The wind bit at my face as Valentina and I descended the narrow, winding path toward the docks. The air was sharp and cool, carrying with it the distinct, salty scent of the Cloudsea below, mingled with the faint aroma of distant fires. Evening lanterns flickered in the distance, casting soft golden pools of light that pulsed like a heartbeat, growing brighter as we drew closer. Valentina moved ahead of me, her dark hair bouncing as she skipped over uneven stones, always eager for the next thrill. I stayed a few paces behind her, my thoughts moving faster than my feet. She had this way of making everything seem simple, like the world outside these floating islands wasn't fraught with danger. I envied that. For Valentina, it was all adventure. For me, the weight of our responsibilities was an ever-present burden. Even now, the thrill of sneaking out- something I should have found exhilarating- only filled me with unease. But I couldn't let her see that. I had to stay composed, if only to keep her safe.
The docks loomed closer, bustling with the last remnants of the day's activity. Merchants were busy securing their wares, readying their airships for departure. The voices that rose into the air were low and gruff, tired from a long day of trading. A few ships hovered in the distance, their massive forms outlined by the soft glow of lanterns strung along the sides. I found myself watching them, imagining what lay beyond the Cloudsea, beyond the known lands. Part of me longed to see those places, to experience something beyond the routines of our life in Skyreach Citadel. But that longing was tempered by fear, by the heavy sense of duty instilled in me since birth. Father's voice echoed in my head, reminding me of my place, of the responsibilities that came with being the heir.
"Look at that,"
Valentina whispered, her voice vibrating with excitement as she pointed toward a group of merchants gathered around a fire. They were laughing, swapping stories, their animated gestures catching the flickering light. I followed her gaze, but my attention drifted beyond them, toward the darker parts of the docks. A shadow moved at the edge of the lantern light, slipping between the stacked crates and barrels. It wasn't one of the merchants, I was sure of it. My ears twitched, sharp and alert, honing in on the sound of murmured voices, low and hushed, like secrets carried on the wind. I squinted, trying to make out the figures more clearly, my stomach tightening with unease.
"You ever wonder what they're talking about?"
Valentina asked, her eyes gleaming as she leaned forward, her entire body buzzing with curiosity.
"Not really,"
I muttered, distracted. Something about that shadowy figure gnawed at me. I could feel it in my bones. I glanced back at Valentina, her bright red eyes alive with excitement. Of course she didn't notice. She never worried about these things the way I did. She darted ahead, slipping between the crates with ease, while I hesitated for just a moment longer. My instincts screamed at me to turn back, to drag her with me, but I followed instead, knowing I couldn't leave her alone down here. As we moved closer to the docks, the figure I'd seen earlier shifted into clearer view. Tall, broad-shouldered, with a familiar stance. My heart skipped a beat.
It was Alaric.
I stopped abruptly, grabbing Valentina's arm before she could go any further.
"Wait,"
I hissed, my eyes locked on our older brother. Valentina looked back at me, annoyance flashing in her eyes. "What?"
I nodded toward where Alaric stood, speaking in low, urgent tones with a group of cloaked men. They were positioned near the edge of the docks, partially hidden by shadows. Their cloaks shifted slightly in the breeze, revealing flashes of brown feathers beneath the fabric- birdfolk, possibly traders or mercenaries, though there was something more dangerous about them.
"What's he doing here?"
I whispered, pulling Valentina back behind a stack of crates, my pulse quickening. Alaric wasn't supposed to be here. This wasn't some casual stroll through the market. Whatever was happening here felt secretive, and wrong. Valentina peeked around the crates, her expression changing from annoyance to intrigue.
"What do you think they're talking about?"
"I don't know, but we should leave. Now."
My voice came out sharper than I intended. She rolled her eyes, her defiance rising as expected.
"Evander, you always do this. Alaric's probably just dealing with some trade agreements. You know how Father is about the merchants."
I shook my head, glancing again at the cloaked figures. There was something sinister in their stance, the way they moved, the way Alaric seemed tense, almost nervous. He was trying too hard to keep his face concealed. I had known Alaric my whole life, and he was never nervous. Not unless there was real danger.
"This isn't right,"
I muttered.
"He's hiding something."
Before Valentina could respond, Alaric turned, his gaze sweeping over the docks until it landed on us. His eyes widened for a split second, his posture stiffening as he recognized us. Then, his expression darkened, and he strode toward us, his footsteps heavy and deliberate. Did he hear us?
"Evander. Valentina,"
he said, his voice low and sharp.
"What in the name of the sun and moon are you doing here?"
I opened my mouth to speak, but Valentina beat me to it, crossing her arms defiantly. What an annoying little 5-years old she was.
"We could ask you the same thing. What are you doing down here with them?"
She tilted her head toward the cloaked figures, her tone accusatory. Alaric's jaw tightened, and for a moment, the firelight flickered off the hard lines of his face. He glanced back toward the group, who were watching us now, their faces shadowed but their eyes gleaming with a predatory edge. I felt a prickle of fear in my gut. They weren't just traders.
"None of your business,"
Alaric snapped, his voice low and cold.
"And you shouldn't be here."
Valentina lifted her chin, her eyes flashing.
"Neither should you."
Alaric's eyes narrowed dangerously, and for a moment, I thought he might lash out. His hand twitched toward the sword strapped to his hip, my muscles tightened, ready to step in, but he stopped himself. His gaze flicked between us, calculating. I could see the gears turning in his head, weighing his options. Then his expression shifted, and he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"If you say anything about this- anything at all towards Mother- I'll make sure Father knows you've been sneaking out. He won't be so lenient next time."
Towards Mother? Why her? If anyone should not know he was outside pass the moon raise- it would be Father. Not her. But that was not in my priority at this moment. My heart lurched. This wasn't the Alaric I knew. His threat was sharp, real. For a brief moment, I saw a crack in his perfect facade, something darker lurking beneath. But there was more to it than that- there was fear, too. Why was he so desperate to keep this secret from us? Or… from Mother?
Valentina, of course, didn't back down.
"And what about you? Father would be very interested to know who you've been meeting with."
Alaric's eyes flashed with anger, his hand flexing at his side. "You have no idea what you're getting into. Stay out of it."
I tugged on Valentina's arm, trying to pull her back. This wasn't a fight we could win, not here, not now.
"Let's go,"
I said quietly. For once, Valentina didn't argue. She shot Alaric one last glare before turning on her heel and following me away from the docks.
As we climbed back toward Skyreach Citadel, the wind howling softly around us, Valentina muttered under her breath,
"He's hiding something."
"I know,"
I whispered, my chest tight with unease.
"But we need to be careful. Alaric's not the same anymore."
She didn't argue this time. What a relief. Instead, we walked in silence, the weight of the night pressing down on us as the stars flickered faintly overhead.