It was a night I’ll remember forever.
The Prince of Thorns bows low and takes my hand, kissing it whisper-soft. Looking up through his lashes, he offers a curved grin. “Wish me luck, Princess. I’m off to save the world.”
Before I can respond, he moves to stands in front of Kel, Farron, and my father.
Their impending absence is a tangible ache in my chest. I want to sink to my knees and sob, but I force myself to be strong.
“Good luck,” I whisper, voice breaking. “I love you so much.”
My father smiles, Kel nods, Farron squeezes his eyes shut, and Caspian winks. Dark purple briars erupt from the ground, wrap around their bodies, and then they’re gone. Disappeared beneath the earth.
I nearly collapse to my knees, their absence like a gravity pulling me down. But instead, I squeeze my eyes tight, take a shaky breath, and stand straighter. They’re being strong for me, for my mother, for the sake of the realms. I have to be strong, too.
Dayton places a hand on my shoulder. “Ready, Rosalina?”
Wrenley has crept around the corner. I guess she didn’t care to be here for any of the goodbyes. Why would she? If anything,she’s been more distant and quieter than I’ve ever seen her since arriving at Castletree. Even now, there’s a shadow of grief in her eyes.
But she has her mate here with her. Dayton will look after her, as he’ll look after me in the arena. I stare up at his ocean eyes, the too-serious expression on his face. We’ll work together to get my bow back and save Hadria from Kairyn’s occupation. We’ll be like … business partners.
That’s better than losing him entirely, so I’ll take it.
“I’m ready. Get in close,” I say.
Wrenley stands on one side of me, and Dayton goes on the other. I take a deep breath and look around the hall. Castletree, my home.I won’t let you down, I promise. One day, all of us will be back here within these halls as we should be.
“Let’s find Delphia and get out to sea as soon as possible,” I say. Golden briars swirl up around us. I close my eyes and concentrate on Corsa Tuga: the salty scent of the sea, the colorful buildings, the many ships in the harbor—
We surge under the earth, my briars transporting us in a golden cocoon. I keep my focus on Corsa Tuga. The busy marketplace, the sunwashed dock—
“Cannon fire!” Dayton cries.
We emerge in an alley just off the main market strip. Dayton bowls into me and Wrenley, pushing us to the ground. I try to catch my breath, but shrapnel whooshes over us. My ears ring with the explosion.
A shadow crosses over me, and I blink up at the sky. It’s one of Kairyn’s airships.
The Byzantar Isles have been found.
CHAPTER 36
Rosalina
My heart explodes against my chest as we run. Dayton has one arm around me and the other around Wrenley, shouting orders. We duck under an awning as the rooftop above it bursts into rubble. Merchants and pirates alike rush past us, screaming.
“That ship’s going to take down the whole city,” Dayton yells.
I chance a look up. This airship is different to the one Kairyn transported me in, but clearly part of Spring’s fleet. Fashioned from obsidian wood, the hull glistens with a dark emerald polish. Strange sigils are etched along the planks, symbols I’ve never seen in the Vale or human world.
Rising high above the deck, the mast stands tall, the rigging appearing more like beams of emerald-green energy than rope. The black sails unfurl like the wings of a great bat, casting an eerie glow in the air. Soldiers and goblins patrol the deck, setting off cannons upon the city and firing green-fire arrows upon the buildings.
“We need to get to the harbor and find Delphia’s ship,” Dayton says. “Come on.” We dart down the main street, leaping over rubble and cracks in the cobblestone. My legs burn, and my lungs feel like they may give out, but I can’t stop.
Aboomerupts around us as a cannon demolishes the building across the street. Wrenley cries out, falling from the force of the explosion. I turn around and grab her arm, hoisting her up. “We can do this.”
She yanks her arm out of mine. “I know.”
“Don’t stop!” Dayton circles back, pushing us forward. “The harbor’s just ahead!”
The turquoise sea glitters as we crest the hill. The dock has been mostly decimated, wood splintered like shards of bone. Many ships flee across the horizon. Small green figures dart over the ruined dock and leap aboard vessels attempting to depart. Goblins, I realize.
