Total pages in book: 161
Estimated words: 153795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 769(@200wpm)___ 615(@250wpm)___ 513(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 153795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 769(@200wpm)___ 615(@250wpm)___ 513(@300wpm)
Zephra sits on Algar’s shoulder, ogling me as he awaits my response. He was so happy to be reunited with her on the ship, and she squealed with delight when she saw her charmer again.
“I’m going to ask Captain Solyen if he’ll sail me to Meriva,” I tell him.
“And what about your sister?” he asks warily.
I avoid his eyes by putting my focus on the barrels of ale behind the bar counter instead. “There’s one more thing I can do to make things right for her.”
There’s a brief moment of silence.
“Zaira.” Algar leans forward. I cave and give him my attention. “You don’t plan on doing something reckless, do you? Wasn’t venturing to The Shallows enough?”
“No, I don’t plan on doing anything reckless,” I lie. “Maybe I’ll tell the queen that Seferin has my sister. I have so much information I’ve learned about The Shadow Guild now. Maybe they’ll be more inclined to help me if I give them intel…”
“The guild will kill you, Zaira. And your sister.” Algar looks at me a bit more closely. “I need you not to get yourself killed after all we’ve been through.”
“Well, I don’t know what else to do, Algar,” I snap, and my voice is loud enough for Rynthea to place her fresh pint of ale down next to me.
“What’s going on?” she asks as I drop my face in my hands.
“Zaira’s planning on doing something really unwise,” Algar informs her. I look up, and his eyes are still glued to me. “Listen to me, Zaira. It might be time to cut your losses. Even if you do tell the queen what you know, that palace has ears. They’ll run right to the Grim and inform them. Seferin will find out, and he’ll kill your sister before the curse can. Then he’ll come for you. Is that what you want?”
“No,” I mutter, frustrated.
“He’s right.” Rynthea places a gentle hand on my shoulder. “You did everything you could, Zaira. You truly went above and beyond. I don’t see any other way for your sister to get out of this alive. I’m so sorry.”
An ache takes over my whole body. I stare at Rynthea until my vision blurs and then look at a hazy version of Algar and Zephra. When my tears fall and a sob racks my body, they wrap their arms around me and hold me close.
Neither of them says a word.
They simply allow me the time to cry.
To process my denial.
To understand what I’m about to lose.
But neither of them knows my tears are just a coverup.
Chapter 59
It’s well after midnight by the time Captain Solyen’s crew files up the gangway to the ship. On board, they mill around, laughing and getting ready to sail.
Rynthea and Algar are still fast asleep at Irina’s inn. I could tell they were worried about me. While they ate their stew and drank ale at the tavern, I sat on the porch, drowning in my thoughts. And when it was time for them to go back to Irina’s, I told them I was going to hang outside and watch the sunrise over the harbor.
I hate lying to them—it makes me no better than Thane. But my lies are to protect them, not use them. That makes a difference in my mind.
As I turn my plan over in my mind for the hundredth time, Enver stops by with a gentle hello. He apologizes for doubting me, then offers tea and my favorite honey loaf. This is the first time I’ve turned the sweet bread down. I’m not in the mood to talk to him, and, picking up on that, he gives me a hug around the shoulders and leaves.
When I spot Captain Solyen stumbling his way toward his ship, I collect my belongings and jog toward the port.
“Here.” I stand on the deck of the Emellie, stuffing a handful of coins in his palm. “I need to get to Meriva now.”
He examines me closely, eyebrows drawn together, trying to understand the urgency.
“Please,” I add softly.
“What about the other three?”
“The Shallows was a lot for them. They aren’t strong enough to travel yet.” And they’re going to be furious when they find out I’ve left without them. Guilt makes my stomach churn. The ship ride to Meriva will take nearly fourteen hours. If I want to make it there in time, I have to leave immediately. “Maybe you can give them passage in a few days?”
“Yeah. All right.” Solyen hollers for his crew to prepare to sail.
As I walk on board toward the cabin, I notice a dark silhouette in the distance. Sitting on the beach, close to the ocean, is Thane. That stupid tome is in his lap, and he’s looking my way. I can’t make out his facial expression, but I do see his eyes spark that familiar gold as he closes the tome and stands up.