“We don’t have time to discuss that right now. Plus, we need to be prepared for however they’re going to react.”
“Then fucking reassure me, whatever you just decided for us is a good thing.”
Kyzen’s frustration is evident. It’s racing across my chest, but completely opposite to that is Amick’s contentment. My gaze locks on his. He runs his thumb across my lips as a smile takes over his.
He glances at Kyzen and nods once.
“I gave us our way out of the agreement they made on our behalf. I promise to explain it all as soon as the measuring is over.”
A surprised laugh belts out of Kyzen. He covers his smile with his hand, but he can’t hide the happiness in his eyes.
“You’re serious? That’s what you’ve been working on?”
“What’s he been working on?” Creed asks as he and Riven come stomping back into the temple, looking far angrier than these two are now.
Just because I’m getting distracted by this fantastic news, we still have a lot to talk about.
“He found a way out of the arrangement made for us. He just told Derivius to throw it in the others’ faces.”
Kyzen doesn’t restrain his laughter any longer as he wraps his arms around Amick and me. His body and soul vibrate with an elation I could bathe in.
Creed and Riven ask a hundred questions, but that doesn’t stop them from also wrapping their arms around us. My nose smashes into Amick’s chest as I’m literally squashed between their massive-ass bodies.
I turn my head and rest my cheek against his heart and just…listen.
I listen to its beat and the happiness bleeding through all four of their voices. My eyes drift shut as his soul grows bright with the feeling of acceptance.
Honestly…
I believe this is the most I’ve ever heard them compliment him.
Not only him. Each other.
Valories. They deserve for this to work in their favor.
Amick
38
The thrill that was so prevalent in Thayla and my brothers only minutes ago is giving way to undivided concentration and nervousness.
Our gazes roam over the numerous groupings piling into the room where the Volreen has been staged. They all stand proudly as though they can’t wait to show how worthy they are of their power.
Fools.
I simply can’t understand how they don’t ask questions. Have none of them considered that there’s absolutely no reason to be measured every month? Power isn’t released monthly. Therefore, what’s being measured that often truly?
There isn’t a doubt in my mind that Harriseen has avoided me for multiple reasons. First and foremost, he doesn’t want to face me after what he did to my Binder. He knows I’d have a lot to say about that.
Second, this insult of a mandatory measuring. He knows me well enough to know I have questions. I would and will ask those questions.
“Like old times, huh?” Thayla whispers to Yemi, who scoffs and steps a touch more behind her.
“Old times, my ass. I thought for sure you were going to be killed where you stood.”
“Then your name got called and I accepted you.” Thayla giggles like it’s a fond memory.
That’s surely not the attitude she had on her first day.
