Page 176 of The Gods Veiling
I turn my back to him and nod at Seismet.
There’s so much to be said in the eyes of my Valtrue. I’m not sure what to say or do, but I need a moment away from them. From everything.
This reality is too much to bear right now.
“Thayla, allow us to—”
“Not right now, Amick. I’ll meet you at the house.”
He, Kyzen, and even Riven bow their heads in a mixture of defeat and something along the lines of acceptance. Creed’s waiting at Seismet’s side with a scowl of disapproval.
We stare at one another for a tense moment. I don’t know what passes between us. I believe they’re thinking the worst. I know I am, but my mind isn’t my own right now. I can’t have a meaningful conversation with any of them at the moment.
He looks down at the sword I’m still white-knuckling and holds his hand out. I don’t hesitate to hand it over. I hopefully will never have to use that thing again. Although my heart knows that’s not the truth.
He sheathes it expertly without ever taking his eyes off mine, then he laces his fingers together as he crouches slightly in front of me.
“Let’s fly and clear your mind.”
Now understanding what it is Creed is doing, I lay my foot in his hand. He lifts me like it’s nothing and holds on to my calf as I get myself situated on Seismet’s back.
None of us speak as the four of them back away to give Seismet some room. Water continues to build in my eyes as his wings begin to stretch and flap, but I refuse to let them fall just yet.
As gently as I can, I wrap my trembling fingers into his braids as his hooves leave the ground and we hover in the air.
Still, I watch my Valtrue as we rise higher and higher.
The last thing I see as Seismet turns us is Riven’s fist connecting to Mellcom’s jaw.
“You’re awfully quiet. Even your thoughts are silent.”
My tears stream down my cheeks as I stare unblinking into the stars surrounding us.
“I’m trying to cherish the moment. I don’t believe many can say they’ve ridden on the back of a Veilatara.”
My mental voice doesn’t sound like me. It’s distant and cold. I can’t shake the dread that’s sunk into my blood from what I just experienced. I don’t know if it was that Taunter, the battle itself, thoughts of the guys, or the final nail in Mellcom’s and my relationship. The deep sadness that’s settled its way into my heart won’t release me, though.
“That’s true. Not many of this generation can say they’ve experienced this, but you aren’t truly cherishing. You’re barely present.”
I swallow roughly as tears coat my lips and shame bleeds through me.“I can’t help it.”
“You had to face many truths tonight and your fears were brought into an unexpected light. Your reaction is normal, Thayla.”
“How do you know that? How are you even here right now?”
“How I know what you experienced is because I feel it. Your fear and grief are tangible. Something triggered it in the Abandon and it’s clinging to you. How it’s possible I am here is because Riven told Verlet where you all were going. Verlet called to young Havar and told him to come free me so I could join you. The process of that took longer than the battle. I’m sorry I wasn’t by your side sooner.”
My eyes finally blink as I startle at his words.“Why would you be sorry? Why would you come with me?”
“Have you not figured it out yet, Thayla Godrun?”
A frustrated sob wrecks my chest.“No. I feel like I have a million things to figure out. It’s making each thing impossible.”
“I won’t make this impossible then. You’re my Godly Companion. Just as Verlet is your Valtrue’s. Verlet is my older brother. It’s normal for familial Veilatara to connect with other connected beings.”
“W-what?”
“Is that a rhetorical what or do you truly not understand?”
