Page 64 of The Gods Order

Kyzen, Yemi, and I share a look, then stare at the two Beginning Gods as they compose themselves.

“My…my fa—” Val says as his chuckles taper off. I refuse to admit what the sound does to my heart. “That was something. Are you all used to V’s starshoots?”

The way he says his name with such familiarity settles in my chest like a stone.

“Yes. What are we doing first?” I ask.

The amusement fades from their faces, and guilt tries to wedge itself in my throat, but I swallow it down.

“Well, before either of you attempt anything, I want to know what you’ve already done with your abilities,” he says, straightening his shoulders and lacing his fingers.

“Don’t you know that already?” Kyzen asks.

“To an extent, yes, but I’d like to hear them explain what they’ve done.”

Yemi glances at me, excitement creeping back into her expression. I give her a genuine smile and nod for her to answer first.

“I’ve created plenty of physical barriers. Mostly defensive ones. An emotional barrier that I’ve now taken down. A sound barrier around a group of us. And I temporarily made an isolated one against the Goddess of Seduction’s power around Seductions.”

I don’t miss the way Meridamus adjusts his shoulders.

“Very good. So you’d say you’re most proficient with physical barriers?” Val asks.

“Yes, sir.”

“Please, no sirs, Yemi. Val is fine.”

Val…ugh.

“How about you, Thayla?”

“Mostly physical barriers as well, emotional ones, and that one time I accidentally put a barrier around a couple of bodies. I suppose that was physical too.” My brows furrow when not a hint of anything crosses his face. “Did I put that barrier around those bodies?”

“Yes, that was your barrier.”

My power of Accord stirs in my mind, and I cross my arms.

“But?” I ask. “I can tell when you’re leaving something out. You know that.”

“I wasn’t aware your awareness was that strong,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck. “I simply reinforced your barrier, that’s all.”

“Why and when did you do that?” Kyzen asks before I can.

“At first, I did nothing. Eventually, her barrier would’ve faded, and I was going to let it. But then Amick killed Harriseen. By that point, her barrier was still holding but had grown weaker. I filled in the cracks so the bodies wouldn’t decompose. If they had, Kira would’ve argued their legitimacy in Amick’s trial, and Rella would’ve agreed. His outcome would’ve been very different.”

My annoyance evaporates almost immediately. I didn’t expect him to admit that. He doesn’t look at me for gratitude or appreciation for his silent interference. He simply delivers his explanation like it was obviously the right choice. Meridamus, on the other hand, watches me carefully, waiting to see what I’ll do with the information.

I don’t do or say anything. I settle on silence.

The wind moves steadily through the tall grass, tickling my shins, while Val studies us with unnervingly precise focus. His features aren’t cold or distant but…intentional.

I don’t remember him being so intensely observant.

Meridamus shifts his weight, drawing Val’s attention, and they exchange one of those quiet looks people give each other after years of understanding without speaking.

Or maybe they’re talking mentally.

Fuck, I don’t know.