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I leaned over the edge of the ship and inhaled the crisp air. The wind rifled my hair and I smiled at how freeing it was to be flying in the sky. Bash and his men could be anywhere, a bounty rested on my head, yet, my soul was appeased up here in the clouds. More so than it had ever been on the ground.
But home.
What was home anymore? Rookhallow Proper? With Silverthorne and Hattie out there somewhere? Or…I swallowed and peered over my shoulder at Killian.
I shook my head. “There’s something happening here, Jackson. Something that’s been happening all around us for quite a long time, but we were too sheltered to see.” I stared back into his innocent, sweet eyes. “A man has taken justice from the land. Sebastian James. He killed my father. Murdered him. Because he dared to stand up for something he felt was wrong.”
Jackson grabbed my hand. “We don’t know that it was murder for certain. Even the duchess is having a hard time retrieving evidence.”
I frowned, yanking my hand away. “I know it to be the truth.”
“Ains—”
“Jackson Hollingsworth, don’t you dare take that overbearing tone with me,” I commanded. “The murderer confessed it to my face when I was a prisoner aboard his ship.”
“What?” Jackson reached for my arms, running his hands down them before intertwining my fingers with his. “Ainsley, this is madness. It is not safe out here. You were a prisoner?”
“Stop,” I said as I inhaled a slow breath to quell my anger. “How you’re treating me—stop. I am not some delicate flower who needed you to come to my rescue. If that’s what this has been, you can shove that savior complex right up your stubborn ass and start treating me the way you always have. Or I’ll wallop you into tomorrow.”
Jackson released me and stepped back. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” He stared down at his feet. At least he demonstrated some sign of embarrassment at his behavior. “I’m sorry,” he said once more, clearly to ensure I believed him.
I nodded once, turning the sealed envelope over in my hands, as curiosity was getting the best of me. “I’m staying until I learn what’s going on in this country. This world. There are pieces beginning to fit together. Things my birth parents have fought their entire lives for. I can’t give that up.”
“Asking you to give up anything you wanted is a fool’s game, Ainsley. Even I know that.” Jacksons soft chuckle made me smile, and whatever high-flying attitude he’d held while he boarded the Phantom Saber, it appeared to be peeling away to reveal the Jackson I knew and cared for.
“I should give you some privacy,” he added. “I’m going to check on my crew and give you some time to read your letter.”
“Thank you,” I said, touching his arm once again before he turned and walked away. I broke the wax seal, gently sliding my finger under the first fold of parchment.
I brought it to my nose and inhaled the fresh scent of flowers and sage—of my old home. My mother’s handwriting was scrawled elegantly as she addressed me, and a twinge of guilt for being away pricked in my chest.
My dearest Ainsley,
I pray this letter finds you well, or as well as can be expected, given the circumstances. Jackson did not hesitate when I asked him to learn of your whereabouts and if you were all right. That boy has been pacing my corridors since the day you left. But he has been an immense support to me during this painful time of transition. I miss your father every day, with every breath, and there are some days I am not quite sure how I shall go on.
Oh, but enough of that. You have your own troubles to worry about, my sweet.
The stakes grow higher as people discover your magic. Things are playing out just as your parents feared they would. Trust your instincts, dear one. Withhold your trust until it is earned, for many would use you and your powers for their own personal gain. Affairs here are growing more difficult, but I believe there are many reasons for that, one of which is something the duke had been on to. However, please do not worry yourself about my well-being. I have kept my head low and intend to do so until your safe return.
Do not doubt yourself, my darling girl. Take this adventure and run, find what you need, and make every moment count. I do not know where this journey shall lead you, or when our paths will converge again. However, you are in my heart every day, my darling Ainsley.
Be strong. Be courageous. Know you are loved, and that I am supporting you even from afar.
I love you, always,
Mother
