Clockwork Heart: The Moonlight Saga 3

By Kiana Sikora

All Dante has known his entire life has been a strict training schedule, and he’s never really known why he was doing it. But all that changes one day when he learns that he has a grand destiny planned out for him, and all his training has been preparing him for it.

His first instinct is to reject such a crazy idea. Why should he be forced into a life he never chose? But when something unexpected draws him from the safety of his home, he finds himself thrown into a perilous journey with no choice but to keep moving forward.

The path ahead is dangerous, and will take him to places he never knew existed. Will he have the strength to face his destiny, or will he fail when it matters most? No matter what, he must answer the call.

The clock is ticking, and time is running out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Sep 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9781471064029

Book preview

Prologue

A single lightning bolt tears the night sky, ripping down from storm clouds that have yet to drop their heavy load of rain. As the low rumble of thunder echoes in the still air, the first drops begin to fall. Within seconds, the world is being drenched in torrential rains.

An angry yell echoes through a seemingly empty forest. The slight shimmer in the air is the only thing to betray the fact that a large castle is concealed by a magic shroud here. The voice shrieks again, followed by a loud crash as a table in the highest tower is thrown against a wall.

How? a tall man growls to himself, his long robes swishing quietly as he paces from one side of the tower to the other. How could both of my dragons have been defeated? My beautiful tools of destruction, gone. His step gets more agitated still, and he whips a wand from inside one of his huge sleeves, slashing it at the wall. Stones cascade down from the tower as a large hole is blown clean through the wall.

With another wave of his wand, the table he had thrown earlier is righted, and he sits down at it with a heavy sigh. Cradling his forehead in his free hand, he snarls, All I wanted was to see the world swallowed up in darkness, one piece at a time. Is that so much to ask? Staring with an empty gaze at the wall, he murmurs, "Then I could have risen from the dark and ruled the world. Everyone would think me a hero and do whatever I asked.

But no! he shrieks, slamming his fist against the table. That stupid Clockwork Dragon had to get involved. He keeps choosing heroes to thwart my every plan. For thousands of years I have toiled against him, and for thousands of years he makes my plans fail. That dragon needs to die!

Swishing his wand in an angry fashion, the dark wizard summons a clear crystal ball to the table before him. Slipping the wand back up his sleeve, he trails his long fingers over the glass, gazing into the smoke inside as if he can find answers there.

Suddenly, he freezes before grabbing the ball hastily and holding it where he can see it more clearly. After a few moments, a wicked smile grows on his face, and with a short laugh, he sets the ball down and gets to his feet.

Better yet, I will control that dragon. Instead of ruining me, he will help me. I will destroy the world with the very thing he hoped would save it. He begins pacing again, waving his wand absentmindedly to fix the hole in the wall. A small chuckle begins in his throat, growing until he’s laughing manically.

Walking over to the window, the wizard looks out at the stormy skies, and the clouds flee from his gaze to reveal millions of stars. The full moon seems to shiver as he sets his evil gaze upon it.

The time has come for a new Clockwork Heart to be chosen. I’ve seen the boy. I will take him and raise him as my own. He will grow in the dark and belong to the dark. His voice raises into a triumphant shout as he yells, Finally the Clockwork Dragon will be mine!

As his laugh echoes through the dark trees, the forest itself seems to tremble in fear of the man in the tower. A single lightning bolt slashes the cloudless sky, tearing apart the heavens themselves.

Chapter 1

Dante! Come up here!

I look over my shoulder from where I had been peering over the railing of the ship. My father is beckoning to me from the crow’s nest, a wide smile on his face. I hop lightly down from the railing and scurry over to the rope ladder that leads up to the crow’s nest.

When I reach the top, Dad offers me his hand. I take it and when I’m standing beside him, he hands me a telescope. Look out that way, he tells me, gesturing with his finger.

I haul myself up so that I’m standing on the railing and put the telescope to my eye. It only takes me a moment to find what I’m looking for. On the horizon I can see the towering walls of a castle. From this distance, it looks like a strange island floating on the sea.

Is that Castle Town? I ask without looking away.

I hear my Dad take a deep breath. Yes it is, he murmurs, and when I look over my shoulder at him, I realise he’s staring at the distant city with calm excitement. It’s been so long since I’ve been home. The last time I saw my family was many years ago, before you were born.

I look back out at the ocean, without bothering to gaze through the telescope. I’m excited, but at the same time I’m also a little bit nervous. I’ve never met any family other than my parents before. I’ve spent most of my life on this ship, sailing the seas. We never spend very long in port. We usually only stop long enough to stock up on supplies or gather information.

Stepping down from the railing, I look down at my feet. What if they don’t like me? I murmur, more to myself than to my father. I’m not used to people seeing what I look like. Whenever we go ashore, I cover myself in a black cloak and wear a mask over my face. In some places, if you don’t look human, people think you’re a monster.

But I’m not a monster, even though I don’t look human. I have wolf-like ears poking through my short hair. My eyes are a silvery grey, and my nose is cat-like. My hands have a human shape, but like the rest of me, they’re covered in a sandy gold fur, and my finger tips hide my sharp claws. My legs are somewhere between human and animal, and my feet are like wolf paws. I have a long tail that’s covered in thick golden brown fur. But the most unusual thing about me is the fact that I have wings. I don’t know how to use them properly yet, but I do have them.

Dante, don’t worry about it. My father’s voice cuts into my thoughts, shaking me back to the present. Castle Town is a place where being half animal is more than okay. Queen Saria is a wolf like me, and so are Prince Kanin and Princess Elizabeth. He crouches down beside me and rests a hand on my shoulder while gazing deep into my eyes. While it wasn’t always this way, a few years ago the people learned the history of their land. Now it’s considered treason to speak badly of animal people.

I don’t respond, but I find I can’t look away from his eyes. You’re sure my family will like me?

Now listen here son, Dad begins in a stern voice. I’ve yet to meet a good soul who didn’t like you. Your family will love you. I’m only sorry that you couldn’t meet them sooner. But tomorrow is your fifth birthday, and we’ll throw you a party you’ll never forget.

I give him a small smile, but before I can respond, a voice calls up to us, Boys! Come down and help prepare the ship for landing!

Dad and I look over the railing to see my mother looking up at us. She has to hold one hand on her huge hat to keep it from falling off when she has her head tilted back so far.

Aye aye, Captain Catherine! my father calls down with a wide smile. He throws himself over the railing, using his black wings to slow into a gentle landing. I see him lean in for a kiss, but before I see anything more, I start climbing down the ladder.

I can’t stop my stomach from doing nervous back flips as I help prepare the ship in whatever way that I can. I’m still too small to do much, so by the time I’m done the few things I can do, we’re still not at Castle Town.

I lean against the railing as the large city draws steadily closer. I trust my father, but I’m still not totally sure about meeting my family. I’ve been told I have a cousin who’s slightly older than me, but other than her, I have no one else near my age.

But that’s not what bothers me. I’m used to not being with people my age. In fact, I’m more nervous about meeting my cousin than anyone else. I’ve learned how to deal with adults by now, but when it comes to other kids, I’m entirely clueless. Especially when the other kid is a princess who’s spent her whole life spoiled in a castle.

My parents spoil me the best they can, but no matter how you slice it, my parents are pirates. They’re not bad pirates. They do their best not to hurt other people unless they have to, but they’re still pirates. Even though I’m a prince by descent, I’ve never known what it’s like to be treated like royalty.

I don’t mind not being treated like royalty, and I don’t mind not being spoiled rotten. I like living my life on the seas, going from one adventure to the next. But I expect that someone who’s never left her city will act a lot differently than me. What if she thinks I’m weird because I don’t play the same kinds of games as she does?

My nervousness makes the distance between Castle Town and us seem so short that before I know it, our ship is pulling into the docks. Commotion and chaos surrounds me as the anchor is dropped and the sails are tied down.

My parents come to stand by my side as a large wooden plank is lowered from our ship to the docks. Are you ready? Dad asks me quietly while Mum takes me by the hand.

I’m afraid that if I open my mouth right now, something other than words will come out, so I simply nod. I have to work hard not to close my eyes as we walk down the plank and onto shore.

I always find it weird how the ground on shore doesn’t move. I’m so used to the gentle rocking or even violent heaving of the ship beneath my feet that it feels hard to keep my balance on ground that doesn’t move. But today I have bigger things on my mind.

The docks we walk in to are quiet. I’m guessing that these docks are rarely used.

But as we step away from the shipyard and into the first street, I nearly freeze at the crowd that greets us. I’ve never seen so many people before, not even when I was hidden by my disguise!

Loud cheering erupts as they see us.

Look! They’re here!

Welcome home Prince Theodore!

Isn’t that young Prince Dante?

I feel my nerves crash inside me once again as the eyes start turning on me. My ears burn from all the attention; I don’t like being called a prince. Clearing my throat, I say nervously, Excuse me, but it’s just Dante.

For a moment a heavy silence falls as thick as mud. But as everyone recovers from their shock, the loud voices start up again.

Welcome Dante!

Welcome to Castle Town young Dante!

Almost instantly I feel more comfortable. After spending the entirety of my young life on the seas, I’d much rather be called by my name without a title attached to it.

The crowd parts to let us all through, and up ahead I can see people dressed in royal clothes, waiting for us with smiles on their faces. Instantly my nerves flare up again and I lower my eyes shyly.

But no matter how hard I try to keep my feet moving forward, they disobey my commands and I freeze.

Mum keeps her hold on my hand, looking at me questioningly, but Dad crouches down beside me.

Dante, look at me, he murmurs, and I can’t keep from obeying him. I gaze into his calming blue eyes as if they are what roots me to the planet. What did I tell you about fear?

At first, my mind draws a blank, but after a few more moments of staring into his eyes, I remember. Fear is a disease that will cripple you only if you let it, I mumble, suddenly unable to meet his gaze anymore.

And?

And you can either let it rule you or fuel you.

With a gentle smile, he puts a finger under my chin so I have to look at him again. All great pirates use fear as a fuel. I believe you are a great pirate. He’s quiet for a moment, then he adds, What do you think Dante?

Taking a deep breath, I reply, I think my father is the greatest pirate in all the world and I want to be just like him.

Grinning widely, he laughs and gives me a hug. That’s my boy.

Gritting my teeth in determination, I steel myself and face my family once more, forcing myself to be brave.

Teddy! a voice exclaims as we get closer. It belongs to a woman clothed in a beautiful dress, her red hair falling in waves over her back. The parts of her that I can see are covered in fur that varies in shade from a russet red to a chocolate brown. The few grey hairs on her face are the only betrayal that she’s beginning to grow old. She rushes forward and embraces my father, hugging him tightly. It’s so good to see you again!

You too Saria, he responds, hugging her tightly as well.

When she finally lets him go, she gazes over at my mother. Catherine, is all she says with a small nod, obviously trying her best to be friendly.

Queen Saria, my mother replies coolly, returning the nod.

A man with golden blond hair steps forward next, embracing my Dad. Welcome home Theodore, he murmurs. His ears taper to a gentle point, and he looks only to be about twenty years old.

It’s good to see you Will, Dad responds with a wide smile.

As King William greets my mother more warmly than Queen Saria had, another wolf woman rushes forward to hug my father. Her fur is jet black, but her hair and wings are light. In comparison to the dark colours, they almost seem to glow. A long scar runs down her face, making one of her eyes cloudy and useless. A black cat jumps down from her shoulder to hover by her feet as they hug.

The two embrace for a long time, and I guess that she’s my Aunt Elizabeth. A wolf man stands close behind her, his white shirt left mostly unbuttoned, and like the other wolves, he doesn’t wear shoes. He has his trousers rolled up to his knees. He must be Uncle Kanin.

I’m jerked from my observations as Saria crouches down in front of me. This handsome young man must be Dante, she says with a smile.

Only slightly nervous, I reach out my hand for a handshake. It’s nice to meet you, I reply formally. She may be my grandmother, but I feel like I don’t know her at all.

Saria takes my hand and shakes it, but when she lets go, she asks, Would it be alright if I had a hug?

I hesitate for only a moment. Sure, I say with a shrug.

Wrapping me in her arms, she lifts me up. I wish I could have met you sooner, she says, holding me against her hip.

Me too, I reply honestly. Now that I’m seeing my family, I realise that they look like a fun bunch of people to be with. I had been half expecting them to be stuck up despite all the stories I’ve been told of them.

How’s my cyborg grandson? a lady with long hair and elfish ears says as she comes forward to hug my Dad. She looks young enough to be his mother instead of his grandmother.

Dad flexes his metal arm. It’s holding up well, thanks to Riggs and Diggs.

As the greetings continue, Saria looks at me. Would you like to meet your cousin now? she asks.

To be quite honest, I still don’t know if I’m ready. But remembering my father’s words, I say, Sure.

She sets me down and points over to Prince Kanin. She’s over by her Daddy.

For the first time, I realise that there’s a small wolf girl hanging on to the prince’s hand. Her fur is made up of shades of grey, white and black. Her tail is much shorter than mine, but just as fluffy. She wears a pink princess dress, but despite her royal looks, her eyes burn with the light of adventure. With a jolt I realise something we have in common. She has wings too!

I walk over to her and offer her my hand for a handshake. Hi, I’m Dante, I tell her when she takes my hand.

With a smile she replies, I’m Soarin. Nice to meet you! When her eyes catch sight of my wings, she exclaims, Hey, you have wings too! Wanna go fly? Unfurling her wings, she flaps a few times until she’s hovering just above the ground.

Ears burning with embarrassment, I mumble, I don’t know how to fly yet. I’m sure that when she hears this, she won’t want to play with me anymore.

You don’t know how to fly? she exclaims in shock. But to my surprise, she adds, Come on then, I’ll teach you!

Really, you will? I ask hopefully. Dad tried to teach me a few times, but the wind currents out at sea can be so temperamental that it’s hard to learn.

Dropping back down to her feet, she grabs my hand. Sure! Follow me to the castle courtyard!

I shoot a quick glance behind me as I’m dragged away. Dad catches my eye and nods.

I let go of Soarin’s hand and walk beside her. So, how old are you? I ask as we walk down the streets of Castle Town. While we walk, I look around at all the sights, trying not to miss anything. Any people we pass smile and bow, and I have to admit, this is much better than I thought it would be. I’m not used to people seeing me without a cloak, never mind bowing in respect.

But as we walk, we pass by one person who doesn’t bow. He glares at us with venom in his eyes before turning and disappearing down an alley. Before I can say anything to Soarin however, she answers my question. I’m nine. Tomorrow is your fifth birthday I hear.

Yea, I reply, forcing the strange man out of my mind. I must have imagined it. Turning the subject back to her, I ask, So do you have your full moon form yet?

Not yet, she replies with a shrug. But I bet I will soon! How about you?

I don’t know if I’ll ever get one, I reply honestly. I’m only half wolf. I don’t mind the fact that I might never be a slave to the moon, but I have to admit, it would be nice turning into an animal that walks on four paws every once in a while. But then I wonder what I would look like. Would I look like a wolf? Or would I look more like a cat? Maybe I’d be a mix.

Soarin’s voice cuts through my thoughts. Nah, don’t worry about it, I’m sure you’ll get one eventually. My mother was only half wolf and she got one. As she finishes speaking, we enter the courtyard. Here we are!

I look around with wide eyes, trying to take everything in. I’ve never seen a castle before. Most of the ports we stop in are shabby little towns. We tend to stay away from the bigger cities because we don’t like to draw too much attention to ourselves.

Well, you ready? Soarin asks me.

I look at her in momentary confusion. Ready for what? I reply, distracted with looking at the castle.

To fly of course! Rolling her eyes, she flaps her wings to hover above the ground once more. Come on then, open your wings.

Slightly nervous, I do as she says.

Now flap hard to lift off! she instructs me, demonstrating with her own wings.

Taking a deep breath, I flap my wings as hard as I can, but I only take off for a second before I fall back onto my feet.

Hmmm, Soarin murmurs, thinking. Well, it is harder to take off from the ground. I have another idea.

Before I can protest, she dives forward and lifts me up. Hey! What are you doing!? I exclaim in fear as she lifts me higher and higher. The castle begins to shrink in size as she carries me.

Listen carefully, Soarin says. As if I would do anything but! There’s nothing to do up here except hope she doesn’t drop me and hang onto her every word as if my life depends on it. Which it probably does. I’m going to give you a head start. When I let go, I want you to stretch out your wings and catch the air, alright? Try to just glide for a bit and I’ll fly beside you.

I shake my head violently. No way! I’ll crash!

You’ll be fine, a new voice cuts in, and I turn my head to see my Dad flying beside us. The air is calmer here than at sea. You won’t fall. And I’ll be right here with you to catch you if you do.

Before I can protest any more, my cousin shouts, Here we go! and shoots forward through the air. She carries me in a straight line for a moment before letting me go.

At first, fear freezes time and my breath catches in my throat. But then I remember what Soarin had told me, and I stretch out my wings as far as they’ll go. The wind pushes up beneath them, and I find with surprise that the air holds me up.

Look! I shout in triumph. Look at me! I’m flying!

That’s my boy! my Dad laughs from beside me. Do you feel how the air runs through your feathers?

I close my eyes for a moment to focus on my wings. I can feel the air subtly ruffling the fine threads on my feathers; I can hear the soft swishing as my wings wobble to hold me steady. The air seems to push up underneath my wings and create a pillow that holds me gently in place. I realise that if I loosen my muscles a little bit, I catch even more air.

I feel it, I murmur with a deep breath. Before now, I had always been afraid of flying. I was sure that I would never like being so far above the ground. But now that I’m up here, I feel the pure exhilaration and freedom that comes with being freed from the shackles that bind most mortals to the soil.

I open my eyes and look down at the city far below us. The people look no bigger than ants from up here, and I can’t help but laugh quietly.

My father drifts closer to me by dipping one of his wingtips slightly. Gliding is the easy part, he tells me. But you can only glide in favourable winds, and you have to start somewhere high where you can just leap into the river of wind. If you want to fly in rougher skies or if you want to take off from the ground, you need to learn to mould the air beneath your wings to suit you.

I glance over at him, drinking in every word. I want to be able to soar with my own two wings, without having to rely on anyone to help me.

For instance, Dad continues, if you want to go higher, you have to flap your wings like this. He demonstrates with a powerful down stroke, rising ten feet in the air with a single movement. If you want to go down, he calls to me, then you fold your wings in and shoot through the air before catching yourself. Watch closely!

I try not to blink as his wings fold into his back. But I notice that he doesn’t put them away completely, like when we’re walking on the ground. He keeps them ever so slightly angled to control his descent. When he’s dropped fifty feet, his huge wings flash open, catching the air and lifting him slightly. With a few wing beats, he flies steadily by my side once more.

Now you try, he prompts me.

Taking a deep breath, I steel myself. Trying to do exactly as he had done, I flap my wings powerfully. But before I have risen very far, I realise quickly that while my wings are in motion, they don’t hold me up as before. I have to keep them moving at a steady pace, otherwise gravity tries to drag me back down. When my wings don’t move in sync, I wobble in the air, and I have to use my tail to right myself, almost as if it’s the rudder on a ship.

Breathing heavily, I force myself to rise higher and higher, until my wings ache and I have to level out again. Looking down, I see my father and Soarin flying far below me. They both give me a thumbs up. I realise that we’ve left Castle Town behind and are soaring over the forest. Taking a deep breath, I fold my wings and dive.

I’m startled by how fast I go, and the ferocity of the wind as it whips past me. In only moments, I’m shooting past the other two. But I’m not scared. Instead, I can feel my adrenaline pumping and I want to keep shooting toward the fast approaching trees.

At the last moment, I flash out my wings and catch myself, nearly thrown off balance by the sudden stop.

I turn my head to look triumphantly up at Dad and Soarin, but I realise they’re calling something down to me urgently.

Dante! Prepare yourself! There’s a gust coming! My father’s voice just barely drifts to me on the breeze.

I look ahead at the treetops and realise that they’re being thrashed violently by the wind. The gust rushes through the trees towards us, and I feel my stomach drop in fear. I have to force myself not to close my eyes as it races forward, and I prepare myself as best as I can.

The wind smashes into me like a giant fist, and as I’m spun through the sky a terrifying distance above the ground, I struggle to make out which way is up. I can hear Dad calling something to me, but the wind rushing through my ears makes me unable to figure out what he’s saying.

Trusting my instincts, I close my eyes and reach with my wings to grab the vicious air. Almost instantly, I can feel myself become more stable, and when I open my eyes once more, I realise that I’m gliding along much faster than before, back towards the towering walls of Castle Town. But the gust had carried me much closer to the treetops, and I glance up to see Dad and Soarin looking down at me from far above.

I don’t have to flap my wings as hard for the wind to lift me higher this time, I just have to shape them in the right way to let the air lift me on its own.

When I reach my father and my cousin, I’m a little out of breath. Birds make flying look so easy that I hadn’t really realised just how exhausting it could be. Excellent job! Dad praises me. Come on then, let’s head back to the castle. Your mother will want to know how well you did.

I feel myself swelling with pride at facing and defeating my fears. The other two flank me as we come down to land in the castle courtyard, making me feel like a great warrior returning triumphant from a battle. The rest of the group is just coming into the courtyard as we land, and my Mum comes over to us with a wide smile on her face.

Look at you Dante! she exclaims, kneeling down before me and putting her hands on my shoulders. You’re soaring like a griffin!

Queen Saria comes over as well. Congratulations Dante! For a first true flight, that was very good! I myself don’t have any personal wings, but I have spent much time in the air on the backs of griffins and draqois, so I know that it certainly isn’t as easy as it looks from the ground! Looking around at the whole group, she continues, Well, we’ll have supper and then I’ll show you all to your rooms. I’m sure you’re all tired after your long journey to get here.

My father laughs. I won’t say no to a nice bed, but I don’t think I’d call myself tired. I’m used to being on the sea by now.



Later that night, I find myself in a bedroom that’s larger than the entire deck of the ship. It’s so quiet here that I can’t fall asleep. I’m used to constantly being surrounded by noise of some sort, either the soft lap of the waves against the ship or the sound of pirates going about their business.

I stand on the balcony that’s connected to my room looking out at the moon floating in the dark sky above me. Today certainly wasn’t as bad as I was first expecting. Soarin is pretty cool for a princess who’s spent her whole life living in a castle.

But as I stand here thinking, a strange feeling washes over me. I suddenly feel as if my thoughts are being listened to by someone or something else, as if someone is peeking into my soul. I take a deep breath, forcing myself to remain calm. I’m sure it’s all just in my imagination. Who would even be able to look into my mind?

I can’t help but feel a strange voice whisper softly into my head. I can’t make out the words, but I listen hard. After a while, I realise that the whispers are saying my name, as if something is trying to reach me.

After a moment, the whispers stop and no matter how hard I listen, I can’t hear them there. Feeling a chill run down my spine, I hop into bed and bury myself beneath my blankets.

But my eyes won’t close when I know that there’s something out there trying to reach into my head.

Chapter 2

Surprisingly, I must finally drift to sleep, because the sunlight streaming in through my window wakes me. Yawning, I stretch my arms behind my head, momentarily forgetting about the strange occurrence the night before. When I remember, it almost seems silly to me now. It’s hard to believe in anything strange or scary when the sky outside is so bright and chipper.

But before I can dismiss it as my imagination, I gasp as I’m hit with a searing pain in my chest. Stumbling out of bed, I crouch on the floor with one hand grasping desperately at the burning. After a few moments, the pain subsides, and I have to gasp a few breaths before my racing heart begins to steady.

I struggle to my feet, all my muscles trembling with shock. What just happened to me? Looking down at my chest, my mouth drops open as I see something that wasn’t there before. The shape of a gear has burned itself into the fur on my chest. The strange thing is, it looks so natural that if I hadn’t known for a fact that wasn’t there before, I would have thought I was born with it. The gear sits right over my heart, and as I watch, the pattern of fur shifts so that it looks like the gear is turning very slowly.

Dante.

I nearly jump out of my fur in shock when I hear the mysterious voice again, except this time it’s much stronger. I’m tempted to cover my ears and try to block out this strange intruder, but I know that it would be pointless. The voice echoes softly inside my mind, and even if I was deaf, I would have heard it.

You have been marked by the Clockwork Dragon. As the voice continues to murmur to me, I feel more confused every second. I’ve never even heard of this Clockwork Dragon before! And what does it mean by marked? The strange gear on my chest seems to be the physical appearance of this mark, but what’s the point of it?

The voice continues, silencing my racing mind. Inside you, a war will rage. No one can tell you which side is right, and which should win. Only you can decide that for yourself. When the time comes, the Clockwork Heart will be reunited with its body, and at the time of reuniting, the victor shall be forever chosen. The world waits for you with bated breath, Dante.

What do you mean? I whisper in fear and shock. But the voice doesn’t respond, and I don’t feel it inside me anymore. Wait! Come back! Don’t leave me here alone with all these questions!

But despite my pleading, the voice refuses to return.

After a moment in which I shiver uncontrollably, I walk over to the mirror and stare at my reflection. The gear on my chest is still turning so subtly that I only notice it if I stare at it long enough. But the strange thing is I can actually feel it move, as if there really is a gear on my chest, or rather, inside it.

I stare at it for a moment longer before I turn away. Grabbing my clothes, I dress myself, making sure to cover the strange gear completely. For some reason, I’m afraid to tell my parents about it. I don’t know how they’ll react, and what would I say anyway? That I’ve been hearing voices and a strange gear burned itself into my chest? They’d probably just think I’m crazy.

I’m startled when there’s a knock on the door. Come in, I say as calmly as I can, doing my best not to let my fear show.

Soarin bounces in and exclaims, Happy birthday little cousin!

For a moment, with all the strangeness this morning, I had completely forgotten that it’s my birthday. T-thanks, I stutter, shutting out my confusing thoughts.

Your birthday dinner is tonight, so we have the whole day to do whatever you want! So what is it that you want to do?

I think for a moment. I’m not really sure what there is to do. All my other birthdays were spent on the sea, and all that happened was the crew saying happy birthday and I usually got one present. Well, I’m not sure, I tell her honestly.

That’s fine! Soarin exclaims, motioning to me to follow her. You can follow me and I’ll show you around! I have some friends I’d like to introduce you to.

Sure, I say with a shrug, trying to sound nonchalant.

Stretching out her wings, she flaps them to hover above the ground. You can practice your flying while we’re at it, she tells me fluttering out of the room.

Stretching out my own wings, I flap hard to take off into the air and shoot after her. I’m glad for the distraction. When I have to focus so hard on keeping myself airborne, and trying to keep up to Soarin, I can block out all my confusing thoughts and emotions.

It takes all my attention to keep behind Soarin that I don’t really notice any of the things we flash past. After a while of shooting through corridors, Soarin slows down and lands.

I’m breathing heavily as I land beside her. Where are we? I wheeze, clutching at my chest as I try to catch my breath.

Before she answers my question, she pats my back. You won’t be so out of breath after a little more practice, she promises, before continuing, And we’re here so you can meet my best friend.

Pushing open the door, Soarin leads me into a hot room filled with smoke and the banging of hammers on metal. This is the armoury, she explains over her shoulder as she leads me through the room filled with blacksmiths.

Is your best friend one of the blacksmiths? I can’t help but ask.

No, my cousin replies. But he’s usually in here so this is the first place I look for him.

I feel slightly shy as some of the blacksmiths look up from their work and tell me happy birthday. I simply nod at them and ask Soarin, Why does he spend so much time in the armoury?

Because he likes swords and his grandfather is the captain of the royal guard, Sir Matthew. Pointing up ahead, she says, There they are now!

A man with grey hair and a grey beard is showing a young boy how to properly clean a sword. The boy has spiky blond hair, and he looks to be about Soarin’s age. Although Sir Matthew is clearly starting to get old, his muscles are lean and strong. He obviously doesn’t let his age stop him from being a knight.

Hi Matthew, hi Ash! Soarin exclaims as we come up to them.

Sir Matthew looks down at us and smiles. Why, hello young Princess Soarin. I was wondering if we’d be seeing you today.

This is my cousin Dante, Soarin introduces me. Dante, this is Ashton and his grandfather Sir Matthew.

Everyone just calls me Ash, the boy replies as he holds out his hand for a handshake.

I shake his hand and attempt to smile, but I’m sure it comes out more as a grimace. Ash seems unfazed.

Hey Ash, do you want to come with us? I’m going to show Dante around town. He’s never been able to walk freely around a huge city like this before!

I almost want to interrupt and say that I’d rather if he didn’t come, but I know that would sound extremely rude. Besides, I have to get over my shyness at some point or another if I’m going to be a great pirate like my parents one day.

Ash looks up at his grandfather. Oh, off you go. We’ll continue this discussion tomorrow, Sir Matthew replies with a wide smile.

I’m in! Ash exclaims. On one condition; no flying off without me again Soarin! I can’t fly like you can remember. He raises one eyebrow at her with a smirk and sticks out his tongue jokingly.

Soarin sighs as if promising that is a huge burden for her. Alright, she agrees eventually, in a heavy voice. I won’t fly. She shoots a quick glance at me. But Dante is just learning how to fly and I’m teaching him! Can’t we please fly just ahead of you?

Not if you want me to come with you, Ash replies sternly, sounding momentarily like his grandfather. Your definition of just ahead is my definition of out of sight. What use is it if I come along just to be left behind?

I suppose, Soarin grumbles. Well, come on then. Let’s get going!

She turns and leads the way out of the armoury, her swift step almost as fast as her flying. Ash falls in beside me with a laugh. So Dante, what do you think of your family so far?

I think for a moment before I respond. Everyone is a lot cooler than I was expecting, I tell him honestly after my brief pause for deliberation.

Even Soarin? he laughs.

Especially Soarin, I tell him with a genuine smile. Ash is pretty cool too I guess.

The young boy sighs as he gazes after the princess. Yea, that girl is one of a kind.

I look between him and my cousin, reading Ash’s eyes. With a disgusted gasp I exclaim, "You like her! Gross!"

Shhh! Ash hisses, slapping his hand over my mouth as Soarin shoots a curious glance at us from up ahead. Just some playful boy talk going on back here, he assures her, and with a shrug she turns around and leads the way.

As Ash lets go of my mouth, and I wipe the dirt from my face, he sighs, "Whew, she didn’t