Page 261 of The Gods Order

My wet lashes flutter as I blink away my tears. The two Vedarya wait so patiently. I stare into their beautiful, observant eyes. Lestari’s violet is striking against her dark feathers. They’re the same colors as the tips of V’s.

You can do this. You’re going to do this.

You will build a bright and promising future with and for the two of them.

He prepared you for this even if you didn’t realize it until it was too late.

“My name is Thayla Godrun.”

They both release powerful hoots and soar across the hot spring until they land on my shoulders. I don’t move or even breathe hard.

“Did you hear that, V? She has our surname.”

“I heard,” he purrs as he nuzzles into my cheek.

The damn floodgates open.

“Oh, sweetheart, don’t cry. We’re here,” Lestari says, and I cry even harder. “Varnie, do something.”

Her demand and sass pull a laugh through my sob.

“I don’t know what to do. I don’t…” he trails off as he uses his wing to tilt my face toward his. “I am so sorry I don’t know who you are, but—”

He stares into my eyes until my tears slowly dry.

I don’t blink or dare look away.

“Something in my soul recognizes you. It’s very happy to have found you again.”

Silent sobs rack my chest as I give myself over to my heartbreak, my relief, my acceptance. Everything. I just give up my fight as I break between the two of them.

Eventually, I take a deep, calming breath.

“It may not seem like it at the moment, but I am very happy you found me again. I’ll spend my lifetime getting to know you and helping you two. I promise.”

He hums in my mind.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you are my Vedarya and I am your Vedae.” We both chuckle lightly and more of my emotions ease. “I look forward to our lifetime, Thayla Godrun.”

“Me too, V,” I say, then wipe my face and groan. “Goodness. All these stupid tears. Absolutely ridiculous.”

My men laugh with me as they form more of a circle around us. They flick their attention between me and the creatures. One in particular is about to bounce out of his skin.

“Lestari, may I ask a favor of you?” I ask.

She startles for a split second, then excitedly bounces.

“My first purpose, how exciting. Please, ask away.”

“This man standing across from me with the wild curly hair and mismatched eyes. His name is Riven. Would it be okay with you if he held you?”

She tilts her head, glancing at V.

“Is that okay? Do we allow that?”

“Yes, I believe we do.”

I smile as I raise my hand for her to step into. When my gaze meets Riven, he shakes his head nervously.