20. Aizor

Chapter 20

The doorway to the vault of the gods allowed us entrance. Inside, Van-eesa stopped and peered around.

I knew what her goal was—to leave me. And the thought made my heart ball up and ache. But did I want her here if she only wished to return to her home?

I'd have to trust that whatever happened would be for the best.

"I don't see any flowers," she said. "Just an empty room that looks larger than it should be considering it's built against the back wall."

"This is the god's space. It . . . isn't part of my world, I don't think." I wasn't sure how I knew this. "As for the flowers, you'll see. Walk out into the middle of the room and wait. It's not frightening, though I'm sure you must be scared. Trust in them. They'll keep you safe. They won't cause you harm."

"Alright." She tugged her hand from mine and walked away from me.

Stark desolation ripped through my lungs, but I wouldn't hold her back. I wouldn't cling. Instead, I swallowed and stepped forward myself, waiting.

When the blossom erupted from the floor, encasing me, my only thought was for my mate.

Her scream rang out, and I snarled, struggling to break free of the gods' hold. I needed to reach her, protect her. I bellowed out my dismay.

The blossom clung to me and pulled me down, down, spinning while wrapping me in darkness bleak and empty. I couldn't tell if my eyes were open or closed. Finally, the whirling halted.

Why have you come here, Aizor? Are you not happy with your mate?As before, the god spoke in my mind.

"Let me go. I need to protect her."

"She is safe. Speak to us. Tell us what you need, why you have come to us again."

"I adore Van-eesa," I said. "Love her." I'd never think of lying to our gods. They saw all. Knew everything.

Trust, I reminded myself, struggling to control my heart rate. I wanted to go to her and hold her, make sure she didn't feel scared. But the gods would not harm her. I knew this in my soul.

You love her, yet you brought her here to plead with us to send her back to her wretched planet.

"Isn't it wonderful there? That's what I assume. It must be. She loves it. She aches to return to her former life. It must be the most amazing place; one I could only dream of."

Nothing can compare to Zuldrux.

"Our homeisperfect. This is true." Pain stabbed through my chest at the thought of never seeing her again, never touching or tasting her again. "While I would give anything to keep her here with me, I'm asking you to send her back if this is her wish."

And this is why we gifted her to you.

"A gift should be given, never forced."

I sensed the gods were not happy with my statement, though if they had emotions, they'd never showed them.She's your true mate. We searched to find her. Brought her for you.

"I can't force her to stay here with me." No matter how badly it hurt, if she chose to leave, I'd smile and stroke her cheek and wish her well. Then spend the rest of my days mourning her loss.

We'll consider this. Is there anything else you need? Surely you didn't come here today merely to express your love for your mate.

"I want to seek revenge on her hex for hurting her."

That is not possible.

"Why not?"

Do not ask again. You will remain here on Zuldrux.

I didn't like this, but I must respect the will of our gods. "My final request is for you to give her the gift of understanding."

If she can only communicate with you inside your home, this gives you a chance to show her why she belongs here with you.

"She wants to speak with everyone, not only me. If she remained here, her life would hold more pleasure and joy with complete understanding. She could make friends, hear the wise words of our elder. Speak to me when we're outside our home."

We will consider this. Is that all?

There was so much I could beg for, every bit of it wrapped up in Van-eesa, but I wouldn't ask for anything she didn't wish to grant me with love in her heart.

"I have no further requests," I said.

Then our conversation is over. Go with strength, Traedor Aizor. We acknowledge your trust and will reward you for it.

And just like that, I was spit out of the flower. I landed on my chest on the floor and skidded across it.

Then I rose and waited for my mate to finish speaking with the gods.