Makatza shot him a glare.
“Listen, there is no use sitting around arguing about whatcouldhappen,” I sighed. “We should return to Nil’Faerith. Whether it be the Divine Council or the Unseelie Queen’s minions, we should make a plan to deal with it together with everyone. For those who wish to remain, that is.”
The scent of sea salt carried on the gentle breeze, but mixed with it was something that did not belong—the warm and bitter taste of ash. I turned my attention to the distant shoreline covered in fog. Where should have been dull hues of blue and gray were vivid maroons and orange. It was unmistakable—the Mages Consortium was ablaze.
I turned to Alandris to find him slack-jawed and frozen in place. “We are under attack,” he murmured in disbelief.
Jyuri cursed. “Zorinna!” And without a moment’s consideration, he teleported from the ship—presumably, straight into the fire.
“How fast can you get us back?” I called to Lorian.
“I’m afraid we are still a long way out, and the tide is not doing us any favors, either.” His voice wavered with the worry he failed to keep hidden.
Think. Think.I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth. “Can you and Mak manage the ship on your own?”
My question came as enough of a shock to shake Alandris from his stupor. “Why are you asking?”
Lorian hesitated. “Well, yes, we can manage fine.”
“Then I have an idea.” I took Alanadris’s hand in mine, meeting his gaze. “This may go incredibly poorly, but the alternative is to watch the Consortium burn. Do you trust me?”
“With my life.”
I’d only ever felt the magic used on me. I knew the sensation of it, the intention, and the result. I’d just never practiced. We might end up a few miles out in the middle of the sea, but it was a risk worth taking if it meant we had a chance to save our friends and the place we called home.
Teleportation was a branch of magic the Fae had created and mastered. With a piece of that magic now fully a part of me, I could do this. I had to do this.
An image of the Consortium moved to the front of my mind. I focused on where I wanted us to land, down to the exact stone brick on the ground. As the image grew clearer, the pull tugged at my chest, and instead of my natural response of fighting it, I let it guide me willingly. This was no longer some foreign magic dragging me along. This was my magic. It felt right—good, even.
Smoke choked my lungs the moment we reappeared. I was still reeling from the sensation of teleporting, my stomach twisting into knots. Thankfully, I had landed us very close to the front gate—and, more importantly, away from any current flames. It was nearly impossible to see through the combination of smoke and fog, but I could hear a series of shouts coming from the east.
“We need to find Kaz, Zorinna, and Kaelias, and make sure all the Mages are evacuated to safety,” Alandris said as he gained his bearings. His moment of shock had passed, his resolve now evident as he stepped into the role of Grand Arch Magus. “We need to find a way to snuff out the fire as well. Mages more attuned to water magic should be able to help.”
“We need to split up.” I knew he wouldn’t be fond of the idea, but I hoped the dire status of our situation would push him tosee reason. “You should handle the Mages while I look for our friends. There’s no time to spare.”
Alandris took a moment to weigh his options. “You must stay safe.”
“I will. I promise.”
He pressed his forehead to mine and placed a kiss on the top of my head. “Go. Stay. Safe.”
He pulled back with a frown. I knew he hadn’t wanted to agree to this plan, even knowing it was the best option, so before he could second-guess his decision, I rushed off to the back side of the Consortium. No doubt—knowing my friends—they would have thrown themselves headfirst into danger, saving those at the far end of the castle, where the fire burned hottest.
“Kaz! Kaelias! Zorinna!” I shouted their names as I moved.
The heat was unbearable, and before long, a sheen of sweat was coating my skin. I wasn’t sure I could do much, but I attempted to smother some flames as I passed, wrapping them in shadow until they dissipated. It wasn’t a sustainable solution—I’d have to rely on Alandris for that.
As I moved to the south side of the castle, the air temperature dropped noticeably. To my surprise, most of the castle at this end was smoldering, but not actively burning. My attention was drawn to the center of the garden, now a sad pile of ash. There amongst the ruined plants stood Jyuri, an unmistakable redheaded Elf hoisted over his shoulder.
“Jyuri!” I shouted. “Is Zorinna okay?”
The look I received in response was enough to freeze the blood in my veins. “She’s unconscious. I am taking her somewhere safe.”
“Wait!” I held out my hands as if I stood a chance of stopping him in his fury. “Will you come back and help us? We need you.”
He laughed as though I’d made some ridiculous request. “She is my priority. Do not try to stop me from leaving. I will not show you mercy, not for this.”
I dropped my hands to my side. The look on his face made it clear there was no use in arguing. At least Zorinna would be safe with him, and I could focus my efforts on Kaz and Kaelias.
