Chapter twenty-six
Elianna
The following day, westood before the readied ship in Alaia’s most eastern cove. Nox flew high above us in the cloudless sky, circling the bustling docks below him as we all prepared to board for the journey ahead.
Jace parted from us, his footsteps echoing down the dock as he stalked forward with Leon and Gage. They greeted the crew members who had bravely volunteered to accompany us, reminding them where we were going and what was to come.
“You girls better keep your wits about you,” Lynelle said as she watched us all intently, acting fearful as if she was a mother to all of us.
My heart skipped a beat as the words left her, reminding me so much of what Lukas used to say to me anytime he sensed I was about to run straight into chaos.
“We’ll be fine, Mom.” Zaela placed her elbow on Lynelle’s shoulder, earning a scoff from her.
She threw up her hands in surrender. “Well, forgive me for being wary when you just returned to me, dearest daughter.”
I huffed out a laugh at their interaction—it was so foreign to me. While I never had a mother of my own growing up, it wasn’t as if the queen was like this with her own children. Well, aside from Kai. It was such a stark contrast to what I was used to witnessing.
“I’m surprised we were able to get an entire crew to volunteer to sail with us,” I said as the wind blew off the sea.
“The true question would be, is bravery or stupidity what drives these men?” Veli said flatly from where she stood to my left.
“A bit of both,” Zaela answered with a grin.
“I don’t know how you walk in these so easily,” Avery huffed out as she approached us from behind. Leon had sent her into one of the shops near the docks to retrieve new clothing for the trip since she didn’t have much else aside from dresses and tunics.
“Pants?” Zae said with an arched brow.
“The leathers are gods-awful! And…stiff.”
I chuckled as I watched her waddle up to us, getting used to the feel of her new fighting leathers. “You get used to it.”
“Why do I not believe you?” Avery rolled her eyes.
“Those men are not taking these threats seriously,” Veli grumbled, bringing our attention back to the crew, who were now dispersing and making their way up the gangplank to board the ship.
Leon moved in our direction as I met Jace’s stare, giving us a nod of approval to approach.
“Do they truly know where we’re headed?” I asked him, as he halted before me.
He pressed his lips together firmly. “Not all believe in bedtime stories for children, Lia. They have been warned and are excited to sail to a land that they have never set foot.”
“Stupidity, then,” Veli hissed and then stalked toward the awaiting ship. Avery and Zaela moved to follow.
Leon blew out a breath as he observed her. “She seems fearful.”
“She does,” I answered.
“And you, Miss Lia?”
My brows furrowed as my stare remained on the sorceress. “I no longer fear any fae, man, or creature in my realm. I can’t afford to. They will take the knee to me, or they will be dealt with. A being of magic, or no.”
Nox let out an ear-shattering screech in the sky above, startling the general. “And is that why you bring the wyvern?” he asked curiously.
My gaze found his then. “I have experienced too many instances where failing to establish fallback plans has resulted in tragic outcomes for those I love.” His eyes softened, causing me to pause. “You will never find me in that situation again.”
The weight of those parting words settled into my heart as I took my first step toward the awaiting ship.
Sitting on the lip of the railing at the ship’s bow, I took in the sea's scent as it stung my nostrils with endless salt and tang.Footsteps sounded from behind me, but I didn’t need to turn to know who it was.
