The Dark Calling (The Arcana Chronicles #5)(76)

On the widow’s walk, I stared down at the mindboggling scene. “Jack!” I shrieked, not expecting an answer.

Ships sloshed about, toys in a giant bathtub. The ocean liner had tipped over, its bow underwater and sinking fast. Enormous propellers crept round and round.

Much of the metal framework had crashed down.

Rain-soaked Jubileans gathered on this platform, murmurs carrying through the crowd. “They’re gone. They’re just gone.” “The Rift took out the entry ship.” “Anybody trapped in there is dead.”

All the workers had made it into the first ship and beyond, but then their sole way out had been turned upside down.

Like a reversed tableau.

One by one, Jubileans staggered off the platform, shaking their heads. No citizens mounted a rescue brigade—the crowds that were so quick to call for executions had fallen quiet—because nothing was left to be done.

From my chronicles, I knew that a past Empress had been able to see through her vines. Could I use them to locate Jack amidst that colossal snarl of wreckage? If so, how could I bring him back to the surface?

At my wits’ end, I screamed for Circe. No answer as usual. My claws dug into my palms as I fought the urge to pull out my hair.

What can I do? Jack, I can’t lose you again!

Mind racing, I scanned the surface. What could I do—?

I spied something out of the corner of my eye. A faint light flickered just above the waterline. I squinted against the foam and stinging rain. A helmet light?

My breath left me. “Jack!” He clung to a remnant of scaffolding.

An enormous wave rumbled along the trench, barreling down on him. If I didn’t get him out of its path, he’d be washed away forever.

I was transported right back to that night when I thought I saw him burned alive.

Can’t lose him again! Glyphs blazing, I slashed my claws over my forearm, bleeding vines. Uncaring that I might be seen, I commanded my soldiers to charge down the face of the trench. They spread like lightning bolts, forking out.

When they reached him, I perceived the vibration of his relieved yell. Coiling around him, my vines began returning him to me.

I sensed him bellow, “Go, Evie, faster!”

That wave raced toward him. In its grip was more lethal wreckage. He’d be crushed, drowned.

“No, no, no!” I clenched my fists. My vines responded in fits and jerks. Going to be so close. Why couldn’t I control my soldiers? They sputtered—even as that foaming wave crested . . . .

Panic drummed in my chest. Nothing mattered beyond this!

With a scream, I raised my bloody hands. “Obey me, soldiers, or pay!” They shot higher, as if in fear.

The wave roared by just below Jack’s feet!

I sagged against the railing, murmuring, “Bring him to me . . . .” Soon he was close enough for us to exchange a look.

His face was pale, but his eyes were intent on me. So incredibly brave.

Even over the tumult, I heard a gasp. I whipped my head around. The widow I’d met earlier stared at me, her eyes wide.

I said, “You can’t tell anyone about this.” A glance from her to Jack. He was only fifteen or so feet away. Almost to the railing.

Mouth ajar, she backed away, then sped down the platform steps. Shit!

I couldn’t worry about her right now. Jack was still in danger. Getting him topside was only the first step. I had to get him warm. Closer to me, closer . . .

Here. He hauled himself over the railing. Somehow I forced myself to release him from my protective vines.

“Peek?n?” He yanked me against his chest, his strong arms locking around me.

Against his coat, I cried, “You almost died!”

“You saved me.” He pressed a kiss atop my head, then drew back. “Come on, I’m taking you home. You got to be freezing out here with no jacket.”

“Me?” I felt nothing but adrenaline and the tingle of regeneration across my clawed arm. “What happened?” Though the horse might be out of the barn concerning my abilities, I commanded my vines to drop off into the deep. Sacrificed soldiers.

Jack helped me down the stairs. “I was on the scaffold, about to step onto the ship. I watched it break off right before my eyes. The steps above me collapsed.”

As we hurried through the town, people milled around in shock, like Baggers without prey.

“Christ.” Jack yanked off his helmet. “They’re all gone. An entire shift of workers. Dead.” Was he reliving the devastation of his army?

One thought was on repeat: Almost lost him again.

Almost lost him.

Almost lost him.

To keep from screaming, I bit my lip till it nearly bled. Finally home was in sight.

As soon as our tin can’s door closed behind us, I turned on him. “I told you not to go!” I burst into tears as I beat on his chest. “You’ll never go down in that cursed place again! Do you hear me, Jack? Never.”

“Stop it.” He grabbed my wrists. “Calme-toi! You got to keep yourself calm.”

Tears fell unchecked. “Screw calm! Do you understand what that was like? To see you clinging . . . and that wave coming. And if you knew what I went through last time . . .” Twist, tighten, constrict. “When I thought you died, I imagined a tourniquet around my heart because it was bleeding out!”