Blood Finale (God Wars #5) Read Free

me—us."
    I'd never seen Pheligar with something resembling confusion on his face. "Kiarra, how are you feeling?" he turned to her, now.
    "Better, now that I'm out of that ridiculous hospital. Thanks for healing the leg."
    "You are most welcome." He actually smiled at her, and I wasn't sure I'd seen that much warmth from him, even when he was standing in full sun on a hot July day.
    "You can't tell us anything?" I asked.
    "Only that Kiarra was in danger, yesterday, and the child who died was no child. It would be prudent for you to travel to Kiarra's home offworld; Justin can be tutored there and time can be bent when it is safe to return."
    "What the fuck?" Joey joined the conversation, then.
    "I did not want to be forced to do this," Pheligar sighed impatiently. "Saxom has been resurrected and has renewed his obsession with you." Pheligar shook his head at Kiarra. "This time, he has more powerful allies than the Ra'Ak to help him."
    "Yeah. We'll go. Right now." My wife turned green and looked ready to vomit.
    "I will move your belongings," Pheligar said. "Go. Now."
    * * *
    Avendor—present
    Reah's Journal
    "Lara'Kayan, I think we should hold off on our search for these criminals," Nefrigar said.
    "Honey blue, you look sad." I went to him and stroked his face with my fingers. He sat on a glider outside my suite while we talked. I understood his sadness—the Larentii race was still in mourning for Ferrigar, although his son, Kalenegar, had taken his father's position as Head of the Larentii Council and according to accounts, was doing very well.
    "We are all saddened by recent events, and my sons and I must place records in the archives, detailing the God Wars and Ferrigar's death."
    Nefrigar didn't add that he'd be forced to record that the Mighty had been taken out of the fight early, because of Ferrigar's death at the hands of Acrimus. Few of us understood Acrimus' role in the God Wars, other than he seemed to be the General's right hand in all things related to wrongdoing and death. Nefrigar also didn't add that many Larentii felt the God Wars were lost and that their race would be the last standing, as it was the first to be created.
    "Honey blue," I placed both hands on his face, then. "Even though things look their dimmest now, there are children who need to be rescued. The time for the mortal may be over, but they deserve an easier life—and death—in the meantime. Besides, Breanne asked this of me. How can I refuse that last request?"
    "You were uncomfortable around her," Nefrigar pointed out gently.
    "I know," I agreed and hunched my shoulders before turning away. "I'd heard that she could read anyone—that's why Teeg wanted her help. I didn't want her to see everything about me if she looked. Some of it makes me ashamed for anyone to know."
    "My love, those things are not your fault. Do you think she wouldn't see that as well? Don't you think she might have given you what she gave to others— Love ?"
    "I hear that it's a comfort and a joy," I muttered. I felt as if I'd missed a chance at something wonderful, because my insecurities stood in the way.
    "That is what I hear as well, and it is a shame that Kalenegar cannot receive it, as he grieves in private—for her and for his parent."
    "I think I'll go hunting in two days," I said and turned back to Nefrigar. "I know you worry about me," I held up a hand. "I'll take Farzi and Nenzi with me, plus anyone else who wants to help. I'm planning to fold to Campiaa tomorrow, to talk with Tybus."
    "Yes. Talk with Tybus. He is wise," Nefrigar conceded. "Ask him what he thinks of this errand."
    "You know, I'll do that." I nodded stubbornly at Nefrigar. I had no idea what Tybus might say about the hunt for Hordace Cayetes and his crowd, but my mind was already made up. Edward had offered to come with me, so I hoped a High Demon and the Elemaiyan War Eagle, plus two deadly lion snake shapeshifters might be enough for this mission.
    "Please do not place yourself in