Page 107 of Daughter of the Dark Sea

Erick glanced at his own grip in surprise and released her. Exhaling a sigh, he pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Do you know something?” Kora clasped her trembling hands together. He’d always been wary of the Mist, always ordering her to stay away from it.Forbiddingher to sail near it.

He shook his head in response. “No. Donotgo near it again.” He stood, his face taut, motioning for them to leave. “My ships will follow and protect you the rest of the way to the Citadel. We can’t risk them sailing out of the Mist again.”

“Thank you.” She breathed in the comfort of Erick. “Why did you come? How did you know that we’d need . . . help.” Each word was forced in reluctant admittance.Gods help her.

“I had a feeling.”

“You weresobrave.”

Bree fluttered her lace fan, her golden jewellery sparkling in the late-afternoon sun peeking through parting grey clouds. Kora leaned against the edge of her ship, one hand gripping a shroud rope to keep her sanity intact.

“Well, it was a team effort.” Blake grinned as he nodded at Kora. “I’d be dead if wasn’t for my Captain.”You and me both.

Bree cast a sideways glance at Kora, her forest-green skirts swishing across the drying obsidian deck as sheswishedcloser to him. “Butyousacrificed yourself for her. Such an honourable man.” Bree pursed her lips. “Arealcaptain stands up for their crew.”

Kora’s hand tightened so much she was sure she’d have to visit Koji again for more off his off-putting salve.Almighty Thanos, she wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep this stupid façade up.

“Marwood, Cadell.” Theron appeared with Ivar.

Bree excitedly fanned herself at their presence, yet Theron’s dark gaze trained on Kora. When Ivar’s slinking form hovered a step behind Theron, his near-black eyes lingered on Bree for a moment, his throat bobbing, before scanning the horizon.

“I need to discuss our arrival at the Citadel.” Theron jerked his chin at her quarters. “Especially after recentevents.”

“Of course.” Blake bowed farewell to Bree, taking her hand in his and placing a delicate kiss on the back.

Kora averted her gaze, swigging her waterskin to settle the rising nausea. Gods, she wished it was grog. She needed a vacation, preferably on an isolated island, with barrels and barrels of rum. And sea biscuits.

“Fill me in later,” she exhaled, her eyes glued to the calm, glittering azure ocean.

Blake opened his mouth to argue but Theron replied, “Take whatever time you need, Captain. Rest is important.”

The formal address warmed her chest, and she bowed to Theron, her white hair falling across her face, shielding her inner pain. At least Theron understood she needed justfive minutesof quiet.

Bree snapped her fan shut and flicked her braids over her shoulder as the males disappeared into Kora’s quarters, their steps heavy and their shoulders low. It’d been a rough journey.

“You think he’s not good enough for me,” Bree quipped as they inhaled the crisp, northern salted air. Oh, good. So, she wasn’t getting her five minutes of silence, after all.

Kora raised a questioning brow.

“Blake. I’ve seen how you are when we’re together. It’s clear you don’t approve.”

Kora sighed. “Yes. I don’t think he’s good enough.”Because he’s mine.

“I hope I can convince you otherwise.” Bree placed her smooth chocolate-toned hand on top of Kora’s sun-kissed scarred one. “You’re my best friend. I want you to be happy for us.”

Kora swallowed her tears, her fear . . . her secrets. Her carefully constructed life was slipping through her fingers.

“We’re nearly home!” Bree gleefully announced, pointing to the cluster of small islands in the distance.

“Aye!” Samuel yelled from the quarterdeck. “Calypso Islands port side!”

She peered at the smattering of palm trees, sandy beaches and caves creating the Calypso Islands. This far away, it looked like a brown and green rock drifting on the northern Shaurock Sea. The islands were the first sign ships neared Talmon Island.

“My father would tell me tales of Calypso.” Bree’s eyes sparkled at the islands.

“ThegoddessCalypso?” Kora was sure her ears were stuffed with seaweed. Why would a noble know the Devanian legends?