Page 347 of The Gods Order

I step closer to the edge of the platform and lace my fingers together.

“Your power will be released to you in waves. As you learn, as you gain an understanding of your power, you’ll receive more. How and when you receive more will be completely up to you. The more effort you put into learning how to take care of such a responsibility, the quicker you will become whole. I promise you, the last thing you want is to get your power, then accidentally hurt yourself or someone else. Which is completely a possibility if you aren’t careful.”

The crowd as a whole glances at one another. They glance at the faces of people they know, love, and care about. An easy understanding of the danger flows through them.

“With that being said, today, every person has a decision to make. And for the first time, that decision belongs entirely to you. This is not a test of worthiness. No one here is more worthy than the person standing beside them. No names will be chosen. If you have reached the age to receive power, then today belongs to you.”

My smile turns teasing as I look out at all the teenagers.

“Sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds…don’t think you’re going to be able to pull a fast one today. The Gods Binding will know if you’re ready or not. So just hold out for me. You’ll be eighteen before you know it.”

A couple of ah mans echo through the air, and I can’t help but chuckle at them.

“Before we truly begin, I want every one of you to know you have a choice. If, after everything you’ve learned from the material and history that’s been provided to you, you decide you don’t want power, you may leave today exactly as you arrived. There will be no shame. No punishment. And no one will think less of you. Power should never be forced upon someone who doesn’t wish to carry it. You also can change your mind at any time.”

I let my words linger for a moment, giving everyone a chance to truly think about what they want out of their lives moving forward.

“For those who choose to continue, you are going to move through a starshoot that I open for you. When you step out on the other side, you will be greeted by the best guiders in Godsden. They’re going to show you the way through the Gods Veil. Inside the Veil, the Gods Binding will release some of your power. You will exit with a parchment that is called your Deliverance. The information you find scribed there will contain many things, such as your Designation, Domain, and the name or names of your Starwoven, if you have one. Everyone remembers reading what that is, correct?”

They thunder with excitement and a sweet laugh leaves me. They may be more excited about finding the people they’re going to spend their lives with rather than getting power.

“Those same guiders will be there waiting for you when you come out. They’ll explain the path ahead, answer any questions you may have, and then you will need to make one final decision.”

I sweep my gaze over everyone once again.

“If you wish to return home, every region now has trained instructors ready to continue your education close to your family and community. They’ll be arriving here very soon. If you’d rather continue your training in Godsden, we’ll gladly welcome you there. There’s no wrong choice. The only choice that matters is the one that best fits the life you want to build. You’re not stuck wherever you decide to be. You just have to move through the proper channels to ensure you’re going safely.”

Shoulders straighten and excited smiles cross so many faces. The quiet murmurs about being able to stay home have my heart fluttering.

I remember all too well what it felt like leaving everything I knew behind. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t the best life.

It was mine and I was told I had no choice but to say goodbye.

“Now,” I say, calling attention to me once again. “These gorgeous ladies behind me, as well as our very own Mr. Lambrit Armend, are here to answer any questions for those of you who are unsure of what you want to do. Please don’t hesitate to come up and speak with them. And for those of you who know in your hearts and souls that you’re ready to receive your rightful power, well, then without any further babbling from me…”

“Are they ready, V?” I ask.

“Everyone is all ready.”

“Let’s get you to Godsden.”

My power flows through the air, and a massive starshoot opens up on the platform. My power of Boundaries weaves in and out of it, making the opening crystal clear.

I peek through, smiling at Riven, Kyzen, Amick, and all the others as they wave at me.

The line forms almost immediately. No one rushes or shoves like my men swore would happen. Now, I can’t speak for how Darlander, Edistoia, or Abernie will react, but I knew the people of Oddian wouldn’t do that.

Even when the Volreen arrived for the Veilings, they were humble.

Now…they’re simply ready.

Creed, Sevryn, Gladian, Barir, Meridamus, and several of the Oddian officials step forward, greeting each person kindly before directing them into neat rows. Questions are answered, nerves eased, and every so often, laughter breaks through the crowd as someone realizes just how many people are actually waiting behind them.

“It’ll seem like the line isn’t moving,” Creed tells those nearest the front, his voice carrying over the crowd. “But don’t let that fool you. Time passes differently in the Veil. Once you step through, you’ll feel like you’re in there forever, but realistically, only minutes will pass.”

Three, if everything goes according to plan.

One way or another, this is going to be an all-day occasion.