Page 121 of Courting War
“You have the power to relieve her torture,” Nefeli’s dragonfly crown fluttered and swarmed around her head. “Just say three simple words.”
Kellyn looked around for help because he would betray Theo no matter what he chose. Betray her wishes or betray her body.
The seven other pantheon gods stood like their statues, simply looking on and doing absolutely nothing. Andromache’s eyes blazed, and her fists were rolled into balls, her bearing and swirling magic pulsing with fury, yet she still did nothing. Havyn seemed resigned—bored even. She picked at her nails, barely paying attention. Trickery glittered and chewed on a green tea cookie as if it were popcorn and he was enjoying a show.
Kellyn rubbed his face in shame because there was only one choice. “I’m sorry, Theo,” he whispered, his vision tunneling in on her. He took in the beautiful shine of her ink-black hair, the purple tint of her brooding eyes, the softness of her curves, and the perfection of her soul—for one last time. He would only ever choose her. Never himself.
Any other option was an impossibility.
Kellyn started the Sacrifice thinking he’d signed his death warrant. It turned out, he had. It came true, just not as he imagined. Kellyn joined the games wanting to die honorably. It was his one goal, and now he would fulfill it. There was nothing more honorable than dying for the one he loved.
It wasn’t a choice. It was a game of vingt-et-un where there was no other alternative than to catch a twenty-two. There was no winning. Not even a remote possibility. There never had been because he wasn’t meant to escape the games alive. He was destined to fall in love with a god and die for it.
Theo had drowned to save him—now he knew why, and he could return the gesture and die for her because there was no other way to move forward. This was his final decision.
“I’m sorry,” he said again.
Theo’s nostrils flared, and her eyes bled with misery. “No, please.”
His bones ached, and his heart beat to the rhythm of calamity. “I love you, Theo. I could no sooner deny that than rip out my soul.”
Theo whimpered, a sob escaping her lips. She ran her limp fingers across his cheek, accidentally tracing blood on his cheekbone like warrior paint.
“Wonderful,” Nefeli clapped, “we can continue. Kellyn Ellis, as stated from your lips, you are the true love of the Goddess of War—her soulmate—and therefore, you will forfeit your life after a period of torment that befits your crime.”Translation: torture. “We will convene tomorrow morning to begin your sentence.”
Nefeli stepped forward and turned to the crowd. “The Sacrifice has come to an end, and we will celebrate the victories of the six surviving champions with a grand ceremony at which our little prince will be the main entertainment.” A smile carved from cruelty rested on her face. “But for now, enjoy the merriment.”
Chapter Forty
THEODRA
Devastated Goddess of War
VOLCANIC BALLROOM, CITY OF THE GODS
“Wait,” Andromache stepped forward from her throne and ended Nefeli’s pronouncement for festivities. “I move to abolish the Immortal Law.”
A dirty silence exploded through the room, and Nefeli’s joyous countenance dimmed.
“As would I,” Havyn drawled, not even looking up from picking at her nails.
Butterflies took flight in Theo’s stomach, bursting from their cocoons. Her sisters were fighting for her—the way she should have fought for Andromache and Devereaux.
It was beautiful—and surprising.
Theo caught Andromache’s gaze, and the goddess nodded. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes. It was true support. An acknowledgment that they would always be on each other’s side.
“With a declaration and a seconding, the vote moves forward.” Nefeli seethed with the words, dripping with decomposing fury. “All those in favor of abolishing the law say,Aye.”
Aye, Andromache.
Aye, Havyn.
Aye, Love.
But that was where the voices ended. Only three to the affirmative.
Nefeli dusted off her hands, relieved. Only Havyn’s vote was surprising. Love would always vote for the existence of love. “Three is not enough.”
