Page 157 of The Gods Veiling
It reminds me so much of Oddian, yet it’s definitely been kissed by the gods. The dirt path has changed into a stunning stone pathway that continues to lead down the road. I assume to a center and possibly in other directions.
There’s gold, marble, and beauty everywhere I turn my head, but just like home and honestly, the Godsdawn, it hasn’t taken over nature.
It’s infused itself.
There’s gorgeous ivy crawling around the pillars that hold up the massive building to my right. To the left, the staggeringly tall structure is much of the same.
Power swirls through the air. I sense it even though there’s a sheen of Riven’s coating my blood and invading all of me. I tilt my head back and inhale deeply.
I can’t help sighing when the smell of meadow grass and angel orchids fills my nose. “I didn’t think anywhere else in the Valorian Veil smelled like this.”
“Yes, your little forgotten region has held on the most to how the realm operated before the gods got greedier than normal.”
“What do you mean by that?”
He shakes his head. “Come on. I want to go to the market. My original plan has been ruined now, so instead of having fun, we’ll just eat.”
“Eating is very fun. Who doesn’t love food?” He grunts something akin to agreement, I assume, and I carry on since he doesn’t say anything. “What was your original plan?”
“Uh, it was a master plan. That disgusting fool from yesterday ran straight here to his parents after being stripped from the meadows. His daddy used to be lead Meadow Hand during his time in the Godsdawn. I guess Ike stupidly believed because of that, his dad could talk his way back in or some shit.
“As I eavesdrop—overheard the conversation in the Sanctum, I was waiting for his dad to say what a disgrace his son was for harming a Veilatara. That never came. He relentlessly tried to negotiate ways to have his son’s image repaired. So I was coming to pay his meadows a visit today.”
My nostril lifts and a small touch of his power sheds off me. “He has Veilatara at his meadow here?”
“Fuck no. Other creatures. I was going to tie him up in the middle of his field, then set all the creatures free. Now my chaos is all calm and subdued because my harmony had to fix you.”
“Two things. One, I’m not broken, so you didn’t fix me. You just made me less mad at your assholery. Two, I’m so confused. Why do you need your chaos side to do that? Can’t you just summon it forward or however it works?”
“However it works? Has Amick not gone over this with you yet?”
I scowl at him. “No.”
“I’m going to mock him for his failure when we get home.” He laughs like that just perked his mood all the way back up. “Yes, of course it comes at my command, but it’s more fun and more powerful when it comes on its own. It’s been swirling in my belly since I heard the conversation. Now it’s gone. Thanks a lot.”
“I didn’t tell you to use your harmony side on me, thank you very much. You did that all on your own. I’m grateful for the distraction but don’t turn it around on me like I asked for it.”
He grumbles something inaudible and stomps his way down the stone path. I race to stay on pace with him but after a couple of strides and me missing all the sights to see, I grab his arms to slow him down.
“Listen, Mr. Pissy Pants, slow down so I can see everything. After you feed me, we’ll go visit the meadows like you planned and maybe your chaos will give you the warm and fuzzies you obviously need.”
That beautifully terrifying smirk crosses his face. “You’re okay with what I have planned for Mr. Failure of a Father?”
I shrug. “I’m not participating, just observing. Do whatever makes you happy, my little psycho.”
A deep hum vibrates from the back of his throat and he takes a huge step into my space. This time, I’m ready for his attack. I slam my hand between us, blocking his lips from locking with mine.
“I didn’t say you could do that.”
He backs away and puts his hands on his hips. “Confusing and tempting woman.”
“I’m not. You’re the confusing one. You’re more hot and cold than a storm in the summer.”
“I like dancing in storms.”
I seal my lips shut to keep from laughing at him.
Confusing and tempting man.
