Page 117 of The Gods Order

Gladian accepts it anyway and nods.

“Honestly, though, how could you know that?” Sevryn asks.

“Long story.”

“Shorten it,” Amick says.

Gladian grunts. “Barir was my closest friend aside from my brothers. Our closeness was instantaneous. Why that makes more sense now. His betrayal doesn’t.”

“His betrayal?” Creed asks, then freezes. “He knew Seveous betrayed you and Vihaan.”

Gods, this is juicy. Their Valtrue is going to be so messy. I love it.

“Yeah,” Gladian grunts. “I’m not going in there for him.”

“Well, that isn’t entirely your decision, now, is it?” Prath says.

He’s right, and Gladian knows it. His fists clench.

“Then I ask for some time. Mara’s already met Barir, so I can introduce the two of you and explain what’s going on.”

“Who exactly is Barir?” Vullie asks.

“The good ol’ God of Treachery,” I cheer.

“Oh.”

Poor Vullie.

“I know this isn’t a fair request, given my introduction and the position I put you two in today,” Gladian says to Prath and Vullie. “But give me the day. I need to wrap my mind around this. And, Creed, you’ll have to figure out what happens to Hell if he joins us.”

My brother drags his hand down his face like reality just slapped him.

“What does that mean?” Vullie asks, eyes bouncing everywhere.

Damn, he knows a lot, but he really doesn’t know anything about these tiny details.

“Barir oversees the mid-level of Hell,” Creed says, and Vullie’s eyes nearly fall out. “If he leaves, that entire division has no one in charge. This is more complicated than we expected. So yes, I also ask for time. Not much. But today.”

Gladian, Vullie, and Prath share a look. Prath is clearly pissy that he didn’t get a choice like this, but he also understands the implications of leaving Hell even more vulnerable.

Vullie looks terrified.

And a little rosy. He’s definitely getting sunburned.

“Fine,” Prath mutters. “But I want to meet our Binder today.”

“That won’t be a problem. We can go straight to her,” Gladian says until V hoots and cuts him off.

“Actually, that will be a small problem.”

Prath and Vullie startle.

“Why?” Gladian asks.

“She’s a tad nervous and decided to spend a few days at Rose’s house.”

“What?” he barks, then sighs. “I’ll go to Rose’s house and speak with her alone.”