Chapter 11Aiden fell forever, but the last thing he was completely aware of was Aeshma’s howling, now not in triumph but rage. Aiden’s ribs shattered like dried sticks as the Dark god tried to tear his way out. But it was too late, too late for either of them. And all that Aiden could think through the splintering agony was at least Eskandar wouldn’t—
* * * *
And then Aiden opened his eyes to pure, bright light.
This can’t be real, he thought. I’m dead. I have to be dead. Maybe this was the divine, and he was dissipating into it. That’s okay, he thought. It didn’t hurt.
It felt nice, actually, especially after being in pain for so long. Warmth poured into him like sunlight, and he realized he could feel his bones knitting, his flesh reforming over them healed and whole. His legs straig
