Page 32 of The Gods Veiling
I’ve never had a reason to treat them differently. They didn’t do that to me. Ever. Laney’s an excited, free-spirited nine-year-old little girl. Lambrit’s a genius. Both are healthy and happy. What more could you ask for?
I don’t voice that or correct her as she pulls away and holds my hands. This probably isn’t the time to speak my opinion to an upset mother. “They mean a lot to me.”
“Mellcom Bellame.”
Shit. I’m next.
“I know that. And that’s why I have a favor to ask of you. Please look after my boy. He’s…” Her lip begins to tremble uncontrollably.
Be the bigger person, Thayla. You can’t help what she prayed for now.
Do not cuss her out.
“He’s the smartest person I’ve ever met in my life. He’s going to do amazing things at Godsden. He’ll be the gods’ favorite. Start praying to him and allow Laney to do the same. One day, one day soon, he’ll hear you.”
Her breath whooshes out of her, and she lays her hand to her heart. A huge, motherly smile breaks out through her tears. “You’re right. You’re so very right.”
“Thayla Godrun.”
My name seems to fall from Havar’s lips like thunder cracking across the sky. The storm brewing within me threatens to come out and destroy everything.
No matter how hard I try, I can’t stop the tremble in my voice. “Please tell Laney I love her.”
“I will, I swear. Thank you, Thayla.”
She turns me around to face the carriage, but my feet stay rooted in place. I’m seriously tempted not to move but don’t want a repeat of Mr. Armend dragging me and the power from the god waiting on me forces me to.
“Goodbyes are never easy, but it’ll be worth it when you see your new home.”
New home.
I’m sure that’s easy for him to say. I’m sure going to Godsden is exactly what he wanted in life.
“Let’s hope so.”
“Step in. You’ll get your first taste of what’s to be expected.”
I swallow down the slurs that desperately try to escape me. He doesn’t deserve my wrath, seeing as he has no idea how badly I don’t fucking want this. Plus, his domain may have to do with animals, but I’m sure he could squash my ass if he wanted to.
Deep breath, Thayla. You got this.
On my exhale, I place my foot on the step. I wasn’t expecting there to be any resistance against my skin coming through the door and I grit my teeth at the uncomfortable feeling. Soon enough, though, it releases me, and I gasp.
The four men who entered before me are laughing and walking around the ginormous space.
Walking. They’re walking around the inside of a carriage.
My jaw stays slack as I take an unsteady step farther in. The space is three times the size it seems on the outside.
There’re six large seats. Beside each of them is a table that’s covered with snacks and drinks. The other looks to be a compartment for us to place our things.
I run my fingers over the fine burgundy leather and my toes curl in my dirty-ass shoes that are leaving dust prints across the cream carpet.
“How—”
“The Goddess of Illusion. Her power is embedded in the carriages as well as many other areas in Godsden. Take your seats. I’m ready to get the fuck home.”
The godly, professional persona seems to slip right off Havar now that the attention of the Oddian families is gone. He plops down in the seat at the front, tilts his head back, and sighs. The sudden jolting of the carriage has me stumbling into the seat right by the window and I grip onto the armrest for dear life.
