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So happy, in fact, that surely she won’t be upset with me for sneaking in.

Chapter Fifty-Six

We brace for impact.

As Zeru’s comet hurtles toward us, my skin prickles with the approaching heat. My magic rises instinctively to meet it, all fear forgotten as the battle begins.

A big enough explosion could knock it away, but I doubt I could accomplish that in time. Instead, I thicken the fire on my right wing, shifting to shield Sterling and myself with it.

An earthen mound shoots skyward, flinging the comet into the heavens where it belongs.

“Did you think we’d let you have all the fun?”

I know that voice.

Agnar charges out onto the arena floor, coppery hair tied back, face set with fierce determination that can’t quite hide the reckless grin beneath. “I didn’t expect these bastards to play by the rules. If they don’t have to, we don’t have to either.”

In true Agnar fashion, he raises one hand and gives Zeru the middle finger.

I’m not sure whether to laugh or scream at the crazy bastard for having such a blatant death wish. The impulse to protect him wars with the overwhelming relief of having reinforcements. My heart twists with both emotions, settling on neither as I open my mouth to respond.

Words die in my throat as more figures emerge from around the stands.

Bastian crosses the field with the grace of a soldier, eyes burning with protective fury. Leesa walks beside him, dark golden blond hair braided and ready for battle.

My stomach knots, fear taking root for my very pregnant, very magicless sister.

Behind them, as formal and composed as if he were attending a council meeting, Rafe strides forward, strapped to the teeth with weapons.

“It’s a family affair now.” Leesa bumps my shoulder with hers. There’s a bow in her hands and a full quiver on her back. On her hip is the magic-imbued sword. At least she came armed. “The baby and I won’t survive if we don’t end this, so don’t give me shit about being pregnant.”

With a heavy sigh, I clamp my mouth shut, the argument dying on my lips. She has a point.

“You really thought we’d let you do this alone?” Bastian clasps Sterling’s forearm before addressing me, the usual warmth missing from his eyes. “After everything we’ve been through?”

They’re here.

They’ve walked into the path of divine wrath.

For us.

The realization, both terrifying and heartening, hits hard.

Sterling’s hand finds mine, our fingers intertwining as naturally as breathing. “While we had to make a show as the named champions, I’m so fucking glad to have you all here.”

“Think we scared them?” Agnar raises his eyebrows.

The earth wall still stands between us and the gods’ section, but it won’t hold forever.

Cracks are already forming.

“Six mortals putting all their secrets on display? Probably. They should be shaking in their seats.” Despite his calm demeanor, there’s a tremor in Rafe’s voice.

“They are scared.” I remember Zeru’s expression just before he attacked. “I saw it in Zeru’s eyes. He’s angry, but also afraid of what we can do.”

They all gawk at me.

“Why would gods fear humans?” Leesa’s brow furrows in confusion. “They’re immortal, near-omnipotent beings who’ve shaped our world since its creation.”