44. Chapter 43

Chapter 43

I t killed Aya to leave Elaine alone, but Aurora explained the gods wouldn't sense her as an actual being now, rather simply a force of magic. Mindless, for all intents and purposes. Safe, she claimed. Aya warned her she'd regret lying if any harm came to Elaine.

Together, they returned to the surface. Aya stretched out her hand, tugging on the bond to Sabra. A second later, a plume of smoke materialized before her. Sabra emerged alone, dirty but grinning. The smile fell away as Sabra's gaze fell on Aurora, then darted behind Aya. A frown pinched her face.

"Where's Elaine?"

"I'll explain on the way." Aya hesitated, but she had to ask. "What of Zari? Are they, uh, back?"

Akaria had been vague after finding the dagger, indicating she'd return the demon. Aya hadn't been convinced, but with the blade in hand, felt confident of finding a way to free Zari if necessary.

"They're safe thanks to you."

Aya nodded but didn't explain she hadn't done anything. She was just relieved Zari was safe.

"We need to get back to the others. The gods are coming, and we need to prepare. Also, this is Aurora, the goddess everyone wants dead. Say hi."

Sabra held out a hand. "Welcome to the shit show."

Aya resisted the urge to say something and took Sabra's hand. She glanced toward the sky, as if expecting it to open at any moment. When no god appeared to strike her down, Aurora slid her hand into Sabras', and the three of them spun away into darkness.

It was over as quickly as it happened, and Aya released Sabra's hand, striding forward. They emerged in front of the council building. Tobias was already there, along with Alexios and Zari.

"Everyone, this is Aurora, Aurora, this is my mess of a family," Aya said in greeting.

Everyone froze, staring at the goddess behind her with wide eyes. It was Alexios who spoke first, grave as he glanced beyond Aya.

"Where's Elaine? I thought—"

"We'll save her, but right now, the gods are coming for Aurora, to finish what they couldn't do all those years ago. So, I need you. All of you."

Tobias stepped forward first, setting his hand on her shoulder. "Whatever you need."

Alexios was next, offering a silent, grim nod, as he took his place beside his mate. Sabra joined her then, elbowing her side with a small, conspiratorial smile.

"Will there be death and chaos?"

Aya snorted. "Naturally."

"Then I'm in." Sabra half-turned to Zari as they approached. "You're still recovering. You can—"

"If you dare say that I sit this fight out, I will remind you that I am a much better fighter than you," they retorted crisply. "Besides, I have as much in this fight as any of you. I am done being a puppet to anyone."

Aya's throat choked. They weren't her blood, but they were the family that she would go to war for, that she would defy the very gods themselves. A wobbly smile threatened to expose her tears as she quickly wiped her eyes, then turned toward the goddess. A breath caught in her throat.

Aurora was not alone.

Nora knelt before her, head bowed.

"Goddess, you're free. "

"For now," replied Aurora dryly. "But we're about to have a lovely chat with the gods and I think we're going to need all the help we can. Now, you have served me so loyally all these years, but this won't be without risk. Might I ask for your service once more?"

Nora's gaze lifted, awe bright in her eyes. She rose assuredly, the confident, powerful syren Aya had known for so long. Who commanded respect in the Dusk Quarter, had men and women alike bend the knee for her, and someone few dared to cross. A powerful force unto herself.

"Whatever you need."

Together, the pair turned to Aya. Aurora's gaze met hers. For a time, Aya believed if she was to form a bond with any of the gods, it was going to be Akaria. Not Aurora. Of course, she hadn't expected to have the blood of two deities in her veins.

"Now, what exactly do you have in mind?" Aurora asked.

Aya clasped her hands together with a wicked grin. "Just a little bit of fun."