Chapter 21

“A double-edged sword. Asking the gods for help means a sacrifice must be paid.”

“That would be why I never ask for anything personal from them.” Solna’s voice dropped lower still, deep enough that Vius could feel his words down to the bone. “I am only grateful for what I have.”

Vius had come to the same conclusion when he had first heard the story as a child. But his heart still shed a sorrowful tear for Lasra and his missing knight. He shook it off. “But all of that power, Mage and Divine alike, left a mark on this place. Such is the nature of power.”

“So you said.”

They fell silent after that. Vius reveled in it, drank in the presence of his husband like he was a cool stream. Sleep tugged at his mind and Vius drifted away.

Sighed, safe, when the arms around him tightened a fraction.

* * * *

A hoarse shout of alarm shattered the peace of early morning, sudden as an earthquake.