The lemony fish pairs perfectly with the cold ale, and we stuff ourselves. A nice break after the meager rations on the trail.
“I think we should retire early tonight,” I say once we’re all fully sated. “We’ll be getting up fairly early tomorrow.”
“Ugh, do we have to?” Raelyn complains.
“Yes, love.”
“But there’s going to be music! The tavern owner told me there’ll be dancing later.”
“As fun as that sounds, I think we could all use a good rest tonight.”
“Fine,” she says, sounding resigned.
The girls show us to our rooms, and before we retire, we pile into the largest one to debrief.
Raelyn looks oddly sober as she frowns. “That’s the only option?”
“I’m afraid so,” Alex replies. “The fishermen are incredibly superstitious, and no one wants their vessels anywhere near that isle.”
Sera shudders. “And you’re sure we should even go there with those glowing recommendations?”
“Unfortunately, I think it only confirms what we suspect. There is something off about the isle, and an imprisoned god might be exactly what we’re looking for.”
“Fuck,” Sera says.
“Fuck indeed,” Alex agrees.
Chapter Forty-Nine
RAELYN
“Gods, I drank too much,” I whimper in the dim lamplight of our room. The sun has yet to rise, but we need to make it down to the docks before the fishermen do.
“I’m sorry, love,” Kian says, and I cover my ears with my hands.
“Must you yell?”
He chuckles. “Definitely not yelling. Let me see if I have any pain powder leftover, though I’m pretty sure I used up most of it on Sera’s leg.”
Her leg was killing her all day yesterday after the attack at the lake. I hope it’s at least a little bit better. I fall back on the pillow and groan.
“Ah! Found some!” he exclaims.
“Too loud,” I moan again.
He sits on the edge of the bed with a handful of the powder, then grabs a glass of water off the bedside table, mixing it in.
“Thank you for taking such good care of me, Ki.”
“I’ve always got you, Rae.”
My heart melts. I’m not sure how I ended up with such a wonderful man. Thank the gods.
“I wish my godly powers healed hangovers,” I say as I sit up and swallow down the mixture. The taste isn’t pleasant, but I’ve definitely had worse. “Do I remember something about stealing a boat?” I ask, rubbing at my temple.
“Unfortunately, yes,” he replies. “But don’t worry, we intend to more than compensate the fisherman for his vessel and also return it to him when we’re through.”
“What if he thinks his vessel is cursed after we sail it to the isle?”
