“You sure got your wings full with us, V.”
“I know. How exciting.”
I don’t get the opportunity to speak as I stand in front of the fireplace and Amick instantly asks, “What’s the surprise?”
I roll my eyes as a smile plays on my lips.
“Everyone,” I say slowly as I reach my hand into my hair for V to step into my palm. “I’d like you to meet V. My Vedarya.”
They stand rapidly from their seats as I hold him in my hands at my stomach. Their jaws hang slack as they examine the tiny form he’s in.
Riven’s the first to break his shock as he takes a step closer. The look of pure amazement on his face pleases me, but the way he keeps reaching his hand out and pulling it back tugs at my heartstrings.
“Is it okay if he holds you? I don’t know if that’s improper to ask or not allowed. I also don’t want it to sound like I’m referring to you like a pet or anything offensive, but I think it’d make him happy if he could embrace you.”
“I know what you mean, and I take no offense. I’m wary of beings touching me without my permission, but I allow and quite enjoy contact with those I trust. He nor his brothers would ever harm me.”
“So, is that a yes?”
“Yes, he may hold me.”
“Riven, this is V.”
His wide eyes snap up to mine when I step closer to him. He even takes a step back when I reach my hands toward him.
“That’s not allowed.”
“It’s all right. I already asked.”
He glances between us so many times I grow dizzy following his movements. I’ve never seen him behave this way and for some reason, it floods me with emotion.
The sweet innocence and gentleness surrounding him right now are foreign.
His hands shake slightly as our fingertips touch and V waddles from my palms to his. I don’t believe Riven breathes the entire time.
“Holy fuck, this is real. I’m holding a Vedarya. He’s so small, but there’s so much power pulsing off him. It feels like his wings are flapping in my belly.”
Kyzen and I snort while Amick and Creed continue to study what’s happening with undivided attention.
“He’s only this small so he could hide in my hair. He woke me up three times from my nap so he could be introduced.”
“So you’re a mischievous creature. I like it.”
“I can be when mischief is needed. It’s lovely to meet you, Riven, God of Duality.”
Creed, Amick, and Kyzen startle. Riven, on the other hand, sucks in a sharp gasp and lays one of his hands to his chest.
“Did you all hear that, or did he only speak to me? Hopefully, all of you so you know my title is official. Fucking told everyone.”
“We heard. None of us doubted you to begin with,” Amick says as he tilts his head to the side and stares at V.
“Um, all of Godsden denied me my title when I announced it.”
“We didn’t and we’re all that matters.”
V hoots, taking Amick by surprise as he flies toward him and lands on his shoulder. Riven makes a noise of disappointment and steps all in Amick’s personal space.
“Don’t like him the best because he’s the smartest.”
