Page 6 of The Gods Veiling
The next morning, punishing hands snatched me from my bed by my ankles. A sword collided with my stomach, stealing the air from my lungs, and Mellcom’s face loomed over me as I groaned. My mind has an imprint of the sad but determined glint that was in his eyes.
Every now and then, I rub the phantom pain in the back of my head. It took weeks for the knot to go down and for the headache to subside.
Truth be scribed, my outburst did nothing but put a target on my back.
Word that I spoke out against the gods spread fast throughout our little region.
My entire training group felt I put a stain on their image to the Valories, our realm’s creators, and all the gods who are listening. That absurd belief solidified in their minds when none of them were among the four men from Oddian chosen at the Veiling.
They decided I’d work off the bad mark no matter the cost.
That day, almost everything changed. Again.
Mellcom is still just as protective, funny, and caring over me as he’s always been. Except, a switch flips the second we step on the dirt path that leads to the arenas. The protective brother turns into the ruthless fighter who treats me more harshly than the others.
It’s infuriating and ridiculous, seeing as I don’t even need to be here.
Prior to our little…disagreement, it was obvious he made everyone baby me. Even Jeremiah. Mostly.
Now, the nineteen men, plus him—most of whom I’ve been sparring with for years—choose whether they’ll take it easy on me.
They don’t. Ever.
I didn’t realize that a body could stay in constant pain to where it just became normal.
“Weapons down. Bring it in.”
My glare pivots from some of the men I once considered…acquaintances to the booming voice that draws everyone’s attention.
I follow the crowd of them and toss my training sword into the pile with theirs. Instead of making their way out the arena door, they circle around Mellcom. I sigh and cross my arms to listen to whatever motivational nonsense comes out of his mouth.
“This sunbreak will be the last some of us spend together. There’s no doubt in my mind, four of you from our group will be chosen in this Veiling.”
Their cheering nearly blocks the sound of my scoff.
Jeremiah, better known as the asshole, Mellcom’s vile best friend, our roommate, and worst of all…my ex, hears it. His elbow knocks into my arm painfully, and I bite my cheek to stop myself from lashing out at him.
It’s bad enough I’m having to cover up the pain in my ankle because of him. I won’t be giving him any more excuses to tear into me.
“Get home, get ready, and pray to whichever god you put the most faith in. This will be the Veiling they answer your call. You’ll be one with the Gods in Godsden.”
Their bodies blow by me, pushing me out of their ring as they circle Mellcom. Their hooting echoes through the arena as they all jump up and down chanting “Godsden.”
I’d say it’s an adorable little show of unity in our group if it didn’t mean that each of them is so willing to swear their allegiance to gods who I believe started taking our power over twelve hundred years ago.
The history of the realm states that it was the Valories’ decision to take our godly abilities away from us. The gods have always stood by the claim it wasn’t them, but you can’t convince me that’s the whole truth.
If they can use this little Veiling as a means of peace to give a select few of us our rightful power back, then they could’ve taken it all on their own.
My eyes roll so hard I’m surprised they don’t fall out of my head when the men lift Mellcom on their shoulders and start marching out the door.
To both my left and right, the other three training arenas are emptying as well. The twenty in each of those groups are far more subdued. The seriousness of what will transpire in just a short time hangs heavily over each of them.
I don’t bother waiting around for the men to put Mellcom down so we can walk home together. I slip into the crowd making their way toward their houses and their silence comforts me.
None of them attempt to talk to me, nor do I talk to them.
Honestly, I understand their dislike of me. My beliefs go against all of theirs. I’m not the only one who feels that way. I’m just the only one who shouted it out for everyone to hear and know.
