Reign of the Fallen (Reign of the Fallen #1)(100)
“You’re one to talk!” Meredy gives me another strange look, like she did earlier at the festival. “I tried to tell you, at the party. You were in such an odd mood, though, that in the end I thought it would be easier to say nothing.”
I think of the emerald pendant I almost left her, and nod. Then I frown as a ridiculous and unpleasant idea occurs.
“Were you following me? Is that why you’re here?”
Meredy draws herself up, her eyes flashing. She pulls out a tattered leather-bound book from inside her cloak and thrusts it at me. “This is why I’m here. And for your information, I came here straight after the party. You weren’t on board yet. Just so we’re clear on who’s following who.”
As I flip open the book, she adds, “That was my father’s. I kept it all these years because it’s the one thing my brother and I had in common.” She taps the open page. “These are all my father’s notes on Karthia’s provinces. His personal maps.” She flips toward the middle of the book, where the pages are blank except for a few water stains. “And these were waiting to be filled in by Elibeth or Evander—or me.”
Shaking, I lean harder against the rail, but that only makes me feel like I might fall overboard at any moment. I straighten. “Why now, though? Why this voyage?”
Meredy arches a brow. “I don’t know of any other ships leaving Karthian seas anytime soon, do you?” Retreating behind her mask of coolness, she adds, “Besides, it seemed the smartest thing to do, given . . . recent circumstances.” She pauses, narrowing her eyes at me. “Now. What are you doing here?”
I shake my head. “Believe it or not, the same as you.” When she frowns, I add, “I thought I’d fulfill Evander’s dreams since he’ll never have the chance.”
Meredy sighs. “Well, since we’re both here, we’ll just have to make the best of things, no?”
I watch her lips for a moment before I concede, “Sure, Master Crowther,” nudging her playfully.
A wave crashes against the shore we’re leaving behind. The only place I’ve ever known. I wonder when I’ll see it again, and what else will change before then. Already, Valoria has reopened the temples of Change and spoken with her advisors about starting a mage school. A place to help people understand their magic—its dangers and its gifts.
“You’ll find your way back here sooner than you think, Sparrow,” Meredy murmurs, as if sensing my thoughts.
I open my mouth to say I hope so, but the words won’t come out. Even if I did return soon, what would Jax, Simeon, and Danial say about my leaving? Worst of all is picturing the betrayal on Valoria’s face. I’m not sure I want to come back to Karthia soon, if ever. The only thing I’m sure I want right now is to be alone so I can clear my head, but that’s plainly not going to happen.
“Storm’s coming,” Kasmira says.
I glance over my shoulder. Behind us, our captain searches the dawn skies with her gray-eyed Sight, checking whether she’ll need to work her magic. “Hope you’re both ready for an interesting first day’s sailing.”
“Oh, it’s already interesting,” Meredy whispers, almost making me smile.
If I close my eyes, listening to the gulls’ cries and breathing the salt air, I can pretend for a moment that nothing’s changed. But when I open them, there’s a beautiful girl by my side with adventure in her eyes, and a new world shimmers on the horizon.
And at long last, I’m ready to greet it.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
So many brilliant people played a role in bringing Odessa’s story to life—and, in doing so, played an important role in mine as well:
First and foremost: Lucy Carson, the champion agent every author dreams of and deserves. The one who believes in me even when I don’t. I am beyond fortunate to benefit from your guidance, wit, and wisdom. I’d trust you to have my back in the dangerous Deadlands—even if neither of us knows how to wield a sword!
Equally vital to this story was Jessica Almon, editor extraordinaire and now wonderful friend. From the moment we first spoke on the phone, your love for Odessa and her world was so clear, I knew I had to work with you. The care that you put into editing with me gave me renewed confidence and joy in my writing, and I will forever be thankful for that. Thank you also for always staying true to my voice and vision as we worked to polish each scene.
Extra-big thanks to Julie Rosenberg for stepping in to help bring this story to publication and to continue the adventures in book two. Odessa and her friends are in excellent hands with you, and I’m so lucky and thrilled to have you on Team Reign!
My wonderful publicist, Elyse Marshall, and the rest of the fierce folks at Razorbill—Ben Schrank, Alex Sanchez, Casey McIntyre, and so many others: Thank you so much for all your hard work in making this book a reality, for truly making me feel like a valued member of the team, and for publishing lots of my favorite stories! Here’s to taking risks and making good art.
Many thanks to Toby and Pete, Maggie Edkins, and Kristin Boyle for creating and designing the book cover of my dreams. And thanks to Eric Ford for the beautiful interior!
Lenore Dukes, thank you for patiently spending so much time brainstorming and talking through the idea for Reign with me on the phone when it was in its fledgling stages; this story wouldn’t be the same without your thoughtful influence.