Page 108 of Of the Stars and Sea

“What is it?” Grayson asks.

Turning my arms over, I bring my sleeves up to my elbows. There’s nothing notable. Not even the hairs along my forearms are raised, but I can still feel the energy.

Strange.

“Nothing. I thought I felt something weird. But it’s nothing.” I tug my sleeves back down, roll my shoulders back and try to ward off the bizarre sensation. It’s probably just my body coming down from the rush.

“Captain! Ahead!” Grayson’s barrelman calls from the crow’s nest.

Straight off the stern, a looming shadow emerges. It’s massive. Craning my neck, I follow it up and up and up.

“What the fucking hells?—”

“Turn her starboard side!” Grayson yells to his helmsman and the shadow shifts to our left. “Drop anchor!”

Shouts ring across the deck as his men release the anchor and we slowly come to a stop. Staggering backward a few steps, I look to my left and right. The shadow stretches as far as my eyes can see through the mist.

As if we were meant to be here in this very moment, the fog starts to drift away. Hushed voices sound from the deck below, all speaking of the monstrosity before us. I bring my hand up to my mouth as the final remnants of the haze part, revealing a glittering black mountain, larger than anything I’ve ever seen before.

“It’s . . . beautiful,” I breathe, continuing to stare in awe of the magnificent mountain. Sunlight skitters across its stone face, shimmering like bright diamonds. I follow the ebony stone up to a violently sharp point. I’m not sure if it’s another play of the sunlight or if there’s truly a large jewel nestled at the top, glimmering blazing rays of light in all directions.

Grayson moves beside me and rubs a hand over the small of my back. “Welcome to the Solise Mountains, Little Pearl.”

“Captain, we don’t know what lies within those caves. I don’t think you and Rowenya should venture through them alone,” Zaos says as I place the Serpent’s Key back into the box and secure it in the inner pocket of my long coat.

“I need you here, Zaos. If Blythe gets wind of where we’ve gone, it won’t take him long to reach us. You’re the only one with the skills to captain theCaelestiain my absence.”

Zaos squares his shoulders at Grayson’s rebuttal then let’s out a quiet sigh. “When should I expect your return?”

Grayson clasps him on the shoulder. “I honestly don’t know. If things should go awry and Blythe makes his way through the isles, do what you must to lead him away.”

“You want me toleaveyou in those caves with no way out?”

Grayson’s brows are drawn as he eyes me over his shoulder. When he turns back to Zaos, his voice is strained as he says, “Yes.”

I swallow the knot in my throat and run my damp hands over the sides of my pants. Grayson might have seen the Solise Mountains, but he’s never ventured inside the caves. There is no telling what ancient creatures may lurk there in the darkness.

The Serpent’s Key led us here and the treasure may be hidden somewhere deep in that beautiful stone. But what great power would stand guard over a god’s treasure?

Shaking my head, I try to think of anything else.

It is not the time to allow fear to overrule me.

Zaos crosses his arms over his chest. “I just need to say that I have always done as you’ve commanded of me, but I do not agree with this plan.”

Grayson’s hand drops from Zaos’s shoulder. “I know. And I am thankful that despite your disagreement, I know I can count on you to carry out the order.”

Keeping my distance, I let them have their moment before Zaos leaves and it’s just us in Grayson’s room.

I loose a long sigh. “Well, here we are.”

“Here we are, indeed.” He tucks a stray lock of hair behind my ear and my mother’s pearl clinks against one of the other metal cuffs. “Are you ready?” he asks.

Closing my eyes for a moment, I think back over the last month and all that has happened since the first moment I saw Grayson on the docks. From the hatred and fear I had for him,to the joyous light in my chest that grows brighter every time I look at him. So much has changed. Yet, one goal has always remained.Find the treasure. Secure freedom for myself and my crew.

Once I open my eyes, I feel a quiet calm settle over me. “Yes, I’m ready.”

“You have the key and the box?”