Page 267 of The Gods Order

Everyone behind us goes absolutely mental. Cheering, clapping, and jumping up and down. A loud laugh bursts free from me when I peer over my shoulder and watch them all embrace one another like this is the best day ever.

There are literally tears in Otiero’s and Havar’s eyes.

One little tremor zaps through my soul, and my attention snaps to Riven without a thought. Although he is wearing a massive smile and the giggle pouring from his mouth is genuine, I sense that tiny bout of disappointment.

I cast my eyes over to Seismet.

“What’s wrong? Did I not do something right?”

“No, my companion. You did perfect,” he says softly.

“Then…oh no.” The answer clicks immediately. Heartbreakingly. “They can’t feel the complete connection, can they?”

“They feel it enough, and Verlet feels it completely. All is well.”

I don’t let the hurt or animosity bleeding through me ruin this moment for them. I lock my soul down before anything can reach them and keep my smile plastered on my face.

Despite the fact that they can’t feel the connection in its entirety, it is obvious they feel it much stronger than they had. If they’re accepting of it, I won’t say or do anything to change that.

I join their group hug, and the praises they give me sing through my blood. I fight, but fail, to keep a blush from creeping across my cheeks.

“Thank you, Thayla. You did magnificently,” Verlet says as I wrap my arms around his neck.

“Thank you for trusting me. I wish you could go for a flight right now.”

“As do I, but we know those dangers. Tomorrow, though, we will fly together as a herd toward victory.”

My eyes drift shut before a loud hoot in my ear has them flying open.

“And thank you, V, for guiding me.”

“It was my pleasure. That was thrilling. Let’s continue.”

I smirk as my men chuckle around me. Each of them steals a kiss before allowing me to walk toward Seismet.

“Well, your turn,” I say, focusing back on my Veilatara. “Are you ready?”

“Oh no. I’m going last.”

“What? Why? You just told me you were going after Verlet.”

“Well, I’ve changed my mind. I’ve waited long enough for this, and I won’t be getting a measly hug, then you move on to the next thirty Veilatara. No, thank you.”

I chuckle at his sass and shake my head.

“Very well then,” I say as I rub his muzzle. “Who’s next?”

He neighs and stomps his hoof, calling attention to him. One by one, the Veilatara who are going to be freed today, line up.

“Let’s get to work,” V hoots.

Lestari responds to him and flies to my other shoulder. They embrace one another briefly like the distance that’s been between them was just too much.

The small hole of sadness that’s inside of me fills a little.

They truly are together as one. It’s beautiful to witness.

And it never would’ve been possible if what happened didn’t happen.