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honor the way of the Kelvieri, even if that means going against your father.”
    Palmo swallowed and glanced down, then returned her gaze. “I understand.”
    Amberlee snorted, a very un-princess-like sound. “He’s on my side,” she growled, squeezing Palmo’s hand tighter.
    Venus nodded, forcing down the words she longed to say. Even if Venus did speak them aloud, she knew her sister wouldn’t hear them anyway. Besides, it was time to address the crowd. There were thousands of Kelarians whose bodies were newly returned.
    Like all kels, before the transformation they had metallic skin and white hair and lashes. Their lips were a dark shade of silver. They all looked the same. Venus needed to perform the transformation once again to make them immortal or Kelvieri. She couldn’t help but wonder if it was the right thing to do. But there was a war raging above. She didn’t want to return their bodies only to have them killed again. Making them immortal would give them a better chance of survival.
    It should’ve been more than a better chance. Immortality meant living forever…
    Venus sensed there were new beings roaming the planet, and she knew there would be a lot of killing soon because of them.
    Turning toward the crowd, she raised her voice. “I’m glad you’ve chosen to return to Kelari. Your world needs you.” She didn’t look at Chev. Venus would send her away, but not until she had taken Chev’s memories. It would be for much longer. “Above us is a war. It rages because those who believe the transformation, the Kelvieri’s boots, the gift of immortality, shouldn’t be given to everyone. They believe it should only be passed on to those deemed worthy, those they choose.” Anger filled her veins because she knew only a god like herself could bestow the gift, which meant there must be a god on King Antyon’s side willing to do what the king wanted. She searched her mind, looking for the treacherous god, but came up empty. “They are not all wrong,” she continued.
    Murmuring rose from the crowd. Venus understood. They’d been told Venus was a traitor and while she wanted to time to convince them that her actions were true, instead she would show them.
    “For thousands of years the gift of the Kelvieri’s boots was given by Ith and Aetha to every Kelarian who turned sixteen.” She blinked several times, trying to fight back her emotions. Michael came up behind her, his hand resting on the lower part of her back. He gave her strength. “They performed the transformation. They decided who was worthy.” Her eyes searched the crowd. She saw confusion and some anger, but most were attentive in what she had to say. “Ith and Aetha are gone. They’ve given their powers to me… their daughter.” Amberlee let out a stifled noise, but Venus didn’t turn. There was more to say. “They’ve instructed me to take on their tasks, so I decide.” She swallowed, forcing power into her voice. “No one else should have that right. And I say you all will become immortal. You all deserve the rights of the Kelvieri.” When she finished speaking, she filled the room with her power, with the knowledge that she was in fact a goddess, and that she did in fact care what happened to each one of them and to all who dwelled on Kelari. She infused their souls with her love, her great love for them, individually and as a whole. As their souls were touched she watched the surprise, understanding, and ultimately acceptance cross their features.
    As one, a cheer rang out. Everyone applauded, including Dervinias, Zaren and Palamina, and even Palmo and Amberlee.
    “Right now, becoming Kelvieri is not only your right, but a necessity. There is a war raging above us.” She pointed to the dirt-crusted ceiling. “A war between countries, between even friends and families.” Venus gave Palmo a pointed look. “There are those who believe I don’t belong on your planet, that I have no right to give you this gift. But they