26. Elianna

Chapter twenty-six

Elianna

The following day, we stood before the readied ship in Alaia’s most eastern cove. Nox flew high above us in the cloudless sky, circling the bustling docks below him as we all prepared to board for the journey ahead.

Jace parted from us, his footsteps echoing down the dock as he stalked forward with Leon and Gage. They greeted the crew members who had bravely volunteered to accompany us, reminding them where we were going and what was to come.

“You girls better keep your wits about you,” Lynelle said as she watched us all intently, acting fearful as if she was a mother to all of us.

My heart skipped a beat as the words left her, reminding me so much of what Lukas used to say to me anytime he sensed I was about to run straight into chaos.

“We’ll be fine, Mom.” Zaela placed her elbow on Lynelle’s shoulder, earning a scoff from her.

She threw up her hands in surrender. “Well, forgive me for being wary when you just returned to me, dearest daughter. ”

I huffed out a laugh at their interaction—it was so foreign to me. While I never had a mother of my own growing up, it wasn’t as if the queen was like this with her own children. Well, aside from Kai. It was such a stark contrast to what I was used to witnessing.

“I’m surprised we were able to get an entire crew to volunteer to sail with us,” I said as the wind blew off the sea.

“The true question would be, is bravery or stupidity what drives these men?” Veli said flatly from where she stood to my left.

“A bit of both,” Zaela answered with a grin.

“I don’t know how you walk in these so easily,” Avery huffed out as she approached us from behind. Leon had sent her into one of the shops near the docks to retrieve new clothing for the trip since she didn’t have much else aside from dresses and tunics.

“Pants?” Zae said with an arched brow.

“The leathers are gods-awful! And…stiff.”

I chuckled as I watched her waddle up to us, getting used to the feel of her new fighting leathers. “You get used to it.”

“Why do I not believe you?” Avery rolled her eyes.

“Those men are not taking these threats seriously,” Veli grumbled, bringing our attention back to the crew, who were now dispersing and making their way up the gangplank to board the ship.

Leon moved in our direction as I met Jace’s stare, giving us a nod of approval to approach.

“Do they truly know where we’re headed?” I asked him, as he halted before me .

He pressed his lips together firmly. “Not all believe in bedtime stories for children, Lia. They have been warned and are excited to sail to a land that they have never set foot.”

“Stupidity, then,” Veli hissed and then stalked toward the awaiting ship. Avery and Zaela moved to follow.

Leon blew out a breath as he observed her. “She seems fearful.”

“She does,” I answered.

“And you, Miss Lia?”

My brows furrowed as my stare remained on the sorceress. “I no longer fear any fae, man, or creature in my realm. I can’t afford to. They will take the knee to me, or they will be dealt with. A being of magic, or no.”

Nox let out an ear-shattering screech in the sky above, startling the general. “And is that why you bring the wyvern?” he asked curiously.

My gaze found his then. “I have experienced too many instances where failing to establish fallback plans has resulted in tragic outcomes for those I love.” His eyes softened, causing me to pause. “You will never find me in that situation again.”

The weight of those parting words settled into my heart as I took my first step toward the awaiting ship.

Sitting on the lip of the railing at the ship’s bow, I took in the sea's scent as it stung my nostrils with endless salt and tang. Footsteps sounded from behind me, but I didn’t need to turn to know who it was.

“I believe the last time I was on a ship with you, I declared that I never wanted to be in such a situation again,” Jace teased as he placed his hand atop mine, where it rested on the railing.

I grinned as I faced him. “You had a great time.”

He barked out a loud laugh, earning one from me in return. “If you see a darkened sky ahead, be sure to warn me this time.”

“No promises.” I winked.

We both turned to face the deck, where the crew was hard at work. “They’ve been keeping to themselves,” I observed.

“Yes, well, they are very curious as to where we are truly headed. No mortal has ever set foot upon the sand that awaits in The Elora Isles.”

“They do know they’re staying on the ship, right?” I raised a brow.

He turned to me. “We’ve told them many times, but I believe they’re just excited to leave Alaia and not be en route to battle.”

I sighed. “That won’t be the case for long.”

“They know, my Lia.”

I gave him a soft smile as I leapt down from the railing. We stalked across the ship's deck, passing every crew member who was hard at work. When Jace was called away by a deckhand, I continued my waltz forward.

My steps halted as I came across Veli, who stood perfectly motionless at the stern. Her gaze fixed on the sea as if she could still view the land we left behind hours prior .

I warily approached her. “Veli?” I whispered.

“The men that sail this ship have been given specific instructions on where to sail. They are to follow the—”

“Northernmost star,” I finished for her. “We know…is everything alright?”

“This is a mistake, Elianna.”

“Not if we win the war.”

She scoffed. “At what cost? They will not side with you easily just because you carry the blood of the Valderre line.”

A loud, whooshing sound echoed through the sea air as the sun began to set on the horizon. Our chins lifted to the sky as Nox continued to circle above.

“I am willing to bargain,” I answered as my gaze followed the wyvern.

Her violet stare snapped to me. “A fool's bargain.”

“You don’t even know what I would plan to barter.”

“Anything is too great. Do not be reckless enough to believe that the Elora Coven would abide by your rules just because you plan to wear the realm’s crown atop your head. They are notorious for their defiance.”

“And that is why you ran?”

Her eyes narrowed in on me as her talon-like nails dug into the wood of the ship’s rail. “You know nothing .”

“Because you won’t speak of it,” I challenged sternly, the words funneling through my teeth as I tried to hold back my anger.

She turned from me—her gaze now fixated back on the waves. “You will know soon enough. ”

Before I moved to shove the witch overboard, I decided that turning back around and finding Jace would be the wiser choice.