Dovetailed Read Online Free Page B

Zaren. “It means a great deal to both of us.” She bowed slightly, which mortified Venus. “We are in your debt and swear our eternal protection until our lives are over.”
    “No, thank you. I…” Venus couldn’t finish. Her immortal heart seemed to shatter a little bit; not because she believed she and Zaren should’ve been together, absolutely not. It was because she and Zaren had been together before Michael whisked her off to Helker and all hell broke loose. Even with her godly gifts, it was still awkward.
    Zaren’s green eyes tore through her. “We will always be here if you need us.” He nodded once, and then he and Palamina walked away.
    Venus sighed. She’d changed, again, this time becoming a goddess like Ith and Aetha. They’d left and put her in charge of this world. It’d only been a few hours, and already she was tired.
    There was still much to do. A war raged above them. Not like the ones she’d read about, not like the one that’d brought Ith and Aetha to Kelari in the first place. It wasn’t kel against kel on the battlefield now. Most of the kels were in hiding or, at least they should be. Drones ruled the skies right now. Their job was to destroy homes, livelihoods, and livestock, to desecrate all hope.
    Once their hope was destroyed, King Antyon intended to create a new hope, one which included himself and their savior. The Order of Eternal Fire wanted Kelari and would take it at any cost. She felt the suffering, sensed the fear and destruction. King Antyon’s plan was working, but at least lives weren’t being lost. Not yet.
    She needed to speak with Dervinias. Locking eyes with him, she called him over. As he and Michael approached, she couldn’t help but notice the slump of his shoulders. His cockiness had vanished. It was strange to see Dervinias defeated, and even stranger to know he had a daughter, and that he loved the child. He mourned her.
    Venus took a deep breath. Returning Dervinias’s body was the right thing to do. She knew that, despite the evil in him, he would be a key asset in stopping the war.
    Then there was Palmo. His body returned, he knelt in front of Amberlee. She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but she could feel their emotions. Her sister loved Palmo, but his emotions weren’t the same; he cared, but only for what he could get from her.
    The knowledge burned within Venus and she longed to rush over and tell Amberlee the truth. What held her back was her knowledge that Amberlee needed to come to the conclusion on her own.
    Becoming a god didn’t mean forcing her will on others, but allowing them to grow to their full potential.
    Just like she knew her eyes were blue, she understood that having power meant using restraint.
    It sucked, frankly.
    But she loved her sister and would do anything for her. It didn’t matter that she and Amberlee weren’t related by blood, Amberlee would always be her sister. And whether Amberlee wanted it or not, Venus would do all she could to take care of her.
    Part of it was guilt. The king and queen had raised Venus as the future ruler of Alayeah. They’d given her most of the attention—not that they’d had a choice. Ith and Aetha had asked the deception of them.
    Perhaps the king and queen could’ve taught them both, but it would’ve been considered unorthodox and would’ve raised questions. The problem now was that Amberlee was the only heir to the throne of Alayeah and she’d never been taught what ruling meant.
    At fifteen, the girl was now required to lead her country. It left her vulnerable to scrutiny from the chancellors and counselors within, and those in power without, namely King Antyon. And Palmo.
    Venus shuddered.
    “What is it?” Michael asked, taking her hand.
    She pulled away. “Nothing.” She turned to Palmo, who’d made his way over to her along with Amberlee. She noticed they held hands and gritted her teeth. “Palmo, I’ve returned you your body as you requested. I… hope you intend to