Page 107 of The Gods Veiling
“So sensitive. Regardless, Big DD gave us a sweet little release because of her. Maybe he’ll do it again, but next time all of it.”
I plaster on a normal smile as we come up to the first Valtrue we see. I don’t have anything to say to Riven regarding that.
Only time will tell what’s in store for all of us.
Thayla
15
The Grand Oddian Library doesn’t hold a candle to the Gods Athenaeum.
I never thought in my life I’d think something like that. That place was my hideaway. I loved every crevice of it.
Granted, I spent most of my time there so I could hang out with Lambrit, but he did make me make good use of it. He always knew which books to pick out for me that’d hold my attention the longest or what he thought would fascinate me the most.
He was always right. He created a very good habit for me, and I’ve grown to truly appreciate the beauty of books and the knowledge or even adventures they hold.
Regardless, those amazing memories don’t change the fact that the Athenaeum is ten times more. And I mean more everything.
It’s absolutely massive.
“Is the Goddess of Illusions’ power in here as well?” I twirl in my spot, attempting to catch a glimpse of it all.
I was technically asking Yemi, but surprisingly, it’s Amick who answers. “Yes. The physical space this would require would take up the Sanctum, the Hailtorium, plus the entirety of the Assembly. That’s wasteful.”
So factual and formal.
“So right you are, Candyman. Have you found any of our surprises yet?”
He finds no amusement in that. His eyes cut over to me, but he doesn’t say a word. Instead, he closes the little folder he has in his hands and begins marching toward the back of the Athenaeum.
I raise my eyebrows and give Yemi a little smirk. She hides her laugh behind her hand and shakes her head at me, then tugs me along.
I almost crash into Amick’s back from lack of paying attention to him and observing the momentous shelves. They stretch so high and there’s even a second floor with more there.
“What are you…” I watch him run his fingers slowly across a row of books. His shoulders rise and fall with his measured breaths.
I take a step closer and realize that the tomes that’ve grabbed his undivided attention are lettered on the spines. There are some that match in color scheme and some that don’t. They’re definitely not in any particular order.
I.A.M.S.M.A.R.T.E.R.T.H.E.N.Y.O.U.
Repeatedly, I spell out the letters. By the third time running through them, a surprised laugh spills out of me. I cover my mouth when Yemi shushes me, but that honestly makes me laugh harder.
Amick stares at me. “You find this amusing?”
“The irony of it, yes. I can tell by your quick attention to it, he knew it’d bother you, but then he didn’t even get it right. He said then instead of than. I don’t know if it’s intentional or not, but it’s harmless and hilarious.”
I choke back my laughter and wipe my watering eyes. I think I find it so funny because I somehow can picture that psycho in here giggling to himself as he rearranges books.
And I’ve been scared to death another head was going to fall on me, or something far sinister, only for him to have messed with some books.
Something may really be wrong with that man, though, so I’m not going to let my guard down just yet.
“Rising Chancellor,” a guy walks up to us nervously as he bows to Amick. I force the rest of my amusement away so I can focus. “Your orientees are ready, sir.”
Orientees?
“I’m aware. These books are out of order. I’m sure others are as well. You and the other three on rotation take the catalog and verify they’re in their proper spots.”
