Page 8 of The Gods Veiling
What would usually be an empty courtyard that’s large enough our entire region can fit in the space for meetings, gatherings, and celebrations, is being transformed into a ceremony circle fit for the gods.
Our best decorations, florals, and curtains line a platform that’s been staged right in front of the Grand Oddian Library. Its lavish appearance forces me to focus on what’s sitting on it.
The Volreen. A creation of the Beginning Gods.
There are four in existence.
White gems dot the sculpted bowl that sits on top of the ancient obsidian stone carved pillar. The creation appears as if the Valories themselves sliced and molded it from a piece of the night sky. It doesn’t hold liquid, smoke, or anything, for that matter.
Whatever floats inside of it is the pure essence of the Beginning Gods and a touch of the Valories.
I’ve never dared reach my hand near it, but I’ve watched others drop their blood inside.
Four of the six regions celebrate a Veiling Day. A Gods Chancellor escorts the sacred creations to the regions prior to the ceremony. This one arrived here at our little slice of paradise two days ago.
The Chancellor gave the same speech as every year, then he called upon all who wanted to enter. The lines instantly started forming. I stood back beside Mellcom as every member of our training group went up.
Each of them pricked or cut their finger and allowed their blood to sink into the Volreen. Just that little piece of your essence ties you to the Veiling.
There’s no backing out from there.
The Volreen measures your worth and potential power. Then it decides if you are one of the twenty across the realm strong enough to have your power returned to you.
They say only the strongest get chosen, but no one is exactly sure what strength is being measured. If it were just sheer strength, there are many here who should’ve been called over some of the past Chosen.
Mellcom bumps me with his arm, nodding toward our house. “We don’t have much time and I’m starving.”
“I’m thinking about whipping up some of those berry cheesecake crepes. Those were so good.”
“You and your mortal recipes.”
My nostrils twitch at Jeremiah’s intrusion. He’ll be eating with us, yes, but that doesn’t give him a say in what I cook. He needs to be happy I prepare enough to include him.
Today may be the day I poison him.
“You know, I’ve never heard you complain about eating anything that was recorded from the nonmagical realm unless I bring it up.”
“That’s because you’re obsessed with them and the Unclaimed. It’s a disgrace.”
“You’re a dis—”
“Enough, both of you.”
Mellcom’s bark has Jeremiah and me sending each other scathing looks, but we hold back any more remarks. I really can’t stand him. It’s only got worse since the breakup.
So much for thinking we could “be friends.”
We walk the remaining distance to our house in silence and the annoyance leaks out of me as I return a wave to our neighbors. One of whom is about the only friend I have, my best friend. The other beside him is his adorable little sister. She’s so precious and always brings a smile to my face with how eager she gets to see me.
“Thayla, Thayla!” Laney jumps up and down beside her brother, Lambrit. He swipes the pan out of her hand before she drops it with all her bouncing.
“No hey for me, little Laney,” Jeremiah teases, messing up her hair as he walks past her. Her sneer is the cutest thing, and I know it’s completely for my benefit.
I laugh at her scrunched-up face, then hold her at arm’s length when she tries to wrap herself around me. Her mother will kill me if I get her messy. “No hugs right now, sweet girl. You look absolutely beautiful, and I’m covered in dirt.”
“You like my dress? It’s the finest one I’ve ever gotten. Momma says she’s been praying real hard this year, and this will be the year Lambrit gets chosen.”
I force a smile I don’t feel as I glance over at him. He gives me the same one in return.
