They point out familiar trees, the streams, and the untouched habitats.
It’s actually more breathtaking watching them experience this than me seeing the sight once again.
I can pay attention to it on our way back up.
The carriage dips, pulling a squeal from Yemi and Rose.
Kyzen’s and Creed’s arms wrap around my waist, while Riven’s and Amick’s fingers lace with mine.
The air in my body escapes me as the feeling of them touching me overwhelms my senses. It gets even harder to breathe when they all lean a little closer, getting their first true look at the Gods Gully.
The deadly waves crash into the side of the mountain with unrestrained power. The white caps ripping across the dark water beneath them look so much more intimidating now that I know or at least have an idea about how truly powerful the creatures living down there could be.
“Fuck, it’d be wild to swim in that.”
I squeeze Riven’s fingers. Hopefully, hard enough to get that idea out of his head. “I don’t think we’d survive a dip in that water.”
He doesn’t respond as the carriage tilts back up and this time, the wheels touching down over the cliff are not nearly as noticeable as the first time around.
“Any of you plan on snitching on me if I don’t move the Veilatara’s straps back each time we stop? I’d hate for it to be known I didn’t fulfill my role on our trip.”
We all glare over at Havar, who holds his hands up and smirks.
“Just making sure.”
Everyone gradually spreads back around the carriage and I flop on the couch, releasing my breath as we pick up speed.
“Two hours, right, Seismet? Just like coming here.”
“It’ll be a little faster than that. We have our great, formidable Prime leading our way.”
I really want to snort at his jab at his brother, but my disappointment won’t let me.
“Jealousy is such an ugly look on a Veilatara as handsome as yourself, brother. Would you like us to slow down, Thayla?”
Agrin does break out at Verlet’s sass.“Have you already told Amick the timeline it’d take us?”
“Yes.”
I groan.“Then no, he’ll be upset if I throw him off, but…”
“Go on.”
“Will you stop at the edge of Oddian? Let me get out and stretch my legs and whatnot.”
“You mean so you can collect yourself.”
I make my mental huff as loud as possible. They laugh at me.
“Yes, we will, Thayla. I’ll tell Amick we’re thirsty.”
“Thank you, Verlet. See how easy it is to be agreeable, Seismet?”
“He wants to spoil you because you make his companions happy. I don’t have to do that. You’ll love me no matter what.”
I roll my eyes and send them my thanks, but before I can say or think anything else, I get yanked off the couch.
“Come on, I’m tired of waiting,” Riven declares as he snatches me through the living room, grabbing Creed as well as we pass him by.
