Chapter 44
Elora
Elora rowed until her arms ached and the island was nothing but a distant memory on the horizon, swallowed by the night. Only then did she allow herself to rest, the oars slipping from her tired hands as she leaned back in the dinghy, her chest heaving.
The ocean was calm, a merciful gift on a night like this, but anxiety gnawed at her. She didn’t really know where she was going. Tehvan had given her instructions. North to Ravenpoint. But she had no experience on the water. All she could do was hope she was traveling in the right direction.
Now that she was far enough away, she finally inspected the satchel Tehvan had packed for her. She didn’t have time earlier when she haphazardly shoved the recipe and ring in it, and now her curiosity had piqued.
A lump formed in her throat as she took in the sight of all her possessions, everything she thought she had lost when she became a ward.
Her journal of alchemy notes, everything she had learned while a student, was nestled safely against a few restricted books about different alchemy ingredients and recipes.
What really caught her attention was the worn leather pouch that held a very basic alchemy equipment kit. It wasn’t much, but all of this could help her survive.
At the very bottom was her tattered brown cloak. She draped it over her shoulders, blocking out the chilling winds of the ocean.
Clutching the satchel close to her chest, she looked up at the moon, its pale light bathing her in a silvery glow. She let herself believe she had really done it. She had escaped. A soft, incredulous laugh left her lips as she looked at the vast sky above.
I’m free.
Then a shadow passed over the moon, blotting out the light for just a moment. Her fingers curled around the side of the boat, ready to hold on if Thorn somehow had a new trick up his sleeve. But as the shadow swooped back into view, her breath caught in recognition.
A nightglider.
It was Viliam. His sleek, dark form soared above her, wings wide and strong, casting reflections on the water’s surface as he circled her boat. Thank the gods, he’s alright. He made it out.
She watched him, her heart swelling with gratitude. She wished he would swoop down, wrap his paws around her, and carry her to safety. Wouldn’t that be something?
She almost smiled at the thought, but she wasn’t sure if he was capable of that, or even if he wanted to. Besides, he had already repaid the debt he owed her. They had both escaped, thanks to each other.
She sighed, watching as Viliam circled her once more, his presence a silent reassurance. And then, with one final sweep, he veered off, gliding toward the distant horizon, leaving her behind.
She was truly alone now, adrift on the dark sea, with no one but herself to rely on. But as the night wore on, she let the quiet calm of the ocean wash over her, her thoughts settling.
She had escaped. She was free. And no matter how uncertain the journey ahead was, she knew one thing for certain: she would survive.