Vireya's POV
He looked down at himself, awe flickering in his eyes. His voice was soft, reverent.
“Vireya… my punishment has ended.”
I smiled through the warm rush of tears that filled my eyes, my heart trembling with joy, and the ghost of fear that it could all vanish.
But just as suddenly as the radiance had come, it began to fade. The golden glow dimmed.
The regal light that had cloaked him like celestial armor disappeared. The crown dissolved into sparks. His robe, once woven softened into the familiar clothes he always wore.
He looked human again.
I stared at him, startled. “What’s happening?”
He stepped toward me, a calm smile curving his lips. “I’m still a god,” he said gently, “but I’ve sealed away my powers. I don’t need them now.”
I blinked, heart racing. “I don’t understand.”
He reached out, his hand warm, grounding mine. “I can’t interfere with mortal affairs using divine power, not unless it’s the final war. Until we face Xareth I choose stay here as I am. Mortal.”
A slo
