Page 141 of Pirate Witch

“Nothing.” I snatch my hand away. “I am not like Adella. I am not a warrior to have accolades and medals heaped upon me. If you want to reward me, forget me. I am the Shadow of the Moon, a witch who doesn’t exist.”

Amelia steps back, bowing her head. When she raises her eyes to mine again, the same determined glint shines in them. “If that is what you wish.”

I don’t like the sly little smile she’s giving me. “What am I missing?”

“I admire your principles,” the new queen begins, still grinning. “Fortunately for my conscience, your males don’t share them. Their rewards have already been sent to the docks directly from the royal treasury.”

I roll my eyes. “Fucking pirates.” Of course, they jumped on the chance for treasure.

“And I’ve agreed to finance the rebuilding of Cirio’s Cove to thank the privateers for their help,” she continues. “Cassandra’s mates have accepted a contract to reform the roof of the cave and…”

“Clever little queen,”Opal murmurs.“A pity she doesn’t plan on sticking around.”

“And the temples have, of course, been offered financial recompense.”

Even I don’t know if my snort is amused or disbelieving. “You’ve thought of everything.”

Amelia glances back at her siren. “I hope so. There’s so much I have to make right…”

“I wish you the best with all of it.” I incline my head slightly. “But now I have to take my leave.” A chilly breeze caresses my shoulders, letting me know that everything is ready.

“May the shadows hide you,” Amelia says, not protesting. “And thank you. For all that you’ve done. I cannot say it enough.”

There’s nothing more to say. Opal, sensing that our conversation is over, jumps onto my shoulders. With a final nod of acknowledgement to Adella, I step off of the wall and into the sky.

I barely have time to feel the stomach dropping sensation of falling before cool hands snatch me out of the air and Kier’s arms surround my body. My fae mate presses me against his chest as his wings flutter furiously, slowing our descent into a slow glide and pointing us towards a very familiar ship.

ChapterForty-Seven

NILSA

The glowing figures of Elsie and Reva wave goodbye to us from the docks as the anchor is raised and the sails of theDeadwoodunfurl and catch the cool night breeze. Rysen’s warm arms wrap around me as I watch my two friends disappear.

“We’ll see them again soon,” he promises, picking up on my silent sadness.

“I know.”

“And we’re stopping in Coveton in time for the new moon, so you’ll see Danika before you know it.”

I nod. “A new contract… it’s going to feel so strange.”

“Here’s hoping the next one doesn’t give us as much trouble as the Eagle did,” he murmurs.

My lips twitch. “Let’s not tempt Fate…” I pause, wondering how to bring this up. “I was thinking, would it be so bad if we took a short holiday? Just some time for us. We could visit Cirio and the twins’ family…”

Rysen nuzzles my ear, pressing a kiss to the outer shell. “I think that sounds like just the thing,” he agrees. “Will your Goddess mind?”

I shake my head. “No, in the journals Petra left me, it said it wasn’t uncommon for Shadows to take breaks between contracts. Glenna sending me out without breaks wasn’t normal.”

“Then it’s settled.”

Just like that, I smile, realising for the first time the beautiful freedom which comes with living on a ship. “Now, what’s this I hear about all of you accepting a reward?”

I turn just in time to see Val and Cas almost drop the bright gems they’ve been admiring in their haste to shove them into their pockets. Ugh. Those innocent faces aren’t fooling anyone.

Opal has no such qualms as she bats a diamond studded ball across the deck for Titan to chase after.

“You’re incorrigible. That was a divine contract—”