Page 178 of The Gods Veiling
“What? No, why would I be? I mean, I’m pissed they gave me no warning about the Abandon, but I can imagine if what I experienced tonight is anything remotely close to what they lived, then I can understand why they wouldn’t talk about it.”
“Well, then maybe consider they wanted you to hop on my back and fly away. None of them put up a fight. Amick wanted to apologize, but he wasn’t going to stop you. Maybe they wanted you to get some space because they needed it as well. Maybe, just maybe, they fear you’re going to look at them differently now that you know where they’re from.”
My eyebrows scrunch together.“Are those rhetorical maybes? Is that really what they’re feeling?”
“Maybe.”
That’s an unconvincing way of him saying he’s just speculating.“You really think we’re all just feeling the same thing but for different reasons?”
“I believe you’re all feeling the way you’re feeling because that’s the product of your past. You’ve all been through different things, which have caused you all to react to situations a certain way. The only way to get to the bottom of any of it is by being truthful. As I’ve already told you to do.”
I can’t help the snort that escapes me. It’d be my luck that I have a connection with a sassy-ass ancient creature. I guess the Valories knew I’d need someone who could match my attitude with one of their own.
“How long will it take us to get back to the house?”
“I’ve already circled your house several times. I’ve been waiting for you to calm down and appreciate the scenery I’m giving you.”
A tender smile spreads across my face. I’m far from calm, and I’m not sure how long it’ll take for me to reach that feeling again. I’m not as out of it as I was when we first came up here, though.
There’s so much that happened and there’s so much that’s about to happen again, but I can’t see myself working through any of it without the guys. Everything that’s truly bothering me is only going to get better from their explanations and knowledge.
Slowly, I lower myself until my cheek can rest on the lower half of Seismet’s neck. The disgusting contraption is in my way, so I can’t wrap my arms around him like I’d like, but I try to push my gratefulness through to him.
My eyes linger on the night sky and a shaky breath falls through my lips. It’s the most gorgeous sight I’ve ever seen. The reaches are boundless and there’s no telling how far across the Valorian Veil I’m actually seeing right now.
One of my daydreams is coming true.
Right here, right now in this moment.
I’m flying among the stars.
My heart pinches painfully as my thoughts turn to little Laney and how I thought of her first when that Oblirian was tricking me. I miss her so much and she’d be so tickled to know I’m playing a version of her leaping game in the night sky.
A watery laugh spills through my lips as I squint one eye and with my fingers, I pretend to jump from one star to the next. Her little giggle filters throughmy mind and I close both eyes to savor it. The memory of her sweet and pure innocence lightens the weight on my chest.
“Thank you for bringing me up here. I’m sorry for not appreciating it as much as I should have. If I could have a do-over for our first time flying together, I would.”
“No need for apologies. Our first flight together happened exactly as it should’ve. When you find yourself in turmoil, Thayla, I’ll always come. I’ll always find a way.”
I blow out my breath and run my hand through his braids.“Life’s about to change for me again, Seismet. I feel it in the small piece of soul I have left.”
“It’ll be worth it.”
I nod against him.“I’m ready to see them now.”
His soft purr vibrates through his whole body and into me. It settles the swooshing of my stomach and the racing in my chest.
We must have been literally on top of the house because he descends right in the front yard.
It isn’t the guys out front waiting, though.
“Thay, are you okay?” Lambrit shouts before running over to me. His hands swoop under my armpits as he pulls me off and sets me on my feet. That show of strength surprises me at first, then I remember he’s now a god.
He completely disregards Seismet as he searches my face and holds my arms out as though he’s checking for injuries. My wide eyes bore into him, but Seismet’s laugh in my mind eases my worry.
“I like this god and his concern for you.”
“Yeah, I’m sorry he hasn’t acknowledged you. He seems very worried at the moment.”
