Dovetailed Read Online Free Page A

real.
    Yet somehow she knew it was. She felt more connected to him than she had before. She sensed Michael, his presence, no matter where he was in the room.
    At the moment he was a little ways off to her right, standing beside a distraught Dervinias. She could feel Michael’s eyes on her and she wondered what he was thinking. As soon as the thought crossed her mind, she heard him. His voice whispered into her mind: I’m here .
    Venus wanted to turn and make sure she hadn’t imagined it, but was distracted as a bright golden light filled the darkened cavern.
    A myriad of colors danced and sparkled while bodies and souls combined. The whole process was new and brilliant and breathtaking. It was her first day as a goddess; she was proud of herself.
    When the lights diminished there were thousands of higher souls, including her irrihunter Sadraden, dancing and moving around the room. She focused on her irrihunter and watched the animal roar and shake her wings. She was happy to be whole again.
    Thank you, child, Sadraden said into Venus’s mind. The large animal lumbered toward Venus.
    The goddess couldn’t help but admire this animal with the head and body of a black panther, the mane and tail of a horse, and the wings of a giant bat. Sadraden slid to a stop in front of Venus and nuzzled her cheek.
    Venus responded, wrapping her hands around the silky fur neck. Just that simple caress released a floodgate of emotions. So much had happened. Nothing would ever be the same. It wasn’t a question or a statement, just a fact. Venus knew it. “It’s good to see you again.” She stroked Sadraden’s head.
    The animal purred in response, nudging Venus with the top of her head.
    Amberlee came forward. “Sadraden?”
    Venus and the irrihunter turned their attention to Amberlee. Her face was no longer streaked with tears. Amberlee had composed herself. A part of Venus longed to ask Amberlee what their parents had said to her before they left, but she held back
    “I-I’m sorry,” Amberlee whispered.
    Venus watched her sister’s hands form fists. The girl tilted her chin and locked her jaw as though preparing for an angry response from the animal.
    But if that had been what Amberlee expected, it didn’t happen. Instead Sadraden pressed her forehead into Amberlee and purred.
    Venus watched her sister’s armor instantly melt as Amberlee leaned into Sadraden. It was quite a sight. She knew her sister had a fear of the animals, yet that seemed to have vanished.
    She stepped closer to her favorite animal and her sister, about to hug them both, when she heard a throat being cleared. Venus froze.
    “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I want to thank you for returning my body and…” He paused.
    Venus faced him. Zaren. The Formytian she’d believed she loved. Still loved, and always would. He meant a great deal to her and though she wasn’t in love with him, she wanted him to be happy, which was why she’d returned Palamina’s body as well.
    Palamina had been wrongly accused of a crime she hadn’t committed. She’d been framed. Another of King Antyon’s plans. There was no reason Zaren and Palamina shouldn’t be together. And even though Venus knew Zaren loved her, he loved Palamina more.
    Venus took a step toward him. “You’re welcome, Zaren.”
    Palamina appeared at his side. Her long fiery red hair hung loosely to her waist. Venus couldn’t help but cringe at how incredibly beautiful Palamina was. She watched Palamina slide her hand into Zaren’s, and he wrapped his large fingers through her smaller ones.
    It was difficult watching Zaren and Palamina together… well not difficult. She loved Michael. He was her soul mate. But it was strange. Sensations of loss and happiness swirled within as she watched Zaren and Palamina together.
    They loved each other. It was obvious.
    And Venus loved Michael. At the thought of him, she softened. Michael .
    Palamina interrupted her thoughts.
    “Yes, thank you.” She leaned into