Page 226 of The Gods Veiling
After I don’t know how many minutes pass, a soft neigh hums through the air, and I turn my head in the direction Seismet and Verlet are approaching from.
Seismet doesn’t stop walking until his nose touches my forehead. The gesture makes a shuddering breath fall from my chest, but a hiss passes through my lips when hot air hits my back.
“I’m deeply sorry you’ve experienced this, Thayla Godrun.”
Verlet lays his muzzle on a part of my back that isn’t damaged, and I fight back the water that fills my eyes.
“Thank you, Verlet. I’m okay.”
“No, you’re not. Seismet, take her. Creed will stay with me.”
“Take me where?”
“You’ll see,”Seismet says as he kneels.
“Do you know where?” I ask Creed.
“I do, but this is sacred, and I’m not allowed to tell you. It’ll help you.”
Of course he knew the whole time.
A rush of pissiness passes through me, but it’s quickly swept away with respect. When it comes to the Veilatara, my whole Valtrue shows them the reverence they deserve, and that’s so endearing to me. Although a heads-up would’ve been nice.
Honestly, I’m just nervous about how painful it’s going to be riding on Seismet and how the hell am I supposed to get off him?
“I’ll take care of you, Thayla. This I swear.”
Creed expertly moves my legs from around his waist, then grips my hips. He sits me gently in front of the contraption wrapped around Seismet’s wings and holds me until I’m steady.
“Lean forward and wrap your arms around his neck.”
I do as I’m told as Seismet’s power washes around me, cushioning me closer, and a deep sigh falls from my lips at the comforting warmth.
I keep my eyes on Creed and Verlet until the darkness steals my sight of them.
“Can you tell me where we’re going now?”
“It’s our sacred hot spring. The water was blessed and shielded by the Valories millennia ago. The only beings allowed to enter are revered creatures and those of our choosing.”
The thought of heat touching my back right now has me cringing.“It’s going to help my back?”
“It is. And there’s someone I’d like for you to meet.”
He laughs at the groan in my mind.
“Oh, come on, Seismet. I’m really not in any shape or mood to play nice and enjoy company.”
“Trust me. You want to know this being.”
I sigh and don’t argue. I don’t have the energy.
It’s only a few more moments until a luminescent light begins to color the dark forest floor. I try to lift my head but find that I can’t.
“Seismet.”
“Hold your breath.”
That’s all the warning he gives me. I get the quickest glimpse of water as clear as glass right before we start to sink and I rush to take in as much air as possible.
