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“This means we’re friends now, yes?” he says. “This calls for a celebration.”

Before I can protest, he plucks Ukar and me up and bursts into the sky, leaving our boat far, far behind.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Within the hour we reach Tai’yanan. In the very center of the island stands a silver palace, small in the distance. Sunlight spins off its spires in every direction, bathing everything—the villages and the farms, the forests, the coasts—in its radiance. What a fitting realm for Vanna to rule.

For once, I’m not worrying about my sister. Every time Hokzuh’s wings catch the wind, giving us a boost of speed, I whoop with delight. He laughs when I do, and barrel-rolls through a cloud to make the ride even more thrilling.

It’s exhilarating: soaring over the Kumala Sea, letting the breeze toss my hair as the birds gawk in surprise, leaving every fear and worry behind me. I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt so free, so happy. I don’t want it to end.

It has to end, Ukar slips into my thoughts. The snake’s wrapped around my neck, practically strangling me every time the dragon makes a dip. Or have you forgotten what Nakri told you?

My laugh dries up in my throat. Ukar, ever the killjoy—of course he was eavesdropping. We don’t have to become enemies, I say, as quietly as I can. I’ve thought about it. I’m going to tell him the truth.

Are you out of your mind?

He deserves to know.

He’ll kill her.

Not if we make a deal, I insist. A new deal. I need him, Ukar. I can’t defeat Angma on my own.

Ukar’s scales turn red to show his disapproval. It’s a mistake, Channi. An infatuation.

I am not infatuated.

That flush on your cheeks would suggest otherwise. And the speed of your heart.

That’s from flying.

Lies.

I want to throw up my hands in frustration. Is it so bad to want a friend? Is it so bad to not want to be alone?

No, Ukar admits. What is bad is letting those desires deprive you of reason. Be careful, Channi. There will be consequences.

I am careful.

I think of how Hokzuh rescued me from Angma, how he looked me in the eye and said, You’ve earned my respect, Lady Green Snake. My heart gives a twinge at the possibility that I might not be alone after all. That maybe there is some kindness left in the world—for me.

Ukar must think me a fool, and I can’t blame him. Yet he doesn’t understand what it’s like for me to have found Hokzuh. Ever since our duel on Sundau—when our minds touched for the first time—I’ve felt that our fates are inextricably tied.

With him, there’s a sense of total acceptance and belonging that I’ve never had before, even among the snakes. Even with Vanna.

In his eyes I am not someone different. I am like him. If there’s anyone I shouldn’t lie to, it’s him.

He trusts me, I tell Ukar, and I can trust him. You watch and see. I’ll show you.

Ukar doesn’t get to respond, because Hokzuh twists his head to glance at us.

“Everything all right?” he asks.

His attention makes me start. “Yes,” I lie quickly. “Just Ukar grumbling that he’s airsick.”

“Then I’ve got good news for him. We’re descending soon.”

“Already?”