Chapter 12
Chapter
Twelve
MEDUSA
The beating of wings and the calling of my friends woke me. It had only been a few weeks, but I was already accustomed to Cassandra’s softness beside me. Her place in the nest, with the softest wool and extra feathers, was alarmingly empty.
Crowlie landed on the chair I’d made her and looked at me, her eyes beady in the darkness.
How it had happened, I didn’t know. Not yet. But I would. For now, I just reached for my spear, taking to the skies.
The wind was fierce, but there was no lightning. I left my friends where it was warm and safe and dry. Every beat of my wings made the fury surge.
If they’d hurt her…
If they’d worried her…
The rage flooded my body and sent strength screaming through my limbs.
The ships were at dock, two of them. Lanterns bobbed.
Men were slinking up the stairs in twos, keeping to the shadows, huddling in the mists.
Scouts. The fury climbed higher. I paid them no mind.
They’d be found. One by one. I’d hunt them down, rip out their livers and toss the rest of them into the sea.
My friends would feast today.
Once Cassandra was free.
I circled lower. They’d have taken her. Ships had quarters below deck. My spear wouldn’t be good in close quarters. I flexed my empty hand. The rain was cold. Their blood wouldn’t be. Not for a little while yet.
The group of men stood on the deck, shaded lantern light more than enough for me to pick them out. The leader stood in the centre. The others formed around him like a clot around a wound.
And there she was. Cassandra. Tied. Tied. They’d tied her to their mast.
The darkness of night looked red. I arrowed down directly for them, the rage screeching and clawing in my chest. The strength in my muscles would’ve shattered my bones, if not for the curse that’d made me indestructible.
The man with the golden helm didn’t even see me coming.