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“Technically, my people sank it,” Zarian says. “You did the best you could.”

“Aye,” Alosa says. “That she did, and it was more than enough. Sounds to me like she stopped a threat to the entire world before it could even leave the island.”

“That she did,” the translator says on Dynkinar’s behalf. “I am eager to learn more about the incredible individuals within your ranks, Captain Kalligan. If any of them are half as talented as Sorinda, then I don’t think the King of the Undersea stood a chance in the first place.”

Embarrassment heats my cheeks, and I look away so the pair don’t notice.

“I have only the finest working for me.” I can hear Alosa’s smile in the words. “As for you and the Drifta, we would be happy to have you join us at the keep. We are still building our fortifications there. Perhaps you could occupy another section of the island and build the first town?”

“I’ll take my leave of you for now and discuss this with my people.” Dynkinar and the boy leave, leaving me and Alosa alone in her captain’s quarters.

It is a comfort to be in such a familiar setting. I’ve spent years of my life sailing on this ship. She is more familiar to me than any other place in the world. I have hidden in her shadows and found every nook and cranny there is for secreting stuff away. This ship was the first place that felt like home again after I lost my family.

“You look like you wish to say something,” Alosa prompts.

Where to begin? “I … changed while on the island,” I start.

“Yes, you mentioned how the panaceum made you temporarily immortal.”

“No, I mean, me. In here.” I point first to my head and then to my heart. “I don’t know how to say this, but I think I might …bewith Kearan.”

Alosa blinks twice. “What do you meanbewith Kearan?”

I take a deep breath. This is Alosa. I can tell her anything. Her good opinion of me won’t change. I have to trust that. So I tell her my story. The full story of what happened to my family. What happened with Kearan. Where we’re at now. I end with “So now we’re together, and it’s strange, but I’m just trying to take it one day at a time.”

Alosa shifts slightly, but she doesn’t break eye contact. “That’s a lot of information you just threw at me, but let me see if I’ve got this right. You’ve lived your life at a distance because you didn’t think you were worthy of anything more. Because of that little girl who died in your stead. But you’ve had a change of heart, thanks to Kearan. Also, you arewithhim. As in there’s kissing and stuff happening. Have I got that right?”

“More or less.”

She takes a moment to let it all sink in. “I’m sorry I didn’t make you feel as though you could trust me with the story of your childhood. I should have done better—”

“No, it wasn’t anything you did. I cared too much about your good opinion. I didn’t think what I did was forgivable. I was stuck for a long time. And then you forced me and Kearan together on this voyage, and it was the best thing that’s happened to me since the day you found me and convinced me to join your crew.”

Alosa smiles. “If that’s the case, then I’m happy for you. I’m happy for you both.”

“Thank you.”

“And of course I don’t hold your past against you or think less of you for it. If anything, I’m more astonished by you than ever. You’re a rare soul, Sorinda. I’m proud to know you and call you a friend.”

I feel my face softening, so I turn it toward the floorboards. “There is one more thing I wanted to discuss. I think that perhaps I might like to train some of the girls.”

“Train? As pirates?”

“Assassins.”

“Stars,” Alosa says. “I’m just trying to imagine more than one of you at the keep. The land king will shat his royal britches once he hears of it.”

“I have your permission, then?”

“Of course. I think it’s a wonderful idea. I’ll spread the word and get you recruits. Besides, if this means you’ll spend more time at the keep, then I’m all for it.”

We return to the Drifta’s ship, where Alosa’s crew is catching up with friends who’ve been apart during our journey. Riden finds us and takes position at Alosa’s other side.

“There aren’t any injured, but the crew seemed grateful for a change in food options. I understand there was quite a lot of fish being eaten. The Drifta didn’t know what to make of the bread we had with us. Do they not grow wheat? Just how cold was it up there?”

“Cold enough to freeze the blood in your veins,” I answer.

Riden makes a face before throwing his arm over Alosa. He pulls her in close and kisses the side of her head.