CHAPTER 50 - Then Fly I Would
Stay close to him, whether he wishes it or not. Look for evidence of this conspiracy, but do not get caught. Whatever you do, protect him. And do not tell Claude until there is no choice.
But I had made no progress.
And spring had already arrived.
"Ahh! Starscale can't stay on that island forever!" I whined, tilting my head up at the night sky.
I was currently standing on a slanted roof near Malrik's room, the tiles cool beneath my bare feet. He had caught me once, peering at him from my favorite tower, and had forbidden me from spying again. So naturally, I simply changed rooftops.
I sighed, plopping down, the chiffon layers of my gown pooling around me like mist.
Then I pulled out the letter I had received this morning, reading it for the hundredth time.
It was not like her other letters. No words of warmth. No clever advice. Only a date and a place where she expected the Pyreen army to strike Thornmont.
She believed in me so fully... but I couldn't even convince Malrik to marry me, let alone secure an army...
A groan tore from my throat as I buried my face into my hands. I wasn't the smart sister. I was the pretty one. The charming one. The irresponsible one.
But clever?
Ha...
Raine had always joked that I shared a brain with my dragon.
And I couldn't even deny it!
I went still.
The voice was faint, carried by the wind, but unmistakable.
My heart raced as I slowly lifted my head. Another voice murmured in reply.
Quiet as a shadow, I crawled down the slanted roof, gripping the cold stone. I crossed a narrow ledge, the wind threatening to unbalance me, and crouched low on an archway. From here, I had a perfect view of the shadowed courtyard below, where Lord Azreen stood with one of the Pyreen warriors.
"The storm sword isn't being handed over," Azreen complained in a hushed tone. "And they seem to have increased security too. We've tried for months now. It's impossible."
The other man grunted.
"So we leave?"
"Yes," Azreen replied, irritation edging his voice. "It's best we cut our losses. This marriage was supposed to be an easy chance to steal the sword, but it's worthless now."
"Good. This island stinks of fish and rain."
"Hah. I can't argue with that," Azreen agreed.
My fingers dug into the tiles as I strained to hear the next words.
"And the prince?" the man asked.
A breeze passed by, tugging at my dark hair, and stirring the nearby trees.
Then Azreen replied, his voice cold as ice.
"He'll be dead before we return to Pyree."
I couldn't breathe.
My heart hammered so loud, I was sure they would hear it. Slowly, carefully, I crawled back up the roof, every muscle shaking.
The moment I found a window I jumped through and ran for all I was worth. Down the hallways, past startled servants, until I reached Malrik's door. I pounded on it with all my strength.
"Malrik! Open up! Please!"
The door cracked open, revealing the boy's usual scowl.
"What now?"
"I heard them again!" I gasped. "Azreen and one of your envoys! They said they're leaving! And they're going to kill you before they reach Pyree!"
Malrik rolled his bronze eyes.
"Not this again."
"It's true!" I pleaded, my voice breaking. "You have to believe me—"
"I told you to stop with your lies!" he snarled.
Then, with a sharp glare, he slammed the door in my face.
I stood there, stunned, my fists pressed against the wood.
He won't ever listen...
It's really over...
???
The next day, it was official. The Pyreen envoy announced at dinner that negotiations had failed, and they would be returning home at dawn.
I tried again and again to convince Malrik to stay, to believe me, to listen. But he wouldn't hear any of it. Even Claude tried to persuade the envoy, speaking with that commanding voice of hers, but their minds were set.
And I knew the real reason why.
The next morning, I stood at the cliffs and watched their vessel cut through the mist, the sails disappearing into the gray horizon. My tears wouldn't stop. They blurred everything. The sky, the sea, even the stone under my feet.
"We tried..." Claude said carefully, draping an arm around my shoulders. "It'll be alright. Raine always has a way..."
I shoved her away.
"She needed me! And I failed!" I shouted before storming off.
I ran to the eastern dock, grabbed a rowboat, and headed right for Gardclaw Nest. The waves clawed at the tiny vessel, the mist swallowing me whole. By the time I reached the small island, my arms burned and my throat was raw from crying.
I stumbled onto the rocky shore, running through the dense fog. Shapes moved in the mist. The dragons were stirring — massive shadows stretching their wings, blinking open their eyes. They were half awake, rising slowly from their winter slumber.
Then I saw him.
"Starscale!" My voice cracked as I wailed like a child.
The white-scaled dragon's head shot up. With a guttural chirp, he bounded toward me, wings flaring slightly as he lowered his massive neck. I threw myself against him, burying my face in his warm scales as sobs tore through me.
"I failed!" I cried, clutching his neck as if I could disappear into him. "Raine is expecting an army, and I failed her! I couldn't do it!"
Starscale nuzzled me, his deep rumble vibrating through my bones. Other dragons approached, their eyes curious and solemn as they gathered around me. I cried harder, surrounded by their towering forms, their warm breaths misting in the cool air.
I cried until there were no more tears left, only hiccups and a deep ache.
Then Mistfang appeared, stepping through the fog like a ghost. Her silver scales glimmered faintly under the weak sun. And when her gaze met mine, something inside me cracked all over again.
Would Raine die because I failed?
My heart pounded faster, harder, until it hurt.
If I were strong like Claude, I could have confronted Azreen and forced the truth from him. If I were smart like Raine, I could have outwitted them in their own trap.
But I was none of that.
I was only Skye.
All I knew was how to fly.
And then, through the storm inside me, the answer sparked.
Wild. Irresponsible. Crazy.
Everything I was.
If all I knew was how to fly, then fly I would.
Wiping the last of my tears, I turned to Starscale. He chirped eagerly, his wings twitching as if he already knew what I wanted.
A shaky smile stretched across my face.
"We're not done yet," I grinned.
The wind whipped at my hair as I scrambled onto my dragon's back, my pinkish-yellow gown fluttering wildly in the sea breeze. I tightened the straps on the saddle, checked the leather pouch, and breathed in deeply.
My heart was still pounding, but there was no hesitation left in me.
"Fly," I whispered.
Starscale rumbled, muscles rippling under my legs as he spread his iridescent wings. The first few beats were clumsy. He was still stiff from his long sleep after all. But soon, his strokes grew stronger. And with a powerful surge, we launched into the air, cutting through the mist.
Below us, the island shrank rapidly, fading into a tiny speck against the endless ocean. My heart thrashed like a leaf in the storm. I didn't even know if Malrik was still alive, but I had to take this chance. There was no other choice.
"Find the foreign ship," I urged, leaning low.
Starscale chirped his yes. His wings pumped harder, faster, slicing through the salty air with fierce determination. He was the smallest of the flock, yes, but also the fastest. And right now, speed was all that mattered.
We soared over the restless sea for what felt like forever. The horizon stretched endlessly, doubt gnawing at me.
What if we were too late?
What if we couldn't find them?
Then, finally, I saw it.
The Pyreen vessel cut through the waves ahead, its black sails stark against the pale sky.
My heart leapt.
"Stay out of sight," I whispered urgently.
Starscale tilted, climbing higher and higher until we disappeared into the clouds. His white scales shimmered against the mist, blending perfectly.
Certain we won't be seen, I reached for the worn leather pouch strapped to his saddle. My fingers dug through its contents — old maps, bits of dried food, a coil of rope, and a spyglass. Snapping it open, I pressed it to my eye.
The sight below made my blood run cold.
Malrik was sprawled on the deck, his hands and feet bound tightly. A heavy anchor was tied to the rope at his ankles. Azreen and the other Pyreen warriors surrounded him, their swords drawn, their faces hard.
"No..." I breathed.
I saw Malrik struggling, his bronze eyes blazing with fury despite his helplessness. They didn't care. They grabbed hold and began dragging him toward the edge of the ship.
A groan tore from my throat.
"If only he listened," I muttered bitterly, gripping the saddle.
This was it. Now or never.
I tightened my hold, my knuckles white against the leather.
"Take down everyone except the little rat," I hissed.
Starscale shrieked, a piercing cry that split the sky, then folded his wings.
We dove — plummeting like a falling star, the clouds tearing apart around us, the ship growing larger. I could feel Starscale charge up. The air sizzled around me, every hair on my body rising with the electric charge gathering in his throat.
"Strike!" I shouted over the roaring wind.
Just before we hit the deck, Starscale's maw opened wide and released a blinding bolt of lightning.
The crack split the sky as it slammed into the back of the ship.
Wood exploded into splinters, the vessel rocking violently under the impact.
Before the smoke cleared, Starscale's wings snapped wide, catching the air, and we soared back up into the clouds.
Below, the Pyreen soldiers staggered in panic. I saw them pointing, shouting. But they didn't know what to do against something like us.
I laughed victoriously while Starscale circled high, then tucked his wings again. Bracing for the attack, my teeth clenched while that tingling charge danced over my skin again.
"Strike!" I shouted again.
The second bolt hit the mast. It shattered with a deafening crack, the great sail tumbling down to crush several of the Pyreen men beneath its weight. They began screaming in terror. Some even leapt overboard as the ship tilted hard to one side.
"Again!" I urged.
Starscale roared, spiraling down one last time. The third strike ripped through the hull, splintering wood and sending shockwaves through the entire vessel. Water surged in as the ship groaned under its own weight, beginning to sink fast.
Most of the men had already abandoned ship by the time Starscale swept low, his claws finding a steady perch on the cracking deck.
I slid down from the saddle, static still crackling through my hair.
I flipped it over my shoulder, ignoring the electric shiver in my fingertips, and walked straight toward Malrik.
Other than being tied up, a gag was stuffed his mouth too. His golden-bronze eyes were wide, locked on me like I was something unreal.
A slow smirk spread across my lips as I planted a hand on my hip.
"I told you so," I said.
He made a muffled sound — louder, urgent. I frowned, turning my head just in time to see Azreen charging at me, sword raised high.
"What kind of monster was Drakfjord hiding!?" he spat.
"Monster?" I scoffed. "I'm looking at the only monster here."
He roared and swung at me, but Starscale's tail lashed with a crack, slamming into him and sending his body flying overboard. The dragon huffed, glaring at where the Pyreen man had disappeared.
"Good boy," I grinned.
Then the ship groaned, sinking faster.
I rushed to Malrik and dropped to my knees, fingers working quickly at the knots around his wrists. The moment they were loose, he tore the gag from his mouth, his breaths sharp and wild.
"What is that thing!?" he demanded, staring up at Starscale.
I sighed, giving the rope one final tug to free his hands completely.
"Malrik, this is Starscale, my best friend. Starscale, this is Malrik, my little rat."
He didn't even react to the nickname this time, too busy marveling at the dragon. His eyes darted over every detail — the white scales, the sleek body, the electric sparks still clinging to his wings. When I freed his legs, he stood slowly, never looking away from my dragon.
"You... you rode that thing?" he asked, his voice low with disbelief.
I smirked.
"I've been flying Starscale since I was four years old, Mister 'you have no talents'."
He blinked at me, still baffled.
"Why didn't you tell me you could do that?"
"It's my kingdom's secret..." I whispered. "Nobody can know."
Malrik's brows pulled together like something pained him
"Why did you save me?" he asked.
I sighed, rolling my eyes.
"Well, if a certain little kid just listened to me, it wouldn't have come to this."
"I..." He looked down. "Azreen was all I had..."
My scowl faded a little.
Then I sighed.
"Well, don't thank me just yet."
He glanced back up.
"What?"
"You now have two options, little Prince," I said. "Either you keep what you saw today secret for the rest of your life, and I'll take you to safety. Or..." I gestured at the sinking ship around us. "...you can stay here."
For a long moment, he just stared.
Then something hardened in his gaze, and he walked past me. He quickly retrieved his obsidian sword from one of the dead men, held it tightly, then turned back to me. Slowly, he knelt, displaying the sword on his palms like an offering.
"In Pyree," he said, eyes down, "when someone saves your life, your life belongs to them."
My brows rose.
The boy then lifted his head, his bronze eyes glowing against his dark skin.
"Princess Skye Stjorme... I, Prince Malrik Solfyr, belong to you. Whatever you command, I'll fulfill."
My heart raced so hard I thought it might burst.
But before I could answer, the ship jerked violently, and I nearly lost my footing.
"Uh, thank you but we must leave now!" I said.
With no time to waste, I helped Malrik climb onto Starscale's back, steadying him as the dragon shifted his weight on the cracked planks. The ship groaned under us, sinking lower into the sea with every passing second. Malrik's movements were stiff, cautious.
"Don't look so scared," I teased. "You can hold onto me if you want."
"I think I'll be fine—"
Starscale launched from the wreckage in one powerful leap, wings snapping open. The sudden pressure made Malrik lurch, and his arms wrapped tight around my waist.
I laughed triumphantly, wind ripping through my hair.
Once we leveled out, he shouted over the rush of air.
"Fly to Pyree's northern coast!" he said. "There's an army base nearby. The soldiers there are loyal to me."
"Alright!" I called back, patting Starscale's neck. "You hear that, boy? Northern coast!"
The dragon roared and beat his wings harder, the ocean glittering below.
We flew all day without rest. By the time the jagged outline of Pyree rose from the horizon, night had fallen, leaving only the pale light of the moon to guide us.
As we finally landed and dismounted, I glanced around nervously. Though it was dark, Pyree's land was clearly nothing like Drakfjord. No trees, no flowers. Only endless stretches of harsh, blackened rock.
Malrik slid down from the saddle and looked back at me, his expression one I've never seen before.
I shifted around awkwardly.
"H-How are you going to find your way?" I asked. "It's so dark."
He almost smirked.
"Pyreen people have perfect vision at night. I'll manage."
I nodded awkwardly.
"Must be nice to have..."
He stepped closer, meeting my eyes.
"You saved my life. Whatever you want, I'll grant it."
My heart jumped again.
"I need an alliance," I said. "Drakfjord needs Pyree's strength."
He didn't even think twice.
"Then you will have it."
Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived. I remembered Raine's letter and quickly pulled it from my bodice, my hands trembling as I held it out to him.
"There's... one more thing," I said. "My sister needs a Pyreen army to attack Thornmont at this time and place."
Malrik frowned as he unfolded the letter, scanning it under the moonlight. Then, after a long moment, he nodded and looked back at me.
"You'll have an army by then. I promise."
I could've cried at the words.
"Thank you!" I smiled, my eyes glistening. "Really, thank you..."
I turned to climb back onto Starscale, but the boy's hand suddenly shot out and grabbed my wrist. Before I could react, he bit down hard.
"Ah! What the—?!" I yelped, trying to yank my arm back, but his grip was iron.
Finally, he released me, and I stumbled back. I clutched my bleeding wrist in disbelief.
"What is your problem?!" I snapped.
His gaze stayed hardened.
"That mark proves we're engaged now," he said.
I paused.
"I won't see you for a while," he continued. "But when I'm done, I'll come fetch you."
My jaw went slack. I wanted to protest, to tell him this wasn't a permanent engagement. But I didn't want to ruin everything so soon.
"...Alright," I said quietly.
And with that, my fate was sealed.