1269_UgliesFreeBook

UGLIES 57
cold water rising from Shay’s board when it dipped or
banked, but at least she knew when a turn was coming.
The first few minutes were sheer terror, her teeth
clenched so hard that her jaw ached, her toes curled up
inside her special new grippy shoes, her arms and even fingers
spread wide for balance. But gradually Tally grew
accustomed to the darkness, the roar of water below, the
unexpected slap of cold spray against her face. It was
wilder, and faster, and farther than she’d ever flown before.
The river wound into the dark forest, cutting its serpentine
route into the unknown.
Finally, Shay waved her hands and pulled up, the back
of her board dipping low into the water. Tally climbed to
avoid the wake, spinning her board in a tight circle to bring
it to a smooth halt.
“Are we there?”
“Not quite. But look.” Shay pointed back the way
they’d come.
Tally gasped as she took in the view. The distant city
was a bright coin nestled in darkness, the fireworks of New
Pretty Town the barest cold-blue shimmer. They must have
climbed a long way up; Tally could see patches of moonlight
rolling slowly across the low hills around the city,
pushed along by the light wind that barely tugged at the
clouds.
She’d never been beyond the city limits at night, had
never seen it lit up like this from afar.