Page 112 of The Gods Veiling
Holy shit…
“How in the realm could you possibly pick all of that apart by just looking at their Designations?”
“I know these Designations better than anyone. They aren’t random. The Volreen picks apart your very being and examines who you are on a soul level. Pair that with a domain and the minimal information the Chancellors gather about the Chosen, it’s easy enough to profile a person.”
My hum has him briefly casting his eyes to mine. “What did all my nonsense say about me?”
“You’re an anomaly.”
There’s that damn word again.
There’s not a stutter or any consideration to his words. He speaks it like it’s a fact, then flips the parchment and moves on. I don’t even think he realizes I’m now staring daggers at him.
Well, if there’s one thing I can say about him, it’s that he’s not two-faced. Whatever he’s going to say behind my back, I can expect it to be said to my face, eventually.
The rest of my time spent with Amick was uneventful but very informative. Teaching really is natural for him. He may not show or express many different emotions, but he’s clear, concise, and straightforward.
When Yemi returned, it took her a few minutes to gain the courage to speak on anything about the Godsdawn. After a few times of Amick calling her out to answer a question or explain something to me, she finally started doing it without any prompting.
At lunch, to my ignorance and regret, I insisted that we go to the dining hall so I could check it out. Amick left the Athenaeum without even so much as a goodbye when I told him that’s what we were doing.
I was shown firsthand why the guys and Yemi avoid it. It was packed, and the atmosphere wasn’t relaxing or welcoming in the slightest bit.
I didn’t really consider how passing out in front of all of them would look, but I definitely drew attention to myself. Some gods openly stared, some were bold enough to make off-handed comments, and others couldn’t care less as they strutted around like they’re the gift to the realm.
Typically, I’d say I’ll try anything twice…eating in that dining hall won’t be one of those experiences.
The food was delicious, but the environment made it sour. I’ll just happily cook for myself or appreciatively eat what Creed or Yemi make.
When we returned from lunch, Amick spent the rest of our time peppering me with questions on the realm itself. He stated that he needed to make sure he wasn’t going to have to worry about educating me on basic knowledge I should already know.
I’d like to believe that I impressed him, but I think it’s going to take a hell of a lot more than that.
Now I’m pushing it close to causing all of us to be late for afternoon training as I stare at myself in the mirror of my bathroom.
My stomach is in knots as my eyes scan across the leather armor that’s attached to me like a second skin. It both accentuates and shields my body. I’ve neverworn any as nice as this, but that doesn’t bring me any enjoyment or excitement. There’re steel plates sewn beneath the fabric, but it’s lightweight. I move around and flex in it as easily as I would if I just had on normal clothes.
I can’t help but keep questioning, why the hell do we need protection as fine and sturdy as this? Are we going to be using real weapons on one another?
Gods, couldn’t I have gone more than a day without getting my ass beat.
The dread that keeps trying to crawl out of my throat grows thicker. Knowing that it’s very possible I’m about to have to face Mellcom and Jeremiah for the first time since the Veiling is making me nauseous.
I nearly jump out of my skin at the sound of banging on my door, followed by the call of my name. “Thayla, you ready? We’ve got to go.”
Fuck.
I exhale sharply and stomp from the bathroom before I worry myself ragged.
My mouth falls open, then I slam it shut as I open my door for Kyzen. The clothes he’s been wearing since I met him have been very misleading. Obviously, I knew he was in amazing shape…he’s a god, but this attire molds to him like mine does me.
The black shirt that peeks out from under his shoulder shields hugs the muscled grooves in his biceps. His form-fitting armor leaves nothing to my imagination about how sculpted the rest of him is.
If he looks this good, so do his brothers.
“Find something you like?”
The amusement in his tone has my eyes flashing up to his. The flirty twinkle in his gaze tells me he caught me blatantly appreciating his body.
