Vale fell through the air, electricity shooting through her as she spun, bringing herself face to face with the AI. She slammed into its torso with a crash as they both hit and rolled inside the skymaran. Crushing its chest with a steel knife, she electrocuted it with the last of her electrical charge.

She heard shouting as the AI sputtered, dying under her fingertips but Vale's rage made her blind to the world around her. All she could see was the AI, destroying the creature that had forced her hand. Its eyes dimmed, reminding her of Reign and all the others, eating away at her last moment of sanity.

Turning, she searched the skymaran for Kebar. Eager to destroy him in the same manner. Ready to end everything with one final death. But she couldn't find him, her eyes still blind from her furry. And in her moment of weakness, a sharp prick bit her neck from behind. Ice bled into her veins, snatched up by the adrenaline, and moved through her body with poisonous intent.

Her world blurred as Sky's eyes— no Kebar's eyes filled her vision. Vale stumbled, her legs numb. She swung out but found her arms too heavy to move. Her whole body was made of lead, refusing to respond. "What..." Vale slurred. "What'd... you... do?" The words took a great deal of effort.

"I changed the game," Kebar responded.

Vale fell to the ground, colors swimming passed. Mortem's ship was no longer above them and the skymaran moved at a terrifying speed. Wind yanked Vale's hair around her, angry and cutting.

She spotted the Devinus Castle, smoking in the sky. Fire causing it to glow brightly in the afternoon sun. It sputtered, descending towards the water below, dying as it was consumed by the ocean, greedy in its greeting.

"Where... where are... we... going?" Vale muttered her head slumping onto her shoulder, no longer able to keep it up. Why isn't he chasing after Sky? After Dash?

"Sky must have told you that I have blackmail on everyone," Kebar said in a nonanswer. He laughed, falling in and out of focus as he leaned against one side of the skymaran, watching Vale with cold, calculating eyes. "Did you ever wonder what I have on you?"

Vale blinked several times trying to focus. "I... have... nothing worth... hiding."

Kebar laughed. "We all have secrets Vale Vita. Daughter of Mortem." Vale's expressions were the only thing she could still control and at that moment she wished she couldn't. She wished he couldn't see the surprise in her features.

"You think I don't know about your mother's past?" Vale gritted her teeth, angry and helpless. "Daughter of one of the most valuable Tradesmen."

He paused, letting her have a moment to process. "I make it a point to know everyone's secrets." Kebar pushed off the side of the skymaran and crouched before Vale. "And I know yours."

Vale's heart tried to speed up, but the best it could do with the paralyzing drugs was sputter in a moment of panic before slowing again. "A girl that my subjects would love. One of their own. A rebel fighting for them. One that is on their side."

He doesn't know the truth. Let him think Mortem is my father. Mortem will keep my mother safe. Everyone who bets against Mortem loses. She gained a small bit of comfort in knowing that Mortem had been a thorn in Kebar's side for years and would continue to do so far after Kebar had killed her. The one man who refused to use the technology that monitored every aspect of people's lives.

Kebar continued, a chilling smile flashing menacingly across his stone face. "But even that is a lie isn't it?" He gripped her chin, holding it tightly in his cold ancient hand. "You are so much more than a daughter of rebellion." A gleeful fire filled his eyes. "You are a girl that the elites would tolerate due to your bloodline."

Kebar squeezed her chin tighter. "Mortem is just a name on a piece of paper. You are not of his bloodline."

Vale's head spun. A mixture of panic and confusion. How does he know? How did he find out?

"You're foolish to think I haven't always known who you were. You were always destined to meet my nephews."

Kebar let go of her chin and stood up, satisfied with the terror in her eyes. "I made sure the news story about the Lightning Seeker ship being manned by humans popped up on your home screen." He chuckled. "You probably thought it was fate! Destiny!" he said with a wave of his hands. "You were so eager for a reason to leave. For an adventure. I watched your online activity. I knew how desperate you were for a change."

"N...n... no," Vale managed, her world-shattering.

He continued, ignoring her week protest. "I put Sky's ship in your path. I made sure it crashed into yours."

Vale's vision failed, falling into black. Kebar continued, his voice rising with pride, with venom, with gleeful amusement. Monologuing about his past plans. His current victories.

"And I knew you would convince him to escape. He's always been so predictable. I knew the person to find you both would be Dash. My other grandson also has a weakness for people. Always trying to fix them."

A sharp slap across Vale's face brought her vision back. Kebar was unamused, wanting her full attention while he destroyed her world. While he shattered her belief in free choice. While he made her understand Sky's hopelessness in a painful new way.

"I am not finished," Kebar said in a clipped tone.

"You have been harder to control than I would like and I have been tempted to end you..." He paused, lost in thought for a moment, adjusting pieces on the chessboard of his mind. "But my dear grandson's seem far more flexible to my wants since your arrival."

Kebar crossed his fingers, weaving them together with a calculated look. "Such a valuable pawn must be used."

No... Vale's thoughts had gone muddy. Let them go... But all she managed was an angry growl. A protest that was clear even if monosyllabic.

"You will soon see... They will both fall into line to keep you safe. Their freedom is a mere illusion." Kebar laughed. "You've tried so hard to make Sky believe he has a life outside of his family. You've fed him lies that will only cause him greater pain."

Angry tears filled Vale's eyes. Guilt, fear, and rage each fought for control. She hated herself for not being able to destroy the virus. She hated Kebar for his evil bent on destroying those that he should love. But guilt won out. She had promised Sky things that may have been out of her control. I'm so sorry Sky.

She prayed Dash and Sky would run, hide and stay far from her. Forget her. "They will never escape my wants," Kebar continued. "Why do you think Sky hadn't offered to take the memory stick I know you brought and rid of the AI's himself? This is far bigger than you realize my dear... Sky understands that there is no point in fighting me. And soon, you will understand too..."

Vale's eyelids fell shut, the world going dark. She forced a final set of words out of her mouth. "You... will... have to... kill me... I won't follow your... rules." Vale's breaths grew shallow, erratic, unfocused. I would rather die than be a pawn used to destroy them.

Kebar laughed. "I wouldn't worry so much about that... Points of view can be... adjusted. But before we begin those adjustments, a reunion is in order."

Vale floated into unconsciousness, Kebar's final words sending icy terror through her body. A wild chill that she wished would end in her death.

"It's time to meet your father and become a true Lady Elite."

TO BE CONTINUED...

Lightning Destroyer

(Book Three)

IS CURRENTLY OUT

(Click the link at the bottom to jump right into the story!)

Cover of "Lightning Destroyer" below!

Other stories in the Lightning Seeker Universe below.

LET THE ADVENTURE CONTINUE IN...

Want other stories from the Lightning Seeker Universe? Check out the following stories! Up first is...

"The Rebel and the Ruler." The story about Dash and Sky's mothers. Imagine growing up with Kebar as your dad! Check out the story at the link at the bottom of the story!

"The Rebel and the Ruler"

Synopsis

Before the rebellion began, before the AI's set out to rule, a princess named Prim was given the task of taking up her family's mantel and controlling the world of humans. But when The King's sick game to find Prim a husband results in the deaths of a thousand boys, she flees, leaving her sister behind with the burden of ruling in her stead. Can these two sisters find freedom before they are both trapped between betrayal and a marble prison?

Up next is...

"CLUB NEON"

If you like cyberpunk, bar fights, and girls who can handle themselves but aren't against cute boys who have their back, then you will like this short story. Shout out to Efe Kurnaz for the amazing book background!

"CLUB NEON"

Synopsis

When Shorin Dust heads to Club Neon to let off some steam, he runs into a girl who's managed to gain a bounty on her head and before he knows it, he's on the run with a stranger... A beautiful, mysterious stranger.

AUTHOR NOTE:

Hello Chaos Readers!

Thank you so much for reading "Lighting Bringer!" Your comments and support have moved me to tears! Thank you for being so protective of your favorite characters and for loving them so fiercely. I can't believe book two is at an end! It's been a crazy, fun, and chaotic adventure. I can't wait for you to see what happens to Vale and the other characters next!

I would love to see your thoughts below! Leave a comment and tell me what you think will happen and what you would like to see happen.

Who is your favorite character?

What do you think Kebar has in store for Vale?

What is Vale's father like?

Do you think Dash and Sky will get her out?

Will they work together to make it happen or will they work alone?

Will Sky and Dash get trapped themselves?

Will Vale's mom kill Mortem for not saving her?

And of course... if Vale had to choose one of the boys, which do you think she would choose? Who do you think is the better pick for her? Build your ships!

You'll have to read the third book to find out where Vale's heart takes her. Until then, let me know what you think! Before book 3 drops, I will be dropping stories from different characters' POV's. What would you like to see?

- A prequel story about Mortem and his adventures before the events of "Lightning Seeker?" AKA Young Mortem.

- A mini-book from Sky's perspective on his life before Vale up and through the events of "Lightning Bringer."

- A mini-book from Dash's perspective on his life before Vale up and through the events of "Lightning Bringer."

- Another story entirely. Perhaps showcasing Dash and Sky's moms (More info below).

- Or something I haven't mentioned.

A special shout out to @bellsabub for the AMAZING cover for this book and "Lightning Seeker!" She is so talented and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next. Go give her page some love!

Thank you for all the support. Thank you for being the best readers around and for loving steampunk, adventure, and pirates!

All the best until next time and keep reading!

-FrennzyChaos