Page 43 of The Gods Veiling (The Valorian Veil #1)

Thayla

The Grand Oddian Library doesn’t hold a candle to the Gods Athenaeum.

I never thought in my life I’d think something like that. That place was my hideaway. I loved every crevice of it.

Granted, I spent most of my time there so I could hang out with Lambrit, but he did make me make good use of it. He always knew which books to pick out for me that’d hold my attention the longest or what he thought would fascinate me the most.

He was always right. He created a very good habit for me, and I’ve grown to truly appreciate the beauty of books and the knowledge or even adventures they hold.

Regardless, those amazing memories don’t change the fact that the Athenaeum is ten times more. And I mean more everything.

It’s absolutely massive.

“Is the Goddess of Illusions’ power in here as well?” I twirl in my spot, attempting to catch a glimpse of it all.

I was technically asking Yemi, but surprisingly, it’s Amick who answers. “Yes. The physical space this would require would take up the Sanctum, the Hailtorium, plus the entirety of the Assembly. That’s wasteful.”

So factual and formal.

“So right you are, Candyman. Have you found any of our surprises yet? ”

He finds no amusement in that. His eyes cut over to me, but he doesn’t say a word. Instead, he closes the little folder he has in his hands and begins marching toward the back of the Athenaeum.

I raise my eyebrows and give Yemi a little smirk. She hides her laugh behind her hand and shakes her head at me, then tugs me along.

I almost crash into Amick’s back from lack of paying attention to him and observing the momentous shelves. They stretch so high and there’s even a second floor with more there.

“What are you…” I watch him run his fingers slowly across a row of books. His shoulders rise and fall with his measured breaths.

I take a step closer and realize that the tomes that’ve grabbed his undivided attention are lettered on the spines. There are some that match in color scheme and some that don’t. They’re definitely not in any particular order.

I.A.M.S.M.A.R.T.E.R.T.H.E.N.Y.O.U.

Repeatedly, I spell out the letters. By the third time running through them, a surprised laugh spills out of me. I cover my mouth when Yemi shushes me, but that honestly makes me laugh harder.

Amick stares at me. “You find this amusing?”

“The irony of it, yes. I can tell by your quick attention to it, he knew it’d bother you, but then he didn’t even get it right. He said then instead of than. I don’t know if it’s intentional or not, but it’s harmless and hilarious.”

I choke back my laughter and wipe my watering eyes. I think I find it so funny because I somehow can picture that psycho in here giggling to himself as he rearranges books.

And I’ve been scared to death another head was going to fall on me, or something far sinister, only for him to have messed with some books.

Something may really be wrong with that man, though, so I’m not going to let my guard down just yet.

“Rising Chancellor,” a guy walks up to us nervously as he bows to Amick. I force the rest of my amusement away so I can focus. “Your orientees are ready, sir.”

Orientees?

“I’m aware. These books are out of order. I’m sure others are as well. You and the other three on rotation take the catalog and verify they’re in their proper spots.”

“Please,” I add for Amick. This time when he cuts his eye to me, I point to the guy who’s looking between us fearfully .

“Right away, sir.”

Without another glance at us, he scurries away. I toss my hands up, then let them fall to my hips as I pivot toward Amick. “Well, that was just rude.”

“He was leaving to go take care of his responsibilities.”

“I’m not talking about him. I’m talking about you. You just ordered him around without even being nice about it. You could’ve added a please.”

“Please would indicate I’m attempting to soften the request I’m making of him. I’m doing no such thing. Now, if you’d come along. You’re making me late and I don’t like being late.” He begins walking away from me, but I plant my feet right in my spot and cross my arms.

We’re going to get some things straight right here and now.

“Listen here, Candyman, you better get used to softening the request you make of me or I’m going to make your life hell. These little rearrangements Riven made will look like child’s play.”

His footsteps fall still, and he slowly turns his body back to me. The intensity in his eyes is a quick reminder that I’m speaking to a god. A very powerful one with a domain I have no clue about yet.

I force myself to stand tall as he takes a very calculated stride toward me. Yemi, the traitor, makes a little squeaking sound and takes a large step away from me.

On the inside, I’m a quivering mess, but on the outside, I don’t allow my eyes to move from his. I swear each step he takes thunders in my ears and mingles with the pounding of my heart.

“That wouldn’t be wise of you, Thayla.”

Shit, why’s his voice so low and stern? Why did he say my name like that?

I swallow roughly.

“Now, please follow me. The new gods in Guider roles are waiting for us.”

I release a harsh exhale when he turns away from me. He was so close to me, I was afraid to blow my breath out in his face.

Yemi grabs my elbow and jerks me along, knocking me back into reality. I was so caught up staring at his back, I forgot I was supposed to follow him.

“You’re going to get us killed. Oh gods, you’re my test. You’re my test to whether I deserve all my powers or not.”

“You think he’s really mad, huh?” I sheepishly smile at the glare she shoots me.

One of her nostrils lifts as she tilts her head at me like she’s confused. “Yeah, I’d say so. I’ve never heard him speak so much unless he was giving an order like he did to that other god. That’s a pretty good indicator you got under his skin.”

Okay, so quiet Amick is happy. Talkative Amick is mad .

Got it.

Not really. It should be the opposite.

I zip my lips as we rush to catch up with him. We enter into a small nook in the back of the Athenaeum about two seconds after he does, and my eyes immediately find Lambrit smiling down at Rose.

They both look at Yemi and me at the same time, and I give him a big wave. It made me feel so much better seeing him yesterday and making sure he was okay.

I, of course, spilled my heart out about everything that happened since going into the Gods Veil—well, except for a few details. While he went on and on about how excited he was about the Designation and domain he’d got.

His house was fit perfectly for him, and I was relieved that he has it to himself. Rose’s little home is the same size as Yemi’s and right next door. I was tickled to find her at his house already when Yemi and I showed up.

Pretty sure my best friend is on his way to having his first girlfriend.

Even if he doesn’t know that yet. You can’t fight true love.

Before I can take two steps toward them, Amick clears his throat.

I take his pointed stare as a sign I’m supposed to be standing next to him at that podium and not making my way toward those two.

My feet slowly shuffle toward him, and I swear, as soon as our arms brush, he takes a tentative step away from me.

Rude.

“Welcome to the Gods Athenaeum. I’m Rising Chancellor Amick. Beside me is my Valtrue’s Binder, Thayla Godrun, and her Attendant, Yemi Andino. We’ll be giving you three your orientation today and assigning you your roles within your Designation.”

I startle at his smooth, authoritative tone.

It’s far different from the stern one he just used on me.

I peer over at him, and I’m shocked to find his shoulders relaxed, his face calm, and eyes shining.

I haven’t spent much time with him to know very much about him, but his demeanor right now is by far the most peaceful I’ve seen.

“The role of Guiders is vast, just like any of the others. Our main focuses are spread out into multiple categories that pair with another Designation and helps them flourish. Knowledge retention and expansion benefits the Plentifuls. Knowing what hasn’t worked in our past helps us achieve and expand into a better future.

Research and innovation benefit the Healers the most. Experimenting and developing give them a better advantage of keeping both the region and our gods at their strongest .

“Region guidance and literacy are the main focus of the Rulers. Their responsibility is to lead and make the tough decisions. They can’t do that if they don’t know the region’s way of life and its history.

Law oversight is for the Defenders. They need to know the laws in order to uphold and protect the region.

Lastly, teaching and mentorships are focused on our Attendants.

They’re our companions who keep everything running smoothly.

Without them, the Godsdawn would be in constant chaos. ”

I smirk over at Yemi at that. That point’s already been proven this morning. I would’ve gotten lost seconds into the start of my day.

“Although as a Guider, you’ll need to be versed in all these categories, once you’ve got the basics of them down, your primary focus will shift to specializing in the knowledge that benefits your second Designation so you can guide those there.

You’ll spend time moving throughout the Godsdawn to observe all the Designations, but the majority of your time will be spent here. ”

Lambrit slowly raises his hand, and I hold in my laugh.

Amick’s attention moves to him, but he doesn’t give him the opportunity to ask his question.

“You’re the exception to this, Lambrit. Due to your sole Designation in Guider, you’ll always be here, and you’ll be beyond proficient in all categories. ”

Damn, that sounds like a lot of work, best friend.