Storm Gods - G. Bailey Page 0,68

states, stepping forward. “I promised I would release you one day, and you made me your leader in return. Today is the day you are free, and it could not have happened without the three people at my side.”

I grin up at him before stepping forward. “For those who don’t know me, I’m Karma Kismet, and welcome to the new start of your life. For all of you who have no one to go to, or are scared, or just lost in this massive world, I hope you will join us in a new community we have set up for you.”

“There you will find people to show you what the modern world consists of. They will help you get on your feet, and if you wish to stay, you will be more than welcome,” Seth says.

Finally, Killian speaks last, finishing off our rehearsed speech. “Most of all, we are one of the new thirty leaders of the gods, and we fight for you. For each of you. My brother and I have made many mistakes, and there have been so many errors in the way gods are judged. The world we are building makes sure that never happens. If you want to leave and figure it out on your own, no one will stop you. If you wish to trust us, which we hope you will, please come through the portal.”

I look back as Kit places his hand in the air and creates a huge tall portal that stretches past four trees. When no one moves, I feel a little nervous. Coxen walks right up to Storm and they hug, patting each other’s back before he comes to me. I open my arms and hug him tightly, missing my friend.

“Jade would be proud of you,” Coxen whispers to me. I nod, trying not to cry as he lets me go. Coxen smiles wider than I have ever seen before, walking around us and to the portal. He gives Kit a nervous look, and I don’t blame him as my fully grown goblin friend freaks most people out, before walking through the portal. On the other side, Mads and Pey are ready, waiting with a big team at the old higher gods’ island, which is now reformed into an island for gods to find sanctuary and a community like no other.

Coxen is only the first of many who walk through the portal. Hundreds walk through, nodding at us as they go, and only one stops near us. Storm’s ex, Vivian, smiles at us and nods once at me in some kind of respect we never really had before. I take Storm’s hand in mine, and her eyes trace the movement. Hurt reflects in them, but she needs to know. Storm is off-limits, and whatever they had once, it’s gone. Storm looks down at me, smiling with knowing eyes, and when I look back, Vivian is gone. I have a feeling it’s the last time I will see the goddess.

“We have a surprise for you,” Seth says, turning me away from the people, and Storm holds his hand up in the air. Oh god, not tornado travel.

“Can we please travel any other way—” I end my complaint with a scream as wind whips around us and my feet leave the ground. Even though we have done this a million times, and it is much better than draining Seth’s or Killian’s magic by portalling, it still sucks. I gasp as we land once more, and the tornado disappears into the sky. I glare at my guys as I place my hands on my hips and pause, looking around the long driveway I recognise. This old house is near my mum and dad’s, deserted and kids used to joke there were ghosts here. I turn around and look up at the old Victorian building with ivy growing up the front. The once broken windows and doors have been replaced and are all shiny. There is a new roof and planted flowers outside in pots.

“We wanted a home for us. Somewhere special but near your family,” Storm starts off, taking my hand in his.

“So I asked your mum if she had any suggestions. I was surprised when she told me there was a perfect house nearby,” Killian fills in, and Seth steps in front of me.

“This was your mother’s family home. It’s your choice, as it does hold bad memories as well as good ones. We all thought we could make so many better memories