How to Heal a Gryphon by Meg Cannistra

Author:Meg Cannistra
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Published: 2022-08-16T17:43:37+00:00

11

The path starts to widen, taking the shape of a bell, and, for the first time since entering the jam-packed marketplace, it feels like I can breathe. The comforting scent of sea salt is a welcome change from the assaulting incense, rotten meat, and sweat. My heart leaps as I get a view of the neon ocean. A school of flying fish with iridescent scaled wings skims along the top, and a large orange fin slaps the water, creating ripples on the otherwise still surface. The hush starts to fade, pushing the violins to the forefront. Not nearly as nice of a change as being able to see and smell the sea, but the violins are a lot less disturbing than the rhythmic whispers.

Out here, on this side of the marketplace, there aren’t many trulli or streghe to be found. And the few that are around don’t pay Sinistro and me much mind. But I wouldn’t call their disinterest necessarily a good thing. I know they know what happened just now. And probably what happened with the gatto strega, too.

As if on cue, a long, drawn-out cawwwwww sets the hairs on the back of my neck on end, and I look up to see that same murder of crows circling overhead once again. My stomach churns, and I pet Sinistro’s head for reassurance. They must have lost us when we were cramped like sardines with the streghe, but they unfortunately can see us again.

“I wish they’d just leave us alone,” I complain, trying to hide a yawn with the back of my hand. “I’m tired, crabby, and starving. Diana’s mad and punishing me for using that protection spell. We need to rest or we’ll have no chance of rescuing Rocco.” I try conjuring my ball of light. The orange and red flames dance in my palm for a moment before guttering out like a candle doused with water. “Madonna mia. This is a bad spot to be in. And I don’t know how long she’s going to be upset.”

“Hmm, considering you single-handedly took on one Strega del Malocchio and lived to tell the tale, I’d say you’re doing pretty well for yourself. Diana will get over it.”

“Yeah, but what happens if I have to take on all of them?” Images of Rocco stuck in some dirty trullo alone and scared while a group of Streghe del Malocchio celebrate and laugh bounce around in my head. I squeeze my eyes shut until all I see are bright fireworks of white and green behind my eyelids. “We can’t make any mistakes when rescuing Rocco. And we’ll need to find a way out of here fast. Because I don’t think they’ll be happy with us taking him back.”

“If you bargain...”

“I. Hate. Bargains.” I cross my arms over my chest, stomach grumbling and fatigue pulling at the corners of my eyes. “I shouldn’t have to bargain for my brother. He was mine first. And besides. Guaritori can never ever make deals with Streghe del Malocchio.

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