Page 118 of Red Fury

My hands clench involuntarily in my lap. Saying goodbye to her was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Pretending I wasn’t affected by the whole thing was pure agony. Watching her walk away toward her gate was almost my undoing.

I had to clench my fists to keep from pulling her back. Had to bite my tongue to keep from calling out to her, from running after her. In the end, I’d been the one to walk away because I couldn’t take it. Couldn’t stand there and watch her go.

My heart feels heavy. I didn’t think it was possible to grow attached to someone so quickly.

I should be going through my speech for Steel right now. The king is expecting a full debrief about the mission, about what we discovered with the vampires, about Shadow and the intelligence we gathered. I have to be prepared to plead my case and to fight, and I’m not. Because, dammit, I can’t focus on anything except her.

The way she looked at me in those final moments. Her eyes. Her face. Her.

Fuck!

“Excuse me, Mr. Marsh?”

I look up to find the flight attendant has returned, that same polite smile in place.

“I’m sorry, but we’re experiencing a short delay,” she explains. “Are you sure I can’t get you something to drink? Maybe a small snack? The wait is going to be a little longer than expected.”

A delay. Perfect. More time to sit here and torture myself.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“I’m not completely sure,” she admits, her smile faltering slightly. “Something about an aircraft just ahead of us changing course and being rerouted.”

My whole body switches to high alert. “Which aircraft?”

“I don’t have any more information at this time,” she says, still smiling. “But it shouldn’t take too long. We’ll be in the air in no time.”

She starts to turn away, but I catch her arm. “Wait. Which aircraft was rerouted?”

“I really don’t know the specifics, Mr. Marsh. It’s nothing to be concerned about.”

Only, Iamconcerned.

She walks down the aisle to speak with the passenger at the back. I’m out of my seat in a heartbeat. A bad feeling is crawling up my spine. My dragon doesn’t like it either.

I make my way to the front, where the cockpit door stands open.

“Excuse the interruption,” I say, keeping my voice polite. “I was wondering if I could get more information about this delay?”

The captain glances up from his instruments. “Sorry about the inconvenience. We’re just waiting for clearance. There was an aircraft ahead of us that had to change course, and air traffic control is sorting out the logistics.”

“The rerouted aircraft,” I press, trying to keep the urgency out of my voice. “A friend of mine took off about ten minutes ago. Was it that flight? The one destined for Draig Island?”

The captain nods, consulting his notes. “Flight 447, yes. Highly irregular, but there must be an excellent reason for a rerouting like that.” He frowns. “There was something about an incident on board. It seemed serious at first, but then the captain cleared things up. They’re simply rerouting…that’s all.” He shrugs like it’s nothing.

My heart slams against my ribs. Something’s wrong.

Fuck! Fuck!

The captain puts up his hand and gestures to his headset. “Tower, this is November Seven Four Alpha, ready to copy.” I watch him listen intently, nodding before he adds, “Roger that, Tower. November Seven Four Alpha is cleared to push back and taxi to runway two-seven. We’ll contact ground control.”

When he finishes, he looks at me. “We’re cleared for takeoff. Please take your seat and buckle up.”

“Is there any chance we can reroute as well and follow that aircraft instead of going to Mistveil Island?”

The captain’s mouth falls open, and he stares at me like I’ve lost my mind. Then he clears his throat and shakes his head. “That’s not possible, sir. There would be far too much red tape involved. Besides, this flight has been chartered and paid for. I’d be fired if I did something that crazy.” His tone grows firmer. “Please take your seat and buckle your seatbelt.”

“I need to get off this plane,” I all but snarl. “My friend is on that flight, and I think she’s in trouble.”