Page 119 of Prince of the Phantom Sky

“Change of plan, we’re coming with you,” Aerion barked.

“And the dog stays here,” Raiden responded as Conan’s tails whacked his knees.

51

Kora

The Horrow Mountains loomed before them. Nature’s pass straight down the centre of Galen, and towered so high it disappeared into the Mist, ascending to the heavens. The trek had been weirdly silent, Raiden leading the front, guiding Kora through a winding forest, before reaching rope-descended walkways across rivers that intersected the mountains, up to the closest ridge.

Kora believed the rivers were enchanted, as they didn’t flow towards the ocean, but away from it, crawling up the mountains like pulsating veins made of the clearest, sweetest water. Even now, as she gently touched the flowing current, the life of Galen welcomed her with every step she took towards its centre.

All the while Raiden simmered, his tensity rolling off him in waves, the air between them thinning the longer they hiked in silence. Kora nibbled her cheek, the skin breaking as she mulled over recent events. Kordelia was a clear threat, more so than Barron at this time.

For now, she was subdued—again, Kora’s and Raiden’s magic combined, locking her away temporarily. But would she return? The leech bites itched, and despite applying the salve from Sirona, Kora scratched through the layers of her clothing, cursing about gods-damned magic-sucking leeches.

She’d stopped by the infirmary before they left. Erick’s hands had been warm, his cheeks less sunken, a healed scar now gracing the back of his head. Sirona had been trimming his salt and pepper hair, Kora admiring how she’d managed to get it to fall in waves, despite his comatose state. Kora smiled gently to herself. He was healing, she was sure of it. She fiercely clung to the hope that he would wake up soon.

And may the gods bless Sirona. Despite their rocky start, the healer was growing on Kora. She was occasionally still cold, her smiles borderline frightening combined with her wild eyes and hair, but Sirona was devout in her care of others.

The Tvinnr Fyr with Aryn was a risk. Despite the stability and comfort it granted Kora, that stone in her chest continually warming her, and knowing she had a protector in this unknown world, Aryn had lied to her. Again. The blood-bond could force them into a mated couple, and Kora wasn’t even sure if Aryn liked females. He’d never shown an interest in one.

It was either that, or death. Fucking great.

Aerion had decided they would come with, using his power to fly with Aryn straight across the land northwards, whilst Raiden insisted they hiked by the mountains separately. Skylar remained at Windspire, overseeing the castle and increasing their army’s training, ensuring their navy was ready at a moment’s notice. Being the general she was born to be.

Kora also left a treat for Conan, who’d bounded off into the depths of the castle, causing havoc wherever he went. Circe’s screams and John’s scolding still echoed in Kora’s mind as they’d chased after Conan into the kitchens.

Having Aerion on this journey was a positive to Kora, she could pick his wisdom about the chaotic runed book she discovered that’d unleashed Kordelia. It felt heavy in her backpack, wrapped tightly in the sail she’d discovered it in. It also meant she wouldn’t become drained from separation from Aryn. He’d mentioned the bond strengthened her, advancing her recovery and her connection to her gift. Even now, Kora could feel a taut pull in her chest, like the bond demanded she should seek out Aryn.

She bit harder on her cheek as the moisture in the air dripped from the rocky ledge, her boots squelching over moss and debris. When they passed over the rivers, Kora had been drawn to the flowing currents of water, reaching out with her heart and soul to connect. But nothing had happened.

Without her elemental gift, she was an easy target. Her divine power hadn’t fully manifested, no one knew what would come of it. How could she face Barron, or Blake, without her power? How could she help the islands? Would her lifespan even last, or would that fade away too?

“Alright, Huntress,” Raiden spoke for the first time in hours. “Hop on.”

Kora raised a brow. “Hop on?”

“I can meet you up there, if you’d like.” He smirked. It was so confusing. Hours of silence, and now he was teasing her.

“Is Skybell up there?” Kora asked, craning her neck so hard it nearly snapped to gauge the mountain peaks.

“No, it’s a two-day flight, or week-long trek, straight north of Windspire Castle. We’re stopping by the Aurora Gap overnight first. Let the lovers have their quarrel in the forest.” Raiden tightened his backpack around his chest, rolling his shoulders.

“We don’t have time for detours. It would’ve been safer to stay together,” Kora ground out. What was he thinking? Her and Erick’s life were at risk. Zephyr could return any day, and if he found out she’d left, she feared he’d send a spear right through Erick’s heart.

“Anywhere in Galen is the safest place to be. You can sleep down here with all the bugs instead.” Raiden shrugged, his muscles poising to take flight, his power crackling around him like diamonds.

“Wait!” Kora hurried over. “I’m surprised you’re not making me hike it, to make me stronger.”

Raiden held out his arms tentatively, his stare sparkling. “You’re already one of the strongest people I know.”

Kora hitched a breath and wrapped an arm around Raiden’s neck. There was his scent again, coming at her like a cannonball. His warmth oozed into her skin, keeping the cool, damp air at bay, every touch causing rivers of energy to sizzle her skin, jolting down to her fingertips and toes. Raiden tucked her into his chest, and Kora resisted the urge to nuzzle into his strong frame.

“Hold your breath,” was all he said as he launched into the sky.

Wind tore at her hair, and thankfully her leathers kept its whipping lash at bay. Her eyes streamed and she caved, nuzzling into Raiden as he soared up and up. The mountain ridge blurred past, too quick to make sense of, and as he flew past the top, Kora released her breath.

She was flying.