Page 147 of Duskbound

"They're looking for something," I whispered, but the words died in my throat as one of the men suddenly pointed behind us, shouting to his crew.

My stomach dropped as I turned. Tryggar stood on the cliff's edge, his silver form unmistakable against the storm-dark sky.

Fuck.

Options raced through my mind, each worse than the last. We couldn't run— they'd already seen Tryggar. And if these were Soleil's men... I didn't let the thought go any further. If they even got a glimpse of my Riftborne branding, I'm sure some sort oftorture would await us. But letting them return to Sídhe with news of us could destroy everything we'd planned.

"We need to make a move, Fia." Aether's voice was low, urgent. "It's your call."

I swallowed hard, tasting bile. "We take them out." The words felt like glass in my throat.

The crew had begun loading into the smaller boats when we moved. We shot across the water like living smoke, materializing on deck just as impenetrable darkness descended over the ship. Panicked shouts erupted around us.

I lunged toward a guard in Sídhe colors, shadows coiling around my fist—then I froze. Through the darkness, a flash of honey-blonde hair.

My heart stopped.

"Aether," I choked out. "Stop. Aether, stop!"

The darkness dissolved, and suddenly I was staring into aquamarine eyes I knew better than my own. Osta stood before me, terror morphing into shock as recognition dawned. Tears welled as she threw herself into my arms.

I couldn't move. Couldn't breathe. This couldn't be real. The last time I'd seen her, her eyes were wide with horror as a scream broke her throat. When they took me away from Emeraal. Now here she was, on a ship in Riftdremar, tears streaming down her neck. My Osta had always been sunshine and terrible jokes, not this trembling, broken thing.

Something cracked open inside me—a dam I'd built months ago, holding back every memory of her that hurt too much to face. Osta, who had been my sister in all but blood, both of us marked as Riftborne, both of us surviving on the edges of a society that never truly wanted us. We had found each other when we needed it most, two outcasts who turned their tiny flat into a sanctuary of laughter and warmth and safety.

I had dreamed of this moment so many times in my tower inRavenfell. Imagined all the things I would say, how I would explain everything. But now, holding her, feeling her shoulders shake with sobs against mine, words seemed impossible. How could I tell her that while she thought I was dead or worse, I had discovered the truth about our birthplace, about who I really was? That I had found answers to questions she'd whispered about late at night, wondering about our parents, about the war that made us orphans?

My Osta.The piece of my heart I'd left behind in Sídhe. She still smelled like vanilla and warmth, still felt like coming home. But we were both different now—changed by time and trauma and the weight of secrets I wasn't sure how to share–

"Well, that was almost quite the tragedy," a distantly familiar voice cut through my thoughts.

I pulled Osta behind me, looking up to find Lord Soleil watching us, Lady Soleil at his shoulder.Not the General. Not Baelor.Movement behind me drew my attention—Aether stood surrounded by guards, perfectly still, hands clasped behind his back. Though weapons were trained on him, his eyes remained fixed on me.

"Enough," Lord Soleil commanded. "Leave the man alone."

The instant the weapons lowered, Aether vanished, reappearing at my side like a shadow made flesh.

Rain pearled on the worn deck planks, each drop reflecting the sky above. The wood beneath my feet was smooth from years of boots and salt, dark patches showing where the sea had claimed its territory.

"What are you doing here?" I turned to Osta, but her wide eyes were fixed on Aether.

"Who's he?" she whispered, tears still tracking down her face.

"Osta, focus. What are you doing here?"

Her gaze slid to the Soleils, and something in her expression made me follow it.

Lady Soleil stepped forward, a gentle smile gracing her features. "I've been looking for you, Fia. Ever since you disappeared from Emeraal."

"Looking for me?" The words felt hollow in my throat. "What do you mean?"

Lord Soleil moved beside his wife. "That night, when we met, I realized immediately that you were not like us. Do you remember?"

The memory rushed back—his curious gaze, the weight of his words.I'm glad you're on our side.My heart skipped as understanding began to dawn. My eyes darted between the Soleils and Aether, who looked as confused as I felt.

"My wife, her focus allows her to see premonitions." Lord Soleil's voice carried a note of pride. "Sometimes they're just feelings, other times they're full-blown visions. She's an absolute marvel?—"

Lady Soleil stopped him with a look. "As I said, I've been looking for you since you disappeared. And yesterday, I felt your presence back in this realm."

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