Let the Storm Break (Sky Fall #2)(10)

Both of those came from my bond to Audra—but I can’t exactly

say that. So I shrug and say, “I’m learning as fast as I can.” He frowns, like he’s not convinced that’s true. “Come on—still

a ways to go.”

“Seriously?” I’m not sure how much longer I can last. The sun is

sucking up what little energy I have.

But Os starts walking away, so unless I want to stay here alone,

I have to follow.

We hike across the desert toward some weird piles of rocks that

look like giant anthills. My shoes fill with sand and I keep scraping

my shins on the cacti—but none of that is as uncomfortable as the

stillness.

The air doesn’t move. It presses down on my shoulders like the

sky has turned heavy.

“That’s the pull of the Maelstrom,”Os explains as I rub my arms,

“a name that is not to be shared—with anyone. Do you understand?” “Why?”That’s the second time he’s talked about how secret this

place is, and it’s starting to creep me out.

Os looks up at the sky, his fingers tracing the lines of his scar.

“The Maelstrom is a place that shouldn’t have to exist. It emerged

from a necessity the average citizen cannot comprehend, and should

they learn of its existence it would shake them to their very core. As

king, it is your job to protect them from the shadows and secrets that

would rob them of what little security they have.”

Okay . . .

I would ask for an answer that doesn’t make Os sound like he’s

one Fruit Loop shy of a box—but honestly? I’m too tired to care. If

this Maelstrom has a place to sit and some shade, I’m game. The closer we get to the weird clumps of stones, the more

my head rattles from some sort of high-pitched scraping sound,

like a million angry math teachers dragging their chalk across

the blackboard at the same time. I thought it was coming from

the wind or the giant black birds lining all the rocks, which— by the way—do not make this place more inviting. But when we reach the base of one of the hills, there’s a narrow opening in the ground, and I realize the sand around the hole is moving. It swirls slowly downward, like a tornado has been sucked into the earth and kept right on spinning, and in the center is a walkway leading

into the darkness.

“Have I mentioned I’m not a fan of small spaces?” I shout over

the noise as Os starts to descend. He has to bend his knees so he

won’t hit his head.

“It’s not too late to decide to teach us Westerly instead,” he calls

over his shoulder.

I gotta admit, as I follow him underground I’m tempted to give in. Fresh air doesn’t exist down here. Only a hot, sticky mist that

feels too thick to swallow, like I’m trying to breathe inside someone else’s mouth. And even though the screeching sound dulls, it’s

replaced by a low rumble that makes my teeth chatter.

But the scariest part is feeling my connection to Audra fade.

The pain and pull of our bond lessens with every step and I have to

remind myself that she’s not actually slipping away. I’m the one cutting myself off from the winds.

I wonder if she can feel the change.

“So what exactly is the Maelstrom?” I ask, brushing my hand

along the slowly spinning wall. My fingers sink into the sand, leaving

tiny trails. I’d be tempted to write “Vane was here,” but I’m not sure

I want to leave my mark on this place.

“It’s a special vortex that can only be woven from hungry winds.

They consume any normal drafts that dare to come close, swallowing them into the earth and keeping this place completely sealed off

from the sky.”

“How do you make the wind hungry? Wave a cheeseburger in

front of it?”

Os spins around, his face all tight and twisted. “You dare to disrespect their sacrifice?”

“Whoa, easy, it was just a joke.”

“Altering the essence of the wind is not a joke, Vane. The wind

is our kin. It deserves respect and dignity. Exerting our dominance

over it is a last resort—a reluctant choice I made because there was

no other option.”

“Hey, relax, okay? I get it—it’s a big deal. I never meant that it

wasn’t.”

He bites his lip, like there’s something else he wants to say. But

he turns around without another word.

We walk in uncomfortable silence for a few steps. Then he mumbles, “I know you grew up without your heritage, and that you still

have much to learn. But you are our king, Vane. People will look to

you for guidance.” He turns to face me, grabbing my arm like my dad

does when he wants to make sure I’m listening. “You have to understand, our world has been ruined by Raiden—scattered and broken by

a tyrant who cares only for power. He’ll break and destroy anything to

serve his own agendas. And in this case, I’ve had no choice but to do

the same. But I—we—all of us—have chosen to put our faith in you