Page 28 of Secrets & Curses of Fate

The God of War, Admes, looked at me oddly. His red hair looked like flames, and his eyes were dark like the night. He looked terrifying.?

“The population is not a threat at this time. Birthing has declined in the past hundred years.”?

Mikel frowned at whatever he saw on my face.?

“Well, there hasn’t been a war in hundreds of years. I would like to have one.” Admes glared. Mikel looked at him with disappointment.?

“We aren’t going to approve a war for fun, Admes.”?

“Okay, how about a small battle?” he asked. “A tiny one.”?

Mikel looked at me for help. I sighed heavily in annoyance before looking at Admes.?

“We aren’t going to create problems for the realm because you are restless. You know war comes when it is needed, not when we create the need.”?

Admes glared at me.?

“Do you have something to say, Admes?” I snapped. “I’m in the mood to fight, so please, go ahead.” My eyes flashed white, and he backed off.

“Kaios would agree with me if he showed up today.” Admes pouted. I glanced at Admes, confused.

“Kaios, God of the Sea, was supposed to come today. Why didn’t he show up?” Mikel asked.

Admes shrugged his shoulders. “I have no idea. He was supposed to meet me last week for a meeting, and he didn’t show. When I went to his home, he didn’t seem to be there.”

Mikel stared at me with concern.

“He must be visiting someone,” Mikel suggested.

“Kaios would have said something about leaving. He is not a man that just leaves without a word.”

“So, what are you suggesting? That he is missing?” I asked.

“I don’t know, but I’m giving him a week or two to get back home. If he isn’t there, then something is wrong.” Admes sighed as he looked at me. That is odd. Kaios isn't the type of man to not say anything about missing a meeting.

Mikel stared at me with concern. The other two gods, Lara, Goddess of Peace, and Dramis, God of Health, both gave me a concerning look.

“A small battle, I beg of you,” Admes pleaded.

“The meeting is over; get out,” I snapped. All three gods looked at me before standing up and leaving without arguing. I pinched the bridge of my nose, feeling pissed beyond reason. I was having a hard time controlling myself this past week. I went from bouts of anger to grief and back to being irate. Several times I told myself I would check on Haden, but then I decided against it.

It was hard to respect what he asked me to do when the right thing felt like going to him and begging him to not leave me. I was terrified that he would find a different woman. But I also knew that if he didn’t want me, then I needed to stay away. Going to see him would only start this process over.

“Are you going to be alright with the next meeting, or will you scare her away too?” Mikel asked. “You have never been so irritable before; what’s wrong?”

I looked at him and hated that I couldn’t tell him what I did.

“I got in a fight with Penelope,” I lied. “She doesn’t want to be friends anymore.”

“Oh, Dells, I’m sorry.” Mikel frowned. “Maybe she just needs time to cool off. Everyone fights; no relationship is perfect. I’m sure you can figure out the differences and make them up in no time. Just give her a little space and then try again if you really want to work it out.”

I sat up a little straighter. There was a need to go to Haden and let him know that I was not giving up on us. I wanted it to work, and if Haden loved me like he said, then he would want to fix things as well. My patience was running out.

“You’re right.” I smiled softly. “I’ll give her some time, and maybe she will come around.”

Mikel gave me a big smile.?

“Alright, Brim sent this next woman to us, saying it was very important and to please consider what she is saying. Her name is Bayla, Queen of the Blood Witches.”?

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