Page 72 of A Sky of Storms
“Starfish!” I shouted, running down the stairs. “Starfish!”
“What?” she called, appearing at the bottom with wide eyes. “What’s wrong? Is it Victoria?”
“We need to organise a rescue mission,” I said as I came to stand before her. “They’ve taken the seal.”
“Who?”
“Noah! Ace and Kayden have taken Noah!” I gripped her upper arms. “They must have kidnapped him and taken him to Victoria. That’s the only rational explanation.”
“Um, I’m not so sure,” she replied, biting her lip, her body shaking with … fear? Yep. Definitely fear. “How could they have kidnapped Noah without us knowing? He would have put up a fight and someone would have heard.”
“Not if they knocked him out before he could,” I countered. “Starfish, take this seriously, he is in trouble.”
“I am taking it seriously,” she said, nodding. “I just don’t think it’s possible. And why would Vic—”
I put my finger over her lush lips. “Save your tears. I’m going to organise a search party.”
“For who?” another voice said.
I turned, dropping my finger from Fallon’s face to see Kendra standing behind me.
“Noah,” Fallon supplied, one brow raised.
“No need,” Kendra said. “He and the other two were just spotted walking towards the garrison. Should be here any minute.”
“They’re back?” Fallon asked, already making her way outside with me following close behind. Was that a hint of relief in her voice? I knew she’d been as worried as me.
The sun beat down with a vengeance and, sure enough, Noah, Ace, and Kayden were striding towards us, looking like they’d been making mud pies all morning. I stood at Fallon’s side, folding my arms over my chest as I waited. Looked like Noah wasn’t kidnapped after all and they had gone on an adventure without me.
With. Out. Me.
“Where have you three been?” Fallon called out as they got closer.
“Went for a morning stroll,” Kayden replied, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his jumpsuit and knocking the sword that was sheathed there. “Miss us?”
“Yes,” I replied sulkily under my breath. At the same time, Fallon asked if they’d gone to see Victoria.
Kayden’s lips tugged to one side as he looked me up and down. He made to step closer, but Fallon held out her hand, stopping him. He rolled his eyes. “Why would I go back there?”
“You tell me,” she said, planting her hands on her hips.
“Noah had business to deal with.” He shrugged. “If you’re pissed, talk to him. I’m just the muscle.”
I looked to Noah, but he kept his mouth shut. My slinky seal was keeping secrets.
“Before you ask, I have nothing to say and if I did, I wouldn’t be telling you,” Ace said, pushing past us, the dried blood on the side of his forehead making him look more menacing than usual. “Last I checked, you aren’t queen yet, so quit being a bossy princess.”
“Yet.”She smirked, then flipped her long hair in his face. “There are other people in this garrison. If your actions are putting them in jeopardy then we’re going to be a problem,” she replied. “I’m trying to keep us all safe.”
Ace’s chest rumbled. “No, you’re trying to control everything, but reality check, we aren’t your servants back in Stormcrest City so back the fuck off.”
Kayden snickered as Ace stormed into the garrison, frightening a Potential who’d been standing near the door. “He is not your biggest fan.”
“Feeling’s mutual,” Fallon grumbled. “Doesn’t change the fact that he can’t fly solo on a team. It’s a recipe for failure.”
“Fair point,” he replied with a huff then turned to me. “What’s the matter, Tadpole? You look like someone cracked your surfboard.” Kayden laughed, slapping me on the shoulder as he strode after Ace, leaving us alone with Noah.
“Tadpoles are freshies!” I called to his back. I’d have to sit him down for a lesson on aquatic creatures. I was getting second-hand embarrassment every time he mixed up his references.
