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T he morning heat formed a heavy blanket as the crew gathered around Captain Garrett.

"Morning, crew," he greeted, a little too cheerfully for Vivienne’s liking. Waking up early had never been something she enjoyed, and the combination of humidity, lack of sleep, and the ache from sleeping on the ground didn’t help.

"Today, we'll focus on foraging and mapping the landscape," the captain announced. "While we have rations, we should supplement with whatever we can safely gather. No one is to eat anything without Dr. Mercer or Mr. Blume’s approval." He gestured toward Melodie and Lewis. "Commander Thorne will assign groups and locations."

Vivienne stretched, trying to work the stiffness from her back, when Cirrus approached, handing her a breakfast packet.

"Oh. Thanks," she said, caught off guard.

He grinned. "You’re neither outdoorsy nor a morning person. Figured for the crew’s safety, ‘hungry’ shouldn’t be added to the list."

She rolled her eyes, snatching the food from his hand. Gods, she was starving. She barely noticed Lewis watching from across camp, his gaze bouncing between her and Cirrus. Shifting to put more space between them, she chewed a bite of dry bread.

"So..." she mumbled, "Did you enjoy cuddling with Commander Thorne last night?"

Cirrus scowled. "Yes. How generous of him to grace us with the pleasure of his company." He tied back his shoulder length hair, angling his face toward her. "Did you?"

She noted the layers beneath the question. He’d been watching her, waiting for some sign, some hint of lingering feelings. Toying with him was too tempting.

"Of course," she teased. "He’s a great kisser. But, I assume you already know that."

Cirrus' jaw tensed. "Are you trying to make me jealous?"

"No need. There’s plenty of the commander to go around." She smirked. "Happy to share."

"Funny, Banns," he muttered, clearly not finding any humor in her taunting.

He rolled his shoulders, shaking off the moment. "The real reason I came over," he continued, "is that after foraging, you and I are scouting and filling in gaps on the map."

"Alone?" she asked, choking on her food.

"Unless you’d prefer for mother hen join us as chaperone?" His brows lifted in challenge.

As if summoned, Commander Thorne approached.

"Miss Banner, Mr. Theodosia," he greeted with a small bow of his head. "You two, Mr. Blume, and several others will forage in the northwest section, beginning thirty yards past the tree line. Be ready in ten minutes."

Cirrus donned a crooked grin, shooting her a knowing look. Vivienne suddenly felt like she was walking into something she couldn’t prepare for.

* * *

The rainforest pulsed with life despite the stifling heat. Small streams snaked through lush vegetation, watering clusters of vivid red, blue, and orange flowers. Birds in striking colors darted between the trees, their calls sharp and unfamiliar.

Vivienne walked beside Lewis, who was in much better spirits after talking with Melodie. A twinge of guilt pinched her. I should have been the one to help him yesterday.

"Did you sleep last night?" she asked.

Lewis yawned, shaking his head. "Not really. I was convinced we’d be eaten."

"Eaten?" she repeated, eyes wide.

"Not an animal—Florence. She snores like one." He plucked a cluster of pink berries from a bush. "Didn’t think something that small could make a sound that big."

Vivienne stifled a laugh. "Think anyone’s told her?"

"If they did, they’re no longer alive to repeat it.” He smirked. "Between her and an actual wild animal, I’d take my chances with the latter."

Cirrus emerged from the foliage, his arms full of golden fruit resembling a mix of pears and pomegranates. He spun one in his hand with a satisfied grin. "Plenty of these trees nearby. We could bring back a decent haul.”

Vivienne eyed the fruit. "Are they safe?"

Cirrus rolled his eyes. "I’m fairly sure, and you could just say thank you."

"We’d rather not poison the entire crew," she countered, then turned to Lewis. "Can you identify them?"

Lewis adjusted his glasses. "What did the leaves look like?"

Cirrus shrugged. "Uh… green?"

Lewis exhaled dramatically. "Wow, what stunning detail. I should’ve brought parchment to take notes."

Cirrus’ lip curled. "No wonder you two get along. All that sarcasm and studying, you’re lucky to have stayed... friends. "

Lewis’ posture went rigid, fingers curling around his satchel strap. Vivienne wasn’t sure why Cirrus’ words struck a nerve, but the smirk on his face said he was enjoying it.

She stepped between them. "Cirrus, why don’t you show us the trees so Lewis can confirm they’re safe?"

"Sure, Banns. Whatever you want." His eyes lingered on her a moment too long.

Vivienne shot him a warning look, but he only deepened his smirk.

Cirrus turned and disappeared into the trees. Lewis followed, cutting through the underbrush with unnecessary force.

"You know," Lewis muttered, "maybe I’ll help Cirrus find some special berries since he’s so special ."

Vivienne stopped, grabbing his elbow. "You wouldn’t poison him, would you?"

"Of course not." He sighed. "But I might not stop him from poisoning himself..."

"Lewis!" she gasped.

"Alright, alright," he grumbled, raising his hands in surrender. "I won’t poison him or let your snake of an ex poison himself.”

Vivienne shook her head, exasperated yet entertained. As they trudged after Cirrus, she lowered her voice. "I was thinking about showing him my mother’s journal."

Lewis' gaze snapped to hers. "Why?"

"We’re mapping the island. Her journal has details his maps don’t."

Lewis mulled over her words. "Then share the details but don’t show him the pages. Keep some leverage."

Vivienne dodged a low vine. "What difference does it make?"

"It means you control the information. And how much do we really trust him?"

Lewis had a point. I haven’t seen Cirrus in three years. I can’t just hand over one of the last things my mother left me. Maybe, over time, Cirrus would prove himself. But for now, Vivienne would keep her cards close.

* * *

Vivienne, Cirrus, Lewis, and the foraging crew returned to camp with arms and packs brimming with fruit. Lewis named the golden apple-like fruit auregranates —a moniker fitting its ruby-red flesh and gleaming seeds. Vivienne had already devoured three, too enthralled by their tangy sweetness to care about the juice dripping down her chin.

Dr. Mercer sorted the gathered food, flashing a bright smile as their group emptied their haul before her. “Well, well,” she mused, brushing her braids over her shoulder. “Leave it to the botanist and navigators to find the best fruit.”

Commander Thorne paced along the medical area, assessing the foraged supplies. “Miss Banner, Mr. Theodosia,” he called, “I recommend you begin your scouting excursion before we lose the light.”

Cirrus smirked. “Recommend or order?”

Thorne remained impassive. “For now, it remains a recommendation.”

Lewis hesitated before raising a hand. “Commander, I’d be happy to go with them. You know, handle the, uh, plant side of things.”

Thorne turned his assessing gaze on Lewis. “Some groups have yet to return, and your expertise is needed.” A flicker of humor crossed his stern expression. “On the plant side of things. ”

Lewis opened his mouth to argue but knew Thorne was right. His glare at Cirrus could’ve punctured stone.

Cirrus, ever smug, leaned against a supply crate. “Don’t worry, Blume. I’ve always taken very good care of Vivienne.” His voice dipped suggestively, making Lewis’ fists tighten.

Lewis didn’t miss a beat. “If that were true, you two would still be together, right? Oh, wait…” He winced in mock sympathy. “Guess you weren’t that good.”

Vivienne groaned, arms crossing as she squeezed her eyes shut. I’d like to disappear now.

Thorne’s voice was edged with warning. “Surely, gentlemen, you wouldn’t risk Miss Banner’s discomfort by discussing such delicate matters in mixed company.”

Despite the polite phrasing, it was an order. Both men tensed, muttering about berries and maps before skulking away in opposite directions.

Vivienne let out a breath. She turned to Thorne, gratitude plain on her face. “Thank you.”

He dipped his head. “Think nothing of it. Too often at sea, men lose what little manners they had to begin with.”

Vivienne arched a brow. “Generous of you—to assume they had any at all.”

Thorne’s dark eyes glinted with amusement. “Perhaps I’m too optimistic.”

“Optimism isn’t a quality I’ve developed.”

He studied her for a moment before shaking his head. “What’s more optimistic than a scholar setting sail to find their family and break a curse?”

She huffed a small laugh. “Optimistic or delusional?”

He smirked. “I have a librarian I can ask.”

Vivienne inhaled to respond when Cirrus jogged up. “Ready?”

She hesitated, glancing between them. “Just need to grab a few things.”

Thorne’s expression darkened. “Miss Banner, would you prefer additional crew members join you?”

Cirrus looked vaguely insulted. Vivienne gave Thorne a subtle I’ll be fine shake of her head.

Thorne rolled his shoulders back. “Be back before sundown.”