Page 119 of Pirate Witch

I rush her again, matching my brute strength against hers as she parries and tries to throw me back. Dodging to the side, I parry her repost with an upward sweep, then roll out of the way of the well-aimed kick to my ribs.

My sword comes up, catching her arm.

Blood.

“Three strikes! Nos takes it!” Val announces, with a whoop.

It almost doesn’t hit me that I’ve won until Cas jumps on me, the scent of his own astonishment blending with mine as he messes with my hair.

“You fucking outfought Nona.” He sounds awed. “Okay, my turn next!”

“I only challenge one grandchild a day on principle,” Nona grouches, good-naturedly. “Well done, Noster. You’ve learned much.”

Have I? I frown at her. She’s one of the greatest fighters I know. I’ve never been able to touch her before—although, I suppose I was a teenager the last time I tried.

I want to ask if I really did win, but I know that will just hurt her pride. She would never admit to throwing the fight, and I’m not sure I’d want her to.

Nilsa presses into me, kissing me with enthusiasm as she joins Cas in hugging the shit out of me. I kiss her right back, revelling in the taste of my mate.

All too soon, Cirio and Val have shooed the rest of the pirates back to their tasks, and I’m left facing the most terrifying opponents of all.

My own parents.

My mother’s arms fly around me and she hugs me fiercely against her smaller body.

“I am so proud of you, my son.”

I take a deep breath. “I need you to believe in me. I ran away because I was stifled and sick of feeling like a burden or a weakness. I’m neither. I’m just different.”

She nods against me. “I know. I’m sorry. I won’t doubt it again.”

I turn my head back to my Pa. Ma releases me as he approaches, and I stand my ground, biting the inside of my cheek as I wait to hear what he has to say.

“I’ve never been able to beat my Ma in a challenge,” he admits softly.

It’s not an apology, but it’s said with the gravitas of one, and that makes it all the more meaningful.

“I’ve grown a lot. Picked up a few things.”

His approval threads through the air. “Yes. You have.” He pauses. “Both of you have. And I am proud to swim into battle beside the men my sons have become.” He pats my shoulder, drawing me over to the table. “Now, let’s plan how we’re going to win this.”

ChapterForty

NILSA

Cawshome glimmers in the darkness. The city is alight beneath the stars, glowing with warmth behind the armada assembled to face us. They knew we were coming, and they’re ready for us. I’ve never seen so many boats all in one place. The only thing we don’t know is whether the Eagle and the Alchemist are on those ships, or holed up safely in their palace.

Amelia believes her aunt is arrogant enough to lead the charge from her enormous, gilded vessel—which is currently anchored at the very back of the fleet. The princess claims the Eagle will want to be close by to claim the glory for herself.

I’m not so certain.

Catherine isn’t accustomed to fighting her own battles. That’s why she sent Everett after us in Coveton. Why change now?

“Wherever she is,” Kier begins, pinching my chin between his forefinger and thumb to lift my face towards his for a final kiss. “I will find her.”

“Be careful,” I insist as soon as we pull apart. “Come straight back as soon as you find her.”

My fae nods once, his wings shimmering as they flutter around his body before he takes to the skies. His entire form becomes invisible within seconds, his glamour making him the perfect scout for this mission. Now only three of us are left on the deck. Cas, Nos, and Klaus are all in the water already, working with their respective families to co-ordinate the first stages of our attack plan. Rysen squeezes me closer, as if sensing how nervous being separated from them is making me.