Dark Star (35 page)

“You idiot,” Rosie said.

Pip took her hand, pulling her with him. “This idiot is taking you away, right now.”

Rosie saw a gleaming bio bike parked under the shade of some trees past the vaults.

“I hope you didn’t steal it,” she said.

“Course I did.” He gave her a quick kiss then shoved a helmet over her head. “I’m channelling my inner past Feral.”

“You’re no Feral.” Rosie climbed on behind him.

“What am I then?” Pip’s tone was teasing through the helmet com as he revved the bike.

“Don’t know, I haven’t figured that out yet.”

“Well, we’ve got plenty of time for that.”

Rosie laughed as he backed up the bike and sped deliberately too fast down the hill. Leaning against his back, she held tight as he drove the bike out onto the road. As he did, a great streak of jet stream burst across the sky followed by the thunderous rumble of a ship that passed over them, heading for the outer atmosphere. It looked like the
Cosmic Mariner
. Rosie watched it, feeling Pip’s warmth beneath her hands and it seemed the world had suddenly opened before her with possibilities and she let out a cry and raised a hand to it in salute. And as she did, Riley’s last words came back to her. “Live for me.”

I’m going to try, Riley, she thought. That’s a promise.

Lara Morgan grew up in the hills outside of Perth, Western Australia but has spent the years since then roaming the world and investigating other hills. She has worked in the arts, at a newspaper and, once, a car wash, but all pale in comparison to being a writer which allows her to work in her pyjamas. She is also the author of a fantasy trilogy called The Twins of Saranthium. The Rosie Black Chronicles is her first series for young adults. She now lives in Geraldton, Western Australia – most of the time. You can visit her online at: www.lara-morgan.com and laramorgan.wordpress.com.

This conclusion to the story of Rosie Black and her battle with Helios has been a bittersweet end to a trilogy I’ve loved writing. Bitter because it’s hard to let it go, and sweet because it’s a conclusion Rosie has earned and I’m glad to have given it to her. These people have helped along the way:

Kath, Jackie and Myriam, true friends who have discussed Rosie (and other things) over cups of tea and helped me keep my sanity. Amanda, as always, who understands and listens even across the distance that separates us. My agent Clare who keeps the fires burning and the stellar group of editors, Sue, Suzanne, Virginia and Mary, who ensured it all makes sense. The hardworking team at Walker whose care and commitment to this series has helped make it a success. And last but never least to my family who still think I’m mad but love me anyway, despite my penchant for fuchsia and stripes.

For Grant,
whose belief has never wavered,
stay golden

Other books by Lara Morgan
The Rosie Black Chronicles 1: Genesis
The Rosie Black Chronicles 2: Equinox