Page 69 of Death’s Kiss (The Order of the Tide Raiders #1)

“But it’s also possible they’re using them to embrace raider tradition.

I'd argue that the core of their intention tonight in tything the crew and captain as one was really to tie themselves further to The Order.

What better way to prove that accepting a castaway into our ranks was a worthwhile risk?

What better way to show that the gods' choosing was justified?”

His reasoning is loud enough for anyone in the vicinity to hear.

I’m quiet for the next few minutes, lost to thoughts full of sickening worry for Merena and her brash impulsiveness. That, at least, is a part of her that has obviously not changed. This stunt of hers also reeks of Raider Hiraeth’s involvement.

The two of them should have been separated the night that they were caught running an underground gambling ring.

That was during my fifth level, their outrageous wagers were regarding the north’s own instructors.

The betting pool regarding Preceptor Chie’s remaining lifespan having been the most mild of them all.

The only modicum of relief I’m afforded is that Lord Dolion’s overheard words seem to have quelled the dissent around us. Cheering resumes again and the turning of my stomach starts to settle. I can only pray his comments have a very distant ripple effect.

For some reason, likely a result of being separated from my crew, I find myself attempting conversation with the TideLord. “You probably didn’t know this but we actually overlapped my first year in the north,” I comment, shifting slightly to where he stands on my left. “The year you won.”

Lord Dolion wears a faint smirk as he turns his famous head of golden curls to face me straight on before stating, “I know.” He laughs low in response to my look of surprise.

“An elemental doesn’t just wash-up to a cardinal without notice.

I knew who you were. Just as I’m sure you knew of Captain Boreas when she came about. Didn’t you?”

He gives me a wink that says he's aware of exactly how well I once knew Captain Boreas. A burning sensation heats my chest and I shove back the hair that’s cutting through my vision. Pushing away the urge to glower, I give the hero of my youth a noncommittal shrug.

“I suppose.”

He smirks again before returning his focus to Merena. “How did she manage to come in tonight ranking fifth, I wonder?” Lord Dolion ponders aloud. “I heard her time in the Veil Keeper was remarkable. Pity about the eastern boy though.”

"Mm,” I grunt by way of agreement. Truthfully, I had only heard of the eastern captain's death upon arrival. Lord Raimbaut mentioned it so casually you would have thought the captain was merely out sick.

“She is rather entertaining, isn’t she?” he remarks, leaning ever forward on the slender barrier. When I don’t respond, he asks pointedly, “Is that a trait of your all’s affinity? ”

I turn to him, confusion ripe in my furrowed brow and he glances back at me with amusement lingering in the curve of his mouth.

“The unexpectedness, the— chaos that Captain Boreas seems so remarkable at causing,” Lord Dolion explains before turning away again.

“Is that due to being an elemental? I ask because, from what I’ve heard, that southern one seems equally as talented in wreaking havoc.

I wondered whether that was just a trait within your kind’s nature? ”

My back stiffens at his words, and my grip on the railing becomes dangerously tight.

Your kind.

As if we’re some sort of breed.

“No. I have not found that to be the case,” I respond curtly, tamping down on the irritation he’s so casually provoked. TideLord Raimbaut would have my fucking head on a shiny, gem-encrusted platter if I embarrassed him tonight.

I don’t dare mention the fact that the supposed ‘chaos-inducing’ Merena he’s observed in these trials is nothing compared to the one I knew before.

Lord Dolion makes a low hum of approval. “So it will just take a bit of proper training then.”

Sliding my gaze over to the TideLord with more scrutiny, I find I fucking hate the way he’s watching Merena.

His focus follows her cape-clad figure as she moves about their speeder, aiding her crew in their assessment.

He studies her movements, his eyes glinting under the star-filled sky with greed, like she’s some sort of rare purchase to be made.

A deep scowl twists my features and I struggle to smooth it over. My gaze remains fixed on him until Lord Dolion’s lips pull back, revealing perfectly white teeth as he barks out a sharp laugh of surprise. It sends my attention darting back to the floating docks.

What I discover next has me groaning internally and my hands rub down either side of my face in complete exasperation. Lord Dolion’s nearby laughter only serves to annoy me more, he evidently understands and enjoys the ploy she’s currently unveiling.

Merena has pulled out black fingerless gloves and begun shoving them onto each hand.

Her cold demeanor is replaced with a familiar cockiness that whispers tales of her previous deviancy.

She once again captures the masses attention when ripping off her captain’s cape, exposing the new uniform beneath and her impressive affinity mark embroidered along her back.

My previously inward groan moves outward.

I should have known her crew’s tythe wouldn’t be the only rebellious antic Merena would be involved in tonight.

On the other hand, maybe she's not quite as different as I’d feared.

Spitting on not one but two raider customs in front of the TideLords and Driftwood Court would certainly have tempted a younger Merena.

The announcer’s voice blares out obnoxiously again and for the first time I actually pay attention to it.

“I don’t believe what I think I’m seeing here, Raiders—a strange turn of tides indeed!

The first castaway to ever enter the Pillar Trials is making yet another first. Captain Boreas of the Cardinal North appears to be taking over as helmsman for her team! ”

“Oh, this is too good,” Lord Dolion murmurs with a low chuckle.

I fight the snarl forming in my throat in response to his appreciation.

A metallic scent tints the air while watching his eyes devour every inch of Merena and her enticingly displayed figure.

Their new uniform is expertly form-fitted and without her cape, every tempting feminine curve Merena possesses is made sinfully prominent against the leanness of her toned body.

If my attention wasn’t so heavily focused on the TideLord beside me, I would be knee-deep in a world of excruciatingly hard frustration.

As if that dress wasn’t fucking bad enough.

Lord Dolion angles his face to me again in request and the hilt of his weapon shines menacingly beneath the starlight. “How is Captain Boreas behind the wheel? Tell me. ”

The demand in his voice frays the remaining edges of my nerves. A very faint crackling noise can be heard whispering about the air. I’m tempted to lie but ultimately know it will do me no good. Unfortunately, the greedy bastard will see for himself here soon enough.

I admit through an almost completely locked jaw, “She is—unexpectedly skilled.”

The Lord of Leviathan’s handsome expression of smug anticipation bothers me but not near as much as another’s. I find Captain Agni immediately upon returning my attention to the docks.

He stares with a predatory stillness, from the captain’s position on the bow of his speeder, at Merena slamming down her reflective helmsman visor above a wicked grin I do recognize.

The look on his face sends bolts of energy from my fingertips to the railing in my grip.

Several people, including Lord Dolion, curse sharply at the small electric shock that runs through the barrier in my brewing anger but I don’t react. My focus remains on Captain Agni’s deeply troubling expression.

He’s staring at her with the look of a blind man who’s just glimpsed the sun.