Page 45 of The Gods Veiling (The Valorian Veil #1)

He seems to mull over my words. Whatever he thinks about it or feels about my gratitude, he doesn’t comment on it. Instead, he looks back down at the parchments laid out in front of him.

“Starting with your region since you’re most familiar with it, four out of the five of your Chosen placed somewhere within Guider. Eliminating Lambrit out of the equation due to his single Designation, and you for the obvious reason, that leaves two. Mellcom Bellame and Jeremiah Etain.”

My throat closes at the mention of them, but I keep my face covered in a serious blankness. I force the anger bubbling in my belly down and keep my eyes trained on where he’s pointing his finger.

“Both are dominant in Defender, so both will need Guiders with a secondary Designation in Defender. Do you understand those tiers?”

“Yes. Your dominant is obviously where the Volreen placed you highest, then your next one is your secondary, so on and so forth.”

“Very good. Where the two of them will differentiate is the level of the Guider Designation they’ll need to know.

Jeremiah’s place in Guider came in fourth of his six Designations.

Any placing of four and below requires only knowing the minimum of the role.

It’ll be an overview of our history, mostly.

The order of all his Designations tells me he cares very little about learning, teaching, or doing anything that isn’t self-serving.

“Mellcom’s Designation in Guider was third.

It may not seem like much to only be placed one spot above Jeremiah’s, but it in fact is a realm different.

He’ll need a grander overview of the rules, the history, and the direction the region’s heading.

Especially taking into consideration his dominant Designation, then his secondary in Ruler.

Although Jeremiah’s was as well, Mellcom’s being followed by Guider in third tells me he more than likely cares a great deal about teaching, having control of a situation, and having people follow his orders.

He most likely lives by a code of, ‘Do as I say. I know best.’”

Holy shit…

“How in the realm could you possibly pick all of that apart by just looking at their Designations?”

“I know these Designations better than anyone. They aren’t random. The Volreen picks apart your very being and examines who you are on a soul level. Pair that with a domain and the minimal information the Chancellors gather about the Chosen, it’s easy enough to profile a person.”

My hum has him briefly casting his eyes to mine. “What did all my nonsense say about me?”

“You’re an anomaly.”

There’s that damn word again.

There’s not a stutter or any consideration to his words. He speaks it like it’s a fact, then flips the parchment and moves on. I don’t even think he realizes I’m now staring daggers at him .

Well, if there’s one thing I can say about him, it’s that he’s not two-faced. Whatever he’s going to say behind my back, I can expect it to be said to my face, eventually.

The rest of my time spent with Amick was uneventful but very informative. Teaching really is natural for him. He may not show or express many different emotions, but he’s clear, concise, and straightforward.

When Yemi returned, it took her a few minutes to gain the courage to speak on anything about the Godsdawn. After a few times of Amick calling her out to answer a question or explain something to me, she finally started doing it without any prompting.

At lunch, to my ignorance and regret, I insisted that we go to the dining hall so I could check it out. Amick left the Athenaeum without even so much as a goodbye when I told him that’s what we were doing.

I was shown firsthand why the guys and Yemi avoid it. It was packed, and the atmosphere wasn’t relaxing or welcoming in the slightest bit.

I didn’t really consider how passing out in front of all of them would look, but I definitely drew attention to myself. Some gods openly stared, some were bold enough to make off-handed comments, and others couldn’t care less as they strutted around like they’re the gift to the realm.

Typically, I’d say I’ll try anything twice…eating in that dining hall won’t be one of those experiences.

The food was delicious, but the environment made it sour. I’ll just happily cook for myself or appreciatively eat what Creed or Yemi make.

When we returned from lunch, Amick spent the rest of our time peppering me with questions on the realm itself. He stated that he needed to make sure he wasn’t going to have to worry about educating me on basic knowledge I should already know.

I’d like to believe that I impressed him, but I think it’s going to take a hell of a lot more than that.

Now I’m pushing it close to causing all of us to be late for afternoon training as I stare at myself in the mirror of my bathroom.

My stomach is in knots as my eyes scan across the leather armor that’s attached to me like a second skin.

It both accentuates and shields my body.

I’ve never worn any as nice as this, but that doesn’t bring me any enjoyment or excitement.

There’re steel plates sewn beneath the fabric, but it’s lightweight.

I move around and flex in it as easily as I would if I just had on normal clothes.

I can’t help but keep questioning, why the hell do we need protection as fine and sturdy as this? Are we going to be using real weapons on one another?

Gods, couldn’t I have gone more than a day without getting my ass beat.

The dread that keeps trying to crawl out of my throat grows thicker. Knowing that it’s very possible I’m about to have to face Mellcom and Jeremiah for the first time since the Veiling is making me nauseous.

I nearly jump out of my skin at the sound of banging on my door, followed by the call of my name. “Thayla, you ready? We’ve got to go.”

Fuck.

I exhale sharply and stomp from the bathroom before I worry myself ragged.

My mouth falls open, then I slam it shut as I open my door for Kyzen. The clothes he’s been wearing since I met him have been very misleading. Obviously, I knew he was in amazing shape…he’s a god, but this attire molds to him like mine does me.

The black shirt that peeks out from under his shoulder shields hugs the muscled grooves in his biceps. His form-fitting armor leaves nothing to my imagination about how sculpted the rest of him is.

If he looks this good, so do his brothers.

“Find something you like?”

The amusement in his tone has my eyes flashing up to his. The flirty twinkle in his gaze tells me he caught me blatantly appreciating his body.

“It’s not bad.”

“Not bad?” He presses his hand to his heart dramatically. “Next time I’ll come to the door in my boxers so you can get a full view.”

Gods, don’t do that.

The image of Kyzen half-naked at my door seems to remind my body and mind that it’s been a good six months since I’ve had sex. It was the last worthless, nonorgasmic, hate-fuck I had with Jeremiah.

After he left me unsatisfied, again —one hundred percent on purpose, I’m sure—I gave myself a nasty little pep talk about how pathetic I was and swore it’d be the last time.

Maybe it’s his confident and flirty personality, but I’m positive Kyzen would have me seeing stars no problem.

Nope. Thayla, absolutely not .

No thinking about fucking anyone in your Valtrue.

I smile sweetly as I pass him by and pat his chest. “If you’re more comfortable without all your clothes on, be my guest. This is your house too, Kyzen.”

I don’t make it far before he grips my arm and whispers in my ear.

“Be careful who you give that permission to, little goddess. Riven does, in fact, like to walk around naked. He’s only behaving because I asked him to.”

His laugh ricochets around my small hallway as I gape at his back. Despite the fact I’ve deemed Riven crazy and put him in a category of someone to stay away from, I can’t deny he’s just as good-looking as his brothers.

He’d look divine naked.

“Come on, Thayla. Today isn’t the day to piss off the God of Strength,” Kyzen singsongs back to me and that godawful reminder of where we’re going has me rushing to catch up to him.

I keep my face as neutral as possible when I enter the kitchen to all four of them standing there adorned in their armor.

Yep. Fuck me.

They’re the finest specimen of men I’ve ever laid my eyes on.

The black undershirts that both Creed and Amick are wearing wrap around their biceps just as Kyzen’s does. Riven’s…dear Valories…his rainbow shirt is enough to distract me from my ogling.

“We need to get going. Come here, Thayla,” Creed commands gruffly.

“You all missed your lesson on manners growing up.”

Regardless, I walk up to where he’s turned to get something off the counter. When he faces me once again, he has forearm shields clutched in his hands.

He grips one of my arms and slides it into place and starts lacing it up as he speaks.

“I don’t know the extent of your training, but be prepared and be sharp.

Gladian typically goes over his training plans with me, but he didn’t today, so I have no warning for you other than that.

You’re the only new female placed in Defender.

The others will be those who’ve been here and those with this as their secondary. ”

I grunt as he tightens the strappings. These things aren’t coming off.

“But technically, I wasn’t placed.”

“You’re equalized and in my Valtrue. That’s enough of a Designation for him. Let’s go.”

He stomps through the kitchen and out the door with the four of us right behind him. I arch a brow over at Kyzen, but he’s looking straight ahead. The serious, unfamiliar expression on his face makes my stomach sink even more .

“Where’s your armor?” I ask Yemi as soon as we step outside and I find her out here waiting.

“Oh. I didn’t mean I’d be training when I said see you for training. I just have to accompany you.”

Damn. I was really hoping we’d be partnered or do whatever we’re about to do together.

“I thought everyone trained in some variation?”