Ryder and the others are already waiting for us around the table, and I have no idea how he got them here so fast. If I had to take a guess, I would assume he simply snatched them from their own beds. At least Danielle, judging by her matching silkpajamas.
“Alright, start talking,” Ion orders, cutting straight to the point.
“Okay, so we know there aren’t any wards up around the island because Ryder was able to vaporate. I’ve been racking my brain about why that is. Why would a place so sought after, housing one of the most dangerous weapons ever made, not be guarded by wards? And last night in my dreams it hit me. Why would wards be necessary if no one could see it? They wouldn’t be.”
“Right, but I already told you I’ve never known anyone with enough magic to cloak an entire island,” Ryder reminds me.
“I know. That’s why it’s not cloaking magic that’s concealing it. It’s space magic.”
“What?” Amaya pops up from the table suddenly wide awake. “How?”
“It took me so long to figure it out but then I remembered you telling me about reflective magic. I think that’s why no one can see it. I think there’s a veil of reflective magic surrounding it so that anyone who comes near only sees the reflection of the open sea.”
“What about ships? Wouldn’t the reflection of the ship be shown?” Danielle asks.
“Not exactly,” Amaya answers. “Reflective magic can be manipulated to only reflect certain images. I’ve seen it done.”
“I have too,” Nio adds. “It’s actually a fairly common battle strategy with the space witches.”
“So how will we be able to see the veil?” Ryder asks to no one in particular.
“We won’t,” Ion tells him. “A witch will.”
Amaya suddenly looks defeated. “I’m not advanced enough to make out the veil. Especially not one that size. I’m so sorry.” She hangs her head and I immediately reach for her hand.
“It’s okay, Amaya,” Nio quickly reassures. “I know a witch who can help.” Ion gives his brother a knowing look and Nio stands up. “I’ll get her and ready a ship. Give me two hours.”
“No, it’s the parade today. You should be here to celebrate,” I insist.
“I’ll make sure I’m back for the evening festivities. Naomi knows how to command the ship. She’ll be able to take my place if necessary.”
Something about the way he says her name makes me wonder if him and her used to be a thing. It would explain her expertise with the ships and the smirk Ion seems to be poorly hiding.
“Ryder and I will go. Everyone else should attend the parade.”
“What? No, we’re going with you,” Amaya argues.
“We came here to celebrate Zaro and Anthony. The island is abandoned, and we already searched a good chunk of it last time we were there. It won’t take us long to find the scepter and get back.”
“Fine,” she reluctantly agrees. “If you’re not back by midnight, we’re coming after you.”
“Fair enough.”
“That settles that,” Ion says, standing up from the table. He reaches over to Nio and grabs his shoulder. “I’ll fill Zaro in and keep the fun going while you’re gone.”
“I’m sure you will,” Nio says with a nudge to his brother.
Ryder takes off with the brothers while Danielle tells the others to get ready for the parade. Apparently, everyone wears white today and Bex and Mason are on their way back with everyone’s outfits.
An hour later, we’re in the middle of a valley of white linen. Everyone but Ryder and I are dressed head to toe in flowing white garments that remind me of Nazrelia’s signature style. The streets are flooded with people cheering and tossing flowers into the air.
“Zaro and Anthony will be here soon,” Danielle tells us.
“Give them our best.”
She nods and gives me a tight hug. “We’ll see you guys later.”
Ryder and I say goodbye to the others before following Nio to the dock where he’s prepared one of the ships.
