There’s a rumble and sway as the coach starts to move. I return to the cockpit, sliding into the seat next to Sophie. Stars stream above us, the moon a lantern to light our route. I think of Laurel, with sorrow that she never got to travel like she wanted.
I’m doing this for you.I send the thought into the ether, as though she might hear it. We head down the long driveway, past the huge wrought-iron gates, my eyeline level with the stone ravens on top of the huge pillars. Excitement curls in my stomach, mixed with nerves.
My reign might be under threat before it’s even started. But this Raven is taking flight.
ChapterFifteen
AMONG THE ANCIENTS
‘Was it tough, learning how to drive? I wish I knew how to do it.’
‘No, it wasn’t too bad, my lady.’ Sophie keeps her focus on the road, turning the wheel as the huge coach curves through the woods.
‘Oh, okay. And it’s Emelia.’ I knew it would take time for things to feel comfortable between me and Sophie, but hadn’t expected it to be so awkward.
It’s the second day of our journey. We drove for a few hours through the night, stopping at Seven Alpha, where my parents and I viewed the damage from the attack. There wasn’t much to see; a few broken walls, already being rebuilt. I stared out at the moonlit sea, trying not to think about floating bodies. It was odd, on reflection. Why would Reapers attack houses near the shore, rather than closer to the Great Forest? And why was Michael so insistent that it wasn’t Reapers? I hate that I can’t stop thinking about him.
We returned to the coach in silence, and I slept for a few hours before waking to daylight, and the coach already moving. I fed, then slipped into the cockpit, greeting Sophie as I took the other seat, excited by what I might see. But after several attempts to start a conversation, all of which left me feeling as though I was somehow saying the wrong thing, I ended up just staring out the windscreen at the grey ribbon of road, the forest a dark wall either side of us.
I get it, though. This must be a strange situation for her. If I were a vampire, I wouldn’t be sitting with her during the day. And if I were any other human on this trip, I’d be working, just like she is. I feel ashamed of my perceived idleness. But telling her about the Challenge, or my worries about taking the crown, or basically anything to do with my life feels impossible. Being human in my world is burden enough; me complaining about my privilege is not what she needs.
I remember asking my mother if I was the only one. Now I know I’m not. But I’m still alone. Laurel was a friend, but part of me wonders how much of it was because she felt she had to be. Kyle was … he was someone I loved, and trusted. But he betrayed me in the worst possible way.
Then there’s Michael. The only person like me I’ve ever met. Yet I’ve lost him, too.
There is no more together.
I glance at Sophie. I wasn’t kidding about wanting to learn to drive. It’s like sword fighting; something physical I can do to take care of myself. But this is ridiculous. There’s no point prolonging her torture. ‘Hey,’ I say. ‘I might watch the road from my room. There’s a window there and?—’
Her eyes widen. ‘What? No, you don’t have to do that.’
‘I think, maybe, that I do. Thanks, though, for having me sit with you.’ I smile, because I’m genuinely grateful.
A line appears between her brows. ‘I’d like you to stay, if that’s all right, my l—Emelia.’
‘Really? Because I know it’s weird, and I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.’
One corner of her mouth curves, and her blue gaze flicks my way. ‘It is weird, if you don’t mind my saying. But good weird. Please, stay.’
I grin. ‘Okay. Are you hungry?’
‘Hungry?’ Another azure glance. ‘Sure. I mean, yes, I am. But I need to keep driving.’
‘I’m going to make myself a sandwich. Do you want one?’
‘Really?’ She’s frowning again. Shit. Maybe I’ve screwed up. Maybe I’m overthinking this.
‘Really. I’ll be back in a few minutes.’ I leave the cockpit, heading downstairs. My parents are sitting together talking, while Varin reclines on one of the velvet sofas, polishing a dagger. They all look up as I appear, my mother smiling.
‘Everything all right?’
‘Yep. Just hungry.’ I head over to the kitchen, quickly making sandwiches and putting them in the press. A delicious scent of melted cheese fills the coach.
‘Those smell almost good enough to eat.’ Varin comes up beside me, reaching for a blood pouch from the storage box.
‘You want one?’ I open the toaster, pulling the sandwiches out and cutting them.
He laughs. ‘No, thank you.’ He strolls away, all fluid grace. I try not to watch.
