Page 98 of Frost and Iron

“You’re here now, Azaleen. The trip to Aurora was a success. The AlgonCree ships and marines are on their way to support us. This is not your fault.”

A shriek. A splash. Then the world cracked open in a thunderous boom. When Lark glanced ahead again, she was staring down the barrel of the corvette’s cannons. They’d been fired on. Cupping her hands to her mouth, she yelled behind her, “Turn around! Do it now!”

Azaleen gripped the railing tighter, her horrified gaze locked on the battle. Rockets arced over fortress walls and the flotilla, missing, striking in equal measure. A new pillar of fire and smoke exploded within the citadel walls. An enemy patrol boat took a hit, flipping in the air and crashing to the surface in an angry crush.

A second rocket soared over theHalcyon, missing with room to spare. The battle raged hundreds of meters ahead, but the corvette’s guns had the range—if not yet the aim. Lark didn’t move, nor did she shuffle the queen below as the sailboat lurched, Pike pulling them in a tight about-face. This was the safest spot for them. Should a shell or rocket hit the vessel, Lark would know seconds beforehand and could cast both Azaleen and herself into the water. If trapped in the cabin, they wouldn’t stand a chance.

With nothing else left, Lark slid behind Azaleen and locked her arms around her, clutching the most precious cargo, as if sheer will could shield her. Pressing her cheek to Azaleen’s, she murmured, “I’ve got you. Everything’s going to be all right.”

Another explosion off starboard. Cannons boomed. Bells rang. The sting of burning powder assailed Lark’s nose, making the salt air bitter. The wind caught the sails, driving them north at a steady clip.

Without a tremor or a tear, Azaleen repeated, “I should have been here.”

Lark pulled her tighter, heart hammering. She didn’t dare say aloud what pressed in her chest:What if being here now costs you everything?