Page 95 of The Songs of Fate (War of Fate)

A warm smile grazed his lips.

Did Logan get my reference? Could he see I still needed him, even if things were too complicated for me to be with him?

My eyes went to Ales. I tried to put a brake on the Valkyrie inside me bursting at the seams.

Ales didn’t weight himself down. He only tightened the black armor around his torso and waist like Cri and Leo had. “It’s time. Since you desire the instructions again, Leo with Danny. Cri with Logan.” He looked at them. “Don’t break hands after you submerge yourselves. Upon entering the water, you will sense the call of the aether. It will pull you in. Don’t fight it. Since Cri and Leo understand the place we seek, allow them to guide you there. Focus on the images they share with you through the connection. The energy of the aether will take you where you desire. It is Her aether. It will have the same sense, the same draw, as Her.”

Ales turned to me. “You are with me. We go last. Once through the aether, draw the energy into you. It will destroy the pathway.”

I nodded.

My nightmares had been disorienting, and the drowning hadn’t been a choice. I had awoken into it. This time I was actively going to throw myself into darkness while trying to keep my Valkyrie under control. I had to protect earth, my world, from the Raiders and their creatures. I might not be a great Valkyrie, but I could be the bait. I hoped my aether, the draw of my light, was a tempting enough treat for them to follow and leave this world alone.

Leo and Danny went first. Leo dove into the water as graceful as a cannonball, and Danny jumped in feet first after him. Danny waved up at Logan. “See you on the other side.” Leo nodded to Danny, and they disappeared under the surface.

Keep Charlie alive. Control the light, contain the Valkyrie. Don’t puke on the hot warrior.

Ales leaned down to my ear. “You feel the charge, the energy. It’s thrilling, isn’t it?”

“Uh huh.” I gave him a fake smile.

It was eerily like my dream, except he had kissed me, and held me against his chest when he was this close.

The light inside me sizzled.

Logan and Cri dove in next. Logan looked up at me. His head bobbed in the water. He smiled at me and winked.

I waved. I should be going with you. Logan would have been much more comforting to have by my side than Ales, who was unnerving. I almost yelled out for Logan to come back, but then Cri grabbed Logan by the shoulder and yanked him beneath the surface.

Oh, frick… my turn.

My heart was going to stop before I ever had the chance to drown.

Ales squeezed my hand tightly. He had long bronzed fingertips, like a piano player, or for gripping a sword, I guessed. “You must destroy the portal of aether once we’re through.”

His body moved forward to jump off the deck when I pulled back. “Wait, how do I know how to get through it? What if I end up in the wrong place?”

Ales squeezed my hand tighter. “Don’t let go.”

“What if I can’t take in the aether and destroy the portal?”

“You can. Draw it to you, like you did my strength when you needed it.”

He moved to jump again, and I pulled back harder. “But what if I accidentally let go? My hand is slippery.”

Ales smiled like I had made a joke.

That wasn’t a joke. I have very sweaty palms right now!

“I’ve searched centuries for you. I promise, I won’t let you go.” Ales’ eyes pulsed with energy. His stare was too tempting.

The Valkyrie slipped free. His words were perfect. Better than any fantasy. My palms crackled. He must have felt the zap of energy between us, but he didn’t say a word. He only tightened his grip on my hand.

I nodded and took a moment to stare at the horizon. Was this the last time I would see this again?

Dad, I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I’m leaving you like Mom did.

I lifted the palm of my free hand to my lips and laid a kiss on the wooden rail of the boat, teetering with the waves.

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