Within a few moments, the crew has us sailing again, heading away from Dayton’s small ship. Dayton joins in the work naturally, and everyone around him brightens. Whispers of the High Prince of Summerfilter through the crew.
Soon, Dayton, Wrenley, Nori, and I find ourselves in the captain’s quarters, a map spread out on the desk before Delphia.
“We have to keep moving,” Nori says, index finger trailing across the map’s blue ocean. “Kairyn’s airships travel quickly and can see for great distances.”
“There’s a rumor the Huntresses of Aura took one down,” Delphia says.
“The Huntresses are a myth,” Nori responds in her dry monotone.
“No, they’re not! My grandmother was a Huntress.” Delphia glares. “Tell her, Day!”
“Indeed, she was. Right now, my priority must be returning to Castletree. I can’t summon any magic if I don’t,” Dayton says.
“I’d like to return to Castletree, as well,” I say. “It’s the first place my mates will look for me. We could use the other High Princes’ help.”
“But how will we get there? Going back to Hadria is out of the question,” Delphia says. “It’s Kairyn’s primary base in Summer and swarming with soldiers. Plus, the way from KeepSoltide is closed. It can only be opened by the High Prince, but there’s no way we could make it past all those guards.”
The token of Summer sits heavy in my pocket. I need to give it back to Dayton. But even now, it’s useless without his magic. “I can summon thorns to bring us back to Castletree, but I can’t do it in the ocean. I have to draw them from the earth.”
Delphie’s smile widens, and she gives a sidelong glance at Nori. “Then we make land.”
“Somewhere beyond the laws of Hadria,” Nori agrees.
A laugh bubbles from Dayton’s chest. “Never did I think I’d be going there with my little sister.”
“Where are we going?” I ask.
“To the Byzantar Isles.” Delphie moves the token of the ship across the map. “A hive of scoundrels, pirates, and outlaws. We’re heading to Corsa Tuga.”
CHAPTER 14
Rosalina
“Corsa Tuga!” Dayton exclaims as we step offThe Deathly Sky Dancerand onto the dock. “I’d tell you some stories of when I came here when I was younger, but I really don’t want you looking at me differently.”
I smack him in the chest. “I’m not sure there’s much that could surprise me now.”
He turns around, walking backward. “It’s only because I haven’t told you my best stories of the Byzantar Isles.”
A gust of salty breeze courses over us. It weaves through his hair, and, with the broad smile on his face, he’s never looked so beautiful. I stumble, and he quickly helps me regain my balance, throwing an arm around my shoulder and leaning down to whisper in my ear, “This story involves a mischievous parrot, a treasure map drawn on a napkin, and a daring escape aboard a makeshift raft made of rum barrels. One of which Farron was stuck inside.”
A laugh bubbles out of me, and I find myself leaning closer into his embrace. “I can’t believe you brought Farron here.”
“I brought Farron everywhere with me when he visited Summer. Though he complained, he always followed.”
“I think that smile of yours can compel people to do just about anything.”
Suddenly, that smile falters. He steps away from me before pulling his hood up. “Cover your face. We don’t want to draw too much attention here.”
I nod, following his instructions. We fitted ourselves with cloaks before disembarking the ship. It makes the heat even more relentless and beads of sweat cling to my brow.
“We’ve got some rooms at the Salty Kraken Tavern,” Delphia says, coming up behind us. “There’s an alley beside it. Might be a good place to grow your thorns.”
I nod and follow the group into the city. Beyond the docks, the town is alive with bustling markets. The breeze is thick with the scent of spices mingling with the briny sea air.
“It’s crowded here,” I whisper.
“Kairyn hasn’t expanded his reach to the Isles yet,” Wrenley says, coming up beside me, silent as a cat. “They’re small and difficult to navigate to as they’re left off of most standard maps.”
