Page 179 of The Gods Veiling
“He is. He truly cares for you.”
My heart nearly explodes.“I know.”
I grip Lambrit’s hand when he tilts my face to the side for the third time. “I’m fine, Lambrit. No physical injuries. What are you doing here? Where’s Rose?”
“Rose is inside my house. I went and got them when Havar went to the meadows. You’re really okay? Your Valtrue returned without you and wouldn’t tell us what’s going on. They just stomped inside,” Yemi says as she steps up beside Lambrit and examines me as well.
“I promise. I’m fine. Thank you both for being here and waiting for me. I hate to be rude or run you off, but I really have to talk to them about tonight. It was…I don’t have the words for it yet.”
Lambrit pulls me into a tight hug that shocks me still, but I force my muscles to relax. I limply fall into him and listen to the erratic beat of his heart.
“I don’t like this situation you’re in, Thay. Part of me now wishes I had let you run away.”
I snort at his soft whisper. “I wouldn’t have gotten far, nor would I have gone without you. Someone would’ve come for us. It’s all going to be okay. I’m okay. Don’t fret over me.”
I pull back and try to force a smile to my face. He sees right through it but doesn’t comment. A voice clearing behind us has him letting me go and turning around.
Rose looks relieved to see me, which is very sweet, but poor Havar looks like he’s in for a realm of trouble.
Now that I think about it, I hope he isn’t going to be for releasing Seismet.
“He won’t be. He didn’t really release me, just allowed me to leave the meadows. He’ll be fine.”
“I hate to seem insensitive to the situation, but I really should be getting the Veilatara back. I’m very happy to see you in one piece, though.”
I smile as Yemi harshly whispers his name. “No, it’s fine. I know what he means. Like I said, I really need to get inside. There’s a lot I need to get straightened out.”
Lambrit and Yemi turn to me, both wearing the same scowl, and even ask at the same time, “You’re sure you’re okay?”
Warmth fills my stomach. “I’m sure.”
“We’ll see you in the morning.”
I run my hand over Seismet’s wings as he tucks them in, then I lay my forehead to him before Havar can move the contraptions back down.“Thank you for coming to my rescue.”
“Anytime, Thayla. I’ll see you very soon.”
The five of them walk off and gratitude pours through me. It fills some of the hollow holes of loneliness I’d been feeling and I tell myself from here on out, anytime I feel that, think of them. Think of this moment when they were here, waiting for my return to make sure I was okay.
Only people who care do that.
I stay standing in the same spot, watching them until they disappear into the darkness. Only then do I turn around and face my door.
My shoulders rise and fall with my steady exhale.
Truth time.
Kyzen
24
Pacing has never been my thing.
It’s a waste of time and movement, but that’s all my body wants to do.
The whole concept of myself, my role in our group, hell, all of Godsden, is off right now. Timing is what I’m supposed to be good at, perfect at by the standards of the gods.
Yet at this moment, I can’t help but drown in doubt.
