Of the Gods
an excerpt

Nathaniel twisted his wrist, trying to soften Caleb’s death grip on his bones, but Caleb swallowed a desperate noise in the back of his throat and refused to let go. Nathaniel would disappear if he let go, he was sure of it. Nathaniel, sensing his thoughts as he seemed so capable of doing, smiled placatingly and lifted his other hand to run his fingers down Caleb’s arm.

“You’re doing fine. You can stand here, don’t worry. Now let go. First step, just let go.” His voice was soothing and calm despite the fact that Caleb was nearly making the water vibrate with his trembling.

“I can’t,” Caleb whispered, mortified that he had been reduced to this.

“You are going to face your fear. I am not going to go anywhere, and I am not going to drown in this pool, do you hear me? Caleb? Look at me.” He reached up with cool fingers and gripped Caleb’s chin. Caleb jerked at the unwarranted touch, but met Nathaniel’s eyes. “You are strong, and you will face this. Now release my hand.”

Caleb slowly unwound his fingers from around Nathaniel’s wrist, all the while staring into the pale, pale orbs that were Nathaniel’s eyes. Had he been an outside observer, he would have said he was mystified. At the moment, however, the world had collapsed into him, Nathaniel’s eyes, and Nathaniel’s cool grip on his chin.

“Good boy,” Nathaniel smiled warmly. Caleb exhaled a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding, and stared in wonder at Nathaniel. Who was this boy!?