Lightning Bringer: (Lighting Seeker Book 2)

In His Hands

Vale had gone up against AI's, mermaids, a Kraken, and Dash on several occasions. Her ability to fight, to think in a crisis had always kicked in, made her path clear, given her a clear answer. But Mortem's question froze her. She had never declared her love, let alone admitted to having feelings for Sky aloud.

Her cheeks flamed red as the image of his hands on her hips, his lips pressed against hers, the smell of citrus and oil covering his hot skin as they kissed six months ago flooded her mind. But does he still want me? Does he regret it? Doubt filled her mind. She had left the ship before they could talk about what happened.

Could she risk everything without knowing how he felt? He had told her his family needed him, that what she was doing, was not the life he wanted. Was it a lie to protect me?

"He does," Dash said, giving a sharp nod. He shoved his hands into his pressed pants pockets and looked at Mortem. "I've seen it clear as day on his face. No one makes his face light up like that."

Mortem tilted his head, seeming to look at Dash for the very first time. "Vale seems to be quite popular." He laughed, startling both Dash and Vale with the booming sound that bounced violently through the room before Vale could ask Mortem what he meant.

"Looks like we 'ave a new plan. That is if Vale is on board?" Both Mortem and Dash turned to look at Vale.

Vale raised a brow at Mortem. "What? No ordering me around this time?" she asked dryly.

Mortem's face turned serious. "Ye didn't sign up to walk into the belly of the beast. You signed up to tear AI's limb from limb. This is a much different type of beast. Ye'll 'ave to use yer 'ead. Not your 'ands to get through this one."

Vale crossed her arms. She wanted to get Sky back, to ask him why he ran back to that life. But after what she'd seen on that screen, after realizing just how terrifying Kebar's family was, Vale realized that she was afraid. She had fallen for a boy she hardly knew. Just because you didn't know where he came from doesn't mean you don't who he is now. You need to find out what happened to him.

The real question was whether she trusted Sky. Whether she trusted him enough to lay her life in his hands when she got there. She paused for a brief moment, steadying her breathing, and forcing herself to think clearly. She avoided Dash's gaze as she answered. "I'm in."

"Vale-"

"It's our best shot at getting to the AI main computer." Vale continued before Dash could try and dissuade her. "If we get inside, we can find a way to shut down the virus and clear it out before it has affected every computer, and AI around the world."

Dash's brow furrowed and he leaned against the wall, the fight leaving his body. He couldn't argue with the best chance they had. In the past, the Tradesmen had talked endlessly about the need for a plan that wouldn't destroy the entire world's economy. Something that would put things into balance without destroying everyone's way of life in one swoop.

And with the help of the Tye, "The Builder," one of the top leaders of the rebellion, they were able to design something that could find the virus and eradicate it. But the plan required entrance to The Devinus' house, and the only two people alive who had been in and out of there mostly unscathed were Vale and Sky.

And with the realization that Vale may have an ally on the inside, the Tradesmen now had their chance to make their move.

Mortem stared at Vale for a long moment, assessing if she was really up to the task. A look that caused her irritation to spike. But after a long heated moment, he nodded. "Good." He turned to look at Dash. "Can ye get the word out to the others? I will set 'er up to go in. And then I'll be on me way to gather the rest of the others on the list. But it looks like we may not need 'em."

Dash shook his head. "You should go do that now. I know more about the Devinus family than any other Tradesmen. I will prep her." Dash turned to look at Vale. "Are you sure?"

Vale felt like there was more to that question. It was weighted. Vale nodded, unsure of what exactly he was looking for. Something flashed in Dash's eyes, and Vale realized that whatever he had been asking, she had given the wrong answer.

"Captain?" He turned to look at Mortem, waiting to hear his thoughts on the change in plan. Mortem looked between Dash and Vale, his hand touching his long black beard in a rhythmic pattern. "Very well. But I want to 'ave a word with you before you prep 'er." Mortem said looking at Dash.

Dash nodded, his eyes guarded. "Of course."

"But before we do anything else. Our newest member of the rebellion wants to meet ye, Lightning Bringer."

Vale nearly laughed. She had all but forgotten about the evening of the masquerade. Why they had risked a run-in with dozens of AI while wearing elaborate and ridiculous outfits to stay in disguise.

They had found "The Cultivator," one of the leaders of The Alimentors. A sister rebellion that had begun. And now they were connecting for the first time. They were a group the Tradesmen would need if they wanted to win this fight for their freedom against the AI's. "Why does she want to meet me?" Vale asked.

"You'll 'ave to ask 'er."