It’s #BookQW and nighttime is when our heroine ‘lights’ up!
More from Chapter 1:
More Trouble Than Boys Are Worth
Tern Bay enclave, in the Windborne Scotland District
Coral hovered, slowly flapping her feathered wings under the crisp September night sky. The last set of competitors had landed at the edge of the dueling arena below, its glowing borders the only light in the isolated valley. They withdrew the magic from their wings and shook hands. She was up next.
I have nae been so nervous about dueling since…
She’d never been nervous about throwing shockballs. Being the youngest of four ensured that, and improved her aim.
But across the arena, her ex-beau, Lemon, kept glaring at her. Earlier she’d had to tell him again that no, she didn’t want to get back together. He’d been as nasty about it as a shark with a hook in his mouth.
And tonight, Lemon was a referee.
“He’s not gonna give you fair calls,” said the other referee, Pearl, coming to hover next to Coral. “Especially not with who you’re up against. But I’ll do my best for you.” She knocked her light brown knuckles against Coral’s leather-clad shoulder. The tall, brunette witch was always friendly and treated Coral like she lived here.
Few of the town teens did. Coral was in this port only once or twice a month, but that was more frequently than other ports on her family’s rounds from the Isle of Giuthas. She’d claimed Tern Bay as her home dueling team three years ago, when she was thirteenth year and she’d followed her older brother to the secret matches.
“Thanks,” Coral told Pearl and zipped up the insulated blue vest she wore over her black leather shirt and pants.
Next to Lemon, Spike, her opponent, was also adjusting his vest, a red one the color of his magic. Lemon wore a yellow vest, and the two best friends were whispering, their blond heads repeatedly turning toward her.
That friendship was one of the things that had come between her and Lemon. Spike hated Coral because she was an outsider to Tern Bay and because she was a witch and a better duelist. Spike was two years older and quick, both at maneuvering and with his forceful throws. Aye, her fiercest rival had better form, but neither his energy nor his aim was as strong as hers. Lately she’d been winning more, and this summer she’d gained the top position. She was proud to finally be the best at something, though outside of the duelists, she couldn’t tell anyone—magical dueling was illegal.
Lemon held his arm up.
“Ready?” Pearl asked.
Coral’s stomach felt like it was full of flying fish, and her fingers hummed with her magic, coating them in a messy blue glow. She siphoned it in. Lemon’s nasty attitude can’t stop me. She nodded.
“Good luck,” Pearl said and held up her arm.
* * *
A hotshot duelist and a wanna-be sailor become entangled in a sailing race, lost dolphins, magical dueling…and the unsteady waters of love.
If you haven’t read the rest of the series, don’t worry. This novel can be read as a standalone. The characters and location are new to the series.
Get Lost Whisperer of the Seas in print or ebook! Buy it here!
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