Chapter 17
The ship was a masterpiece—tall with carved masts and full sails. Every part of its framework was graceful, like the Hadem and their caves. Isika knew she would have appreciated its beauty more if she wasn’t sick with worry. She was afraid for Aria and for all of Maween, and she was worried about her own magic, which seemed cloudy and distant. She couldn't locate the lifesong of the earth, normally so close to her. Her magic felt fuzzy, as though someone had thrown a blanket over it. Jabari had begun to actively try to strengthen his magic, and Isika was glad because she knew they couldn’t count on hers. At least not until something changed.
Most of Isika’s waking moments were filled with thoughts of Aria. Isika woke up with Aria’s name in her heart. She thought about her befo
