“Thay—”
“Don’t you address her.”
Huh. Well, color me curious.
Why would Gladian bark at Jeremiah?
Kyzen’s the only one who catches my confusion.
“Jeremiah and Mellcom hadn’t told their Valtrue the whole truth of your and their journey here. Creed made it known.”
I still don’t understand why that would piss Gladian off.
I lay my hand against Creed’s bicep and move him over a step. Okay, well, I definitely don’t move him. He moves reluctantly at my request.
My eyes narrow and my nose scrunches up at the God of Strength.
“What?”
“I’d like your permission for my Valtrue and the two I’ve assembled to join you on your rescue mission. We’ll follow your Valtrue’s lead, and Riven will be the priority. I just ask that Mellcom be one as well and that we not leave him behind.”
My eyes widen and my mouth gapes open. A bristle passes through my men, and even Yemi gasps.
Is he serious right now?
“My permission? Why would you ask for that?”
“Your Valtrue and…the son of Pain know the Abandon better than anyone. If anyone can successfully get me to my Valtrue member and get us all back, it’s them. They put you on a pedestal of authority in this case, though. So it’s your permission I’m seeking.”
“You don’t strike me as the type of god to ask anyone for permission, Gladian. What’s this really about?”
His stunned gaze bounces between Creed and me. I guess he assumed since he basically admitted he needs my Valtrue’s help that it would be enough for me to just agree.
“Don’t look at him. He doesn’t speak for me. Look at me.”
His eyes collide with mine, and I enjoy the confusion and irritation clouding his mind.
My, how it must make him feel small to do this in front of Defenders beneath him.
“V, will you ask the guys how they feel about this for me?”
I hold Gladian’s glare as I wait for an answer. Only a few beats pass when Yemi inhales sharply and her power flows over my skin.
The front lawn falls eerily quiet, and I peer over my shoulder.
“What did you do?”
“V told me to put a sound barrier around us.”
“That’s highly impressive but dangerous at the moment, Yemi,” Amick says.
“I’m not too worried about the God of Strength right now.”
“I can’t believe you three put me in this position. Why would you make it seem like this is my decision?”
“Because it is. I don’t give a single fuck about him. He can stay right where he is for all I care. If you want us to save him, we can try. I won’t risk Riven’s safety for him, though.”
Amick and Kyzen nod, agreeing with Creed.
