Into the Churn

by Hayley Reese Chow

“And you ran out into the storm to grab it,” Foster said. That was no small thing. At his mom’s age, it must’ve wreaked havoc on her body, even if she was out there for only a short time. His throat tightened with a swell of warm emotion, his eyes dampening. “Thank you, Mom.”

A chuckle flowed through the crowd, and Foster turned to Ezren beside him, her gaze starry and dazed. “Well, is it everything you hoped it would be? You know, besides the lack of coffee and cake raining down on us?” “It was a little dramatic.”

“Not quite.” Then he leaned in close and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. Not for the hovercams, not for the fans, just for them. Everyone else just happened to be there.

Even Simon and Bex were there, sipping their umbrella drinks while they posed with the squealing Micah for Simon’s hovercam.

Although storms swirled in the distance, they looked strangely calm after her time in the churn belt.

Even if a small part of Calderon’s argument wriggled in her gut, it could be up to her to preserve the heart of Belethea—her wildness, her beauty. It would be a hard battle, but she could do it—because as a BRR champion, she had a voice now. And it was loud.

“What about you?” Ezren asked. “Me?” Ezren snorted. “Yes, you, Champion Belethea Royale Racer. Racing again? Or coming back as a coach? Sylvia would die to have you.”

It had taken her some time to realize it, but now that her wings had spread, Tuzuno wasn’t quite big enough for her anymore.

She stood up on her toes and kissed him long and hard. When they pulled apart he pressed his forehead to hers, his breath warm on her cheeks. “I’m so glad we’ll be going there together, then.” With a broadening smile, he kissed her again, his fingers curving around her back as he pulled her to him, her skin heating as their bodies melded together to the roll of distant thunder.