The Throne of Broken Gods (Gods & Monsters, #2)

by Amber V. Nicole

Well, all except Vincent. He avoided me like the plague, which suited me just fine.

Mhmmm

“My father spoke of you and your brethren, you know? When I was a boy. Fates shape the tendrils of destiny, time even. A whisper on the winds of catastrophes to come, but I didn’t believe it. I knew you also saw peace, rebirth, life, and death.”

Roccurem only stared at me, not seeming even to breathe. “I also remember reading about those who could whisper what was to come in dreams. Over and over until the recipient understood, until they got it. A whisper to those they wished to influence.”

If Roccurem ever smiled, I never saw it, but the slight twitch of his lips told me all I needed to know. “My liege, such powers as those would be outlawed and forbidden. It is not my place...

“Why did my father lock you away? Was it for your safety, or was he using you for something else?” I asked, holding his gaze. “You ask questions as if you don’t trust the one who made you.” “I ask questions because it is possible I alrea...

The mist near Roccurem shifted, bent as if he were preparing to leave. Or maybe ...

“Your father saved me from one who was very unkind. One who slaughtered and manipulated my brethren for their gain. Locked away is a mortal term meaning confinement. He protected me as he has done for you and many others. I owe him a debt, and I intend to pay it.”

Who was it?!

“It’s lovely.” I lifted my hands, the engraved silver cuffs rattling. “Celestial chains and all. Oh, and the company. Vincent is the best guard.”

Samkiel looked at Logan, his brow furrowing with confusion. “Peculiar, I only sent him for one watch. He’s been back?” Logan shrugged. “I don’t know. He hasn’t said anything about it to me.”

Vincent likes Camillaaaaaaa nanananananaaAa

wrapping me in warmth. Logan stepped back, his expression hard. “I am surprised Dianna let you live after what you did.” “You care about her.” “She is my queen.” “What?” The word left my lips on a gasp. “If Samkiel so chooses, she will be. But she is also more than that.”

A smile teased at the edges of my lips. Maybe in the cruelest way, Dianna had gotten the one thing she so desperately craved—a family.

hadn’t considered that aspect of the holiday. Samkiel had nothing but painful memories associated with The Fall. “It’s more about the celebration of life, not the destruction. Everyone was terrified, thinking the world was ending. I mean, for us, the sky literally fell, but it wasn’t all bad.

Gabby helped me see that. It may have changed our world, but it gave us the technology we would never have developed, medical knowledge that helped cure so much, and people were just nicer afterward. The Celebration of The Fall is just another way to show appreciation. It showed us how fragile life can be and to appreciate the ones you love always.”

“Thank you for bringing me here. I know it means something to you. Anything you wish to share with me means a lot.” My heart leaped at his words. I knew he genuinely meant it. He always meant what he said and never shied away from how he felt.

He always reached me, which was the problem and another reason among many why I left when Gabby died. Samkiel could drag me out of my pain and misery, and he would help and be there for me when all I wanted was vengeance and blood. I didn’t want his help then, didn’t want him to reach me, but now? Now I thought I was ready.

“Well, it’s not like you will discuss it when we get back. You’ll leave. Again,” I snapped, leaning a fraction away from him. “I am not the one who left, Dianna. You did.”

YEAH! Di (claps hand) ann (claps hand) a!

It hit me, then. Just how tired he had been lately and how I was not helping but only adding to it. I didn’t want to hurt him anymore, not in the slightest. I pushed my anger aside because the truth was, I cared for him enough that I was worried about him. “I’ve ruined this.” I blew out a long breath.

My lips twisted in a smirk. “You’re cute when you’re homicidal.” He made a noise low in his throat. “Do not be mean, then flirt with me.”

Warmth filled me at the memory and at the fact he had been so keen to notice. These were the same flowers he had given me that night, too. “You deserve something nice, my Dianna.”

Wait, I know that guy. I told Vincent to fire him.”

Vincent yawned. “Don’t think so hard, honestly. It will be over soon enough. Dianna killed Alistair. If Alistair was even one of them. Tobias is dead, so it’s only Kaden left now. I don’t think it’s going to matter much longer.”

“Death changes all, god king. You know that. The prophecy is more convoluted than even I can perceive. A mass of words, new and old.” “I see.” I nodded before turning to head out. “I would not agonize oneself over that part of the prophecy, god king,” Roccurem said. Then, before I could ask what he meant, he was gone.

“That your family is full of liars and killers and cheats, Samkiel.”

Porphyrion swallowed and scooted back but continued, “How you have The Hand, Unir had Generals. Three. They helped shape the cosmos. One General made the kings. The General of Unir that feeds on blood can shape terrifying creatures with his blood.”

I swallowed, not meeting her gaze even if I could feel it boring into me. “That Gabby is not my sister.”

Finally gonna circle back to this huge detail

I placed the pages down, my stomach twisting. “It means,” I swallowed and sat back, “that Tobias was right. I was adopted.” Neverra’s eyes widened. “Oh.”

“He told me about Kaden and who he really is.” Cool dread crawled over me, replacing the warmth of my desire. “What?”

“Who is he?” “One of my father’s ex-generals.” “Your father?”

I smiled as he stepped under the full spray, a weird sense of relief washing over me. I knew I should care more about Kaden being some overpowered general, but the truth was, I didn’t give a shit about Kaden. Not anymore. I only cared about this man. A lock on a door in a house rattled.

I grabbed his hand, placing it between my breast over my heart. “Yours,” I breathed, rolling my hips, my heart racing beneath his palm.

“Mine,” he agreed, and it sounded like a vow. The look on his face took my breath away, and I knew I would never forget it. I would remember it until I was dust between the stars.

“Wasn’t there a rumor that Unir and Nismera were, ya know…” Cameron made a lewd motion with his hands that I ignored. Logan nodded. “There were rumblings.”

“All I’m saying is, what if Kaden is a secret child of Unir?”

Holy shit

“I found a brief history of Samkiel’s great-grandfather. It recounts how he went insane and blamed the gods for some future darkness that would taint and ruin the bloodline. He spread his lies and eradicated thousands before they dethroned him.”

“Oh.” Cameron sat up a tad bit straighter. “Wouldn’t it suck if Kaden was like Samkiel’s long-lost uncle or something?”

Ohhh shittt

“When Dianna and I went to Onuna, his beasts showed up. They wanted Dianna. I know we discussed the possibility of rituals, but what if that’s why he is so desperate to get her back? What if he needs her for whatever he wants to do?”

“That’s what I’m thinking. You told us before how desperately he wants her back. What if she is, and has always been, the key to whatever he is planning?”

“See what I mean?” he spat, wiping his hand across his split cheek. “You’re all idiots.”

Oh boy origin villain story

The darkest part of me, made of razor teeth, claws, and armored scales, seemed to grin widely at the thought of just how far I knew I would go to do just that. So I let a tiny sliver in that cracked locked door shine through when I spoke next. “I am sorry, though. I wish I could make it better, truly.”

Vincent glanced back at the palace. “There are always more monsters to face.”

“Do you like music, Roccurem?” The fate merely shrugged. The suit he had on was a copy of the ones that most of the men below were wearing. “The vibrations are pleasing at times, and sometimes not.”

What the fuck.

“You’re late,” I said, feeling him stop behind me. “I got here as soon as I could.” The music began slowly at first as everyone got settled in. “Hmm,” I said, turning to face him. “Nice suit, Vincent.”

I FUCKING KNEW IT.

Vincent came to my side, as tense now as he was when he first started working for me.

Which was whennnn exactly?!

“No more games, buddy. The final act is about to begin, and I need you all where I want you.” He nodded. “It’s done. The dream eaters did their part by planting the seeds of freedom in their minds.”

“Good. Good. I need them separated for what I have planned.” “What happens to them? After?”

“You know what happens. Don’t play dumb now. It’s not your strong suit.” “Will it hurt?” A smirk formed on my lips as I glanced toward him. “Don’t tell me, Vincent, the leader of Onuna and The Hand, suddenly has fucking cold feet.”

“You’re godsdamn right, you don’t. You work for us. That’s it. Don’t ask me questions about the so-called family you are betraying. It’s none of your concern.” I slapped his arm twice and smiled.

“That’s what I thought. We both know that once those realms open, you are going to wish you never aligned yourself with Samkiel.” Vincent nodded and stepped back, straightening his jacket. “I’ll make sure they are separated.” “Good.”

“He is with her, you know? Fully. It didn’t separate them. If anything, it made them stronger.”

“If they complete the third act and seal the bond, she will⁠—” “Leave, Vincent, before I do something that even I will regret,” I growled, feeling Roccurem shift beside me.