The airship was small—far too small for five people, especially with Kael Drakos taking up what seemed like half the cabin with his broad shoulders and carefree sprawl. Designed for efficiency and solo travel, the craft had no room for luxury or personal space, forcing the group into closer quarters than anyone was comfortable with.
Aeris Skylark, wedged uncomfortably between a supply crate and Kael’s elbow, let out an exaggerated groan. “Is this supposed to be an airship, or did we all shrink and end up in a kid’s toy?”
“It’s perfectly functional,” Vera Solari called from the cockpit, her voice carrying the sharp edge of someone unimpressed by complaints. “If you don’t like it, you’re welcome to step outside.”
“Tempting,” Aeris shot back, glancing at the endless expanse of sky visible through the window. “At least the wind has more room than I do.”
Kael shifted slightly, his elbow bumping into Aeris again. “What’s the matter, Skylark? Feeling a little boxed in?”
“A little?” Aeris said, shoving his arm away. “Your elbow is practically living in my personal space.”
“It’s a nice space,” Kael said with a grin.
“You’re about to lose it permanently,” Aeris muttered.
Calia Ardent, sitting opposite them with her rapier balanced on her lap, raised an eyebrow. “If you two are quite finished, perhaps we could focus on something more productive. Like not driving each other to homicide.”
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
“Noted,” Aeris said, rolling her eyes. “I’ll aim for manslaughter instead.”
The airship jostled slightly, sending Kael’s axe clattering against the wall. Koina Meris flinched as it narrowly missed her foot, though her expression remained calm.
“It’s not so bad,” Koina said, adjusting her position to avoid the precariously stacked crates behind her. “At least we’re all together.”
“Together?” Aeris said incredulously. “We’re practically fused at this point. This isn’t together; it’s an invasion of privacy.”
Kael chuckled, stretching his legs and earning a glare from Aeris as his boot nudged her knee. “Come on, Skylark. Builds camaraderie.”
“It’s building something, all right,” Aeris muttered. “Mostly my tolerance for not strangling you.”
From the cockpit, Vera sighed audibly. “If you don’t like the accommodations, I’ll remind you that walking is still an option.”
“I’m starting to think walking might have been the better choice,” Aeris grumbled.
As the airship hummed steadily along, the group settled into a more subdued rhythm. Aeris leaned against the window, staring out at the starry expanse. Calia polished her rapier with methodical precision, and Kael stretched out as much as the cramped space allowed.
Koina, seated quietly near the back, let her thoughts wander. The storm in Zephyros was behind them, but its echoes lingered in her mind: the chaos, the fleeting moments of harmony, and the mysterious presence that had acted in their darkest moments.
She wondered what it must be like to exist in that way—silent, unseen, yet undeniably significant. Her lips curved into a faint smile, a private acknowledgment of something unspoken.
“Thinking about something?” Aeris asked, noticing the smile.
Koina shook her head lightly, the pink flush in her cheeks barely visible in the dim light. “Just… appreciating where we are.”
Aeris groaned. “I’d appreciate it more if I had three inches of extra legroom.”
“And if Kael had three fewer inches of shoulder,” Calia added without looking up.
“Harsh,” Kael said with a grin. “But fair.”
The cabin filled with quiet laughter and teasing as the group continued toward Haldrath, their bond growing stronger with every shared moment—no matter how cramped.