Page 14 of A Warrior's Heart

“Your knowledge of such stories could be of great use,” Malik said to him. “I’d like for you to accompany us.”

Kellan stilled at Fletcher’s side, displeased by the request.

The former pirate captain hadn’t lost an ounce of his intimidation over the years. Black hair and multi-colored eyes—one blue and one brown.

Long ago, Kellan had been a ruthless pirate who captured merfolk and slaughtered them for their hearts. He’d been a cold bastard whose only goal in life was to fill his pockets. He sold the hearts to mages, who had then used them for powerful potions. A curse had been placed upon him because of this; one that Fletcher helped him break.

Supposedly, Kellan was a changed man. Even Malik and Reif trusted him. Yet, I remained leery in his presence, failing to see how such a cruel man could ever change.

“I’m not sure how much help I’ll be,” Fletcher said, worrying his bottom lip.

“You know more than I,” Malik said, watching him. “The king gave me the location of a seer who will tell us more.”

“Dealing with seers is tricky,” Kellan spoke. “All answers come at a price. And even once you receive an answer, it’s usually concealed within a riddle. In my quest to break my curse, I sought out many seers and all of them gave me very little for my time.”

Fletcher softly smiled and rested his head on Kellan’s chest. “We eventually found the key to breaking your curse.”

“Aye, love. We did.” Kellan kissed Fletcher’s temple and ran his fingers through the smaller man’s auburn hair.

The action created a longing in my heart. I wanted the kind of love they had. But I was too untrusting. Too scared. My gaze shifted to Malik. He stared at the fire, the flames making his orange eyes shimmer. My feelings for him were real; I knew they were. But despite the flirting, I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to act on my feelings.

He doesn’t feel the same about me anyway.I was a child to him.The point was moot.

“Where is the seer located?” Kellan asked.

“The southern isles,” Malik answered.

“That’s at least a week’s journey from here.” Kellan scratched at his jaw. “Much too far for you to swim. You’ll need a ship.”

Fletcher perked up, smiling. Kellan returned his smile. I was clearly missing something.

Alek grinned. “Where is the Crimson Night these days?”

“Kris returned her to me a month ago,” Kellan answered, his tone reflecting the excitement in his eyes. “He met a lass in Stonebridge and wished to settle down. The Crimson is currently docked right here in Emerald Cove.” His multi-colored eyes moved to Malik. “If you need a ship, you have one.”

“Do I also have a captain?” Malik asked. “I’ll need someone who knows how to sail.”

“Aye.” Kellan smirked. “We’ll need a crew. Do any of you have experience runnin’ a ship?”

“A little,” Reif answered.

“I’ve never been on a ship, but I’m a fast learner,” Nereus said.

“I’m a healer,” Eva chimed in. “But I can also cook and scrub a deck. Put me to work.”

Fletcher and Alek then started reminiscing about their days sailing on the Crimson Night.

“Remember when Horace used to yell at us?” Fletcher asked with a laugh. Then his face scrunched up and he took on a raspy tone. “What ye think yer doin’, ya scurvy swabs? Get back ter work!”

Alek snorted before the smile slowly fell from his face. “None of the crew would even recognize me now. Not in this body.”

Theron crawled down from Lorcan’s lap and padded over to Alek, putting his small arms around his other father’s leg. Alek kissed the toddler’s head and lifted him up to sit beside him in the chair.

“I’m okay, little bird,” Alek said.

Theron leaned against Alek and closed his eyes. His little hand rested on his father’s cheek. There was something special about the child. I could feel it. Magic flowed through his veins.

Was that why Lorcan was worried? As a nymph, Lorcan was rare and had been hunted his whole life. Did he worry his son shared that same fate?