Page 30 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

So many Kinless children in Verdanthia live lives similar to Nial and his sister. It’s criminal. No child should be subjected to poverty. Especially not in Port City where evidence of wealth gleams in every shining window and polished street lantern.

“Let’s go.” Rian’s voice breaks through my depressing thoughts.

When I look back, he’s already walking away.

I have no choice but to follow.

The docks stretch before us. Rian strides down one that leads to two ships. One is small, barely taller than the one-story shacks that sit at the southern edge of Verdanthia. The other is three times that height and just as long. The wooden vessel sports three masts with each sail wrapped up with dark-brown rope.

Seagulls squawk and soar above. I shield my eyes against the bright sun and marvel at the large ship. I’ve seen drawings of ships but never imagined how small I’d feel next to one.

What adventures has the vessel taken? What waters has it sailed through?

Silas stands at the ship's railing, speaking with one of the sailors whose long, brown ponytail whips in the breeze.

“Elara?” Jaxon calls.

I lower my gaze. He’s the only male remaining on the dock. The others are already walking up the gangplank of the larger ship.

He extends his hand. “Let me carry your things while you climb on board.”

I grip the satchel’s straps tighter and look down. The sea’s rhythm turns my stomach, every crash of water against the dock echoing in my ears.

The last thing I want to do is fall.

With a dip of my head, I walk over and hand him my bags and wrapped gowns.

Jaxon motions for me to go first.

I take a deep breath and step onto the inclined surface. My stomach drops the moment my second boot lands. I freeze.

The plank isn’t shifting, but the sight and sound of the water below messes with my head, disorienting me. I’m one wrong step away from pitching over the side and plummeting into the water.

“Elara?” Jaxon prompts from behind. “Are you all right?”

No.

“Yeah…” I clear my throat. “Just…give me a moment.”

He doesn’t say anything else.

I try to focus. Sailors call orders to each other, preparing for departure. Seagulls continue to soar overhead. The sun has broken through the clouds, warming the top of my head.

I need to move.

Come on, Elara. You can do this…

But it’s more than the fear of falling that has me rooted in place.

The moment I step onto the ship, I will officially be leaving my homeland behind. I will be traveling to Gods know where with the Fae who are holding me captive until I can fulfill my end of the second bargain I was manipulated into making.

The markings on my arm bristle.

Magic stirs in my chest.

I take another breath.

I don’t have a choice. I can face my unknown future with my head held high, or I can succumb to my emotions under the watchful eye of Rian, whose stare bores into me from the ship above.