AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Jackson,” Killian shouted. “Let’s go.”
Jackson ran in front of us, darting across the metal plank to my father’s ship.
Another burst of lightning shot across the darkening sky.
“Mind calming that down a bit, child?” Rees’s bellowing would have annoyed me, but he was right. Flying an airship through a storm was the last thing we needed if we were to get moving quickly.
“Ainsley,” Silverthorne called out, halting my boarding. “Do not fight Bash yourself.”
I scowled at him. “I will do whatever I need to in order to ensure Rookhallow is safe.”
Silverthorne seemed as though he had more to say but refrained. “My ship is yours, daughter.” Then he glanced at Killian. “Be smart.”
Killian nodded as I yanked myself away. I did not need to be coddled. The shock of the final battle with Gretta was still gnawing at me. I had nearly watched Hattie die before my eyes as she struggled to save me. That, coupled with the anger that I had been left alone on this godforsaken key collection mission with absolutely zero guidance, was creating a powerful storm inside of me that was begging to break free through my magic.
I needed to be calm.
Jo was bandaging Rek’s wound by the plank, and she touched my arm gingerly as I walked by. “They win if the magic controls you. You’re strong enough to have this go the other way. Show your strength, girl. Not your fear.”
I breathed in deeply, letting the fresh air intermingle with the magic inside of me. I nodded, giving her a small smile.
“Give ’em hell. We’ll come as soon as we can.”
“Stay here,” I said. “I’d prefer to have people I trust near my mother.”
“We must go, love.” Killian’s voice was close to my ear, and I inclined my head.
We boarded in silence as Rees moved to the bridge.
Hattie touched the ship, leaning over slightly from the railing of the Phantom Saber. I heard her, in a tone of voice that calmed every ounce of magic, reaching into my soul.
“Sails abound with truest flight, guide this ship into the night. With speed and honor on its side, let magic overtake the skies.”
The vessel roared to life, the sails puffing up under the added wind, and air aiding its rise. I watched the Phantom Saber disappearing quickly behind us, as we left the others behind.
The airship moved much faster than I thought possible, and I was grateful for Silverthorne’s suggestion to use it. I only prayed we would make it to Rookhallow before any serious injury and damage could occur.
“How many do you think Bash sent?” I asked Killian.
He wrapped an arm around me as Jackson turned his head to take us in. His eyes held a fire that was burning with hatred, but that did not hide the fear there as well.
“We won’t know what’s happening until we get there,” Killian said. “Try not to speculate. It fogs your mind for what you truly face.”
“You say that like someone who has seen plenty of battles.” I shifted to face him as his hand slid away from my shoulder and down to his side. He was somewhere else, perhaps a memory of his past as he gazed out into the night sky. “Killian?”
“A few, mi’lady. But it was long ago. We will face whatever is happening, together.”
Jackson’s back was to us now, and Killian’s comment ended the conversation and left each of us in our own heads.
I could see the crest of my home’s gates appearing. A few fires raged in the city, and I sucked in a sharp breath.
We flew, passing over a quiet Rookhallow Proper.
“I don’t see anything,” I said. “Where is everyone?”
“There.” Rees pointed in the distance where three airships were taking off from the grassy knoll where I had painted before the duke’s death.
Jackson turned, knowing it as well, and stood immediately, taking my hand. “At least it will be a mission of making things right. No battle tonight.”
