Page 48 of The Gods Order

Meridamus clears his throat. “We were under the impression this meeting would remain practical.”

Heat creeps into my cheeks. I drag my attention away from Val.

“I just wanted to prepare myself for when the Goddess of whatever crosses that barrier in Oddian and crashes into my life.”

Meridamus’s lips pinch tight. He rocks on his heel, then glances at Val, who drags a hand down his face.

“Your mother isn’t a goddess,” he says so factually it takes me a moment to process it.

Unfortunately, his eyes hold truth and my Accord doesn’t stir when I call it forward. Honestly, I don’t know if it would stir against him or not. It did with the others. So, surely he’s no different.

“Why would the Valories allow a Beginning God to have a child with an ungodly being?” Amick asks, scowling. “They know the dangers of that.”

Val tilts his head, considering whether to answer. Or maybe he believes he doesn’t owe Amick an explanation.

My eyes narrow in clear warning.

Don’t be a dick to my men.

“There was no danger,” he finally says. “The moment you were born, I took your power with my Binding.”

A shiver slips free before I can stop it. I lock my fingers behind my back before they start shaking.

He used his Binding to take my power. Power that could’ve…

You know what? Never mind.

“You’re both still in possession of your Bindings?” I ask.

Meridamus snorts. “Of course. We’d never lose such a thing.”

I sense the dig aimed at Derivius and my glare sharpens.

“Good. Hand them over.”

“Now, Thayla—”

“No.” I wave Meridamus off. “We’ve been tasked with gathering the Bindings. Something I know you’re aware of. If we’re discussing where everyone stands moving forward, then let’s discuss it. I believe you’re here to help us and handing me those Bindings would be a big help.”

Meridamus holds my gaze for a tense moment. A smile creeps across his mouth.

“Well, there’s the Accord in her.”

I don’t shift.

Thank the stars Riven and Derivius don’t react either.

“Tell you what, Thayla girl. I’ll hand my Binding over under one condition.”

“A condition?” Kyzen asks.

“Yes,” Meridamus says. “This is a mediation, is it not? There should be compromises and agreements.”

It takes everything in me not to pop off at his smart-ass tone. Ungodly Meridamus was different. This version is…a smart-ass.

“What condition?” I ask.

He nods toward Val.