Page 126 of Lore of the Tides

Isla woke her brother with a swift kick to the ribs. Finndryl jerked sideways, clutching his side as breath expelled from his chest. “Goddess, Isla, what was that for?” he muttered into his pillow.

“That’s for making me think you were dead for weeks, you bastard.”

“If I’m a bastard, that would mean you are too.”

“Good morning, Isla,” Lore said as she pushed herself up on her elbows and yawned into the morning light.

“You’re next.”

Lore scooted backward to avoid Isla’s boot. “That’s not fair! We were kidnapped!”

“Excuses, excuses!” Isla said, even as she stretched out a hand to help haul Lore to her feet.

“I tried to find you, with my magic. But you must have been in Duskmere each time. I can’t penetrate the concealing spell the Alytherians cast over this place. When I try to find it, it’s like it doesn’t exist.”

“You should’ve tried harder. Where is Asher? And who is this gorgeous specimen?” Isla asked, jamming her thumb in Hazen’s direction. Hazen was asleep in the corner, a bundle of blankets with only his precious sleeping face peeking out from the pile of quilts.

“Ah. Our friend Prince Hazen, from Lapis Deep.”

“Lapis Deep? As in, the underwater siren kingdom half an ocean away?”

“It’s been a journey,” Finndryl said as he rubbed his ribs. Louder: “Which is why I don’t appreciate you waking me up with your boot, you demon spawn.”

“That doesn’t answer my question—where is Asher...?” Her voice trailed off, a flicker of doubt clouding her expression. “He isn’t dead, is he?” She laughed, though her joke was laced with real worry.

Asher and Isla had been each other’s family. Chosen family. In many ways, they had been as close as Lore and Grey.

And in a way... Asher was dead. Lore had grieved him as if he were, anyway. And now, in two days, the pretender in his place would be too. Unless they intervened.

Lore exchanged a glance with Finn, a silent understanding passing between them. “We were... taken,” Finn began, his voice heavy. “By Asher.”

Isla’s eyes widened. “Taken... by Asher?” she repeated, disbelief lacing her tone. “Taken where? How did he convinceyouto go with him, Finn?”

Lore stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Isla’s arm. “He wasn’t who we thought he was, Isla. The Asher that you know was using a different name, a disguise. His real name is Syrelle. He’s a noble who is exquisitely skilled at glamouring.”

Isla’s expression flashed through about a hundred emotions. She opened and closed her mouth multiple times before settling on, “He abducted you both? Why?”

Finn winced. “He had misguided reasons, not all of which he has disclosed to us.”

Isla’s shock morphed into anger, her fists clenching. “Misguided? He abducted you! He...” Her voice broke. “He lied to me. To all of us.”

Finn nodded solemnly. “We know. And we were angry too. But...” He hesitated, searching for the right words. “While wedon’t condone what he did, we forgive him. Mostly... And Isla, we believe that he truly cares for you. He just went about your friendship the wrong way. I’m sure that once we rescue him... his explanation will make more sense than either Lore or I could give.”

Isla stared at them, her anger simmering beneath the surface. “Forgive him?” she echoed, her voice laced with incredulity. “You forgive him?”

“It wasn’t easy,” Lore admitted. “And I don’t forgive him for everything; he and I will never... be what we were before he removed his mask.”

Isla remained silent for a long moment, her emotions warring within her. Finally, she let out a shaky breath. “I don’t know if I can,” she confessed. “But I’m glad you are both safe.”

Lore and Finn enveloped her in a hug, a silent promise of support and understanding. Whatever she decided, they would respect her decision.

“Whether Syrelle is forgiven or not... we must ask ourselves, do we care for the Asher we knew enough to rescue him from a fate worse than death?” Lore asked quietly, gently, as she stepped away. She, of course, had already come to her own conclusions. Nothing would stop her from rescuing Syrelle before his time elapsed. Two more days, the king had given him. But Lore wouldn’t apply pressure on Isla. The undertaking would be treacherous, and if Isla were to risk her life for someone she never truly knew, it would be up to her to make that decision.

Isla shook her head. “What, exactly, are we rescuing him from?”

“We?” Finn asked Isla, his eyebrow raised.

“Of coursewe. I’m not going to let him be killed before I have a chance to beat the shit out of him and demand answers.”