Page 155 of Prince of the Phantom Sky

“Weapon up as well,” Aerion replied. “His soldiers deflect magic. My barrier won’t hold them for long. Our best strategy is true combat.” Kora glanced at Raiden, sharp weapons glinting at every curve of muscle.

“We can use our magic to help civilians instead,” Kora said. “Before we reach the shore, we can transport them to Zephyr, then he can get them out.”

Boom. The castle rocked, dirt spraying up against the windows. They were getting closer.

“You all better survive this.” Aerion’s eyes welled as he looked at them individually.

Love consumed him as he cupped Aryn’s cheek, followed by patting Raiden’s shoulder. He nodded at Kora, before bowing slightly to Hector. The pirate lord’s eye widened, and he bowed in return, in respect. Raiden exhaled, clutching Kora’s hand as they all muttered their final prayers to the gods.

For Galen. For Devania.

“You need to stay here!” Kora begged Erick as he stormed from the castle, down the hill with the army. Their marching steps aligned, the vibrations of their pinkish-orange armour drowning out the screams of the city.

“I abandoned this land once. I won’t do it again.” Erick unsheathed a sword. “I owe my life to this cause.”

“You’re not strong enough,” she pleaded, keeping pace with him. “Where did you even get this armour?”

“I’m fine, don’t worry about me. This armour was mine from my time here,” Erick replied quickly. “Aryn found a box of my things hidden in an abandoned room.”

A small smile played with his lips as his fingers brushed the dark vambraces. His limp lessened, and the closer they advanced to the city, the harder his face became, his strength improving. He rubbed his chest, taking a deep breath.

“Please!” Kora yelled, grabbing his arm. Erick jerked at her strength as she hauled him off the descending path between a line of sugar pines. The sun was high in the sky, with a wave of dark, stormy clouds inbound from the north. “Don’t do this. I can’t lose you again!”

Erick paused. He’d tied back his hair, exposing his gaunt face. Death’s door was still near, and fear gripped her neck like a vice. An icy claw, burrowing its way to her spine, freezing her in place. He smiled gently, and lightly touched the ends of her hair.

“I love you, Kora.”

“Don’t,” her voice wobbled. “Do not say goodbye to me.”

“It’s not goodbye. It’s saying the things I should’ve always said.” Erick placed a kiss on her forehead, the touch searing her with warmth, her heart thudding at the affection. In their ten years, Erick had never once kissed her. “Once we get through this, find Davy. Get a witch who will help you, and head to the Black Abyss.”

“You’re my father,” Kora cried, her barely contained tears spilling. This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be happening. “You sound like you think you won’t survive.”

“If I do, then it would be a gods-blessed miracle.” Erick’s smile faded. “I could hear you when I was in that coma. Kora, you don’t need me to tell you what to do anymore. You don’t need me anymore. It breaks my heart, but I’m always going to be there for you. You’re already strong as you are. Remember everything I taught you.”

But . . . she did need him. If not for guidance, she needed Erick in her life. She needed his kind eyes, his warmth that broke through the days of bitter storms, and the numbness of heartbreak. She had collected so many shining lights, and Erick was one of the brightest. Even now, looking at him, he was a natural leader, a warrior, and a protector.

He was her father. And he’d shepherded her through her darkest days, the nights of gut-wrenching agony as she healed from her abduction. He’d listened to her woes, had soothed her after her nightmares. He’d clothed and fed her, had loved her in his own way.

“You mean what I taught you,” she bitterly laughed, recalling Skylar’s comments on her predictable moves.

“Part of me always hoped you would remember during your training,” Erick inhaled sharply. “I tried so hard to replicate anything I could. To trigger your memories, but I accepted a few years in that you were you, as you are now. And I didn’t want it to change. That I actually adored you and wanted to protect you.”

He embraced her, his arms surprisingly strong and tight after weeks in a coma, before releasing Kora. She inhaled the scent of home, of lemon and mint, of straw dummies and tarnished weapons.

Just like Galen, and Raiden, Erick was home.

“I’ll see you on the other side.”

68

Raiden

Smoke drifted from the blue-slatted roofs of Mistros City. Elegantly curved walls shattered, a sea of dust and debris coating the narrow streets. Children screamed, their cries raking Raiden’s ears as he guided them to the hill leading to Windspire Castle. Blood splattered their clothes, and his stomach twisted as mothers screeched names, their children missing in the rushing crowd.

“This way!” Kora yelled. “Your king is waiting for you!”

She raised her hand, light blooming from her fingertips, signalling through what remained of the Mist. Everyone ran, their footsteps pounding against the cobblestones. Some tripped, and Raiden flicked his hands, his magic propping them back up to avoid being trampled on. As they cleared through the western section, he motioned Kora to follow.