Page 61 of Goddess of the Broken

Kirata looked on, her face filled with concentration, her eyes burning with the intensity of the sun. The sandstorm enveloped Aloysius, and the god of war released an angry war. With a burst that blocked the sun’s light, Kirata called on the storm to stop.

The gods of souls walked to where the storm had disappeared, ready to finish the job.

“Where is he?” Tempest asked.

Aloysius was gone, no trace of him left behind. Somehow, the god of war had escaped.

Kirata joined them. “We can search for his location from the land of the gods. I must return to my throne and put everything that is out of balance back in order.”

Tempest and Aiden exchanged glances.

“I’m afraid we can’t join you there just yet,” Aiden said. “I left much unfinished in my mortal trial here.”

“We’ll look for Aloysius while we’re here,” Tempest added as she took in Kirata’s crestfallen expression and the slump of her shoulders. She could well imagine how heavy the goddess of the heaven’s heart was, especially considering the larger battle that was brewing. “You have our full support, Kirata. We will aid you in every way possible as we work to restore balance and order.”

Aiden and Tempest returned to the emperor’s palace after watching Kirata depart on her mirrored chariot. They were both covered in blood and dust from the battle with Aloysius. The guards bowed as they passed but did not say a word.

They walked through empty halls, their footsteps echoing in the silence. Most of the courtiers and servants had fled when Aloysius took over the city and the fighting started. As they approached the throne room, though, they heard raised voices inside.

“You can’t just claim the throne like that! What will people say?”

“I don’t care what they say.”

Aiden and Tempest entered the room to find Aeon and the remaining members of the court arguing.

The courtiers’ faces were drawn and tired. Some sported cuts and bruises that had been bandaged, their eyes rimmed with thick cosmetics to hide the dark circles. It was apparent the god of war hadn’t taken over the city peacefully.

“Aeon will take over the throne,” Aiden announced.

The room suddenly grew silent as all eyes turned towards them.

A man in emerald robes approached him. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am, Eb,” Aiden replied. “I’m going to abdicate.”

The court erupted then, each person shouting louder and louder to be heard above the others, their voices echoing down the abandoned corridors.

Aeon hurried over to Aiden. “I wasn’t trying to take your spot,” he explained quietly. “You disappeared with the god of war, and didn’t know if you would make it back alive.”

Aiden rested his hand on Aeon’s shoulder and gave him a reassuring smile. “I am not offended. Besides, you are the emperor our people need right now. I am needed elsewhere.”

“You are? Where?”

Tempest stepped next to Aiden. “We will hunt down the god of war.”

For the second time since their arrival, the room became silent.

“I thought you had killed him and returned!” Eb exclaimed.

“When exactly did I say that?” Aiden demanded, clearly exasperated with the man. “Neverput words in my mouth!”

“He escaped,” Tempest explained.

Aiden turned back towards Aeon. “I will need your help once I find him, but in order for me to do that, I need to pass the mantle of emperor to you.”

“What about the Dei Electi?” Eb interjected, then shrunk beneath Aiden’s glare . “I-it was never completed. We cannot anger the gods by canceling it.”

“You won’t need to,” Tempest smirked. “Your emperor has already chosen someone from it.” She looked at Aiden, her heart full. “Technically, I think both of your emperors have.”

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