Page 65 of Chaos Unleashed

Everyone quickly exits the small cabin, my creatures running out ahead; as I spot Oryn, it occurs to me that we haven’t really had a conversation about him, and I still don’t know what he is. We can figure that out later though.

“I think that’s a bit dramatic for little old me,” Monty’s voice echoes around the clearing before he appears directly in front of me.

Unlike his usual demeanour, his eyes are worried as he looks over me with concern; I’ve always felt comfortable with Monty, but for whatever reason, when he just silently opens his arms, I happily accept the comfort. He hugs me tightly, his hands soothing my back. It feels like when I hug my uncle, that similar familiar comfort.

“I’m so sorry, Farren,” he whispers into my ear, quiet enough that I know the others can’t hear him, “you have to believe me that if I could have helped you, I would’ve, but my hands were tied. It would’ve affected the outcome.”

His words weirdly echo the goddess’s, but honestly, I don’t care. I need this familial hug more than I realised.

“I know, Mont, thank you,” I reply.

He steps back and glances over me again as if to reassure himself that I’m really here.

“You know you did the impossible when you changed fate, and without even meaning to as well. It’s quite impressive,” Monty says proudly, this time loud enough for everyone to hear.

“How did you know?” Zev asks and then shakes his head, “Never mind, I know there’s no point in asking since you won’t answer us anyway.”

Monty smiles widely as he spins a cane in his hands and points the end at Zev, “Ah, smart man, he’s finally getting it.”

I chuckle, “I assume that you’re here for a reason, Monty?”

“What, I can't come and check in on my favourite after the ordeal that she’s been through?” Monty asks, his lips smiling but a hint of seriousness in his eyes.

I soften, “Of course you can, but I know that you aren’t here for just that reason. There wasn’t nearly enough drama to your entrance.”

“She’s right, Monty, what’s going on?” Grey asks.

Monty’s look turns into a glare although even I can tell that it’s not that serious as he replies, “Nope, I’m still not happy about you.”

“What did I do?” Grey replies indignantly.

“Oh, you’ll know Hades, my old friend,” Monty says and then adds, “Just you wait until the others realise.”

“Does anyone know what the hell they’re talking about?” Rival asks, looking around at us all.

“At this point, I don’t think even Grey knows what they’re talking about,” Reaper replies, watching them and looking completely confused.

“Knowing Monty, he probably only vaguely knows what is going on himself,” Khaos said.

“I heard that,” Monty calls, stopping the truly absurd conversation that has carried on between Grey and him while the rest of us were talking.

“Good,” Khaos grins when he replies.

“Alright, seriously, this conversation isn’t getting us anywhere,” Storm interrupts loudly, and everyone looks at him, “Monty, why are you here?”

Monty rolls his eyes and jumps into the air, landing on the top of his cane and balancing perfectly, even though it appears to be impossible.

“Fine, you can’t go through the exit that you came through,” he starts looking at the guys, and then his gaze switches to me, “and you can’t go through the one that you use either.”

“The one that she uses?” Grey asks.

“I accidentally found a door here a while ago, I freaked out as soon as I realised where it led me and I left immediately,” I explain. “It was through the Void.”

“That’s impossible; you shouldn’t be able to access this realm through Void. I know we call it a realm, but it isn’t, not really; it’s a whole other plane of existence.” Mayhem says, looking at me like he has thousands of questions that I simply can’t answer.

“Yes, but Farren has those weapons, and according to Grey, only a G. . .” Kill starts.

I shake my head and raise my hand, “Nope, we’re not going there. I’m not doing it; do not say another word.”

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