Page 153 of Prince of the Phantom Sky

“Because Davy Jones never died.” What the fuck. “He simply transformed into a beast to survive, until the day came that I could free him again.” Kora rounded on Erick, unable to understand. Another lie. He’d told her Davy had died. He didn’t meet her stare. “Davy knew what I was up to, and it was too late to stop Barron. He helped me see the light before the attack ten years ago. So . . . we hatched a new plan. One where he could return when we needed him.”

“He’s the kraken in the Black Abyss,” Kora whispered, everything she’d heard and learnt stitching together to form the wider picture. “You lied to me, again.”

Erick’s face twisted with pain. “I had to. This had to be a last resort. I promised Davy I’d make the world believe he was dead. A witch enchanted him. And only a witch can turn him back.”

“The kraken’s been trying to escape,” Aryn said, his voice quiet with disbelief.

“He’s done waiting,” Erick croaked. “I must fulfil my promise to him. It’s time to bring him back.”

Kora’s world tilted. She thought he was dead. Everyone convinced he’d perished in the previous war. And Erick had lied again, claiming he’d been unsure of Davy’s survival.

“I should kill you now for what you’ve done.” Zephyr sat back in his throne, and for the first time, his tone didn’t lash her eardrums.

“Only one person deserves that honour more than you,” Erick raised his chin. “Help me. Help me release our friend. We need Davy. We need everyone to defeat what Barron has turned into.”

Zephyr’s stare blanked, seemingly lost in thought. “We will be safe behind the Mist. You will both be taken to the Infernal Highland. I must repay nature’s demands, and then I’ll free Davy myself from your mess.”

“The Mist is fading!” Raiden shouted, exasperation consuming his face. “Cassidy warned us! Barron will be here any mo—”

BOOM.

The castle shook, golden chandeliers clinking as stone exploded, breaking through glass and skittering across the marbled floor. The filigree within the domed ceiling cracked, and Zephyr’s magic thrummed through the air as the marble floors rumbled, the purple rivulets darkening. Advisors screamed, flooding the room in a flurry of colour as the echoes of cannons rained down like the repeated whip of thunder.

Zephyr paled, his fists clenching. Raiden yelled, accusing his father of ignorance, whilst Skylar rushed from the room, barking orders to all the guards within the castle with her powers. Zephyr’s stare landed on Kora, promising death and pain.

“Too late,” Kora snapped.

67

Kora

Aerion’s organisation board finally came in handy as he hollered orders from the ballroom. Those who had time changed into battle leathers and armour, those who didn’t charged from the castle, down towards the city to defend it.

“Keep my brother alive.” Skylar grabbed Kora’s arm, her estoc sword sheathed at her side as she attached a round silver shield to her back. She’d hastily braided her hair, wild wisps of platinum flying around her, and she tested the wings of her flight suit. “Don’t separate. You’re stronger together. I see that now.”

Then she ran, a unit of mercenaries following in their armour that reminded Kora of the aurora lights above the Horrow Mountains. John and Circe briefly stopped by, their ire ignited as they followed Skylar. Her beloved Skytor leaders. Kora prayed Conan was safe within the castle.

Droves of soldiers lined the front of the castle, marching in uniform to the city. Skylar’s gift of projection meant she could organise masses of soldiers from a single whisper.

And meant she would lead the front.

There was no time. Aerion’s orders were swift and strong as he sent their army out.

“We need to set up a clear path for citizens to Skybell.” Aerion pointed to his map as another cannon boomed. There had to be dozens of ships to cause this much damage. Crystal pieces from chandeliers smashed onto floors, windows cracked, and chunks of opal and moonstone rained down outside.

“Take the forest route to the mountains,” Raiden replied, various swords and daggers smothering his body. “They’ll be safer away from the ocean. Use the walkways between trees to deter enemies.”

“I’ll guide them,” Zephyr appeared. Guilt lined his face, his aged skin hardening with each passing moment. “I won’t lose my people a second time.”

Everyone paused. “Sire, you need to be protected,” a lone guard spoke up.

“My arrogance has caused this. I was blind to believe the Mist could protect us forever. That our island was safer alone.” Zephyr inhaled sharply. “If the Mist has weakened, then it means I’m weakening. It’s finally time.”

Raiden jerked. “What are you saying?”

“He created the Mist,” Kora summarised, and Zephyr nodded, his stare flashing at her presence and insight. He may have admitted his ignorance and fault, but he still clearly hated her. “Barron said it came from within. I was never sure who.”

“What?” Aerion gasped, and Aryn’s lips curled as he folded his arms.