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AFTER THE DIZZYING JOURNEY through the sea to the South Gate, and up to the Citadel, Parker flopped onto the cushiony floor of her quarters in the Sky Box. Images of the Underworld rotated through her brain as if swiping her phone—the layered caves with stalactite ceilings, the ancient stone marker warning travelers, the intricate Labyrinths. But mostly, the giggling children, the jovial Commander, and Cole dominated her thoughts. She twirled the bracelet Belliza had given her. The medallion pulsed between her fingertips.
Parker sensed someone approaching and found Stefanos beside her. He had surprised her again. “You return safely, Parker. We thank the Spirits of the Sky for guiding your journey. I wanted to speak with you before the others join us. Belliza and Cole told us there was trouble in Pantione’s chambers. I am sure you have discovered we cannot account for what transpires below the sea. It is another world, far different than ours,” he said. He stroked his white beard with his talon, contemplating while scanning her mind.
“Cole will be joining us later tonight and we hope he will have discovered what went on as you left the Grotto. We gather there must have been violence.”
His eyes traveled back to the bracelet, as if a magnetic force drew them. Something was on his mind. She felt it from the strength of his gaze.
“I trust Cole’s instincts, though. If an act of war took place in Pantione’s chambers as we suspect, it had nothing to do with us.”
The bracelet on her wrist throbbed. An electric charge ran through her body and vibrated in her head.
“You wear the amulet now. You have everything you need to help us protect our future.” He hesitated and under his breath, he mumbled, “There is not enough time…to accomplish everything I must for Spyridon.”
“What do you mean not enough time? Why?” Parker asked.
“My reign will soon be over. And it will be apparent. It will soon be time for my succession. The Spirits of the Sky will be calling for me.” His eyes focused on her bracelet.
Belizza entered the Sky Box, followed by Cole, his expression grim.
Stefanos spoke in his tongue, then returned to English. “Now that Parker has seen our planet, she and the earthlings will work with each kingdom to address the toxicity in our waters. This is our first consideration. Our people are up in arms. They are not accepting the rationing and the pressure is mounting. We must come up with a solution before there is a revolt. We cannot be undermined. Once in place, we will deal with the world beneath the sea, if they are behind these crimes.”
“Sky King,” Cole said, “I regret having to interrupt you, sir. But my request is time-sensitive and important.”
Stefanos nodded and said, “You may continue.”
“You know of the incident in the Grotto. I ask for your understanding to take leave immediately. This morning, flags of mourning were mounted along the Labyrinths and continued into The Hollows. Something terrible happened while we were in the Commander’s Grotto. I need to be accounted for in the Underworld. I can’t be missing. If this is some kind of crisis, I want to see with my own eyes what happened. I will transmit my findings at the first opportunity.”
Parker held her breath, hoping Stefanos would release him. She did not know the rules of this land, nor the hierarchy of their roles, but she had the impression no harm could come from him. He made her feel safe. Even if he was one of them, she trusted him.
“May I take my leave, Sky King?” Cole requested.
Was she imagining Cole stealing a quick glance at her before he vanished? She felt a hint of something between them.
Belizza spoke to Stefanos in the tongue of Spyridon. Stefanos tipped his beak in consent. “Go forth, Cole. May the Spirits of the Sky be with you and guarantee your safe return.” He waited until Cole left and turned to Parker. “Now you have gained a better understanding of our world. I want you, Henley, and Edison to join the team investigating Katamoor. I think you will also find your inspiration there for purifying our water. Leave the world beneath the sea and the political ramifications to us.”