Chapter 60. The Ritual and the Gods

That same evening the ritual began. Everyone presented themselves barefoot and in long white robes. In the middle of the circle of Tolar's advisors, there were Moses and his concubines, who made another circle around the beast holding hands. A cut was made between their palms, binding them all together through blood. And with magic words, the counselors began to chant an incantation while a white cloud rose from the ground, hiding those who were surrounded for a few moments. When the chanting ceased, the cloud broke up and the beast was no longer among them.

They looked at each other. Except for Moses, the women felt no difference. But Moses felt lighter as if he could fly. A lot of information came into his mind, even unknown languages. He knew every single thing that was possible to do with his powers. He looked around, and in some part of his being, he knew he would miss Théo, who had served his family for generations. Now his children were the gods who would rule the