His question has Thayla sighing.
“Both.”
“Which do I need to be more concerned about?”
“This situation’s conversation.”
We, except for Thayla, focus on Riven. He shrugs.
“I believe the conversations went well.”
The dishes rattle on the table with the force of Thayla’s fist. My heart pinches painfully at the distress in her features. The gloss building over her irises makes the colors fracture intensely.
“I’ve kept my word. You’ve eaten and I haven’t said anything. I’m three seconds from it if you don’t do it on your own.”
“Riven,” Kyzen warns.
His mouth opens and closes repeatedly. He can’t decide whether to face her or us.
Finally, he faces no one.
He lets his lids drift closed as he splays his hands across the table.
“I fucked with the Binding, after V and the Veilatara blocked the power. Amick’s essence was woven through it.”
My eyebrows bunch together as I stare at him. My mind can’t line up how he could do that, how he would’ve had time to do that, or why he would’ve done that. I’ve spent the last two days racking my brain with every possibility and answer.
I’ve denied both our involvement countlessly.
The most reasonable and realistic answer was that the Goddess of Seduction and our father lied. I’m the weakest link, the only one without a defensive power, and I was the easiest topick off. My brothers would’ve had to go to our father’s house to save me.
Essentially, walk into a trap.
“What the fuck did you do exactly? And why did you involve Amick at all?” Kyzen shouts, but my heart hammers in my ears, muffling its true volume.
“Why me, Riven? Why do you always choose me to pick on and put in these situations?”
I tried to keep my tone inquisitive and calm. Instead, my hurt slipped through.
Realistically, I know my brother will always tease me. It’s in his nature, and at times, it’s lighthearted.
This, though, is too far.
I told myself he jumped in front of me because he knew…he knew I wouldn’t survive being taken.
I thought he was protecting me.
Unlike them, I don’t truly pose any benefit to my father. I’d once again be his toy, he could beat and torture, then lock away when he was done.
“I swear to the Valories, Amick, it wasn’t like that this time. I wasn’t singling you out. It was definitely an impulsive decision, and I followed what my power was pushing me to do. I really can’t explain it better than that.”
“You explained nothing just now.” Creed growls.
Riven tightens his lips and meets my stare. With a snap of his fingers, a torch lamp lands on the table. I sigh and stare at the ceiling.
“This is why I’ll never tell you the whole truth of why I’m obsessed with them. You taunt me with them.”
A small gasp slips through Thayla’s lips as her eyes bounce between us.
