Page 316 of My Dark Desire (Dark Prince Road)

I swung forward, grunting as my stomach dug into the desk.

The flight attendant rushed to my side and double-checked my seatbelt, yanking hard on the loop. Another violent shake sent her flying into the chair across from me.

She dragged herself into a sitting position, fighting every cruel jolt.

“Keep your seatbelt on, Mr. Sun.”

No shit.

I flipped the window up, staring into the abyss. White confetti swept by in a blizzard of alabaster and gray.

Midway into our descent, the snow transformed into rain. Heavy drops smashed against the glass.

“Is it always like this?” The stewardess white-knuckled her armrest, dropping her head back. “I’m only three months into this job. This is my first storm.”

I ignored her, fighting to keep upright as the plane tossed us round and round like a blender. The co-pilot’s tablet tumbled from the table to the carpet, triggering its playlist. “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles.

A vicious lurch slammed my head into the wall. The song switched. “Bookends” by Simon & Garfunkel.

The same song playing when Dad died.

Suddenly, I couldn’t hear my own thoughts.

Cars honking.

Rain pouring.

The sword and octopus on the window.

Another sharp jounce.

The pendant.

I flew up in my seat, landing back down with a thump.

Souls are priceless, Zach. Try to protect yours any way you can.

I tucked my chin into my chest, battling the turbulence. “I’m trying, Dad.”

One day, you’ll learn to appreciate beautiful things.

“I did, Dad. Her name is Farrow.”

More honks.

Star-crossed lovers.

A horn.

I’d finally learned to appreciate beautiful things, and I would die in the air before I ever got to see her again.

Dad’s wide eyes.

His torso colliding with mine.

Drip, drip, drip.

The plane dropped quick, slicing through rain.

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