Page 219 of The Gods Veiling
It’s not polite to just show up to someone’s house uninvited, but they’ll have to forgive my poor visiting etiquette today.
I rock back and forth on my feet for a second, then knock again.
Still, no one comes.
“Well, I guess they’ll just miss the show.”
Rude. I went through all this hard work.
I spin around, preparing to jump off the steps, but halt as my smile widens and I hold my arms out for a hug.
“Big DD, you’ve come to see my show.”
He beckons me forward with a smirk on his face and I jump into his arms. “Hello, Riven, my boy. Paying Gladian a visit, I see.”
“Well, I was planning on it, but it seems he hasn’t made it home yet. Hopefully, he’ll return in time to see my surprise.”
“I can smell your surprise.”
“Oh, it’s dreadful, isn’t it? I should’ve brought some flowers to cover that up. Next time.”
He squeezes my shoulder and stares into my mismatched eyes. I’m sure the colors aren’t identifiable, but he knows which one usually matches his. “Yes, next time.”
“As much as I’m thrilled for our reunion, pops—perfect timing by the way—I’m not as ignorant as Amick likes to make me seem. Have you come to join me or stop me? I need to know so I know which song to sing next.”
He drops his hands from me and smiles softly. “Neither. I just came to check on you.”
“Check on me? Why would you do such a thing after all these years?”
“I’ve always kept an eye on you, but when you and your brothers declared you wanted space, I honored that…from afar. Today I just wanted to lay my eyes on you.”
“Eye. We both know that one barely works.” I chuckle when I point to his black eye, then clear my throat. “That was rude. I do apologize. There’s nothing for you to check on. I’m fantastic.”
“I believe you mean chaotic. Your chaos is spreading for miles around, dear boy.”
My lips stretch across my face. “Is it, really? That’s impressive.”
“It most certainly is. I’m very proud, but I need you to draw some of it back in before I do it for you, Riven.”
My eyes narrow. “So you’re here to stop me. Are you even aware of what happened today?”
His face both softens and twists. That’s a new look. I kind of like it.
I’m going to try it out for myself.
“Yes, I’m aware. That’s why I’m not here to stop you. Unless you want all the gods to realize the amount of power I released for you and your brothers, though, you need to pull it back in some.”
My shoulders slump in defeat. “If I pull it back, my other side will shove its annoying ass through, then my fun will be over.”
“I’ll tell you what. You pull your own back and I’ll sprinkle a little of mine in to keep your harmony half at bay until your party is over. How does that sound?”
My smile returns. I’m pretty sure Kyzen got his communication skills from Derivius. They have such a way with words.
“Fine, I’ll agree to that.”
“Splendid. Where would you like for us to stand?”
“Oh, I brought myself a chair,” I say as I sling my backpack off and pull out my folding seat. Nifty little invention by the nonmagical mortals. They had grand ideas. I wonder what they’re up to these days. “I didn’t expect company, though, so I only have one.”
