Page 195 of The Gods Veiling
“That I do.”
I don’t know if I’d love or hate that.
We exit the Gods Sanctum the same way we came in but split off with Kyzen as he heads on to the Athenaeum. Sadly, we can see the dining hall from here and Havar’s definitely not out front.
“Damn it, Yemi, we’re going to have to walk in there.”
“I know. The impatient, probably hungry asshole could’ve given us ten minutes.”
“Shouldn’t he already be at the meadows by now anyways?”
“His mentee is going through his first rounds of evaluations this week, so he isn’t supposed to be there for them. He’s thrilled he gets to sleep in and start his day a little later. It’ll go back to normal next week when they start their new lessons. Whatever that entails.”
I don’t respond as she grips the door handle and releases a deep breath. She’s just as unhappy about entering this overcrowded space as I am, but at least we can make this quick.
My eyes instantly start searching through the bodies for long black hair that matches hers. She spots him first and tugs on my elbow as she makes me lead our way.
The luxurious booths are full of gods waiting to be served. Both Attendants and gods in the Plentiful placement are bustling around to get them what they ask for. This is a role and responsibility I could never in a million years see Riven actually doing.
He’d probably spit in someone’s food or flip a table.
“Uh, looks like all the mentors have decided to eat together.”
I cut my eyes at her and she chuckles at the displeasure written across my face. All the men standing around fall quiet as the two of us step up and I immediately want to cuss Havar out for not waiting for us outside.
“About time, you two,” Havar says as he opens his arms and wraps them around Yemi.
“About time, my ass. You couldn’t have given us a few minutes extra before coming in here?”
“Come on, no one’s going to fuck with you while Thayla’s here. Plus, I’m starving. You know how busy it always is.”
“Firstly, no one better fuck with her while I’m not around. Secondly, learn to cook and you wouldn’t have to wait.”
He gasps and teasingly lays his hand to his heart. “I know how to cook, thank you. I just don’t want to.”
“Barely. Give us just a second and we’ll get out of here.”
My eyes widen on Yemi as she drags Havar off to the side, leaving me standing here with five godly men staring at me.
I’m going to kill her.
“Thayla Godrun, right?”
This is not happening.
I plaster on a fake, kind smile for the buff blond-haired god who just stepped toward me. “That’d be me.”
“I’m Collum. I was Havar’s mentor once upon a time. I’ve heard a lot about you around the meadows. I missed the excitement when you visited.”
I look down at his outstretched hand for a second before deciding not to be an ass to Havar’s friends. “I don’t know if excitement is the word I’d use. You did a good job with Havar, though. He was an excellent Escort.”
His warm and large hand engulfs mine. He’s surprisingly gentle with his shake and doesn’t let it linger past the point of becoming weird. “He said your Veiling trip was his best yet. It’s not every day we get to see a Veilatara actually interact with a god. They tolerate us at best, but we appreciate them allowing us in their company.”
Huh…maybe he isn’t like the one who about got his chest caved in by my companion.
“They’re remarkable creatures. I’m very thankful the one who embraced me saw me worthy enough for that honor.”
“It’d be impossible to miss your worth,” he says as he dips his head and my heart pounds in my ribs. “I know Havar gave you and his cousin a tour, but there’s a lot to see. I’d love the opportunity to show you around the meadows if you’d give me that honor.”
