Page 264 of The Gods Order

“Seismet, where are you?”

I whip my attention to the left at the neigh that travels through the air.

Seismet and Verlet trot through the parting Veilatara with their heads held high and emotion clogs my throat.

“Are you ready, Thayla?” Verlet asks.

“Yeah. Really nervous, but yes, I’m ready.”

“There is nothing to be nervous about. You are doing what you were always meant to do.”

I give him a grateful smile as I lean my forehead on his.

“And fortunately, he’s going first, so if anything does go wrong, you won’t make the same mistake with me.”

“Seismet,” I bark.

He has the audacity to laugh and bump me with his big-ass head.

“Nothing is going to go wrong. You’ve got this.”

“That should’ve been the only thing you said,” I grumble.

We reach everyone waiting on us and before I can get a word out, Havar jogs the few feet between us.

“Gods, about time. You took forever. You should hear all the murmurs in the Veilatara’s minds. They are so grateful and excited. It’s amazing to hear and incredibly loud.”

I laugh lightly and grin at him.

“Looks like you’ve made two new friends,” I say.

His eyes soften.

“I—”

“He just met Lestari. Hay-hay and I are well acquainted,” V says as he hoots and soars over to my shoulder.

My lips part.

“Oh.” I clear my voice and shake my head. “Right, of course.”

“Stealing my nicknames, are you, V?” Riven asks.

“Stealing? No, I haven’t stolen anything.”

“I gave Havar his nickname Hay-Hay.”

“Did you, really?” V asks. “Interesting.”

“Yes, very interesting. Are we ready?” I ask, then tighten my lips.

I offer Havar an apologetic smile.

This isn’t his fault and he doesn’t deserve my attitude.

I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea. I’m so unexplainably happy that V remembers some of us, but I’m also envious. The whole situation is heartbreaking and beautiful. If he had no recollection of any of us who’ve grown to know and love him, it would be an absolute travesty.

But I do wish I were one of those whom he knows.