Delphia runs a hand along the feather, an almost dreamlike expression crossing her face. “Pegasus are the greatest steeds to ever traverse the Vale. Their legs are more powerful than any horse, and they can fly higher than a gryphon. They have a fierce sense of justice and loyalty. Hurt one, and the herd will seek vengeance for their fallen.”
Nori says in her deadpan voice, “The myth says they’ve only ever been tamed by a nomadic group of Summer fae known as the Huntresses of Aura.”
“They’re not a myth!” Delphia says. “My mother’s mother was a Huntress. Wasn’t she, Day?”
“So Mom said.”
Delphia grabs my arm and yanks excitedly. “The Huntresses of Aura are fierce warriors, blessed by the Queen with boundless courage. They ride their winged horses across the realm, maintaining tranquility and balance in nature. They nurture all theflora and fauna. Legends say, hundreds of years ago, Summer fae began digging too deep into the Suadela Sands to try and compete with Spring’s mining. It hurt the animals living there, so the Huntresses destroyed the operation and, another time, a dam was built into the River Gami, and none of the fish could make it to the sea. The Huntresses destroyed the dam and flooded the surrounding area, creating huge oases. And—”
“Andthey haven’t been seen in hundreds of years,” Nori says blankly.
Dayton takes the feather from Delphia and sniffs it. He rubs off some of the red coloring, painting his own fingers. “Red clay. This came from the Ribs all right. Whether or not the Huntresses are a myth, the dangers of the Ribs are not.”
“What are the Ribs?” I ask, unable to stop my smile at Delphia’s excitement.
Ezryn takes a turn examining the feather. “The most northern part of Summer. It is a desert wasteland of red sand, huge gorges, and craggy cliffs. I’ve never been there myself. Not many fae have and lived to tell the tale.”
“Many years ago, explorers from Summer tried to build outposts up there to allow better access to Autumn,” Dayton explains. “But it’s inhospitable. The sands will steal your breath, the wind will slice you open, and if somehow you survive all that, the creatures living there will pick your bones clean.” He shakes his head. “Your feather is a nice keepsake, Del, but why are we talking about this?”
The wind seems to shift around Delphia, blowing her dark hair up in a halo around her face. “If anyone can help us take Hadria back, it’s them.”
Dayton sighs. “Come on. Say you found them, what then? They’re said to have never treated with the royal house, besides the Queen herself. They have always followed their own agenda.”
“This isn’t just noble houses bickering!” Delphia cries and shoots an arm out to the sea. The crashed airship bobs as an eerie skeleton in the distance. “Look at that! These things are unnatural. They’re hurting the ocean and all the people of Summer. I have the blood of the Huntresses, and I know they do what’s right.” She slaps her chest. “This isright.”
I can’t help but feel in awe of this little girl, barely a teenager, knowing her convictions so strongly. I was never sure of myself,never trusted what I believed in. Not until I came to Castletree, at least. But Delphia is like a tidal wave.
Dayton rubs his eyes. “What are you saying, Delphie?”
She sets her jaw. “I have to go find them.”
Nori steps up beside her. “Then I will accompany you. If these Huntresses are real, I shall be the first person in recent history to record it.”
Dayton lets out an exasperated groan and paces away. “Rosie and I can’t go with you. We must get to Hadria and beat Kairyn at his own game. It’s the only way to get back the Bow of Radiance.” He flashes a look at me. “Rosie’s our only shot of defeating him.”
“Is that a good idea?” Ezryn grabs my wrist. “If Kairyn’s running the games, then you know they’re rigged.”
“Well, we’ll just have to spring the trap,” I say.
“Even if that means running straight into it.” Dayton grins.
Delphia pulls out a rolled-up scroll from her back pocket and unfurls it to reveal a map. “We’re here in the Byzantar Isles. We’ll sail northeast. You can drop Nori and me off here, at the Caelum Outpost. It’s the last spot of civilization before the Ribs. We can make our way on foot from there.” She stares up at her brother determinedly. “Then you can captain my ship and take it to Hadria.”
“Del,” Dayton whispers. “I can’t let you do this. It’s too dangerous.”
She stares up at him, expression hard. “I’ve been leading Summer alone for twenty-five years. I am well-acquainted with danger.”
Even though I know fae age differently than humans, it’s still a wonder to me that Delphia is actually farolderthan me, even though she looks and seems like a teenager. It’s hard to wrap my head around how slowly the fae mature and how long this child has been left to rule …
Dayton paces away. “You can’t go alone. No way. What if you take this crew with you—”
“They’re sailors, not soldiers. Besides, you’ll need them to man the ship if you want to make it back to Hadria,” Delphia says.
“Then there’s no other choice. I’ll have to go with you,” he says.
Delphia places a hand on her brother’s face. It’s a surprisingly tender action. “You’re the only undefeated gladiator to ever fight within those sands. If the Golden Rose is going to have anychance of winning that helmed rat’s games, you’re the one who’s going to give it to her. Be strong, big brother. We must each travel our own paths to save our home.”
He puts his hand over hers, and tears shimmer in his eyes. His voice cracks as he says, “No, Del, I can’t let you do this by yourself. I can’t lose you, too.”
