Page 57 of Storm Caller

He reaches out his hand and leads me to the same garage door we’ve now used many times to explore the forest. Only this time, I stop dead in my tracks at the sight that awaits.

An airplane.

A tiny one, with a white body and wings, painted with thick purple stripes down the sides. I’ve only ever seen them in photos, and it’s like witnessing some kind of impossible mythic creature coming to life.

“What’s that doing here?” I ask no one in particular.

Rook’s family is already waiting for us.

“It’s your ride to the city,” Navy says with a squeal. “How exciting!”

I stare at the strange contraption. The idea of flinging myself into the atmosphere with nothing underneath us makes my stomach dip. And that’s with two feet still planted firmly on the ground.

Faroe walks over to embrace Rook, wrapping him in a tight hug. She clings to him fiercely while Summit watches with a stoic expression. I’ve had some time to get to know the Athiras, but they’re busy with their roles, and Rook’s father especially remains mostly a mystery.

I approach him, despite the way he intimidates me. “High Commander,” I say as he gauges me from his impressive height.

“Poet,” he answers. He isn’t cold, exactly, but he certainly isn’t welcoming.

“I understand you don’t care for my people or where I came from, but I hope you understand that I only hold Rook in the highest regard.”

“My son clearly has developed a fondness for you,” he says. “I won’t pretend that I approve, but Rook does what Rook wants. I do know he is a very good judge of character.” Summit studies me, and it almost feels like a compliment, but I can still sense his obvious skepticism.

“And do you think he’s being a good judge right now?”

He offers me another scrutinizing look. “That remains to be seen. Bring my son home alive with the cure, and perhaps.”

I nod. “I’ll do everything I can to protect him. I swear to you.”

“See that you do. Rook has a habit of putting those he loves first. Don’t let him sacrifice himself for you.”

I hear the obvious subtext in his statement.

My life would never be worth his son’s.

“Of course,” I whisper. “I would never.”

Something passes behind High Commander Athira’s eyes that could be mistaken for a moment of softness. But it’s there then gone in an instant. He unfolds his arms and steps away to join his family’s farewells.

Navy and Justin both approach to offer their goodbyes. Navy throws her arms around me, squeezing tight. I’ve become very fond of them both.

“I’ve always wanted a sister,” she says. “Having only brothers is sometimes a nightmare.”

“Nav, you’re being a little much,” Justin says. “You just met Poet.”

Navy pulls away and wipes her eyes. “I know, but I can tell we’re kindred spirits. Right, Poet?”

There’s something so sweet and endearing about her complete lack of self-consciousness that I find myself nodding. “Of course.”

The truth is, she does feel like a sister, but I’ve been too afraid to admit that. I can’t let myself get too close.

“See?” she says to her brother.

“Good luck with everything,” Justin says, extending his hand.

Unfortunately, we’ll need a lot more than luck.

While Rook chats with his parents, I gaze at the sky filled with stars.