Page 83 of Aviatrix

“I don’t know what to do,” I admit.

“We’ll figure it out,” he promises, but there’s no conviction behind the words.

“Why me?” I whisper. “Why did they reach out to me?” What did I do to put myself on their radar? What if finding the Legion doesn’t stop them, but it just finishes what they’ve already started? And VAL? “Why did VAL choose me?”

Eli doesn’t answer. Not at first. Instead, he steps close and cups my face in his hands. He tilts my chin up until I’m forced to meet his gaze.

I see a thousand memories in those green eyes, but he blinks them away.

“If I had to choose one person to save the day,” he says softly, “I’d pick you. Every single time.”

My throat burns as I try to swallow.

“I mean it,” he says. “You’re the best pilot we’ve got. I might be fast and precise, but you outfly me every time. That’s why VAL chose you. Not because you’re weak. Not because you’re lucky. Because you’re the most intimidating thing on this planet. And smart enough to never believe it.”

I manage a smile, even as tears sting the backs of my eyes. “We have to find the Legion.”

“We will,” he says.

“What if we can’t?”

He shrugs, resting his forehead against mine. “I don’t know yet, but I’ll figure it out.”

“Seriously, you guys!” Willa groans from the barn door, catching us mid-moment. I surprise myself with a laugh. Her timing couldn’t be worse, but I still find it endearing. “Aunt Lise is waiting!”

The heaviness doesn’t leave, but we laugh anyway. A breath later, we follow her toward the house.

The rain has passed and when I inhale, there’s something calming in the scent of wet earth and blooming flowers. The smell of peace after a storm.

“Oh,” Willa says suddenly, smacking her lips together. “Not sure if Eli mentioned it, but you’re going to church with us tomorrow, Kinley. House rule. All guests attend.”

I peer down at my blue slacks and sweaty top. “I… don’t exactly have church attire.”

Willa grins. “Aunt Lise said you can borrow a dress.”

“A dress?” I gasp.

Eli lets out a low, satisfied chuckle. “Quay doesn’t do dresses,” he chimes in.

“Good luck telling Aunt Lise that,” Willa tosses back.

Eli leans in and says quietly, “Can’t wait to see you in one.”

My heart flips as he jogs off to catch up with her.

Dammit.

NINETEEN

IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE DAY LEFT

The woman staring back at me in the mirror is unrecognizable. Long auburn hair tumbles over my shoulders, the ends curling around my elbows. Willa’s handiwork has left my lashes dusted with mascara and my cheeks tinted a soft, rosy pink. I’m wearing a yellow sundress that falls at my shins and a pair of white sandals that are just a little too big.

It’s been so long since I’ve done anything normal. Church. A concert. A backyard barbecue with family and friends.

That kind of life hasn’t been mine since Dad disappeared. I didn’t have time for normal. I was too busy surviving the extraordinary.

I take a sobering breath and reach for the bathroom door, then pad softly down the hall. But I stop short when I overhear Eli and Aunt Lise talking in the kitchen.