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Chapter 19

Marius

T he dragons flew low over the shoreline, watching, waiting.

Golden light highlighted ships near and far, magic gilding the pirates’ bodies.

Screams and shouts joined those of the Unseelie’s crew, and a pirate’s body washed ashore in Ragewing’s moon shadow.

Ragewing dropped down and landed beside the dead pirate, and Marius was quick to dismount. He stood over the body, the hairs on his arms rising and a cold wind whipping across his back. The pirate had a long, white beard, ice-white eyes, and fine clothing. He still wore his boots and had a sword at his belt. Hatred teemed through Marius like eels swam through his blood. He bent over to be sick on the sand.

Rider, do you need me? Ragewing said.

The other dragons hovered above, awaiting Marius’s command.

Marius held up a hand and spit to clear his mouth. No, I just need a moment. I…

“Brother,” a sweet, haunting voice said. Marius looked up to see his sister dressed in the clothing in which he’d last seen her. She remained young as if years hadn’t passed since her death.

His chest caved and he reached out a hand. “Bellona.” His eyes burned with unshed tears.

“This is the pirate who led those who killed me. The old chieftain has ended them all. Every pirate in every hideout. Each of those who did wrong to the people of the north and beyond. Lady Fara’s soul mate, the Unseelie named Teague, worked this magic. He is to be trusted.”

Marius’s heart felt like it was exploding and reforming over and over again. He looked up to Tahlia, who was wide-eyed. She nodded as if in encouragement and strength filled him again.

“Bellona, I am so sorry about what happened. If I could have done something differently, I would have. I would now.”

“Shh, Marius.” She smiled and though her eyes were nearly clear they still seemed to sparkle with life. “Death is not the end, but the beginning of life. All is well. Enjoy your time here. Learn. Grow. Savor. I will see you when you are ready.”

“I love you, sister. I miss you,” he said, his voice cracking.

Ragewing sent a wave of warmth and friendship through their connection.

“I love you, Marius. You are a beautiful soul,” Bellona said. She lifted her hand in farewell and disappeared in a flurry of golden stars.