Page 106 of Wicked Sea and Sky

I hung my head, shame coiling inside me. “I didn’t want you to know. It makes me a burden.” I waved my hand weakly through the air. “Someone you have to haul through the bog like a useless weight. I swear, it’s not constant. It usually passes quickly.”

“Marin, you couldneverbe a burden.” He shifted his hold, pulling me closer to his chest. “We’re partners. We carry each other’s weight. No matter what.” He nudged me with his chinuntil I finally looked up at him. “Promise me you won’t hide it anymore. Tell me when you feel sick.”

I sighed, letting my fingers graze the side of his cheek. He leaned into it, making the pain in my chest sharper. “I promise.”

Resting my head against Gavin’s shoulder, I let him carry me for a while. He seemed content to do it, murmuring funny anecdotes and pointing out creatures he spotted hiding in the vegetation as if this was a pleasing stroll through a less-than-fragrant garden.

Gavin had a weird sense of humor. But I loved it. And quite possibly, the man who wielded it.

I was doomed.

The air thickened with moisture as we traveled deeper into the swamp. My lungs loosened. I relaxed as the tension released from my muscles. The spasms had finally passed, thanks to the bog. Good thing we didn’t choose the gorge. But it was a not-so-friendly reminder to pick up the pace. The sea queen might want me to find the shard, but the curse and Tivara’s lingering hold on me had their own plans.

“I’m feeling much better. The mist in the air is probably thick enough to trick my lungs into thinking I’m underwater. Too bad I can’t bottle some for later.” Wriggling my shoulders, I signaled Gavin to set me back on my feet.

He ignored me and kept walking.

“You can put me down now. Your arms must be tired.”

“Never comment on a man’s arm strength.”

My eyes flared. “Look at you! First, you steal my shackles, then you steal my quips. A thief through and through. Don’t use my own words against me, Gavin.”

He shrugged, completely unmoved. “Then don’t ask me todo something I have no intention of doing.”

“Fine.” I held up my hands in defeat. “But just so we’re clear, if we’re attacked by a barbaric bog monster, and your arms are too tired to use your sword, I will say I told you so.”

Gavin bounced me against his chest with a smirk. “Even in death, you’ll get the last word?”

“Yes, and I will die happy.”

“Pleased to hear it.”

“You will hear it, with my last breath.”

“Shh.Wait.“ Gavin went still, his arms locking around me. “Did you hearthat?”

Something large rippled beneath the water, moving fast before sinking deeper and leaving the surface eerily calm.

Gavin dropped me to my feet and shoved me behind him. He unsheathed his cutlass as we edged away from the shoreline.

I pulled my dagger from its scabbard, but my grip was already slick around the hilt.

The water stirred again. Then a slimy tentacle surfaced, thrashing for our feet.

Chapter 34

Marin

“Run. Now!” Gavin barked,pushing me backward as the creature burst from the swamp, landing with a wet slap in the mud. It was massive, rust-colored, and muscular. Its hulking body rippled with sinew as writhing tentacles curled around its sightless head. Suction-like cups were attached to the creature’s limbs, poised to drag us under.

A tentacle lashed out. Gavin dodged the limb, swinging his blade. The creature shrieked, ooze dripping from its wounded tentacle. Two more attacked, faster. Harder. One struck Gavin in his chest, hurtling him backward.

I charged the monster, my dagger raised.

“Marin, stay back!” Gavin’s voice was raw, nearly a snarl. He rolled to his feet, his glare pinning me in place. Was he crazy? That thing had at least ten arms.

Another tentacle snapped through the air. Gavin’s eyes flashed me a warning before he severed it.