“Congratulations to you all on another successful set of performances. This afternoon, you rest. Tonight, we celebrate.”
The crew cheered and whistled, and I peered through them to find Lukah standing chest puffed out and chin high, absorbing all of their excitement. My insides tightened at the sight of him.
“I’m heading to bed. Do you need me to take you to your room?” Adrena asked me.
“I’ll take her,” said Calix. “I need the distraction.”
Adrena rolled her eyes. “I’ll see you in the training room for the party.”
“Sweet dreams,” said Calix.
When I awoke that morning she’d given me a vial of the same purple liquid she’d offered to me twice every day since I arrived. I asked her what was in it, and she shrugged off my words, telling me she wasn’t sure, she just drank it. Yet, I’d never seen her ingest so much as a drop. Part of me wanted to push harder, but the blind trust I’d had in her dissipated with Blaze’s words, and when she turned to collect her things, I knelt beside my cot and poured the vial’s contents onto the grass floor.
Despite Blaze’s warning I couldn’t deny the elixir had helped with my travel sickness. Without it my stomach was queasy again now the ship was moving, and the cold of the sky crept back into my skin and bones, but I trusted Blaze. Every word he’d spoken was from his heart. Not to convince me to do what he wanted. Not like Lukah. Part of me still wanted to believe Adrena was oblivious to the true effects of the purple liquid, but her fondness for her master told me otherwise. A fog I hadn’t noticed in my mind had lifted since I’d woken, and I wondered what other effects the elixir had been having on me.
“You look like a plucked chicken,” said Calix. “Let’s get you out of this cold.”
“That sounds good. I’m freezing,” I told him as we made our way to a wooden door. “How was the guy you met at the party when you left?”
“He asked me to write him. I didn’t have the heart to tell him I wouldn’t.”
“Why won’t you write to him?” We stepped inside and warmth permeated my skin, making my sore muscles from days of hard work relax.
“Because it’s much easier for both of us if I make a clean break.” Calix led me through the ship, down a flight of stairs and along a corridor until we arrived at a door that looked like every other one along the timber hallway. “This is you.”
“Calix, do you drink the purple liquid Adrena’s been giving me?” I liked Calix, and although I knew I shouldn’t be drawing attention to the fact I was questioning Adrena’s motives, I needed to know if I could trust him.
His eyes darted from left to right then he pushed me into my room, closing the door behind him. “I did. But, I shouldn’t have.”
“What do you mean?” I pressed.
“I shouldn’t be telling you this, but you seem like a really nice girl and Blaze cares for you very much…”
“What is it?”
“The potion. That’s what it truly is. It smooths away your doubts and allows Lukah to work his magic on you,” he said. “His magical grip isn’t as strong when you’re questioning things and on alert.”
“If that’s true, then why are you all here? Why do you stay?”
“He owns us.” He shook his head and sat on the edge of the bed. “I was young and stupid. I thought I loved him. He made me feel so safe and warm and happy and when he invited me to be part of his crew, I signed the contract without reading it. The following day he stopped talking to me, stopped inviting me to dinner and flirting with me.” Sadness filled his eyes. “I was so stupid.”
I sat beside him and wrapped my arm around him. “You’re not stupid. If you’re stupid, I am. I gave up everything, my friends, my family, for a boy who didn’t love me back only to find out I didn’t truly love him either. Now I don’t think I’ll ever be able to return home.”
“Not if you sign the contract. That’s what he does, he lures you in, makes you feel special and then clouds your mind so you sign your soul over to him and he owns you.”
“Why does he want to own you all?” I asked.
“Because every soul he owns increases his magic.”
Anger coursed through my veins, along with hurt and betrayal. How could he do this to these people? Manipulate them and trap them. How could I have let him do the same to me?
“How did he get Blaze and Ember to sign?” I asked.
“He trapped Ember’s dragon. They’re rare, you see, and I think he believed it would give him more power, more magic. But a dragon can’t sign a contract, so he used the dragon and its connection to Ember to make her sign. And then Blaze had no choice. He wasn’t going to let his sister go without him. It’s all so messed up. The only people who seem happy with the arrangement are Adrena and Apollo. I don’t know what they got in return for his loyalty, but they’re just as manipulative as he is.”
“I know what they got in return,” I said. “Magic. He gave Adrena a little piece of his magic.”
His eyes widened for a moment. “I’m surprised he’d share it, but that makes sense. Adrena would throw her own sister overboard if it meant she could have magic or power of any kind.”
I wasn’t the biggest fan of Loretta, but it was horrible to think her own flesh and blood would betray her like that. Although, if my own mother could abandon me, maybe some people were born without the ability to bond with their family.
“We should’ve told you sooner, it’s just, Adrena wouldn’t let you out of her sight and I couldn’t risk it until I knew you wouldn’t tell her,” he said.
“Thank you for telling me. Now I need to find a way to get to my balloon and escape before he tries to make me sign his contract.”
“I’ll do what I can to help,” he said.
“Thank you Calix. But, I don’t want any of you to risk yourselves for me.” I’d already had the lives of an entire elven race in my hands. I couldn’t handle knowing Calix, Blaze or Ember had been punished because of me.
“I better go before people wonder what you’re doing locked away in a room with a boy who is very obviously not into girls.” He rose from the bed and tugged on the button of his shiny blue vest. “Want me to come get you for the celebration? Lukah would grow curious if you didn’t come.”
“I’d like that,” I said.
Calix left, closing the door behind him. My mind raced with all I’d learned but I still had no way of knowing where my balloon was being kept. The thought had a dull ache throbbing in my chest as though a rope were tied to my ribcage, tugged at by an invisible force… the balloon. There it was, the magical pull telling me it was time to leave. How long had it been trying to get through only to be met by the wall created by Lukah’s purple potion?
“I’m coming,” I whispered.
The party would be the perfect opportunity to find it. Everyone would be distracted and drinking ale. I’d rest, if my mind would let me, and I’d go to the party so people saw I was there before sneaking off and following the pull. I didn’t know what would come next, how I’d get my balloon out of the ship for one, but there was a confidence in the pull of magic that made me feel like everything would be okay.
Finding my bag still sitting at the foot of the single bed. It was a relief to be alone, to not be busy and be able to think. I searched through my bag to confirm the elixirs and Mother Earth’s crystal were still nestled inside, and I would try to sneak some food and fill my water skin before I looked for my balloon. Hope swelling in my chest I hugged my bag tight as I lay on my pillow. My limbs ached and my eyes were heavy from my time at Skycliff and despite my racing mind, I drifted off to sleep.
I wasn’t sure how long I slept, but a sharp knock at the door had my eyes springing open with fright. It took me a moment to take in my surroundings. Remembering I was on the flying ship, I sat up and spotted a folded piece of paper near the door. My heart hammered in my chest and I sprang out of bed to pick it up. Blaze had done as he’d said.
Unfolding it I found handwritten
words as I sat back on my bed:
Meet me on the quarterdeck in ten minutes.
It wasn’t signed, but I guessed he hadn’t wanted to risk someone seeing it and knowing who it was from. I rummage through the wooden cupboards and found a white dress with short sleeves, pulling it over my head and lacing it up at the breast before sliding on some boots and running my fingers through my long auburn hair that hung in waves over my shoulders. My plan was still to escape during the party, but at least I’d have the chance to say goodbye to him. Scrunching the letter into my bag, I opened the door and looked along the hallway to find it empty. I stepped out.
It was easy to get lost inside the belly of the ship, but I found a door that led to the deck outside and made my way to the back of the ship. No one in sight. The slither of moon barely shed any light on the wooden planks at my feet, and I didn’t stop to take in the beauty of the stars as I rushed to climb the ladder leading up to the quarterdeck.
When I reached the top, I caught sight of a silhouette, my heart skipping a beat as I thought of kissing Blaze again but stopping all together when the silhouette turned and I came to face to face with Lukah.
“Ahh, you got my message,” said Lukah. “I thought you weren’t coming.”
Swallowing hard, I managed a smile. “I had to change. Sorry to keep you waiting.”
He beckoned for me to join him by the handrail, looking out from the back of the ship, wisps of cloud in its wake.
“I hadn’t had a chance to speak with you alone since the morning you bathed in my chambers and with everyone celebrating downstairs I thought now would be the perfect time to… catch up.” Where before his childish grin and deep brown eyes had lured me in, I now struggled not to show my anger.
He moved closer to me, his hand resting on mine atop the railing.
I released a breath to calm myself. “What is it you wanted to speak about?”
He breathed out a laugh. “You did a wonderful job at Skycliff. I was hoping I might be able to convince you to continue travelling with us a little longer.”
“As much as I’ve enjoyed the experience.” I took my hand back. “As I told you, I have to continue with my journey.”
He eyed me over and my muscles softened and relaxed under his stare. But I was aware of it now, aware of the effect he had on me and the way he could manipulate me with his magic. That was what it had been the whole time, his magic making me betray my senses.
“Why don’t we enjoy the celebrations tonight and we can talk about the balloon tomorrow?” he suggested.
“Of course,” I said, despite wanting to yell at him that I knew what he was doing, knew how he’d tricked and manipulated his crew and was trying to do the same to me.
He stalked closer, placing a hand on either side of me against the railing, trapping me in place, his face inches from mine. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to do since I met you but we always seem to be interrupted.” There was a heat in his eyes that stilled my muscles and he leaned forward as though to kiss me before pulling back, eyebrows raised. “Have you been taking the purple elixir Adrena’s been giving you?”
I swallowed hard, but did my best to keep my expression soft. “Yes. Why?”
“You don’t look well, like air sickness might be affecting you.” His dark gaze didn’t leave mine.
Panic surged through my body, but I did my best to breathe normally and appear calm. “My stomach has been a little queasy since we launched.”
He removed his hands from the railing and fumbled in his coat pocket pulling out a vial. “Lucky for you I always keep some on hand. Maybe you just need a little booster to get used to the ship again?”
The magical pull in my chest tightened as though in warning and I rubbed at the spot to soothe it.
“Maybe I should just try to get used to the ship without it? I can’t imagine how much you’ve wasted on me since I arrived on board,” I said.
“It’s not a problem. We have plenty and I’d rather you feel well so you can celebrate tonight after you worked so hard. The crew have lots of wonderful things to say about you.” He rolled the vial around in his fingers before holding it out to me.
“It really is okay,” I said.
“Drink it.” He gritted his teeth.
He knew I was lying. I hadn’t had his potion and he could sense it.
The pull tightened and pain shot through my chest. “No.”
He hit the railing beside me, making me jump. His calm demeanour disappeared. “You will do as I say as all my crew does.” He pulled the stopper from the vial.
I shook my head. If I took the potion I wouldn’t be able to find the hot air balloon.
A whimper left my lips as he gripped my chin tight squeezing my jaw so hard my mouth opened, his fingers digging into my skin and bone as he poured the purple liquid into my mouth and forced my lips closed. “Swallow!”
He caressed a hand down my throat, making it tingle and warm and I swallowed against my will. The liquid slid down my throat and he released me taking a step back as I coughed and spluttered, rubbing at my cheeks. Lukah straightened his jacket and ran his hand through his onyx hair before plastering a charming smile across his face.
“There, that wasn’t so bad, was it? I didn’t mean to lose my temper, it’s just you didn’t want to help yourself and you mean a lot to me, Olivia. You must be able to tell I care for you very much.”
I could feel the potion smoothing over the roughness of my anger and hatred, and I fought to hold onto at least a kernel of it as the pull of the balloon’s magic dissolved, leaving me empty and doe eyed.
“Please forgive me for being such a brute. Sometimes I can’t control myself, especially around a beautiful girl like you.” He stepped closer again and my body relaxed against the railing, despite my mind yelling for me to move.
He leaned forward, his eyes closing as he moved to press his lips against mine.
“Lukah?” For the first time Loretta’s whiny voice made my body shake with relief.
Lukah whirled around. “What do you want, Loretta? I’m busy.”
“You told me to come and get you when it was time for toasts. I can tell them to wait.” I couldn’t see her from behind Lukah.
He let out a huff, stood up straight and ran his hand over his thick black hair before tugging his jacket straight. “Yes, I’ll come. Take Olivia to freshen up in her room and then bring her to celebrate with us.”
“If I have to,” groaned Loretta.
“I’ll see you soon and we’ll finish what we started.” He gave me a wink before leaving, as though he’d forgotten the way he’d gripped my face and forced me to drink the purple liquid.
“Are you okay?” Loretta’s words confused me as she held out a hand towards me with sympathy in her eyes. “Come, I’ll take you back to your room.”
21
Lucy
BILSTONE, AUSTRALIA
The bus pulled up at Suzan and Mike’s stop and I yawned as they climbed aboard, trying to ignore the tightness in my chest at the sight of Mike. Turning, I pretended not to notice their approach, keeping my gaze out the window and anywhere but on Mike. I’d stayed up late, lying in bed with Olivia, telling her all about our argument and the things Charity had said. Olivia helped settle my racing mind by telling me more about her adventure on the Flying Phoenix.
“Good morning, you still look half asleep.” Suzan slid into the bus seat beside me.
“Thanks. I slept like crap.” Part of me hoped Mike would hear and feel bad. “Are you feeling better?”
“Heaps better, it was just a twenty-four-hour thing.” Her energy still wasn’t as high as normal, but it was nice to have her back. I didn’t think I could do a bus ride to school with Mike a few seats behind me on my own. “How was touch training?”
“I didn’t stay for long. I didn’t feel well.”
She leaned closer to whisper. “Tilly told me what Charity said. What a jealous cow. I was all for her and Mike dating but for he
r to talk at you like that… she’s dead to me.”
Her loyalty made me feel a little better. “I want to forget all about it.”
“Did Mike stand up for you?” she asked.
I shook my head as the bus stopped and Tracey climbed aboard, looking to me, then back at her friends before sniggering.
Suzan rolled her eyes. “What’s her problem now?”
“I have no idea,” I replied.
“Hopefully Dylan can cheer you up at lunch,” she suggested.
The thought made my heart a little heavier. He’d messaged me the night before to ask how my training went… I’d lied, of course, not wanting Charity’s words to make him any more jealous than he already had been. And the fact was, it wasn’t just Mike’s revelations about Dylan having another girlfriend that had upset me. It was that Charity was speaking the truth. Yelling it for everyone to hear. And Mike hadn’t told her to stop or defended me in any way.
“Mike said Dylan has another girlfriend that goes to Tapinton High,” I told her.
“What? Since when?” Her eyebrows creased in the middle.
“Apparently they were together when we went to the party. Now I don’t know how to ask him if it’s true or not.”
She flopped back against the chair, shaking her head. “I don’t believe it. He’s so into you. You could send him a message.”
“No, I want to be able to see his reaction when I ask,” I said. “I’ll know if he’s telling me the truth or not.”
“I can’t believe Mike told you. Why wouldn’t he tell me so I could suss it out first instead of upsetting you over nothing? Then you had to deal with crazy Charity having a go at you... I’m never speaking to my brother again.”
Circus in the Clouds (The Balloonist Chronicles Book 3) Page 16