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But a shadow remains in his pale eyes. My stalwart earth god feels Fern's loss as deeply as I. She sacrificed everything for our people, yet was forgotten. It's a tragedy we both mourn.
On impulse, I take Thale's hand and place it over my heart. "She's still with us. Her memories, her spirit—they shaped who we've become. She lives on through us."
Thale nods slowly, his expression thoughtful. "You're right. Though Fern is gone, her legacy remains." His thumb brushes over my skin. "But from today, we walk our own path."
I lean up to kiss him fiercely. Tonight, if the ritual succeeds, we'll be free. But whatever comes, we'll face it together.
ChapterTwelve
The waxing moon rises, full and bright, illuminating the ancient stone circle. I stand between Thale and Lucian, their steadying hands on my shoulders. Everett and Adar flank us protectively, while Ali makes the final preparations for the ritual at the altar.
My heart pounds with anticipation and no small amount of fear. Tonight, if all goes well, my mates will finally be free from the claim the wellspring has over them. Then we can turn our focus to defeating General Teller once and for all.
I glance up at the four powerful men surrounding me, these gods who walked the earth for my sake. "Are you ready for this?"
Lucian squeezes my shoulder, pale eyes glinting. "We've waited a long time for freedom, darling. Whatever the sacrifice demanded, it will be worth it."
The others murmur agreement, resolve etched on their handsome faces. My brave alphas. I reach for Thale and Everett's hands, taking strength from their solid grip. Together, we can weather any storm.
At last Ali joins us, brushing her long pale hair back over her shoulder. "The altar is prepared. We can begin whenever you're ready."
I meet her steady brown gaze. My sister-in-spirit, who helped me discover my true omega nature. With Ali guiding the ritual, I have faith it will succeed.
Drawing a deep breath, I step forward into the circle between the ancient elder statues. Their weathered surfaces glimmer as latent power awakens in response to our presence. The very air hums with gathering magic.
My mates follow me into the circle. As one, we turn to face the stone altar where Fern's ritual bound their souls. The four elemental gods kneel and bow their heads, placing themselves fully in Ali's hands.
She begins murmuring the spell, moving clockwise around them. Strange symbols glow to life beneath each man as she passes. The power builds slowly, like a wave gathering force.
I watch anxiously, hands twisted together. Thale and the others remain still as statues, eyes closed. Only the subtle rise and fall of their chests proves they live and breathe.
Ali completes her circuit and steps back. As one, the men lift their heads and get to their feet. The ritual symbols blaze brighter, fueled by the offering about to be made.
"Powers of earth, wind, fire and sea," Thale intones, voice resonating through the circle. "We renounce all claims upon us but our core gifts. Let our ties be severed."
The light flares blindingly bright for an instant. A shockwave of power bursts outward, nearly driving me to my knees. Ali's spell has worked.
As my vision clears, I see the gods standing tall and steady. But there is something changed about them. Their larger-than-life presence has diminished to a more human scale.
Lucian helps me to my feet, brushing his fingers over my cheek. "All is well, Rina. It's done."
Though he looks the same, his icy blue eyes hold new vulnerability. My wind god has sacrificed part of himself for this freedom. I cling to him, overcome with emotion.
Adar pulls me into his strong embrace next, surrounding me with his smoky scent. "No regrets, little flame," he murmurs. "You are worth any price."
Everett's massive hand engulfs mine, sea glass eyes warm with love. Thale wraps me in his sheltering bulk, beard brushing my hair. "At long last, we walk this path together unbound, dear one."
I can only nod, blinking back tears. After so much struggle and sacrifice, we stand on the brink of the future we've dreamed of.
A soft glow coalesces before us, forming into a petite, familiar shape. Fern's spirit smiles sadly, her dark eyes full of memory.
"It is done, then. The last alphas have shed their bonds, and I remain as guardian." Her gaze takes in each of the gods in turn. "Tread carefully with your gifts now. You are still gods, but mortal. Time will catch you as it does all mortals."
Thale bows his head respectfully to the guardian spirit. "We understand the cost, and accept it willingly. Thank you for carrying this burden, so that no one else needs to."
I cling to his steady strength, drawing courage from it. Fern sacrificed everything to protect our people. Her burden has passed, but she will never be forgotten.
Another form flickers into view beside Fern—the First Alpha, Eli. His solemn face holds new peace.
