New Pathways

Learning that their mother is pouring all her energy into keeping Caldera Hearth stable alone, Viati refuses to let her continue to bear the burden, no matter what she says. Teaming up with L'eta, Gem, and Vesper, Viati sets out on a journey they've always wanted, starting with a questionable lead from a bribed assassin.Their search leads them through the shifting wooden mazes of Squid Island and high into the mist-shrouded canopy of a hidden cloud forest. But the reclusive glider drakith who live there have no interest in leaving their sanctuary, and the elder's answer is a firm "e;no."e;Allowed to stay as guests, the four companions must find their own ways to win over a secretive community that has avoided the outside world for generations. As the clock ticks down for Caldera Hearth, Viati has to step out of the background and find the nerve to lead a negotiation that could change everyone's future.Tags: Cozy, Hurt/Comfort, Multi POV, Cozy with dark chocolate notes, Viati steps up, Vesper didn't see this coming, Gem's working on that teaching allergy, honest, Nonbinary lead, weaponized toddlers, fun with biology, author still likes transformation, L'eta just outdid Gem and he can't even be mad