I don’t say yes. I just nod and step toward the stairs. The sun reflects off the panels of the jet. My first time flying… straight into the unknown.
The inside of the jet is quieter than I expected. The air itself knows it’s supposed to be rich and still. The carpet beneath my shoes is cream-colored and soft enough to sink into. The chairs aren’t chairs at all—they’re armchairs, wider than the twin bed I grew up on, upholstered in butter-soft leather with little silver buttons that probably do things I don’t understand.
Lucian gestures for me to sit wherever I like. I hover by one of the windows before lowering myself into a seat.
There’s a blanket, a silk pillow, headphones, and… a menu?
“Is this real?” I whisper, flipping the small booklet open. I blink. “You can order steak. On aplane.”
Lucian settles into the seat across from me. “They’ll ask if you’d like anything once we’re in the air. Don’t worry. It’s all included.”
I look around again in disbelief.
A steward comes by with a quiet smile. “Miss Ashthorne, would you like sparkling or still water before takeoff?”
“Uh… just normal water, please,” I manage.
The steward nods and disappears behind a curtain.
I glance at Lucian. He has one ankle perched on his knee, leaning back in the seat with his arms relaxing on the rests.
“I feel like I’m living someone else’s life.”
“You’re not.” He folds his hands in his lap. “This is yours.”
“Wait, you always have access to this?”
“Yes.”
I let out a shaky breath, then glance out of the window. The tarmac stretches out below, the sky pale and cloudless. Everything feels too still. The engines hum to life, a soft vibration under my feet. My heart races. My fingers grip the chair.
“Hey,” Lucian leans forward. “Look at me.”
I do.
“You’re safe.”
The jet begins to move, taxiing smoothly down the runway. I clutch the armrests like they’re lifelines.
My breath catches as the ground falls away. My stomach drops. I watch as trees shrink and buildings turn into toy blocks. The sky opens wide around us like it’s been waiting for us.
“I’m flying,” I say, half in wonder, half in disbelief.
“You are.” Lucian smiles.
I stepout of the car. The sun warms my face. Seagulls cry over head. I fill my lungs with the salty air.
Lucian steps beside me. “Have you ever been to the beach before?”
“No.” I shake my head. “At least not that I can remember.”
Lucian smiles as we walk towards the sand.
“I used to take you to the beach every weekend in the summer. It’s one of the most relaxing places to me. I wanted that for you too.” He stops at the sands edge, stepping out of his shoes.
I copy him. The moment my feet hit the sand, I’m giddy. The water gleams ahead of us.
Lucian takes my shoes. “Go. Run.” He nods toward the water.
