Well, multiple ways.
One, their statues did an amazing job sculpting their features to perfection.
Two, the Goddess of Accord has striking, very familiar…burgundy irises. The Goddess of Creation has gorgeous blackish-blue hair and citrine eyes.
“Has Suma formally withdrawn from the trial?”
Riven twitches the smallest amount, and I want more than anything to reach across Kyzen and touch him. I expected cold detachment in the Goddess of Accord’s tone, but it’s lacking the sternness I also assumed would be present.
How can a voice so calm and eyes so bright be so…emotionless?
“Yes,” Derivius says, and my attention shifts to him. “Suma’s formally withdrawn from any matter relating to the sons.”
For the first time since arriving, Amick turns his head toward Derivius.
I’m missing something.
Who is Suma—
Oh, you motherfucker.
Sumadirem. The Beginning God of Consequence.
“Very well,” the Goddess of Accord says, apparently taking the reins of this trial. “Let’s proceed. Amick, God of Knowledge, you stand before us today, claiming the murder of late High Chancellor Harriseen was an act you committed in good faith. You decree he broke numerous rules under the Law of Neglectful Use of Power and Status. Is that true?”
“Yes, that’s true.”
“You’ve brought with you evidence to support this claim as well as witnesses and a Mediator who’s reviewed your standing, yes?”
“Yes.”
I’m pretty sure he’s supposed to say yes, ma’am.
Regardless, he’s keeping his tone clearer and more controlled than I would.
“Introduce them at this time.”
“My Mediator is Nero Valadi of the Valadi Family. Witnesses include Yemi Andino, a survivor of Harriseen’s mistreatment. My brothers, Riven, God of Duality. Creed, God of Death. Kyzen, God of Time. My Binder, Thayla Godrun, who is also a survivor of Harriseen’s mistreatment.”
The room falls back into silence and fire flames across my face as the Beginning Gods cast their gazes to me slowly, then back to Amick.
“Your what?” the Goddess of Creation asks.
“I spoke very clearly. Thayla Godrun is my Binder.”
There’s another heartbeat of stunned disbelief.
“Binder? Kira, how could you have not told me?”
“Derivius, you knew of this?”
Repeatedly, the Goddesses of Creation and Accord go back and forth with the two Gods.
My glare stays locked on Sabelline’s green eyes and her smug fucking smirk painted in red.
“Oh, I have no clue when this happened. I’m so incredibly shocked,” she coos with her hand on her heart as the other goddesses turn to her.
My fingers flex at my sides when they turn their attention from her and she winks at me.
