Page 270 of The Gods Order

“I could just kick your door down, stroll through your home, and tell you to stop. Would that be better?”

I gasp.

“You wouldn’t.”

He has the audacity to laugh.

“I’m free. I can travel wherever I please. Your mediocre back door can’t keep me out.”

Goodness. We’re going to have to set some boundaries.

The thought makes me smile.

“V’s already told you there’s no point in us having boundaries. It disrupts our dynamic.”

“Oh my gods, I forgot you can read my thoughts. I bet it’s freaking easier now. I wasn’t even loud.”

He chuckles.

“If you say so.”

You know what, whatever.

Just like before our connection was solidified, he knew the dangers of dipping into my thoughts and emotions. If he wants to continue doing so, it’ll be his lesson to learn.

And he’ll have a lifetime with me and by my side to learn.

Riven

34

The sun said good night hours ago, but none of us have made a move to leave the meadow.

I lie back in the grass, resting on my elbows with my legs stretched out. My feet lazily sway as I watch the scene unfolding around me.

The herd of Veilatara, free and not, are still running wild beneath the stars. The lead Meadow Hand attempted to tell us it was time for the ones still wearing contraptions to be put up, but we shut that shit down.

Simply because Ellian insisted, I didn’t string him up and leave him in the center of the meadow.

Soon enough, none of them will have to worry about that nonsense.

My gaze drifts over everyone still gathered here.

Lambrit and Rose have already said their emotional goodbyes since Thayla convinced them to go beyond the barrier. I knew that decision had been eating her alive.

She stayed strong and didn’t shed any tears, but I know she wanted to.

I really wanted Ellian to go with them but didn’t push the subject. Unfortunately, I know he can’t leave Godsdawn at a time like this as the High Chancellor. He easily agreed to lock himself in the restricted room tomorrow, so that eases my nerves.

He misses Annalise and the kids something serious.

Ol’ Mara and her Valtrue are still fussing over Fausta, boosting the feisty Veilatara’s ego. She bit the hell out of Gladian when he tried to pet her without permission, and I damn near pissed myself laughing.

My dear friend Vullie is a goner. He’s staring at Mara and her smile like she hung the moon.

I mean…I guess she did kind of hang their stars.

Derivius, Meridamus, and Val are standing off to the side, gossiping among themselves. I asked how it felt to get a little power stripped from them, and they each shrugged. Said it was power they never should’ve had anyway.