Page 98

As the afternoon grew longer, the pair descended the grassy hill to the cove. The pale yellow sand was warm, and the turquoise water lapped gently at the shore. Berolt and the rest of the crew would arrive at dusk to collect Riella and Jarin.

Until then, they reclined together on the private beach, Jarin running his hand up Riella’s lightly tanned leg.

“I’m looking forward to being on the water,” said Riella.

“Oh, aye. Me too. And what fun it will be, to rob and plunder slavers.”

“Especially now that we can Send and breathe underwater. They won’t know what hit them.”

“I still can’t believe you convinced your siren friends to create an alliance with us against the slavers.”

“Are you kidding? They can hardly wait to wreck ships. Nor can I, truth be told. I’m so grateful the Sea Witch restored my full strength.”

Jarin sighed. “She could’ve given me some.”

“You’re plenty strong already. And besides,” said Riella with a cheeky grin. “Now I can overpower you whenever I like.”

She swung her leg over Jarin and straddled him, pinning his wrists over his head. Her name adorned one of his biceps, and her portrait covered the other. The tattoo artist had taken great care to ink an accurate depiction.

“No complaints here. I’m all yours, evermore.”

“Jarin.”

“Yes?”

“I love you.”

His breath caught. She’d never said those words to him. Although she’d felt them for some time, she wanted to be sure she knew exactly what they meant before expressing them. She wanted to understand the complexity and depth and utter sweetness that was love. Now, she did, and it was Jarin who’d shown her.

An ancient hurt in his eyes melted away, like ice after a long winter. Waves crashed on the beach and the sun warmed her back. She leaned forward, her hair falling around his face, and kissed him.