average human’s Reviews > The Gods Veiling > Status Update

Everything within me trembles as the warm touch of coarse fur rubs against my forehead.
Holy stars, the Veilatara is meeting my bow.
“Those who think as you do are killed for less, Thayla Godrun. Let’s hope you’re as strong as you feel.”
The deep voice that penetrates my mind holds me in place. I couldn’t free myself from his power no matter how much I wanted to, but he doesn’t keep me locked up for long. As his forehead lifts from mine, my hands shoot out to grip the ground for balance before I eat dirt at his hooves.
“You may call me Seismet. I look forward to seeing the Valories’ plan for you unfold.”
I stand, back straight, and try to hide the shaking in my hands by wiping the dirt off them.
Shit, what do I do? Do I speak out loud? Do I ignore him?
What is happening right now?
“All you must do is think and I’ll hear it. You don’t have to be so loud.”
Oh…
There’s no hiding the mental tremor in my voice as I try to send my thoughts back to him. Not so loud. “Thanks for that very ominous warning, Seismet.”
“Much better. And you’re most welcome.”
The glares and glances sear into my skin. I sense them crawling all over me from both the crowd and the god escorting us.
“Thayla, correct?”
I swallow harshly and gather the composure Seismet just knocked right out of me. “That’s me. And you are?”
“You weren’t listening at all when I stepped out of the carriage, were you?”
“Oh, um…no.”
He smirks and sticks his hand out toward me. “I’m Havar. My power domain falls under the God of Creatures. Maybe yours will as well. The Veilatara aren’t typically accepting of any who don’t have some form of power that aligns with theirs.”
“Young Havar is wrong. We don’t align ourselves with anyone who doesn’t hold the same values as we do. Your power doesn’t matter to us.”
No changes cross Havar’s face, so I assume Seismet shared that with me privately.
Lovely. I have a meddling god coercing my way to Godsden and an ancient, obviously omniscient, revered creature gossiping in my mind.
Anything else?
“Much, much more, Thayla. Although we Veilatara aren’t all-knowing. We know everything the Valories want us to know.”
“So you know about me and the god who caused this? Is that why you’re talking to me?”
“I do know and no, that’s not why I’m talking to you.”
“Care to share?”
“No.”
I hold in my annoyed huff and focus back on the god who’s trying to have a conversation with me. “I guess we’ll see.”
He nods like the thought excites him. “Go say your final goodbyes. It’s time to go. We’ll have plenty of time to talk on our trip.”
I give him a polite smile and hustle away. I completely ignore Mellcom’s and Jeremiah’s attempts to stop me as I snatch my bag up and move to Lambrit’s side.
“That was remarkable. I’m so jealous right now.” He leans over and whispers.
“That was petrifying. I don’t know what came over me.”
“The presence of the Veilatara can be alluring or forbidding. Apparently, it wanted you to pay attention.”
“Is that good or bad?”
“Usually, I’d say amazing, but…”
Yeah, he doesn’t have to finish that. I get it.
Despite the excitement of the last few moments, I’ve allowed my mind to pretend this wasn’t actually happening. I mentally kept telling myself I’m just going on a little day trip.
The unsynchronized sniffling behind me shatters that delusion. The three moms here waiting to send their sons off can no longer hold back their tears. Fear of my past flashing across my mind keeps me from glancing at them.
My mom didn’t make a sound or shed a tear, but her heartbreak was clear across her face.
They’ll look the same.
“Garish Foremus,” Havar calls and my chest clenches.
I reluctantly take a step away from Lambrit as he turns toward his parents. Even though I refrain from looking, all the softly murmured words pierce my ears. Mrs. and Mr. Armend’s constant reassurances about not worrying about Laney gut me.
This is so unfair.
“Lambrit Armend.”
I’m seriously going to kill Mellcom.
“Thayla, may I have a word, please?”
The tears Mrs. Armend quickly wipes away hurt more than I thought they would. I know they aren’t for me, and this is what she wanted for her son, but still. I’m sure even wanting and praying for what you think is best for your child, then getting it, still makes goodbye hard.
“Of course.”
We step off to the side just as the next name gets called. “Jeremiah Etain.”
She doesn’t say anything long enough that the tension makes me shift on my feet uncomfortably. Finally, I break. “Is everything okay?”
To my utter shock, she pulls me in for a hug and I fall statue-still. “Thank you for how you’ve treated my children. I know Laney can be a bit much, and Lambrit has his, well…quirks, but you’ve never treated them differently. Despite my behavior, I’m thankful for the friendship they found in you.”
I’ve never had a reason to treat them differently. They didn’t do that to me. Ever. Laney’s an excited, free-spirited nine-year-old little girl. Lambrit’s a genius. Both are healthy and happy. What more could you ask for?
I don’t voice that or correct her as she pulls away and holds my hands. This probably isn’t the time to speak my opinion to an upset mother. “They mean a lot to me.”
“Mellcom Bellame.”
Shit. I’m next.
“I know that. And that’s why I have a favor to ask of you. Please look after my boy. He’s…” Her lip begins to tremble uncontrollably.
Be the bigger person, Thayla. You can’t help what she prayed for now.
Do not cuss her out.
“He’s the smartest person I’ve ever met in my life. He’s going to do amazing things at Godsden. He’ll be the gods’ favorite. Start praying to him and allow Laney to do the same. One day, one day soon, he’ll hear you.”
Her breath whooshes out of her, and she lays her hand to her heart. A huge, motherly smile breaks out through her tears. “You’re right. You’re so very right.”
“Thayla Godrun.”
My name seems to fall from Havar’s lips like thunder cracking across the sky. The storm brewing within me threatens to come out and destroy everything.
No matter how hard I try, I can’t stop the tremble in my voice. “Please tell Laney I love her.”
“I will, I swear. Thank you, Thayla.”
She turns me around to face the carriage, but my feet stay rooted in place. I’m seriously tempted not to move but don’t want a repeat of Mr. Armend dragging me and the power from the god waiting on me forces me to.
“Goodbyes are never easy, but it’ll be worth it when you see your new home.”
New home.
I’m sure that’s easy for him to say. I’m sure going to Godsden is exactly what he wanted in life.
“Let’s hope so.”
“Step in. You’ll get your first taste of what’s to be expected.”
I swallow down the slurs that desperately try to escape me. He doesn’t deserve my wrath, seeing as he has no idea how badly I don’t fucking want this. Plus, his domain may have to do with animals, but I’m sure he could squash my ass if he wanted to.
Deep breath, Thayla. You got this.
On my exhale, I place my foot on the step. I wasn’t expecting there to be any resistance against my skin coming through the door and I grit my teeth at the uncomfortable feeling. Soon enough, though, it releases me, and I gasp.
The four men who entered before me are laughing and walking around the ginormous space.
Walking. They’re walking around the inside of a carriage.
My jaw stays slack as I take an unsteady step farther in. The space is three times the size it seems on the outside.
There’re six large seats. Beside each of them is a table that’s covered with snacks and drinks. The other looks to be a compartment for us to place our things.
I run my fingers over the fine burgundy leather and my toes curl in my dirty-ass shoes that are leaving dust prints across the cream carpet.
“How—”
“The Goddess of Illusion. Her power is embedded in the carriages as well as many other areas in Godsden. Take your seats. I’m ready to get the fuck home.”
The godly, professional persona seems to slip right off Havar now that the attention of the Oddian families is gone. He plops down in the seat at the front, tilts his head back, and sighs. The sudden jolting of the carriage has me stumbling into the seat right by the window and I grip onto the armrest for dear life.
Oh, this is a weird feeling.
I haven’t ridden in a carriage or anything for…it’s been years.
“Gods, this is so much better than the squalor we live in. Is all of Godsden like this?”
I can’t help but sneer at Jeremiah. We didn’t live in squalor. Sure, it wasn’t fancy like this carriage, but it was clean, had absolutely everything we needed, and was peaceful.
“This doesn’t even scratch the surface.”
Jeremiah hoots and hollers like the child he is. His grimy fingers run across everything he can touch, and he stares at Havar like he hung the stars.
“Lambrit, switch seats with me.”
“Don’t tell him what to do,” I bark before Lambrit can get a word out himself.
“Not this shit already,” Garish groans.
Mellcom’s head whips to him, then back to me. “Thayla.”
“I’m sensing a lot of tension here,” Havar mocks. His finger points back and forth between Mellcom and me. “Whatever romantic squabble you two got going on, you might as well get over it. It isn’t going to matter once we get where we’re going. I’ve yet to see any of the five brought in together, get paired together. Couples never work out.”
I sneer at him as he looks me up and down like I’m a delicious meal.
Which I am.
But not for him, any of the men in here, or the ones waiting at Godsden.
“First of all, that’s my little sister. God or not, I’ll warn you once to quit looking at her like that. That brings me to my next point. I don’t like how much attention you’ve been showing her.”
The protective side of Mellcom that I’m so used to makes my stomach cramp. Too bad the asshole can be like that toward everyone other than Jeremiah and this situation they’ve put us in.
“Sister makes more sense. She looks at you like she hates you. I can’t help my curiosity. She’s different.”
My muscles stiffen. “You don’t even know me.”
“Don’t really have to. This is the fifth Veiling I’ve picked up the Chosen. They all have an air about them. Just as I did, and these four. Cocky, a little too confident, and or excited. You didn’t. The judgment that was scribbled across your face could’ve been seen a region away.”
My cheeks heat. I’ve never been one to be able to hide my emotions. Most of the time, I don’t bite my tongue either, but that’s by choice. I know when to shut up. It’s just a matter of whether I want to or not.
“Well, the Veilatara took me by surprise.”
“That’ll be the least of your surprises. Godsden is realms different from what any of you are used to.”
Great.
I force my muscles to relax as I lean back in the chair. My head falls to the side as I stare out the window. We seem to be moving so much faster than it feels and I squeeze my eyes closed as I grow dizzy.
“What did you mean by those brought in together not getting paired together?” Lambrit asks.
I keep my head facing the window, but I’m all ears for the answer to that excellent question.
“There’s a Designation system you’ll all go through once we get to Godsden. Which will be in about two hours. That process—”
I sit straight up in my seat. “Two hours? I thought this would take like all day?”
“With a Veilatara pulling the carriage? No way. Where did you get that from?”
Well, shit.
It used to take my parents and me hours, days, to travel around.

“I was making a poorly estimated guess.”
“Ah, well, with a normal carriage and a taurn pulling the way, sure, it probably would take that long. Anyways, the processing system will be explained to you by the Chancellors during orientation. We’ll be the last to arrive back, so you’ll get out of the carriage and go straight there.”
Wonderful. No reprieve from one situation to the next.
I flop back in my seat once again and resume my dizzying stare that makes more sense now. I’m sure the views we’re passing would’ve been gorgeous on the all-day ride I thought we were taking.
I was also counting on that extended time to wrap my mind around things.
The outside continues to pass us by in a blur of colors that I can’t make out. We’ve already left Oddian, I know. Seismet’s covering the distance at ten times the speed my legs would go. But I wonder which region we’re in now.
We obviously won’t go through the Unclaimed region because it’s behind Oddian and barricaded. From our region, we’ll start entering the more, how do I say this…evolved regions. Darlander, then Edistoia, Abernie, and last, Godsden.
“Havar, do the Gods ever leave Godsden? I mean, yourself and the Chancellor are the only gods I’ve ever met in my life. Do you just gain your power and then never leave or what?”
He studies me and I fight anything on my face that could lead him to believe I’m fishing for answers. “You aren’t allowed to leave at first. A piece of your power will be unbound today, you’ll learn your designation and domain, then you’ll be monitored for a while as your power settles. You’ll learn the way of Godsden and eventually, you get more freedoms.
“This side is mostly traveled by Escorts and the Chancellors. Some gods like to venture over here but not many. Godsden has everything you could want. There isn’t much reason to leave. If it’s your family you’re concerned about, you can write letters.”
“This side? I wasn’t aware there was another side. Why isn’t that shared in any history or records in our library?” Lambrit asks, then sits a little straighter with the possibility of new information.
That magnitude of a secret doesn’t sit well with me.
Havar’s eyes widen for a fleeting second, then he schools his features. I catch it, though. “There’s much none of you are aware of. It’s the Beginning Gods’ rule to decide how much needs to be shared. You’ll learn soon enough. That’s all I can say about it.”
Lambrit’s eyebrows nearly touch his hairline. “Because you’ve been told you can’t speak on it or physically you can’t?”
“Both.”
“What you’re describing is a binding. How is that even possible?” Lambrit leans forward with pure fascination etched across his face.
“The Gods Binding, of course.”
A shiver races down my spine and I swallow the bile that collects in my mouth. My unease increases as Lambrit’s interest turns to confusion.
Why have we never heard of such a thing?
What in the realm is the Gods Binding?
I drift deep inside my mind with that thought. The anger, hurt, and sadness swirl with the confusion now growing. I have so many questions forming, yet they’re all clouded by the turmoil inside of me.
It’s unexplainable how two hours can pass by in both seconds and take a lifetime.
The men’s constant questions helped keep me distracted. At least the ones I found to be informative. Most of those came from Lambrit. He got some answers. Others he was told we’d find out soon enough. Garish has cared most about what training here looks like. Mellcom has been quiet and just stared at the side of my face.
Obviously, I’m not ready to give him the time of day.
And Jeremiah…
He won’t shut the fuck up about the food, the women, and parties.
I’m torn between thinking he’s doing this to get under my skin and truly wondering if the idiot believes we’re off to some sort of extended vacation.
“So you’re saying we can eat at a dining hall anytime we want or someone will bring us food to our house as we please?”
Nope. He’s really that dumb.
It’s amazing how much you learn about someone when you remove the love—or lust—tainted shades from your eyes. I was in love with an absolute idiot.
What does that say about me?
“Are we here already?” Lambrit asks, sitting up in his seat as the carriage rolls to a stop.
The scene outside my window doesn’t look like what I had imagined it would. There isn’t anything but well…trees.
There’s a long stretch of forest and nothing else. It’s a beautiful, flourishing woodland, don’t get me wrong, but I expected to see glistening stone, gold, jewels. The works and luxuries of gods.
“Almost. I need to adjust the Veilatara’s strappings. Stay here.”
Havar’s out of his chair and exiting the carriage quicker than I can ask what he means. I’m up, heading to the door just as fast.
“Thayla, what did he just say?”
I snatch my arm out of Mellcom’s grip and give him my most evil glare as I push the door open. “Don’t attempt to lecture me on doing what people say.”
The resistance against my skin leaving the carriage isn’t nearly as uncomfortable as entering. I forget about the step I’m supposed to stand on getting out, though, and my body flies forward.
Strong arms pluck me out of the air as though I’m light as a feather before I can eat dirt. Havar’s deep laugh travels through the trees and vibrates against my back.
“Is this your personality, Thayla Godrun? You just do as you please?”
“Depends on the situation. I wanted to know what you were doing to the Veilatara.”
And possible escape routes.
“I believe I need to watch out. It looks like a new God of Creatures is on the rise.” He smirks as he rights me on my feet and nods toward Seismet.
He seems more tickled by my disregard for his order rather than angry, so I take that as a win and follow behind him silently.
Well, silent until we walk around to the front of the carriage and my gasp echoes through the air.
We aren’t just in a woodland. We’re on the edge of a cliff.
A roaring river collides with the side of a mountain that stretches far into the clouds. I crane my neck back as far as I can, but I don’t see the top. The sound of rushing water is a peaceful lullaby in the air, yet the rapids free flowing through the ravine would sweep you away to your death the moment you dropped below the surface.
“Holy shit.”
“Well, you got the holy part right. That’s the Gods Gully. The God of the Sea and the Goddess of Nature made it together to surround and protect Godsden. Between the rapids and creatures in the water, none that try to cross survive.”
Fuck.
I’ve never traveled this far, and I’ve only read that Godsden is kept separate from the other regions. Seeing this…they made sure they had plenty of space from us mere, powerless immortals.
“Creatures in the water?”
“Oh yeah. Animals beyond your wildest imagination. The Gully connects to the Lost Sea.”
My heart skips a beat and the Gully suddenly becomes a thousand times more petrifying. There isn’t much known about the Lost Sea because it’s technically a part of Godsden’s region. Only a sliver of it flows in Abernie.
What I do know about it is it didn’t get its name because it’s lost. It got its name because all who enter it are lost to it forever. What happens to the brave or stupid who enters, I couldn’t tell you. They’ve never returned to tell the tales.
I have a better idea why now.
I put some more distance between myself and the edge. “In that case, how will we be crossing? And how long will it take to do that?”
He chuckles at the evident fear written across my face. “The Veilatara. And only a few moments, but you’ll wish it lasted longer once you experience it.”
My eyebrows draw down as his power glides across my skin. I watch his hands land on the contraptions attached to Seismet’s wings, then they slowly, somehow, drag the glowing straps up his body until they wrap around his neck.
Seismet shakes his wings out and I quickly jump out of the way to stand closer to his face. I reach my trembling fingers out and run them down the new collar.
“Why did you place it here?”
My soft question has Seismet bumping me with his head and I turn my glare to Havar for an answer.
“It’s for their protection.”
Lie.
His face furrows, but the words fell from his lips like they’ve been practiced time and time again.
I’m not sure how the contraption works, but I know that it would hurt Seismet somehow if he tried to disobey it. No matter where it’s placed. If it didn’t, there’s no way these revered creatures would allow the gods to restrict them like this.
“If I were you, Seismet, I’d buck the damn carriage clear across the realm. Do it while I’m not in there.”
His deep rumbling laugh settles the heat rising through my body. “That’d bring me enjoyment but wouldn’t benefit the remainder of my kind waiting on my return. Don’t find anger for me at this moment. Rather embrace the experience. There’s nothing I can do about my situation for now.”
It seems Seismet and I have something in common. His words attempt to cool the lingering need to run inside of me, but I force them back to the forefront. I’m not giving up on getting out of this just yet.
He again bumps me with his head, and I take that as his instructions to get back to the carriage. Havar stares at both of us with what I’m taking as fascination in his gaze.
“Guess we should get back in if that’s all you needed to do?”
He’s quiet until I brush past him, and he grabs my arm. “I can see that this bothers you. It’s not that it doesn’t bother me, but it’s what’s best for them. The Veilatara that are at Godsden are all that’s left. They’re safer there than anywhere else.”
“If you say so.”
“Look, Thayla, I don’t know you, but you remind me a lot of my little cousin. She’s at Godsden as well and let’s just say, she hasn’t had the easiest stay. She used to be so much fun and such a spitfire…” He pauses as a deep sadness enters his gold eyes, then he shakes himself out. “If I could turn back time and prepare her more for what to expect, I would, but since I can’t, I’ll try to do that for you. It’s blatantly clear to me that you wear your emotions on your face, and you don’t take things well if they don’t align with what you believe.”
My mouth falls open to argue and he holds his hand up, shaking his head as he smirks.
Okay, so he sees right through me. Glorious.
“I also don’t think you’ll take well to a lecture, so just take this as a warning and I’ll leave it at that. Some of the gods, especially the older ones and more powerful ones, don’t take kindly to questions, disrespect, or disagreement. They’ll make your life miserable just to prove a point. Don’t let your feelings put a target on your back. If you do, you’re going to hate every single second you’re here.
“Godsden is what you make of it. For some, gaining their domain and finally being classified as a god becomes their whole personality. Some don’t handle where they’ve been placed in this new society well. Then there’re those who are in the middle like me. I’m happy with where I am and my role. Very soon, the rest of my power will be unbound, and I’ll be able to live out my days doing what I need for the creatures of Godsden. Choose where you want to stand in your role based on how it’s going to benefit you, not by your emotions.”
I let his words sink in, but they don’t influence me much. It’s a battle not to scoff and blurt the truth.
A betrayal that’s truly cut me straight through the heart is eating me alive on the inside. That hurt is coming out as anger. I can’t help that. It’s an all-consuming feeling.

I really couldn’t give a fuck what my domain is or what my role will be. I have no desire to stand among the gods at all.
“Thank you for the warning. I’ll do better to fix my face.”
He tosses his head back, laughing. “It’s going to take more practice than that. Your nose just scrunched like you smelled a dying animal.”
Damn it.
The humor’s still falling from his lips as he holds his hand out toward the carriage. I give him a tight smile as I pass through the door.
My face falls when I come chest to chest with Mellcom. Jeremiah’s right at his side, staring me down like I’m ruining his fun.
“What were you doing?” The accusation in Mellcom’s tone makes me sneer.
“Excuse me?”
A grunt falls from my lips as my body is knocked fully into Mellcom. I jump back so fast, Havar has to catch me around my waist before I send us both tumbling out of the carriage door.
“Ah, I see. Had to fuck the first god you came across, huh, sweet T?” Jeremiah’s words drip with jealousy.
I want to cuss him out for everything he’s worth, but the anger in his eyes makes me pause. I let a sultry little grin cross my face.
“It was the best five minutes of my life. The stars still dancing in front of my eyes are dizzying.”
His face turns bright red.
Every time he’s accused me of being a whore after our breakup, or all the times he’s made it seem like I was the realm’s worst partner he had, I made sure to hit him back with the fact he always came in less than three minutes.
It was a gut punch to his ego. Especially if I pushed back in front of people. My little comment has him seething.
Too fucking bad. He shouldn’t have tried to hit me so low and make me look bad in front of the first god we’ve met.
Like the good sport he is—apparently—Havar just chuckles. “Everyone in their seats. Take-off is always a little bumpy.”
I shoot Mellcom and Jeremiah a wink as I stroll over to my seat, then plop down and sigh. Lambrit shakes his head with a smirk playing on his lips as their stomping shakes the entire carriage.
I have to hold in my urge to snort in their faces. It’s mental how they can treat me like I’m overreacting for what they’ve done, but they’re about to break a goddess’s creation in their anger at my fake sex.
Assholes.
I ignore the growing tension as the carriage starts to roll backward. My breathing stalls in my lungs and I gradually drift closer to my window when the trees start to blur by in a mirage of green.
“Hold on,” Havar warns, and I glance at his knuckles turning white with how tightly he’s holding his armrest.
My spine attempts to become one with the seat as my stomach bottoms out. It’s as if everything moves in slow motion when the green of the forest fades to blue. The sky seems endless for a breath of time.
Then we plummet.
I swallow down the scream that’s trying to tear out of my chest. My fingernails dig into the luxurious leather, and I cuss the goddess who made it so fine I can barely get a grip.
“Seismet, what the hell are you doing?”
My shriek’s answered with a rumbling laugh. The scream I was holding back finally breaks free as we suddenly swoop up and waves cascade over the side of the carriage.
The thud of my heart pounding in my ears muffles the sounds of the men’s panting. My stomach crawls back into its rightful place and I have to hold back its attempt to empty the contents swooshing inside.
“What the fuck was that?” Garish barks.
My breath rushes out of me. “Holy shit. Look.”
Thankfully, Lambrit’s the fastest to get out of his seat. He blocks my back as all four of the men cram around me to stare out the window.
The white of the clouds comes and goes in waves. One second, it’s so thick, that’s all you see. The next, it clears away like morning fog, leaving a breathtaking view of the mountain.
It’s so massive, there are flatlands scattered about it. They’re inhabitable for beings, that’s for sure, but the grass, rock formations, and caves would create a serene home for wildlife.
Greenery flourishes everywhere my gaze travels. Thriving trees decorate the slope in all sizes, colors, and species. I’ve already spotted a number of kinds we had back in Oddian just on this one side of the mountain.
Streams even flow throughout the forest. Just as I go to ask where the water is coming from, another gasp falls from my mouth. My fingers lie against my lips as I take in what’s in front of me.
A rushing waterfall seems to pour straight from the stars and continues to travel both down and up farther than I can follow. There’s a rainbow of color dancing across the spray of water. The hues make the background of green surrounding it pop even more.
If the carriage didn’t have whatever it does that’s blocking the sound, I’m positive the roar of that water would be thunderous.
I’ve never seen something so beautiful, yet deadly in my entire life.
There’s no possible way anyone could ever make the trek up or down this mountain.
Meaning, I’m about to be stuck at the top.
Fuck.
“Are you all ready?” Havar asks.
I reluctantly tear my gaze away from the window. “Ready?”
A slow smile crosses his face. “Welcome to Godsden.”

17

I make my way toward them but stop short at Seismet’s head. The beautiful, obviously playful, Veilatara has the nerve to pull some strands of my hair out of my bun with his teeth.
“Ahh, don’t do that.” I laugh teasingly, tucking the loose threads behind my ears. He nudges me gently and I can’t help but run my hands up and down his muzzle.
“Who in the Veil is she?”
The foreign voice causes me to drop my hand quickly and red colors my face. The power that Seismet radiates is nearly impossible for me to ignore. I didn’t even think about what it’d look like to others witnessing me put my hands on him.
“That’s Thayla Godrun. No doubt a new member of our domain.” Havar’s chest puffs out and his god friend peers between us. He almost looks awestruck.
“Thanks a lot. You did that on purpose and now I have attention I don’t want on me.”
“Afraid of people getting to know you?”
Yes.
I scoff. “No. The more people who see me, the more they’ll notice when I’m gone. You should know that since the Valories have told you all about me.”
“Your sarcasm reminds me of another here. The two of you will get along.” His deep, ancient laugh filters through my mind before he purrs. “There’s nowhere for you to run now. Once you cross that threshold in the sky, you become tied to the Godsdawn. The only way for you to get back out of Godsden without all your power is if your role requires it. Like young Havar.”
A sensation that’s a mix of ice and fire spreads throughout my body. The fear and anger of being trapped here course through my blood. “Are you serious?”
“Unfortunately, yes. Why do you think they strap us?”
I scan the contraption back around his wings. “To trap you here.”
He hums and my breathing becomes erratic.
“Why didn’t you say anything? Gods, I would’ve run before now. Fuck, I would’ve taken on the Gods Gully over this. Are you serious? What the—”
“Calm yourself. It wasn’t my place to tell you that. You’re where you need to be.”
“No, I am not. I’m supposed to be back in Oddian. I don’t want this.”
“You think you don’t want this. But you will with time.”
“I’ll be at the meadow after I escort them off. Get the Veilatara back to their herd,” Havar says to his friend.
Before I can question Seismet, he knocks me with his head again, lets out one of his rumbling neighs, and trots toward the other god.
“This discussion isn’t over, Seismet.”
“It’s not. I’ll see you soon, Thayla Godrun.”
My fingers curl tensely around the straps of my bag. Its weight is the only thing that keeps me grounded in place.
Mellcom and Jeremiah take a side of mine each as the carriage finally passes by and the anticipation pouring from them causes my jaw to grind painfully.
I ignore them to the best of my ability as I watch the new god who was never introduced, Seismet, and the carriage disappear down a path that cuts into the trees up ahead to the left.
At least I have a general idea of where to find him.
“Come on, Chosen ones. The rest are already waiting on you.”
Lambrit practically sprints to get to Havar’s side as he turns around and starts walking ahead. I’m about to put him on my shit list too for leaving me stuck between these two.
The rest of us pick up our pace and catch up quickly enough to hear the answer to whatever Lambrit asked.
“The name Godsden derived from Godsdawn when the Beginning Gods decided to develop and dedicate this area specifically for new gods. To teach, train, and prepare them for their powers.”
“So this is like a school?”
“No. You’ll learn many things, yes, but not in the traditional sense of what we know schools to be. You’re only going to learn the necessary skills you need for your Designations and role in society. You’ll get about a week to get with the program.”
A week? That’s it? There’s no way.
None of us have ever been to school in any sense.
The other regions do have establishments where groups gather to learn, and I’ve read that the other realms most certainly have schools. Especially the nonmagical realm, but we don’t.
Here, it’s the responsibility of parents or guardians to teach and educate their children. From the time we learn to talk until teenage years, they guide us and teach us the life skills and information we need. Once we’re a little older and begin thinking about what we want to do in our regions, our focus shifts to hands-on learning.
I could never decide what I really wanted to do with my life, so I just bounced between anything that interested me.
Lambrit opens his mouth to ask another question and I roll my eyes at Havar’s sigh. “I know you’re excited, but all your questions are going to be answered in a few minutes. Just squint. You can see the gate from here.”
Sure enough, a few hundred feet in front of us is the silhouette of what I assume to be the gate he’s talking about.
The men’s pace naturally picks up and I force my feet to put one in front of the other on par with their steps. My gaze continues to travel the tree line or my shoes rather than what’s looming in front of me.
Far quicker than I would’ve prayed for, the trees eventually line themselves up perfectly. There’re gaping spaces between them to the point I see stretches of the land that they cover. When they finally end, and our feet stop for a fleeting second, I release a disappointed breath.
My head tilts up and I trace over a gate crafted for and by gods.
White glistening stone walls surround the silver metal that stretches far above my head on both sides. Most of what’s behind the marble is concealed from view, but through the rails of the gate, a small crowd is gathered.
Their faces are hidden by the sprawling golden wings that are welded in the center. They’re a representation of the extra ligaments given to the Beginning Gods and creatures that come directly from the creators.
The sun reflects off the shiny surface and the rays make the colors of the gems embedded within the feathers ever-changing. Above them, a massive G that matches the one on the carriage sits proudly.
There’s no mistaking you’ve come to the home of the gods when you look at it.
The metal vibrates and I wait for the sound of creaking to come, but it never does. Instead, a quiet hum sings through the air as the gate splits open.
Havar starts walking forward before they even open all the way, and I want to run the other way.
I’m not ready to step behind these walls.
As glorious as this entrance into the gods’ home looks, my stomach sinks. My body warns me not to move.
That’s too bad for me, though. As soon as Mellcom’s fingers touch my arm, I pull it away and step forward. The last thing I’m going to allow is him to escort me in like a child throwing a tantrum in front of all the other awaiting Chosen and Chancellors.
We receive a few glances but nothing more. All fifteen of them are just as clueless as we are.
“This is where I leave you all. The Chancellors are all present, but it looks like they’re waiting on the High Chancellor. As soon as he arrives, your orientation will begin.”
Lambrit, Garish, Mellcom, and Jeremiah all shake Havar’s hand and thank him for his guidance today. I don’t offer my hand, but I do smile.
“Remember what I said,” he says quietly.
“Will do. Thanks again for the warning.”
“Don’t mention it and good luck. I can’t wait to see what Godsden makes of you, Thayla Godrun.”
The wink he shoots me is full of curiosity as he turns and walks away. I don’t share the same sentiment as him and his words repeat in my mind.
I can most certainly wait to see what Godsden makes of me.
I turn back to the crowd, and my feet fall short of moving when I’m met with two sets of glares a few feet away. My nostrils twitch as I make my way between the other two. Lambrit gives me a tight smile, while Garish hangs his head and groans.
He’ll just have to suck it up and get over it until I can permanently escape from my brother’s and Jeremiah’s watchful eyes. It may take me longer than expected to find a way out of Godsden, but those two, I’ll be getting away from as fast as possible.
I tune out the murmurs floating around me and my undivided attention falls forward. On a platform, much like the one that we all had to stand on this morning, four Chancellors wait with their fingers linked in front of them. In the center of them are four Volreens and an empty space I assume is for the High Chancellor.
I can’t make out much behind them. There’s a wall of water sprouting up in the air from a fountain that blocks our view. I’m not even sure now what to assume we’ll see.
A hush descends on the murmuring crowd as a single, booming clap echoes through the small space. My head whips back forward and I observe intently as the four Chancellors turn their attention to the stairs at the back of the platform.
Even if I wasn’t expecting it to be the High Chancellor, I’d know this man has status and power. He radiates authority. His white robes are pressed to perfection and his face is etched in seriousness, even though he’s attempting to smile.
“This Veiling’s Chosen, I welcome you to Godsden and into the Godsdawn. I am High Chancellor Harriseen. You will address me as High Chancellor. My council and I will oversee your orientation today. There is much you will learn in the coming time. Rest assured, we will guide you through the stages of processing.”
He slams his hands together once again and I’ll admit I jump. The noise, as well as the shifting on the platform, has shock radiating through my entire body.
The four Volreens’ appearances blur to the point they’re unrecognizable. Once the vibrations stop, instead of the multiple pieces, one precious stone stands a little larger than what they were moments ago.
What in the realm? Is it one sacred creation or multiple?
“You are about to undergo a series of three tests. Do not fret. You do not need to be prepared or intimidated by this. Your blood will be judged, and the creations of the gods will measure you just as the Volreen did and will do again soon.
“The three tests will consist of the Designation Revelation, the Attendant Worthiness, and the Pairing. At each stage, I will explain to you what is expected. Do not ask me questions, for I have heard them all before and I will tell you what is relevant for you to know at that given point. You will not learn everything in half a day. Do not interrupt me and do not fall behind. Am I understood?”
“Yes, High Chancellor,” the entire crowd answers and I glance around, gobsmacked.
Is he serious right now?
I have a million questions and the only one he’s answered is what’s immediately about to happen.
“Good. Drop your things. They will be retrieved and returned at the end of the ceremony. Follow me.”
Right before our eyes, he waves his hand and the platform they were standing on, plus the Volreen, disappear. The five Chancellors are left standing on the ground feet from us and the rush of water drops into the ground.
My jaw follows suit as I gawk ahead of me.
The white and splattering gold of the palace…fortress—hell, I don’t know what to call it—is somehow even brighter than the wall surrounding us.
The stark color makes the six smooth obsidian statues that are chiseled to perfection stand out even more. Each figure seems to play a role holding the structure up, like they’re protecting it.
As we draw closer, quickening our steps to catch up with the Chancellors, who aren’t waiting around for us, my heart races in my chest as we approach the gargantuan statues. They’re at least three times my height.
With a quick bow, the Chancellors keep on moving, not giving me enough time to analyze each one like I’d like. I observe enough to realize some crucial things, though.
First, the engraving in the stone above their heads reads The Gods Sanctum.
Second, those are statues of the Beginning Gods.
Third, and very telling…
One’s face is smoothed over so you can’t identify him.
I know exactly who he is.
What I don’t know is why they’ve left another one completely out.