Page 161 of The Gods Veiling
Riven finally skips back over and isn’t frazzled in the least bit by the creature sitting on me. He even bends down and gives it a scratch before plopping down beside me and opening his own food.
“Well, you seem to be in a fantastic mood now. I don’t think your reaction to what’s going on is normal.”
“You’re one to talk. Look at you, sprawled out in the grass, eating with a creature with no care in the realm. You enjoy seeing a god facing consequences as much as I enjoy delivering them.”
Huh.
I don’t admit he’s right out loud, but he is. I’m not the least bit concerned for Mr. Molder or what he’ll have to do to fix this mess when it’s all over. I was mindlessly enjoying the show without even a thought about how what we’re doing is probably against some rules.
I do like to see wrongs made right.
The two, well, three of us, sit silently, aside from the laughs that fall from us when an oxid knocks Mr. Molder over. It’s quite peaceful and relaxing just sitting in the grass, watching the animals flock around and do whatever they want.
It’s a little depressing when Riven tells me it’s time to get going since we have a long walk back. I don’t argue, though. I give the little Venturer a scratch and set it down as I stand.
There’re small smiles sitting on both our lips as we make our way back through Godsden. It’s a strange sort of comfort. The power that’s pouring from him and into my skin is a mixture of both of his domains. It’s making me both giddy beyond explanation but also calm and content.
It’s an addictive feeling.
We pass through the invisible barrier and a sigh passes through his lips. “Want to play I spy with my little eye?”
I chuckle at the mention of the children’s game. One that requires a variety of sights. “Sure, Riven.”
“Okay, so I spy with my blue eye, something green.”
This god.
The laugh that never left me from the time we crossed back into the Godsdawn slowly dies on my lips as we walk through the house to the kitchen.
All three of the others are standing there tensely like they’ve been waiting around for bad news to be delivered.
I scan over each of them, spending the least amount of time on Creed and finally settling on Kyzen. His shoulders deflate the smallest amount. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, everything’s fine. We just didn’t know when to expect you both back.”
“Oh, don’t let the most handsome god lie to you. They were afraid of the condition you were going to be returned in or if I returned you at all.”
I’m positive my eyebrows touch my hairline. “Really? You all were that concerned with me going with him?”
“He tends to be impulsive and destructive. Given his loud and repeated concerns surrounding our Pairing, yes, we were concerned. That’s no longer the case now that we see you’re perfectly fine.”
Maybe they don’t notice it, or they’re focused too much on me, but I catch, more so feel, the slightest bristle pass through Riven. He plays it off with his signature laugh falling from his lips.
My chest pinches.
“He was a perfect gentleman, actually. He took me to the market, fed me, let me pet a creature, and didn’t leave me behind. I had a great time.”
Okay, I may have put too much enthusiasm in my tone, but none of them call me out.
Kyzen’s breathtaking smile replaces the forced grin as his eyes fall to Riven. Creed nods at him in some weird fucking approval. Amick, to my utter surprise, looks a little shocked.
“There’s something I’d like to talk about.” The attention rapidly moves from Riven back to me and it’s my turn to bristle. Creed’s glare sears my skin, but I refrain from reacting to him. “Starting tomorrow, I’m only going to go to the Athenaeum with Amick. I’m not picking it as where I want to permanently be or anything like that, but until my power fully settles, I believe that’s what’s best for me.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want to do?”
I don’t know if it’s just him verifying or if that’s a hint of disappointment in Kyzen’s tone.
“Yeah. I mean, if something comes up that you think I should be with you for, of course come get me, but I’m tired of being clueless. Our little adventure was wonderful, but it was also a major reality check that I don’t know anything I should. Is this okay with you?”
