Page 201 of The Gods Order

Riven motions him to do as I said, and my teeth grind together at the looks on everyone’s faces. I don’t bother screaming what I want to scream at them, but everyone’s pissing me all the way off.

I rush to the edge of the hot spring and snatch the vial Vullie passes me. In one swift motion, I pop the cap off and press it to V’s beak.

“Here, drink. This will help.”

My soul shivers as I tip the liquid down his throat. Some of the purple slides down the sides of his face and I freeze at how the brilliant luminescent water has turned red around me.

No, no, no. That’s too much blood. Way too much.

“Listen to me, Thayla.”

Tears threaten to blur my vision as I meet V’s eyes and no matter how many times I blink, they won’t fucking go away.

“If you’re trying to tell me goodbye, then no. I don’t want to hear that shit. You’re not leaving me. Do you understand me? You can’t leave. You can’t leave me.”

Sobs slice through my chest as I cradle his body even closer to me. The more he wanes the smaller he becomes. His weight continues to become easier yet so much heavier to hold.

No matter how many times I ask everyone what to do, no one answers me.

Two powerful, soul-stopping neighs breeze through the air, and my watery gaze jerks to the Veilatara. Their trots slow to an abrupt stop.

“V…” Seismet says low.

“Please, Seismet. Tell me what to do.”

A low, mournful purr vibrates in the back of his throat, and I release a blood-curdling scream.

“Stop giving up! Everyone, stop right fucking now!”

I lean my forehead against V’s small body, begging, pleading, and praying for him not to give up.

I pray to the Valories, the Messenger, the God of Creatures—hell, I even call out to Willow, although she’s a realm away.

I just need someone to please do something.

“Thayla, y-you have…”

A rattling breath steals V’s words and I shush him quietly.

“Stop trying to talk. Save your strength. I’m going to figure this out.”

“My endling.” My head jerks up at Creed’s gentle voice and my head shakes. “Listen to what he has to say.”

“No. Don’t say that to me. Please.”

A gasping cry snatches the air from my lungs as my tears flow fast down my cheeks.

“Please don’t say that to me again. I can’t do this again. I can’t. Please, Creed.”

The water that gathers in his eyes cuts me to my core and mine drift shut.

If I can’t see it, it’s not real.

“It’s just you and me, my Vedae. Listen, please.”

I suck in as much air as I can, although it isn’t enough. There’s a lump the size of Godsden sitting in my throat that’s constricting my breathing.

“I…I-I’m listening.”