by Chloe Gunter
Gavin embraced Gage, whispering words that were too low for me to hear. Gage looked at me while in his arms and nodded, his skin seeming to crackle with electricity, flashes of light still branching out in circuits over his skin.
I almost missed Reed shuffling forward again, knuckles pressed white against his skin where he gripped the podium. There were bags under his eyes that hadn't been there a month ago, his beard wilder than ever. Something like regret flickered across his eyes, their usual brilliance dull and flat.
“I, Whistler, hereby nominate Bird for Spark Initiation. Having successfully completed the Rites necessary and demonstrating the utmost character and core values required in an Atlantean, I offer her a piece of my Spark.”
He wasn’t sure if I would accept. It was written on the lines of his brows and I wouldn’t have noticed except for the fact that I knew him. I knew his laughter and his joy, the way he held me and offered unwavering support. And while betrayal still coursed hot through my veins at his manipulation, I knew that I should trust him. That I should accept part of his Spark therefore accepting part of him.
The same unanimous vote was cast behind him, as the words rang out once again.
“Spark Initiation, granted.”
He offered me his hand and I accepted. I accepted his apology and his promise. I accepted that we would be irrevocably tied after this. I accepted that he had chosen to give me something so rare and so precious of himself and his world that I had no choice but to accept.
His shoulders relaxed as we made our way to one side of the podium, Reed placing my hands on the metal discs. They almost hurt to touch they were so cold. I left them there, absorbing the chill as Reed made his way across from me, mirroring my position.
His green eyes shone bright as they bored into mine and he whispered, “bonum commune hominis.”
He grunted, leaning forward as he channeled his Spark into the cylinder housing the remains of one of the master crystals. I kept my eyes on his the entire time, breathing evenly and bracing myself for impact.
Ice shot through my veins and I could feel my skin crawling with what felt like millions of ant bites as the nanos pulsed with energy. They coursed through me, reaching every nerve and cell as they changed my DNA, making me into something else.
Something more.
My eyes slammed shut and my knees started to give way and I felt myself being supported by Ramsey, his signature scent of leather and sandalwood giving him away even in my altered state.
“Spark Initiation, complete. Welcome Bird, and may the Spark show the way.”
As the sparking and pricking and buzzing sensations died away by degrees, I felt each of my limbs return to normal. But it wasn't normal. Not really. I was irrevocably changed. A new Atlantean tasked with a secret and a mission that was bigger than myself, just waiting for me to begin.
I opened my eyes, vision shrouded in lightning, and recoiled.
What had I done?
Afterword
That’s a wrap on my first installment of the Ethos Society series! I really hope you enjoyed it, and I can’t wait for you all to see what happens next in The Keys: Ethos Society Part Two this fall. If you have a moment, please consider leaving a review.
Until then - xxxo Chloe
Acknowledgments
Alicia - Thank you for your love, support, and much needed ass kickings along the way. You’re the best alpha I could have asked for, and an even better friend.
Sister-wives - Somewhere between wizard rock, tea, horrendous cats, hair dye, Fazolis breadsticks, and binge watching shows, you’ve become dear friends. Thanks for always being there for anything and everything.
To the rest of my Clitterati girls - you’ve been with me on this journey since the beginning, and I’m not sure if this book would have actually come to fruition without you.
My betas - You fucking rock. Your feedback is invaluable and I’m grateful to have you all.
Kayla - Pretty sure you know why ;) Thanks for being a wonderful friend.
Mom - Thanks for not reading this.
and last but not least…
My Ride or Die - I may never look at hyphens the same again, but I will always remember the support and love you gave me during this process. Thanks for being you.
About the Author
Chloe Gunter is an escape room enthusiast who writes reverse harem novels. In her free time, she enjoys her obsession with the holidays and watching too many baking championship shows. This is Chloe’s first solo book.
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