The gods don’t give a shit about him. About any of them.
Unfortunately, they give a fuck about us, though.
That’s something I’d do just about anything to change.
“Thayla.”
“Huh? Oh, sorry,” I say as I tilt my head up to Amick, then down at how he flexes his fingers against mine.
Creed clears his throat and steps in front of me, dragging my attention away from Amick’s stare.
“I’m dropping Sevryn off and I’ll be at the Athenaeum in a few.”
“Okay,” I mutter as I peer around him slightly when he pulls me into his chest.
Damn, we’re already at the division in the path that they have to take to the Court.
“I’ll see you soon,” I say after he gives me the realm’s quickest kiss.
My lips twitch at the scoff he aims at Sevryn as he kisses Yemi like it’s some grand goodbye.
They take a few steps away, shit-talking each other the whole time, then they disappear through their starshoots. I send Yemi a saucy smile for that very public display of affection and she flips me her middle finger.
“Let me do you one better.”
That’s the only warning Riven gives me before he wraps his arms around me, dips me back, and devours my mouth. One arm wraps around his neck, while the other stretches out because Amick won’t let my hand go.
My laughter breaks our lips apart and he stands back up, fucking smirking like he’s the gods’ gift to me.
“That’s how you kiss your goddess goodbye. I’ll see you soon.”
With that, he boops me on my damn nose and disappears.
He, Kyzen, and Creed told me they had a few things to do this morning, then they’d all meet at Amick’s office. I’m positive, at some point, Amick told all of them they couldn’t smother me today, so they’re finding random things to do until they come join us.
Normally, I’d be fine with the space.
Right now, I’d appreciate being smothered.
The rest of the walk goes by far faster than I’d like. My footsteps slow and my gaze stays plastered on the doors of the healing villas.
First, I see Lusia Nighly. Or at least the girl my mind and nightmare conjured up.
Next, I see me being escorted through those doors.
My eyes blink away both horrific images and I smile tightly at Kyzen as he blocks my view.
“I’ve got to go through some records, then I’ll be right over, okay?”
“Okay. I’m fine, really.”
He doesn’t return my smile, but he cups my cheek. My lids flutter shut as his lips meet mine.
“I love you, little goddess.”
My sigh pours from my mouth.
“I love you.”
