Page 71 of The Gods Veiling (The Valorian Veil #1)

“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 through my 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.”

“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 fo r 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.