Free Fragile Destiny (The Aether Chronicles) by Suzanne Lazear Page A

father had ever noticed and ones he prayed his mother never knew about. His sensitivity to the changing tides of magic was one, his ability to sense those with the Spark, another.
    Not wishing to draw attention by going straight to the magic, he slowly made his way around the room. Most of the items on display were paintings and sketches. There was a vase rumored to have been given to a family by faeries for luck that he swore his mother literally threw out of the big house once, before she was queen and they’d all lived there happily.
    “That’s one big stone.” James practically pressed his nose to the glass case on a marble pedestal. Inside, a purple gem the size of a girl’s fist sat on a white and gold pillow.
    Steven sucked in a breath as he took in the sheer force of the magic the jewel possessed. “Bright Lady bless. What is that?”
    “I’m not getting anything,” James hissed back. “What do you feel?”
    Steven put his hand on the glass, trying to read it the best he could. His hand yanked back as if it burned. “This may not be what Noli thinks it is, but this is most definitely … you know.”
    The stone was quite magic. It was surprising no one had stolen it yet … whatever it was.
    They finished touring the gallery so that no one suspected anything. Finally, he and James left the museum and hoverboarded home in silence. They touched down in their backyard.
    The door to Noli’s backyard opened. A moment later, Jeff climbed through the loose board in the fence between their houses. His arms crossed over his chest. “So?”
    Steven raked his hand through his hair. “I don’t know what it is. But it’s not something that should be in mortal hands. As much as I hate to admit it, Noli’s right. We have to steal it.”
    “Fine. But there has to be a better way than Noli doing it alone. She needs to let us help her.” Jeff’s arms stayed wrapped firmly across his chest.
    Noli climbed through the fence, a wrapped parcel in her hand. “Could you see Thad in a tuxedo and top hat? V, do you have anything suitable to wear tomorrow?”
    “Probably.” He’d just wear what he wore to the last affair he’d taken her to. It should still fit. Perhaps he should check on that.
    Noli made a face at his reply.
    Yes, he should check on that. Today.
    “Noli, I’ve decided to help. Why do you insist on doing it by yourself?” Jeff huffed.
    “ Fine.” Noli stood toe to toe with Jeff. “V and I will attend the ball. If I think I can take it without being caught, I will. If not, Thad and Asa can do it, but I can’t pay you.”
    “Is this about money ?” Jeff stepped back. “You’re my sister. We’ll steal something for you for free.”
    Her face fell. Steven put an arm around her waist to comfort her. Jeff glared. Steven glared right back and pulled her closer.
    “I need to do it.” Noli’s jaw clenched in determination.
    Ah, yes. Therein lay the crux of it. Noli believed she was the protector of this artifact, a duty bestowed upon her by a mysterious voice she heard while in a tree. She therefore felt that she personally needed to steal it.
    “I believe you,” Steven lied. “If she’s telling you to do this, we’ll do this together.”
    “We will?” Noli’s entire face brightened, like the sun coming out from behind the clouds.
    “Yes.” It was one thing not to believe her; it was another thing to not believe her when Jeff didn’t. Jeff made an annoyed noise. That made it all the better. “I’m not sure it’s part of the staff, but it’s not something we can leave in mortal hands. We’ll figure it out.” Steven toyed with her curls.
    Jeff made another annoyed noise. “We’re not finished discussing this.”
    Noli grit her teeth and took Steven’s hand. “Yes, we are. V, let’s see if your suit fits.”
    Steven allowed her to drag him inside his house and up the stairs. They recoiled when he opened his bedroom door. Whoops. He’d forgotten about the stench. What had caused