Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 91891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
A noise interrupted us, and it didn’t come from the ridiculous toy. We both swung our attention to the cavern’s entrance, bracing for another fight.
A flock of squawking rainbow birds scattered, and I scowled. Interrupted our delectable teasing and world-rocking admissions on purpose, or heading off to tattle to Ian? Both?
In perfect unison, Skyprancer and Starflight landed on the platform and tucked their wings into their sides. They shook their beautiful manes and neighed, projecting satisfaction in a job well done.
Delight overshadowed my disappointment and irritation. “Hello, ladies,” I greeted, gliding forward.
As I nuzzled each mythological equine, offering sweet coos, Jasher approached Skyprancer and unlatched an overstuffed satchel hooked to her saddle. He plucked a note from inside the bag and read it aloud. “To my beloved sister, Moriah. The monstra come. Best to leave your little love shack while you can. May you live this life as you have so often died. Boldly, without fear, and in the arms of your beloved. Elowen.”
I buzzed with curiosity as Jasher removed fabric from the satchel and shook it out, revealing a nearly transparent gown. He held it up and eyed me with half sardonic, half adoring amusement. “She sent a gift for us both.”
My stomach and heart traded places. The gown. The one I wore in my vision, when Jasher turned against me. The sheer green beauty as delicate as the clouds, similar to Andrea’s and spun from gossamer silk that shimmered like starlight. In person, I noted the details I’d missed inside my head. Tiny emerald flecks traced a bodice embroidered with waves, winding down to a waist cinched with a ribbon of silver thread. The sleeves, transparent and trailing, were edged in lace so fine it resembled frost, and the hem resembled moss. I fell in love instantly.
I brushed my fingers through its otherworldly softness, wanting desperately to don it. Ugh. No.
I stuffed the gown back inside the bag, then tossed it into a far corner of the cavern. “Let’s leave it here with Kevin. I’ve seen it before, in a nightmare of a vision.”
Jasher appeared concerned, but he didn’t ask me to elaborate. “Very well.” He helped me mount Starflight. Rather than fly on his own, he mounted Skyprancer.
Seconds later, we were galloping from the cave and airborne. Rain-scented air whipped through my hair. As every time before, I relished the freedom found only in the skies. No sign of the monstra behind us, but wow, look at that rainbow. So close. It displayed seven vibrant colors. As red as Elowen. A purple the same hue as Emma’s eyes.
The pegacorns soared straight through it, and I gasped. Radiant warmth swept over me, making me feel as if I’d bathed from the inside out. Even my clothes shimmered anew, every stain and smudge erased.
Grinning, I peered over at Jasher. A slightly bemused smile curved his lips as he observed me.
A piercing roar shattered the sweet simplicity of the moment.
Tension slowed the pegacorns. I threw a glance over my shoulder and stiffened. An entire horde of monstra arrowed our way, coming in hot and fast, death shining in their eyes.
“This is going to suck,” I muttered.
A stream of fire shot through the space between the pegacorns. The sisters reared apart. Flames kissed my leg, and a pained cry parted my lips. The burn proved insidious, leaking fire directly into my cells.
“Go, go, go,” Jasher commanded the pegacorns, and the sisters galloped across the clouds at a swifter clip. “We’ll fix you when we land.”
“Ten-four.” Sweat trickled from my temples. I’d been scorched by monstra flames before, and emerged unscathed. Why the injury now? Had they tampered with their fire? Or must I wear the golden armor connected to the ring I could no longer access?
The monstra gained on us, spewing new streams, hitting Skyprancer. She screamed but continued to maneuver through the clouds. Spotting her wound, I almost vomited. Burns littered one side of her body, her wing featherless. The only reason she remained in the sky was Jasher.
He’d shifted, becoming fully monstra. Bigger, every inch scaled. He used his wings in place of the pegacorn’s decimated one.
Engulfed by a haze of smoke, Starflight lost sight of her sister and panicked.
Fighting my own frenzy, I took control of her reins and steered her in the right direction. “Easy girl, you’re okay, you’re okay.” I urged her to calm and continue toward her sister. Almost together again…so close…
When the two were side by side at last, both the pegacorns struggling, they glanced at one another. Ears flicked. Wings shivering. They shifted their weight, hooves scraping air, heads dipping in mirrored motions, as if finishing a conversation I couldn’t hear.
A knot formed in my chest. “What’s happening?”
Jasher could only roar.
The pegacorns brushed their muzzles together, a brief, tender touch. Then, as one, they turned away—and swung back hard. Horn met horn.