Page 33 of Traveler (Soulbound #1)

Aly

The moment I woke up , I knew I wasn’t dreaming anymore. The warmth of my mom’s hug was gone, and the Iris wasn’t standing in front of me. Instead, I was in my dorm at the Academy, and Vivianne was sitting cross-legged on my desk, popping a piece of gum in her mouth like nothing had happened.

"About time," she said. "You were out for a while. I was starting to think I’d have to draw on Your face."

I groaned, pushing myself up. My body ached like I’d been through a battle—because, in a way, I had.

"Viv, what the hell? You put me to sleep?"

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, and You’re welcome. You were about to light this place up like a damn fireworks show. I did what had to be done."

I let out a breath and rubbed my temples. I wasn’t mad. Mom had already talked me through it, and honestly, Viv had probably saved everyone. Still, everything felt heavy.

"It wasn’t just a dream," I said quietly. "I saw my mom. And the goddess. It was real."

Viv didn’t even hesitate. "I know."

I blinked at her. "Wait. You know? "

She popped her gum. "Of course. Look, you’re one of the most powerful travelers I've ever met. If a goddess wants to drop in for a chat, who am I to be surprised?"

I exhaled, the weight in my chest loosening just a little. "It was.... intense. Seeing my mom again. Talking to her. It made me realize how much I miss her."

Viv’s smirk softened. "Yeah. I get that. I can't imagine not having my mom. As annoying as she is, she's who I run to when I'm lost. I'm glad You got a chance to talk. she’s still keeping an eye on You."

That thought settled something deep inside me. "I wish You could have gotten to meet her. But she did say that the guys were hot so at least I'm not delusional."

Viv pointed at me. "See? Moms know their shit."

I laughed, a real one this time. "Yeah, they do."

She leaned back, balancing on her hands. "So, what’s the plan now? You gonna keep stressing Yourself out, or are You gonna start dealing with all this?"

I chewed on my lip. "I think.... I think I need to start getting to know the rest of the guys. I still have a lot of bonds to complete before the equinox. I think I was kind of holding back until I met them all, you know so they all feel like they are on the same footing?"

Viv grinned. "Finally. I was starting to think I’d have to shake some sense into You."

I rolled my eyes. "Like that would work."

She nudged me with her foot. "You never know. Now, how about we get some food before You pass out again?"

I caught the apple she tossed at me and took a bite. "Thanks, Viv. For being here."

She shrugged, but I saw the warmth in her eyes. "Always, now hurry up. I’m starving."

As we headed out, I felt lighter. Now if I'm complaining as one does… I wish I could have talked to my dad, but maybe I can have Vivianne knock me out again.

***

The walk to the dining hall was quiet for a bit, and for once, Viv wasn’t filling the silence with snarky comments. I glanced at her, expecting to see her usual playful smirk, but she just looked thoughtful.

"You ever think about how weird all this is?" she finally said, kicking a loose stone on the path. "Like, a few months ago, you were just a regular girl, and now You’ve got fated mates, magic stronger than anyone knows what to do with, and goddesses dropping in to give you life advice. That’s some next-level fantasy novel bullshit."

I snorted. "Yeah, trust me, I think about it all the time. Sometimes I feel like I got thrown into a story I wasn’t supposed to be in. Like, how do I even begin to process all of this?"

Viv nodded. "I mean, it’s kind of badass. But also? Kinda terrifying."

"Understatement of the year."

Vivianne nudged me with her elbow. "So, what was she like? The goddess?"

I snorted, rubbing the lingering glitter off my palms. "Zara? She was… unhinged . Imagine if a golden retriever, a disco ball, and a TikTok algorithm had a baby. She threw glitter when she did jazz hands , Viv. Glitter . And she called Carion ‘Hot and Broody’."

Vivianne’s lips twitched. "Ah. Responsibly unhinged ."

"Exactly. One minute she’s eating interdimensional Doritos, (with no Calories) the next she’s dissecting my fear of bonding like a therapist with a glitter cannon. I half-expected her to start a PowerPoint titled ‘Why Your Mates Are Simps (And That’s Good) .’"

Vivianne burst out laughing. "So, the goddess of love is a meme lord. Perfect."

I grinned despite myself. "Oh, she’s definitely the reason soulmates started sending each other Spotify playlists. But… yeah. For someone who talks in hashtags, she gets it. Even the messy parts.

"Viv whistled low. "If that’s how You describe things I’m worried about Your grades."

"Can it. I am a fantastic describer. You go meet a goddess and try to describe Your experience." I say knocking my shoulder against hers.

Viv was quiet for a second, then said, “Ha, Ha jokes on You I’ve met a god before so...." she sticks her tongue out

I stop walking. "Wait, when did You meet a god?!"

Viv shook her head. "When they made me a guardian. A god came from the fucking ceiling and was all ‘You have a destiny and here are magic powers also Your charge is Your cousin. Muah hahaha.’ " she says in a deep ominous voice

I double over in laughter. "Ahh yes You have way better describing skills. I’m sure it happened just like that.”

“Hey, don't judge, that's just how I remember it. I was freaked out. I'm ninety percent sure I tried to stab him. It was super humbling to get knocked on your ass.” she grumbles

We walked a little further before she spoke again. "So, tell me more about Your mom. What was it like? Seeing her again?"

My throat tightened a little. "It was.... unreal. I kept thinking it had to be a trick or a dream or maybe she was a zombie I don't know. But it was really her. And she knew everything, Viv. She knew about my mates, about what I was going through. I don't think I realized how much I needed it."

Viv smirks. "Walking dead vibes?"

"Yeah," I say softly. "She told me she and my dad had to choose who got to talk to me. That next time, it would be him."

Viv was quiet for a second. "You're planning on asking me to knock You out again, aren't You?"

I nodded quickly. "Yes, yes I am."

Viv clapped a hand on my shoulder. "You'll owe me. I'll do it.”

Asshole.

We reach the dining hall, and before we step inside, she turns to me. "You know, if You ever need to just.... talk, or scream, or set something on fire—preferably in a controlled environment—I’m here."

I chuckle. "I know. Same goes for You, by the way."

Viv grins. "I’ll keep that in mind. Now, let’s eat."

We walk inside, and for the first time in weeks, I feel a little more like myself.