Page 48 of Traitor Witch

When a Solar marks a human, their sigils fade to gold rather than silver. Will Val know the difference?

Hopefully, by the time he figures it out I’ll be long gone.

Of course, the ass mistakes my musing for appreciation. If I’m honest with myself, maybe it was. His smug smirk doesn’t help matters; I can see the cruelty in the expression, but my stupid brain thinks it’s sexy. Then he opens his mouth and I remember why I hate him.

“My eyes are up here, witch, and I asked you a question.”

I know what he asked, but I can’t think of a good reply.

Every truth I have sounds stupid: I came up here because the four walls were driving me insane; I came up here because I wanted to see them all again; I came up here because I’m used to being around a noisy, nosey coven who were my family and I feel like I’m losing it on my own.

I open my mouth, then close it.

“How long until we make land?” Changing the subject seems like the best way to go.

“By dawn,” Rysen answers before Valorean can.

“Port Evert is still on Eldcrest,” Cas adds. “Land links might be slow because of the wraiths, but there’s still a chance they could have put the word out to the guard to look for you. It would be safer if you stay aboard until we reach a different island.”

I shake my head before he can even finish. “I’ll be fine.”

When I’m not stuck on a boat, surrounded by water and pretending to be a Solar witch, I’ll be better than fine.

I take a step down the ladder, but Nos’s voice calls me back. “Where will you go?”

I shrug. “There’s an exiled witch there, Alletta, who I hope will have a broom for sale. Once I have my own transport… who knows?”

I’ll go wherever the leads take me until I can get vengeance. If the Goddess smiles upon me, I’ll prove my innocence at the same time. If not, I’ll do whatever it takes.

Anything just to go home.

“Of course, one barely-immortal witch—alone—on a broomstick. What a great idea.” Val rolls his eyes. “Hope it goes well for you when you get dragged off your broom and eaten by a wraith for your stupidity.”

I feel the blood drain from my face as Felicity’s death flashes through my mind. Satisfaction makes Val’s face glow as he watches his words hit their mark.

But I won’t let him win. “Doesn’t your mouth ever get tired of the taste of shit?”

“Oh, does my honesty inconvenience your ego?”

“Can we all just—” Nos tries to intervene, but I cut him off.

“So now we’re talking about my ego? You need a whole boat to contain yours!”

“It’s a SHIP!” Val roars.

Several ropes anchored close to me snap free, writhing under the influence of Val’s temper.

“Argh, you’re impossible!” I retort.

“No, I’m just the only one here who’s not falling for your bullshit.”

“Valorean. Enough.” Rysen’s tone is as uncompromising as the hand he clasps the captain’s shoulder with.

I barely resist the urge to stick my tongue out at Val. ButRysen turns on me next, his rich mahogany eyes seeing straight into me despite the distance between us.

I can’t hold his gaze for more than a few seconds.

There’s something in that stare. Something too intense.