Of the Blood

by Cameo Renae

  The crow screeched, flapping its wings, and hopping on the railing. I smiled, guessing that meant he approved.

  “Please thank your cadre. Tell them I’m fine and I’ll see them again. And tell Brynna I’m so sorry. And I hope she’ll forgive me. Tell her I love her, and I’ll see her soon.”

  The bird hopped and flapped and squawked. Then, with a few strong flaps, she lifted into the night sky. I waved and smiled as she circled around the ship before flying away.

  As if by magic, the breeze picked up and caught the sail, pushing the ship forward. The crew of The Damned cheered, and the music increased. There was so much to celebrate, and now, with the wind in our favor, we’d reach our destination in no time.

  I sucked in a deep breath and it hit me. That wonderful scent. That perfect blend of earth and wind and spice mixed with the briny sea air. It swirled around me and tousled my hair. Tears slid down my face as emotions bubbled inside me—everything that had transpired since the night of my eighteenth birthday until this moment.

  I closed my eyes and smiled, feeling a tender brush of warm air against my cheek. Perhaps it was a kiss from Trystan. I imagined it was.

  Trystan, manipulator of air, promised he’d find me, and he kept that promise. He’d sent Nyx across the sea to look for me, and now, he knew exactly where I was headed and was helping me reach my destination.

  At this moment I felt peace, despite knowing Roehl would eventually come for me.

  I stood on the forecastle of The Damned with the vast sea ahead of me. The wind steadfast and sure, the moon and stars dancing above in the night sky. My heart was beating and my blood stirring. I felt a tug inside. A firm and persistent pull.

  Whatever was out there, beyond the sea, beckoned to me.

  I could almost hear it. Calling me home.

  To Incendia.

  For more information

  For more information on Cameo Renae, visit her website:

  www.cameorenae.com

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  To: 31996

  Acknowledgements

  A huge thanks to my beta readers: Courtney Smith, Kimberly Belden, Ewelina Rutyna, Cheree Castellanos, Jaci Chaney, Karla Bostic and Kirstie McPherson, for always give me great feedback and catching the little things my eyes didn’t.

  And of course, to my husband, for keeping me fed, caffeinated, and for being my number one fan and my rock. I love you. Always.

  About the Author

  USA Today Bestselling author, Cameo Renae, was born in San Francisco, raised in Maui, Hawaii, and now resides with her husband and children in Alaska.

  She’s a daydreamer, caffeine and peppermint addict, who loves to laugh, and loves to read to escape reality.

  One of her greatest joys is creating fantasy worlds filled with adventure and romance and sharing it with others. It is the love of her family and amazing support of her fans that keeps her going.

  One day she hopes to find her own magic wardrobe and ride away on her magical unicorn. Until then...she’ll keep writing!