Page 4 of Hopeless Sacrifice
She wants to see petty?
Daxdyn’s palm skims down my spine, his magic threatening to smother out the outrage that’s building within me.
“Can we just come in and discuss this, Vi?” A smile that makes me want to slap him fills Ryder’s face.
Vi?
Childish aggravation swarms me.
“I cannot entertain an entire army, Ryder. Idowant to know more about her though.” Her gaze settles back on the line that’s creasing hard through my brows. “I want to know why the gods chose her above all others.”
You and me both, Vi.
“Come, bring your lovers as well.” The knowing look in her gaze skips between Darrio, Daxdyn, and Ryder.
Only a short second passes before she turns to leave. The four of us trail behind the pretty goddess. The secretary gives us a quick look from over her tower of papers as we pass. It takes everything in me not to flip her off.
The fog clears away the farther into the realm we journey. Colors begin to push into view, deep shades of green and blues. A land similar to the Hopeless realm materializes as if it has surrounded us the whole time and we just now have the ability to see it.
Lush grass guides me forward. The sky is a perfect shade of blue and trees bloom with pale pink flowers. The smell of nature envelops me. Pools of crystal-clear water skim against the edge of our path as I trail after the swaying steps of the goddess.
A courtyard makes way to an open setting and it’s there that we stop. Few people–gods—linger in the area. They speak quietly, ignoring the five of us.
Except for one.
Deep blue eyes continue to lock on to mine, following me as I walk behind Viola. The hulking man looks out of place among the serene flowers.
I suppose we do too.
We only make it a few yards in before he wanders slowly over. His chest is bare, revealing the perfectly sculpted body only a god could have.
“I didn’t know we had visitors today.” Confidence clings to his deep voice as he looks to Viola for an introduction.
A catlike smile is all she gives him. No introductions. Nothing. She gives the god nothing.
Maybe I do like her after all.
“I’m Baldur. Welcome to the realm.” Baldur’s hand is extended to me and the fact that his warm attention is held solely on me does not go unnoticed.
Stiffly, I take his hand. I shake it with cautionary instincts slashing through my chest. Everything here is beautiful and perfect and accompanied by a feeling of unease.
“Baldur, do not bore our new guests already.” An airy tone drifts through a new stranger’s words as he clasps Baldur on the shoulder, standing too close it seems. Baldur’s shoulder’s tense beneath the man’s touch.
“You four want something, yes?” The newcomer’s pale eyes crinkle at the corners.
“Yes,” I say without hesitation.
The stranger’s gaze flashes, a bright white flickering through the blue.
“I’m Loki. Please, please tell me what the gods can do for you.”
It’s then that the rug is pulled out. Loki is not one to ask favors of. In fact, I’d like to step back from him entirely.
Darrio takes a single step closer to me and Loki’s wild eyes eat up the small movement.
“You two are … a temporary item.”
Temporary?
