They each exhale like they were on the verge of panicking when I didn’t appear with them.
“Let’s go,” I say, gesturing toward the double doors.
“You literally look like you just stepped out of a battle,” Creed says, sticking very close to my left side. Amick is just as close to the other.
“Well, I mean…I kind of did. It’ll be fine.”
Each of their attention flicks to me for a moment, then back to the double doors as we reach them.
“Allow me to do the talking,” Amick says, and I brush my knuckles against his.
“It’s not going to be that simple this time, Candyman.”
He peers down at me, but all I can do is give him a tight smile. I shove the doors open before any of them can stop me.
According to Nero, the Beginning Gods can decide to leave the Neutral at any moment past the appointed time for a trial or hearing. After all this, we can’t risk that by being a minute late.
A deathly silence falls over the chamber as we march in until we’re standing in the center. The podium Amick had to stand at days ago is gone, leaving the whole center exposed.
Ready for judgment.
My eyes scan the Beginning Gods, starting at the God of Obliteration. His gaze is narrowed and his nostrils flare as my lips tilt up in one corner. I barely pay Sabelline any attention.
If I focus on her too long, I’m liable to try and kill her.
The Goddess of Accord studies me closely. I’m desperate to shake my head at her in utter disappointment.
The smile slowly fades from the Goddess of Creation as she rises from her chair.
“Impossible.”
I shrug and keep my observation going. It falters as I reach Derivius.
He looks like he’s been through hell and back. Despite the devious smirk on his lips, he can’t hide the pain behind his blue eye.
“What is the meaning of this?” the Goddess of Accord asks, and I cock my head to the side.
“Whatever do you mean?”
Her attention snaps to Derivius’s small chuckle, then pivots back to me.
“The sons are supposed to be at their mother’s house.”
“They were there. They spent two of the accumulated twenty days there. They left not a minute before or after. Now.” I hold my hands out, gesturing to the guys. “They’re here for their hearing.”
“There is no point in a hearing if they have no signatures,” Kirabaddon chuffs.
“You’re right.” I nod. “Good thing they brought those with them.”
His glare turns lethal, but I hold my ground and meet it with one of my own.
“This hearing has nothing to do with you. You may go, Ms. Godrun,” Rellannaver says, flicking her wrist at me dismissively.
“Now we both know that isn’t true. In any proceeding concerning the termination of an agreement, those bound shall be afforded the right to representation through a Mediator. Said Mediator must hold a recognized tie of authority, influence, or binding connection to the involved parties, sufficient to ensure the integrity of their voice within the hearing. In the—”
Sabelline tosses her head back, laughing, cutting me off.
“Darling Thayla, we all know you’re not a Mediator.”
