Page 314 of Psycho Gods

“We need to show you this right now,” Malum said.

Something told me this was not going to be a new purse—which was depressing because I desperately needed one.

“Lead the way,” I said with a sigh.

Malum led us out back to stables, where we all got on horses—I made a small scene about being too tired to ride (the day I stopped being dramatic, I’d be dead)—then we traversed across the hills until we arrived at the edge of a dark forest.

Scorpius led us forward, deeper into the dark.

When we got to our destination, my stomach plummeted.

Heart stopped.

“What the sun god?” I asked with horror as I backed away.

Chapter 62

Aran

DARK SURPRISES

Impediment (noun): a bar or hinderance.

A cloud of smoke released from my lips.

There were bodies in the woods.

Dozens.

Of.

Corpses.

Heart pounding, breath shallow, I blinked furiously and tried to process what I was seeing.

My mind played tricks on me. Infected screaming for mercy, ungodly chasing me down dark corridors, cold everywhere, slaughtering hundreds, blue flames, Mother laughing, fae guards smirking, pleading desperately.

I blinked.

“Aran, the war is over.” John’s face hovered in front of mine. “Breathe with me. In and out.”

The memories drifted away.

The kings argued among one another, and even Luka joined their debate.

“What is wrong with them?” I whispered, as I looked around with horror.

John sighed. “You mated us to the kings. Hate to break it to you, but you brought this on yourself.”

I rolled my eyes and pushed him away.

Breathing deeply, I hardened my resolve and faced the kings. My vision blurred around the edges as I tried not to focus on what was behind them.

“This is your surprise?” I asked them hoarsely.

Malum rubbed the back of his neck and looked chagrined. Orion stared at me with worry. Scorpius had a satisfied expression.

“We thought you would be excited,” Malum said.