Page 365 of The Gods Order

Seismet’s and Verlet’s power cuts through the air, making it possible for us to breathe and laugh as freely as we need. Their powerful wings don’t have to flap nearly as much as ours, but they keep their pace slow so they can stay beside us.

Ahead of us, V and Lestari glide through the sky, their movements steady and practiced.

The hatchlings…

One dips too far, panics, and flaps harder to correct itself. Another twists awkwardly, completely losing direction before righting back out.

That makes them even more beautiful.

They’re not perfect. They’re learning.

It’s gorgeous.

I push forward, drawing closer to them.

One of the little creatures notices me and lets out a high chirp before dipping beneath me. I twist after it, my laughter carrying into the wind as it loops around me.

Another joins. Then the other two.

Soon, I’m surrounded by tiny wings and excited cries, weaving through the sky with creatures who were once nothing more than a hope.

My heart feels so full it almost hurts.

They grow tired of my attention after a moment and each makes their way to my men. The guys are just as pleased and enthusiastic to play with them as I am. It’s been infuriating having to have patience, but we’ve had it.

Vedarya babies are different than the two grown ones we’re used to.

They’re like raising godly babies. They don’t hatch knowing how to speak in your mind. For weeks, they just want to eat, sleep, and poop. All they care about is their parents.

I’ve been dying for their attention, and over the past month or so, they’ve been giving it to me.

Finally.

Honestly, though, I really think they’ve just learned how much they like getting attention. Not giving it.

While they’re busy playing with the guys, I tilt my body upwards and give my wings a few powerful beats. My arm stretches above my head until my fingers brush through the clouds.

A smile spreads across my face. I’ve made it a habit over the years to touch them every time I’ve gone for a flight.

They were always such a wonder to me. I was a touch disappointed the first time I attempted to sit on one, then sank right through the soft mist. Then my dad told me to place a thin, simple barrier through the middle of one. It’d hold me while I lay on its surface.

It did. A childhood dream I had came true that day.

A hoot reaches me a moment before V flaps to my side. Our wings beat at the same speed, suspending us in the air. I give him a massive, prideful smile as his happiness shines through his teal eyes.

“The children are getting tired,” he says.

“I bet so. Little fearless things dove off the side and took to the sky like it was nothing. They did so good.”

“They’re going to be the death of me with their lack of regard.”

My gaze narrows on him.

“Too soon.”

“Goodness, Thayla girl. It’s been ninety years. Let it go already.”

“Nope. Never.”