Page 19 of The Gods Veiling
“We don’t have long to get our things. Come on, Thay.” Lambrit’s soft tone eases the tension-filled silence. He doesn’t give Mellcom or me a chance to say anything else as he drags me to my room.
I head straight for my bed and plop down on the edge as he goes to my closet and grabs my bag. I bury my face in my hands and groan. “This isn’t happening.”
“I’m sorry, Thay. I know this isn’t what you want, but what’s done is done. Your blood is tied somehow. If you don’t go, they’ll come for you. I can’t imagine if a god told Mellcom to enter you, he’ll take kindly to you avoiding this.”
His sad smile doesn’t make me feel better. My lips pinch as I snatch the bag out of his outstretched hand. If there’s one thing I can always count on Lambrit for, it’s him being very literal.
Obviously, this is happening.
And I know which fucking god to blame for this.
“Go pack. We’ve got to get going,” I demand as I stand and start shoving shit mindlessly into my bag.
“I packed last night. We’ve got a little time until the carriage arrives.”
I drop my bag and ball my fists. “Then go get your stuff. We’re not going to the fucking carriage, Lambrit.”
The multiple conflicting emotions that’re bubbling in me continue to leak out, and I force myself to stop moving before I say something I don’t mean to the only person I have left.
I pick my bag up and walk over to my bed, then dump all the random clothes out I just put in it beside him. He instantly cringes and begins refolding my shirts.
“Thayla.”
“No.”
I stomp into my closet and lean my head against my clothes hanging on the wooden pole. I breathe in the scent. It’s nothing fancy. No fine perfumes or fragrances from the richer parts of the realm, but the smell of the angel orchid fields has seeped its way into everything.
It’s a smell I’m so used to and look forward to every day.
“I’m torn between knowing you need a moment, but also I’m afraid if I leave you, you’ll run.”
My head tilts toward where he’s leaning on the closet door, and I give him a small smile.
“Wewill really run. We are running.”
“We can’t, Thay. We’re going to go to Godsden together.” His words shatter me, but my decision is made.
“You’re a great friend, you know that, Lambrit?”
“Yes, I do, but so are you. So I’m asking you as mybest friendwho my sister loves more than she loves me, please don’t do anything stupid. Don’t bring the gods’ fury here to her. I may pray to them, but I’m not naïve about them. We have to go to Godsden, Thayla. We’re tied to the Volreen. They’ll know. Please. For me.”
His tone causes my chest to crumble and my teeth grind together. If there was one thing he could’ve said to throw a wall in front of my escape plan, that was it.
Despite how almost all of Oddian has treated me over the past year, I’d never want them to face any sort of wrath because of me. Especially not the sweet, innocent little girl whose life is about to change drastically as it is.
I wouldn’t wish to bring any harm to the beings who are on the other side of the Unclaimed region’s barrier either.
“Fine. I just need a minute. I’ll change, pack, then I’ll come to your house. Since you’re already ready, why don’t you go tell Maria bye?”
“Why would I do that?”
“Because she has feelings for you and I’m sure she’s upset you’re leaving.”
“Really? I never got that from her.”
Poor, sweet Lambrit. He cares more about his reading than relationships.
“Then do me a favor before I come over and explain to…” My voice quivers. I don’t even want to say it.
