Page 138 of Soulgazer

Faolan is just a boy crafted by want, terrified of being forgotten.

I try to speak. To say anything that might bolster him, even as the magic spikes across my skin. But my mind’s too crowded by the island’s call for visions, so in the end, I can only step forward and press a single kiss to his brow.

Faolan sucks in a breath, then reaches for me. “Feck. Saoirse, I’m sorr—”

“This can’t be right.”

Brona’s voice jerks us apart, and I force myself to step away from whatever he was about to do or say, turning to the railing where she stands facing the water.

And the ghost of an island just beyond.

Rock of pitch black stretches into a steep peak at the center, like a volcano once erupted to create this space before vanishing deep into the earth. It drags out into a circle of sorts, a cluster of stones standing sentry near their outstretched tips. Between them, a channel connects to a calm, round bay with enough room for a ship—if we can make it past the massive waves crashing between the pillars first.

“We’ve stopped here before, Saoirse. There’s not so much as a fly left alive on the place.” Brona sweeps a hand through her hair, grimacing when it finds a knot. “Even fish won’t tolerate the waters. I must have got the calculations wrong.”

“No.” I cannot tear my gaze away from the desolate land—not when its call still sings in my bones. “This is it. Those are the rocks of deepest shadow. I’m certain.”

They look at one another, at their captain—not at me.

Not this time.

Faolan pales but drags a smile onto his lips, trying to be the dashing leader they’ve followed all this way. “Saoirse, if you’re sure—”

“If????” I round on him, any lingering softness evaporating in the face of his favorite mask. “For feck’s sake, you wanted my magic—you married me for it—and I’m telling youthisplace is the Isle of Lost Souls. Stay here on the ship if you like, but I’m going.”

Faolan’s jaw works twice as he looks from my eyes to the ship. It’s too dark to note where Maccus’s fleet rests on the ocean beyond, and we both know the risk of leaving our advantage behind. I draw Faolan’s gaze back with a touch to his jaw.

“Either you trust me or you don’t.”

Nodding once, Faolan rolls his shoulders back and starts for the railing. “Get the currachs ready.”

—

Our first steps on the island’s shore are like a drunkard’s, the rocks uneven and almost angry. Above our heads, the black mountain peak stretches up like it wants to break into the sky open, lines carved into the sides where streams must once have flowed. A smattering of bare-limbed trees cages its side.

Not a single drop of water marks the land.

“Well, Faolan? Is this the weight of your promises to me?” Kiara kicks away a rock that splits in two beneath her boot, as brittle as the rest of this place. My palms are coated in sweat. I flatten them against my thighs.

“Give her a minute,” Faolan mutters, but I can see sweat dotting his own brow despite the chill in the air.

“Recall to breath, the waters pale

End their ageless frost”

I glance at the peak again, those empty lines where rivulets once ran. “I think we need to climb.”

“Climb, she says.” Kiara laughs outright, turning away from the peak to look over the waters beyond. “This was a mistake.”

The last of my patience breaks.

“Then go back!” I turn on the others as well, sure I must look half-mad. “Leave. Take the ship, and sail wherever the feck you want. I didn’t ask for any of this, I never wanted it—Ihatethat I can feel this place in my head. But whatever’s calling me is here, and I’m going to bloody well find it.”

I turn before any of them can respond, and stare down the island that’s caused nothing but pain in my past.

“Whoever you are—” I start to pray out of habit, then bite my tongue and reach deep into the pocket of Faolan’s coat. He’s not the only thief on the ship, and I believe I’ve earned the right to claim it. “You called me here.”

The bone ring is ridged, carving a smooth, supple line beneath my finger. I trace the circle’s edge.