“In a fucking tree,” Blue muttered against my ear.
“There’s a platform,” Keyton said. “It’s all very solid, Blue.”
Another dip, and my stomach dropped, but a moment later, the carriage jolted slightly, wheels rolling on wood before we came to a smooth stop.
“We’re here, right?” Blue asked.
Yudh opened the door, answering his question. Keyton climbed out first, reaching in to help me out. Blue leaped off my shoulder and onto his, standing tall and looking about.
The wooden platform was much wider than it looked from the air and already housed several people—a couple of pari, slender and petite with shimmery wings, and three other people who looked human. Maybe demigods? After all, not all of the demigods passed the labyrinth and ascended.
My arrival garnered curious looks and whispers. Keyton moved closer to me.
“Don’t worry,” he said. “Everyone is merely excited to meet you.”
“And if anyone tries anything strange, they will be met with force,” Yudh added, his voice low with threat.
A shadow passed overhead. I looked up, my pulse quickening at the flash of crimson and gold plumage.
Pakshiraj.
I grinned up at him, my stomach bubbling with excitement.
“Your trainer is here,” Yudh said.
The man approaching us was familiar, but it took a moment for me to place him. His name was Garrit, the thunderbird stable keeper. We’d only met once, when he’d introduced us to the Vayujaari, but he’d made an impression because he’d known Araz. They’d been friends.
Did he know about Araz? Would he ask me what happened? My stomach fluttered. A sick feeling bloomed low in my belly. I lost grip on my smile.
“It’s all right to be excited about flight,” Garrit said. “There is no shame in finding joy where you can.” It was clear he knew about Araz. At least I wouldn’t have to tell him. I wouldn’t have to revisit it all. We could simply get on with the lesson.
I lifted my chin, my tone neutral and businesslike. Nothing that could invite disclosure or sympathy. “So what’s on the agenda?”
Garrit nodded once, as if accepting a cue. “You’ve already bonded with Pakshiraj. He’s an ancient, and he will keep you safe in the air. He will anticipate your needs in flight, but you must learn to move with him. To stay mounted when he is forced to execute strategic and difficult maneuvers. We will work on that skill. On your muscle memory and strength. The rest will come naturally as your bond with him grows.” He looked up, and I followed his gaze to see Pakshiraj swerve and descend out of view. “Come,” he said. “He’s ready for you.”
He led the way across the platform to a wooden cage, a rudimentary elevator made with a pulley system of wooden cogs and ropes. I climbed in with him, leaving enough room for one other.
“I will stay with her,” Keyton said to Yudh, stepping in beside me. Blue hopped from him back to me, and we began our descent through lush green foliage that smelled like a summer’s day and autumn morning all at once, past platforms and walkways and massive nests balancing on the farthest branches to a huge circular platform accessed via a wooden bridge built onto a thick branch.
We’d barely stepped out of the elevator when the sky went dark, and a moment later, a huge gust of wind rocked me back.Blue let out a shriek, and Keyton grabbed hold of my shoulders, steadying me.
I braced, locking my legs and crouching as Pakshiraj landed on the platform ahead.
“Bloody hell,” Blue said, his voice trembling.
“It’s all right.” I reached up to stroke his back. “He won’t hurt you.”
“Course he won’t,” Blue said. “He’s all feathers and no peck, that one.”
“Come.” Garrit led us down the bridge toward the waiting thunderbird. Pakshiraj lowered his majestic head a little, crimson and gold feathers gleaming as they caught the sun. His eye, alight with warmth and welcome, fixed on me.
Blue clung to my cheek, trembling. This was the first time that I’d ever seen him scared, and it gave me pause. If he had been born from a part of me, then surely my fears would be his. But I wasn’t afraid of Pakshiraj.
A low hum filled my head, and I got the sense that Pakshiraj was attempting to speak to me. I stepped closer, and Blue let out a squeak.
“Blue,” Keyton said softly. “Leela needs to do this part alone.” He held out his hand to my anchor.
Blue sniffed. “Yeah, course she does. I get it.” He hopped onto Keyton’s palm, and I crossed to Pakshiraj, placing my hand against his feathers.
