The soft flutter of wings led her past the thicket, and she halted at the sight of the white Pegasus. Like Sowmya, it wore gilded armor. The fading sunlight glinted over the plates of gold adorning its head, the edges of its wings, chest, and legs.
Sowmya held the reins. “Do you still remember how to ride?”
“Yes…” Composing herself, Dyna approached the beautiful creature. It nickered quietly, eyeing her. It was the same one she had ridden to Hermon.
“Here.” Sowmya reached into the saddlebag and pulled out two objects. “These are yours.”
In her hands rested the sapphire tiara and her white opal dagger. Both had been lost the day the Vanguard came. And both were no longer hers.
“Keep them.” Dyna mounted the Pegasus. “The only thing I need are Celestial feathers.”
“How many?”
“As many as you can spare.”
Without hesitation or even a wince, the Lieutenant ripped out a handful of red feathers from her left wing and tucked them in the saddlebag.
Dyna took the reins as Sowmya strapped her in. “Are you coming with me?”
“I will meet you there, my lady. I cannot fly as fast as Shira.”
“Shira.” Dyna repeated, and her ride nickered in response. She smiled, petting the Pegasus’ neck. “I am putting my trust in you, Shira.” Dyna looked up at the sky, and she called out the same command she heard Cassiel once say in the Celestial language.“Lashamayim.”
To the sky.
Shira whinnied and took off in a gallop. Her massive white wings flapped, stirring the wind as they went. Dyna kicked her heels into Shira’s flank. They flew for the ridge and leaped into the open air.
Shira soared over the land of Sellav as she made for the Anduir Mountains. She called out another command, and the Pegasus’s wings worked harder to climb the sky. Dyna tugged on the reins and leaned back sharply. They shot into the covering of clouds, which gently misted on her skin. Closing her eyes, she breathed in the fresh air.
Dyna told herself the only reason she was going to see Cassiel again was to end his rampage, because she was the only person who could. Shetold herself it was the right thing to do. They may no longer be husband and wife, but their marriage remained valid before the Realms. So regardless of who hated her, regardless of him leaving, she was still the High Queen.
This involved her whether she wanted it to or not.
Shira abruptly swerved, and they narrowly missed an obstacle hidden in the clouds. Dyna peered past the thick veil as it slowly parted, revealing three massive, floating islands.
It was a world above the world.
The two smaller islands bore cities with lush landscapes and aerial gardens with rivers that cascaded over the sides. Bridgeways connected them to the largest island in the center. On it rose a towering stone fortress with rounded blue domes, the spires flying the gold flags with the sigil of a sun fanned by wings. Extending from the foundation of the island itself were six imposing wings of stone, as if it carried the Realm through the sky. The courtyard continued outward past the wings, and there rose a great whiteHyalustree with translucent leaves.
The Realm of Nazar.
For a moment, wonder and awe stole Dyna’s next thoughts. Until she rose up higher and noticed the army of Celestials in silver and gold armor in the courtyard. They stood perfectly in formation, a sea of white wings, ready for battle.
That structure had to be the Citadel, and Lord Gadriel would be with his army. He had little regard for her in Hermon, but she had to at least try to speak to him first before Cassiel arrived. Yet even she knew to tread carefully.
There was another gathering on the second island where they had evacuated the citizens. Better to land there first. Higher chances she wouldn’t be shot down.
They looked up at Dyna as she circled around. Arrows whizzed through the air, and she ducked before they struck her head. Shira dove out of the way of the next shot.
She judged too soon.
“Stop!” a distant voice shouted. “Don’t shoot!”
Circling around again, Dyna searched among them and noticed Prince Asiel waving back the guards. She tugged on the reins and aimed to land. He motioned for them to make way. Shira’s hooves beat on the square as she landed, stirring up the dust. Guards dressed in Hermon blue and Nazar gold drew their weapons.
“Stand down,” Asiel commanded. They hesitantly obeyed. Once he was sure no one would move, he turned and stared at her in amazement. “You’re alive.”
Although unexpected, Dyna was relieved to see someone she recognized. “I continue to be surprised by that myself,” she said. He held onto the reins for her as she unfastened herself from the saddle and dismounted. “Has Lady Sarrai come with you?”
