House of New Gods Read online

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  “Why are you doing this, you know it’s nothing!” Will shouted at Isis. Something banged against the counter top.

  “You have made your tomb!”

  “You’re like my mother Isis. How can this be?”

  “Like a mother or not, I will sever you child, do not push me to it!”

  “This is ludicrous!”

  “Can you handle their retribution, their punishment William?” she asked him and this time her voice trembled. “If you disobey I will be compelled to uphold that which is inevitable.”

  “You narrowly recovered the last time Isis, what makes you think you can actually kill me?”

  “You’re leaving me no choice!” she boomed. Anchille, Thomas and Charles stood around them, listening.

  “You have a choice, we all do,” he said in a flat tone. “She’ll no longer want me?” Will grew still. There was no further belligerence on his part. Many other eyes watched in the wings, some in shadow, some not, but all were engrossed—at the ready if their queen wished it.

  “William, you are free, as you’ve always been. Go back to your father. It will please him to know you’ve retained your honor. You know it is for the best that you leave her be.” Isis voice was deep, her words irrefutable.

  “This is how I am designed Isis, it chooses me, not the other way around. I have found my mate.”

  “She isn’t the one!” she argued vehemently.

  “Don’t tell me what I feel, what I know to be true.”

  “You are not above our laws,” she reminded him. Thomas and Charles held their position, aimed to protect their brother. They didn’t want to see him go, but each would be hanged before they saw him die. Though the wolves were outnumbered it would not deter them from a bloody fight.

  “You wouldn’t,” Will prompted.

  “I can and I shall, if you drive me to it!” Isis cursed at him. Somehow her voice still sounded disheartened by the idea. “Lina mustn’t be clouded in her judgment. She must be allowed to move into this new life, autonomously. Why else is the process of revealing so sacred, so careful? Because, if she is torn, or hurt in any way, she will run. The prophecy must be fulfilled.”

  It was silent for a long time as many took stock of the event. Will’s departure would mark the very first of the gods breaking alliance, and he knew it. He would not surrender, not to the queen, and certainly not to the covens. He knew that one day soon he would have to stand before council, his soul bared, but this was not that day. Will looked each and every member in the eye, never faltering as he brought his hand over his chest. The inner sound of his brothers’ acceptance filled the air and without another word the two men swept their sibling in their arms and fled from the scene.