Free Breathe (The Destiny Series: Book 1) by Christine Grey

ran wildly to the beach and the retreating Breken ships. The sight that greeted him when he arrived was like an icy dagger plunged straight into his heart. All four of Maj’s ships were in flames. Clouds of thick, black smoke billowed in the air as the fire licked at the sails and jumped from one rope to another in the rigging. But that was nothing at all when compared to the sight of his son gripped tightly in the arms of a Breken warrior, his legs kicking wildly in desperation. His Breken captor smiled a cruel grin as Pip called out to his father, terror evident in his voice. Hugh watched in horror as the ship slipped silently into the fog.
    Dearra sank to her knees. Sobs of pain and grief racked her small frame, and she collapsed to the ground, curled into a tight ball. Never had she known this kind of crippling pain. Even the sadness of her mother’s death had not touched her so deeply. While her mother waited for them in Heaven, Pip went into Hell itself, accompanied by the vile Breken, who would not care that he was just a sweet little boy. What hideous future awaited him in that foul land the Breken called home?
    Hugh was no less crushed by Pip’s abduction, but as leader of Maj, he fought to control that pain. His shame over his behavior with Meggy still fresh in his mind, he would not allow himself to lose control again. His people needed his strength as did his daughter, and he feared that if he let himself slip again, he might completely lose himself to a darkness from which there would be no return.
    Hugh leaned down, scooped his daughter into his arms, and whispered to her, “We’ll get him back, Dearra. I swear we’ll get him back.”
    Daniel took off the heavy, leather vest he wore and wrapped it around the hilt of Dearra’s sword. Praying the leather would be enough to protect his already damaged fingers, he gently lifted the sword, and then followed behind Hugh and Dearra as they made their way back to the castle. It wasn’t far, but time seemed to lose all meaning as they trudged in silence.
    The people of Maj kept a respectful distance from the small procession that made their way through the gates and headed toward the main building. They were all in a state of shock. One moment they had been singing and laughing, and only heartbeats later their world had been completely changed.
    Hugh’s arms never showed the least sign of strain, nor did his step falter as he carried Dearra up and around the winding stair to her room. He used his booted foot to nudge open her chamber door without breaking stride. Dearra made small keening sounds, but did not speak. Hugh lay his daughter gently down on her bed and turned quietly from the room.
    Daniel looked down with unblinking eyes at Dearra’s form, curled on her side. He was torn between trying to offer comfort where there could be none, and following Hugh. Knowing there was nothing he could do for Dearra at the moment, he chose the latter. He set the sword beside her on the bed and left the room, and pulled the door softly shut behind him.
    Dearra roused slightly and reached a hesitant hand out to tug the sword closer to her side, taking comfort in its cool and solid strength. What was she going to do? The Breken had Pip. The Maj ships were destroyed. Many of the Maj were injured. It was hopeless.
    Well, then, if it’s hopeless, you may as well just jump off the nearest cliff and be done with it.

Chapter 7
     
    Dearra bolted upright at the voice that seemed to come from all around her and inside her head at the same time.
    “Who is it? Who’s there?” She meant to speak with authoritative calm, but the words came out in a pitiful squeak.
    You really aren’t very bright, are you? came the response, the voice flowing around her and through her.
    She leapt from the bed, dropped to the floor, and looked beneath it.
    Not even warm, taunted the voice.
    Dearra sprang to the window and tore aside the heavy drapery…nothing.
    It will come to you. I know you