to step between them, when he stops mid-stride. He glances from me to my father and crosses his arms over his broad chest. I eye his hand, which rests mere inches from the row of daggers strapped to his leather armor, but his finger doesn’t even twitch.
“I think it’s the best plan of action.” Kyros steps up, his arms widening in a pleading gesture. “We all know the council to be underhanded, and if it’s their doing, they’ll take great pleasure in stripping her of her powers.”
“I agree, she’ll need to get out as soon as possible.” Maximus stands beside Kyros. I blink in surprise, not expecting the surly god of destruction to support this so blatantly.
“Plus, Osias will be by us. There’s no way he’ll get away from us without relaying where Liv is hiding.” He eyes my father with a menacing glare, his emerald eyes hard as stone.
I swing my gaze to my father, expecting him to balk at the threat, but he just nods in agreement. He turns his impenetrable gaze back to Mateo and my brows furrow in confusion, having grown used to stepping between their childish disagreements. I’m taken aback when Mateo’s shoulders slump in defeat, backing down from the confrontation.
“Fine,” he grumbles, relenting, yet he doesn’t lose the steely glint in his eyes, as he glares back at my father. He storms up the stairs, the wood floor quaking beneath his heavy footsteps.
I look for Adrian, wanting to reassure him, but he’s gone. I search a moment longer, feeling Kyros’ warm, comforting hand clasp my shoulder in support. Despite his caring gesture, my heart still sinks when my eyes don’t land on Adrian’s familiar form.
* * *
“When wereyou going to tell me you’re stashing a getaway bag for me?” I ask Nelle, giving her a dry look through the video call.
“Oh ya, well when were you going to tell me anything?” she volleys back, propping her phone on her desk just so she can cross her arms while giving me a disapproving look.
“I haven’t heard from you in weeks, babe. Besides, of course I’m going to stash a bag for my bestie. I’m always here for you, girl, you know that, right?” She rubs her arm, nervously glancing to the side.
“Of course I know that,” I say on a tired breath. “I just don’t want you to get dragged into all this.”
“Tough shit, it comes with the best friend territory. I’m in this, so don’t keep me out of the loop again.” She huffs out an irritated breath, scolding me.
“Okay, Mom.” I joke, giving her a teasing smile.
“Oh, you’re joking now, but you never know. Ollie was looking exceptionally delicious when he dropped off your emergency bag.” She waggles her eyebrows at me teasingly. Well, at least I hope it’s teasingly. “You never know you could be calling me Mommy for real.”
My mouth curls into a scowl, and Nelle can barely contain the laughter that bubbles up, finally doubling over.
“I’m serious though,” she says, her smile slowly dimming, and she wipes away a stray tear of laughter. “I don’t understand why you didn’t tell me any of this or why you’ve been so distant the past few weeks.”
“I’m so sorry girl, I know I haven’t been a very good friend or sister lately. I promise that will change,” I vow solemnly, crossing a finger over my heart like we used to do as children. Her eyes instantly light with amusement at the gesture, and she returns it.
I launch into my story, filling her in on everything that’s been going on the past few weeks. From finding out my father is not only a god, but Osias, the leader of the light majors. I tell her about the council and trials, even the developments and setbacks in each of my relationships with the guys.
