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My eyes widen, and I find my hand going to my sword hilt for comfort. For comfort, or because I worry any nearby undead may start attacking him if they managed to catch his words?

“Why not?” I ask, anger seeping into my voice, but I keep my tone at a whisper to match his.

“Because no man, immortal or not, tells me what to do. I only take orders from one person, and she’s standing right in front of me.”

“And should I order you to agree to his terms?”

“Can’t, Captain. I made you a promise that I would never lie to you.”

I try to swallow, but my mouth has gone dry. Does he mean—

What does he mean?

“Then don’t lie to me,” I find myself whispering. “Lie to him. Right now for all the undead to hear.”

Kearan’s head tilts slightly, and I lose my breath when his eyes dip down to my lips.

He blinks once, slowly. Before stepping back and laughing.

“Aye, Captain,” he says loudly. “I’ll be keeping these hands to myself. Just as I’ve always intended. You just do the same so this fool doesn’t come after me, aye?”

I glare at him to make the ruse more believable. “That won’t be a problem.”

“Thought not.” He scoffs dramatically before walking back toward camp.

I stare after him, taking in the shape of his strong shoulders, which are bunched tighter than I’ve ever seen them. He walks with a slight hunch, as though he feels defeated, but his steps never waver.

What. Just. Happened?

And what does it mean?

Chapter 20

ASISTAGGERBACKinto camp, I can’t look away from Kearan. He retrieves the wood he dropped, places it near the closest fire, and brushes wood chips from his gloves and clothes. He lays the ax to the side methodically, as though he’s being extra careful with his movements. As if he knows I’m watching him.

And not just me.

But Threydan, too, through the eyes of the undead.

After a moment of stillness, Kearan takes off toward the other end of camp.

“Kearan?” Enwen asks. “What’s wrong?”

Kearan doesn’t answer as he leaves, barreling into the woods and out of sight. Enwen follows after him, calling his name as he goes.

Is he angry? Is he angry with me?

What is happening?

I’m torn between following and staying right where I am. I want to follow, to demand answers of him, but if Threydan is watching, that is the last thing I should do.

I try to distract myself by focusing on what’s in front of me. The girls are integrating with the crew of theWanderer, getting to know them.

Shura hugs Visylla. They must have known each other before, and the two are immediately swept into conversation. Dimella tries to get a word out of Captain Warran, but he won’t even look at her. He stands by another one of the fires to warm his hands, glowering at anyone who dares come near.

“Captain Warran, you will be civil to my crew, or I will ensure that you remain on this island forever,” I snap, showing a burst of anger that is uncommon for me. “Is that understood?”

His eyes land on me, and something he sees there has his posture relaxing. “Aye, Captain.”