Page 42 of Heiress of Fire

Davina, Leilani, Caleb, and Cara sighed in relief once they passed the division line.

“I don’t know about you guys, but all that struggle against the wind made me hungry for some chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk,” Davina exasperated, leaning into Leilani’s shoulder as her legs trembled.

“Oh, you’re right,” Ron sighed.

“D, when are you going to make the cookies again?” Valerie asked.

“Yeah, it’s been a while since you made them for us,” Caleb complained.

Davina said, “I promise I’ll make them soon.”

“Everyone, gather around, I want us to promise something,” Beacon began as he put an arm around Valerie and Ron’s torso.

Ron wrapped an arm around Davina, Davina hugged Leilani, Leilani embraced Caleb, Caleb held onto Snow, Snow hugged Cara, and Cara embraced Valerie.

“I want us to promise each other that we are going to protect one another every day from this day forward. The King chose us as the Island Protectors, and we must work together as a team to bring victory to Bellatorm in this war. No more petty arguments. No more playing around. We are not children anymore,” Beacon proclaimed as he looked at each person in the chain they’d created. “Whether you’re the oldest, youngest, newest, or you have a long-time training. We are equals. We respect each other, we trust each other, we protect each other.”

Beacon should’ve been chosen as the Captain.

“I know I may not be the most ideal person to have been chosen as the Captain of this group, but I am sure of one thing, I believe in your power, whether activated or dormant. Magnar gifted us our abilities and each other, and I believe we can do this if we work together. No matter the end, until the end,” Davina said, eyes scanning each one of them.

She noticed how they were watching her intently as they nodded.

“Until the end.” Cara nodded.

“Until the end,” Caleb agreed.

“Until the end,” Ron, Valerie, Snow, and Leilani said in unison.

“Until the end, Captain,” Beacon noted with twinkling eyes and a sweet smile. That was probably the only sincere smile Beacon had ever given her. She couldn’t help but realize how much Beacon and Ron looked alike as he grinned.

They broke the chain and walked up the hill where Abigail stood.

Davina gulped as she recalled the rage that surged through her fingertips when she looked at the Master. As much as she hated having exploded that way, it was like she wasn’t in control. It was like her anger took control of her abilities. Was that how her parents felt whenever they started fighting?

“Why couldn’t you pick somewhere less unpleasant, Beacon?” Leilani complained as she rubbed her ear.

“You act like I wanted to risk my life by most likely jumping to my death and searching the darkness for my armor,” Beacon exasperated.

“It wasn’t that bad.” Ron shrugged.

“You know, I thought Caleb was being a baby but now that I’m out of that Forest, I think I can agree with him. I’m pretty sure the rest of us will probably be deaf for the next week,” Snow said.

Cara and Caleb nodded in agreement and held onto their earlobes.

“King Magnar sent word,” Abigail informed. “He said that the next to find their armor is Ron.”

“Me? I-I thought there was no order,” Ron stuttered.

Abigail shrugged. “Don’t ask me, I’m only the messenger for the King’s orders.”

Abigail turned and walked down the hill with her hands behind her back.

“Wait—” Davina began and jogged toward Master Abigail. Abigail turned. “I’m sorry for my reaction, I don’t know what took over me. I wasn’t thinking.”

“There will come a time when your anger will be of use, girl. Meanwhile, keep a tight leash on your emotions,” Abigail whispered before giving her a mischievous grin. Davina furrowed her brow. The Master walked off the hill and onto the pathway that led to the Bridge.

Caleb patted Ron on the back before following Abigail, giving him a goofy grin. Usually, Caleb’s grin was potent enough to cause anyone to smile, but not this time. Ron’s affliction was greater. Leilani, Snow, and Valerie walked past him with a slight nod.

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