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Chapter 15

Tahlia

L ija let out another string of heavy fire. The crackling, curling flames licked over the decking and caught not one but two pirates’ clothing on fire. They screamed and leapt from the ship.

“Two more for you, Morvan!” Tahlia called up to the black-haired Fae riding a Heartsworn nearly as large as Ragewing.

Donan flew by and tipped two of his four wings. He scooped water and tossed it over the stern, the spot where Ragewing had seen the Unseelie take Fara just moments ago. Apparently, Fara had been climbing one of the masts. Tahlia had missed it in the smoke and the action. Lija veered north and came back around to blaze the bow again while Titus’s Spikeback, Ptol, let out four quick successions of flame aimed at the sails. Atticus’s Heartsworn joined Ragewing and Marius in encircling the ship with heavy fire—keeping the pirates from swimming to shore or the rocks farther out.

“Come on, Fara. Find a way out,” Tahlia said more to herself than anyone because there was no way for Fara to hear her.

Want me to drop you on deck? Lija asked. You could infiltrate the captain’s quarters and free her.

Yes, let’s do it.

Lija started back toward the stern of the bobbing, smoking ship. I’ll tell Ragewing.

When they flew low, Lija hissed. Ragewing says Marius ordered you to remain on my back.

Fine, then land on the stern. Bust through it with your talons. We are getting our Fara.

I like the way you think, rider.

But the Unseelie burst through the belowdecks opening and lifted a flat stone into the air. A pale mist scattered from his chest and covered the ship, pirates, flames, dragons—everything in sight. All was turned to white and everything went silent. A ringing sounded in Tahlia’s ears.

Ack! Rider, I have to leave. This noise…

Lija dashed away from the ship and toward the open sea, sounds of pain echoing through their telepathic connection.

Tahlia shook her head, attempting to stop her ears from ringing. The farther they got from the ship, the more the pain lessened.

Are you all right? Oh stones, Lija, your ears are bleeding!

I’m fine, Lija grunted. Let’s just get to our gathering spot.

Tahlia said more prayers for Fara as Lija flew quickly through the night toward the island Marius had selected.

We will get you back, Fara. Know that I’m not abandoning you .