The Wrath of the Fallen (Gods & Monsters, #4)

by Amber V. Nicole

"Hi, Unir," I said, waving my bloody hand. "Funny story. I met your daughter."

Bratty even in the face of death

“Cameron.” I stood up and walked toward him, checking that the door to the study was closed. “I have something for you,” I said, stopping in front of him. “Okay?” he asked, lifting a brow. I pulled out a thick silver ring from my pocket and held it out to him. His head tilted slightly. “Look, I know we’ve been friends forever, but I just don’t see you like that, buddy. I mean, don’t get me wrong, you’re the whole package. I’m just⁠—”

Hahaha

“Now tell me, how is it that now, after eons, you and your guild can find Nismera’s palace?” She lifted her hand, and darkness coalesced on her palm. It swirled and then dissipated like smoke, leaving an envelope in its wake. She handed it to me, and I broke the red wax seal, keeping it closed. It was an invitation, and as I read the overly intricate and fussy writing, my heart began to thunder. “Because it’s not a secret, my lord.” The assassin queen said. “She’s sent word to every corner of the realm to come watch the execution of the Would-Be Queen.”

OH SHIT

“It was my fault.” Unir’s face softened as he looked at Nismera. “She was not made with an ounce of love. She was made with power, conceived to be a weapon.” Nismera’s grip tightened on her spear, the veins on her hand swelling. “And for that, I am truly sorry,” Unir said, his voice soaked with regret. “That is, and will always be, my biggest regret. That’s why I came back.” Her grip on her spear eased, and the hope in my chest flared. Was solace what Nismera needed?

No

Her eyes were icy chunks of hard silver, burning me as she glared at me. “No, my sweet Ayla, I am afraid you have met your match. There is nothing you can take from me that can hurt me.” Her eyes flicked to the side. “But there is something I can take from you that will hurt you.”

No no no

“It is foretold that those above us, higher than mortals, gods, Primordials, and Sovereigns have a purpose. Should they stray from their purpose, they will be punished.” I didn’t know what she meant, but Reggie looked as if he did.

Nooooo

Please know, no matter what happens, I would do it all again.”

NOOOOOOOO

“I love you,” I said to Reggie because I knew she would aim at me first. Reggie nodded, his eyes closed as if the fate thought he would never hear that word, much less have it directed at him. “I lo⁠—” The spear sang through the air, the strike so brutal and fast it was impossible to track. Bright, harsh light exploded from it in a wave of blistering heat. Reggie’s head hit the floor, and I watched in horror as the rest of his body fell to ash. I screamed. Reggie’s ashes floated between us,

NO

The renewed pain swallowed me, and I knew she had to have heard my cries. I did not hide them. I would not disrespect Reggie’s life with whimpers. He was loved, and he deserved to be mourned. I would take this time to grieve, and after that, I would do what I did best, because he also deserved to be avenged. Tonight I would weep, but come first light, I would rage.

“What is a forsaken blade from?” I asked Kaden. He tossed a glance over his shoulder as I toyed with the serrated blade in my hand. “Ig’Morruthen bone.”

Omg no

My hand slipped between the wrapped fabric I’d used as a bra, pulling out the forsaken blade I had made.

Apparently this is the place to store things: ring, blade, who knows what else

Gods, he was amazing, but I could tell he was barely holding against her.

Your time to shine!

“Baby, you’re bleeding,” I said, my hand touching where he held his side. He groaned as he forced a half smile. “Sometimes that happens when you fight with swords.”

She’s fast. Samkiel had told me over and over again, yet I’d still never learn. It was only a second since I had checked that rubble, but a second too long. Nismera stood only feet away, coated in dust and debris, holding her golden spear. My eyes widened, and my heart thudded, time slowing. Her smile was crooked and cruel, her teeth flashing brightly in her blood-covered face. She pointed the tip of the spear at Samkiel’s back, and the power along its edge grew. I knew what it would do, what it would take, and how fast it would eat through him. Was this what the poets wrote sonnets about? Was this what Gabby had meant when she spoke of a love that far outweighed yourself? Whatever it was, I allowed my heart to make the choice for me. My turn was nearly instinctive. Samkiel looked at me, bewildered as I held his arms. Then his eyes went wide with terror and rage. He’d seen Nismera and the spear. The power emanating from it made the air waver, but she held it, controlled it, directed it. He looked into my eyes and knew what I was going to do, and he hated me for it. He threw his hand out, not to block the stream of power coming from the spear, but to push me away. I watched it all in slow motion, knowing it was already too late. The light grew brighter as it hit my body. His sword clattered to the floor. Heat pierced my back, and I saw his mouth shape a word. I thought it might have been no. Fool. He was a fool to think I’d let something happen to him. Was it possible that ...

No way she actually dies

A lithe red-haired goddess slammed her axe handle into my face,

Wait we know her

I wasn’t in Asteraoth. I was somehow in the fucking past.