Vivienne blinked, her breath still uneven. “Oh?”
"Spider creatures made bandages, and the goddess—the one with the vines and flowers—she told me it wasn't my turn to cross over," Owen said, his tone distant, as if still half in the dream. "Then, I was surrounded by this… glowing blue light. She sat with me in this cave until I woke up. When I opened my eyes, she was gone. Butyouwere here instead."
Vivienne’s heart thudded against her ribs, her fingers tightening around his.
“It doesn’t make any sense.” His hand wrapped fully around hers.
She smiled, tears clinging to her lashes as she whispered, “No… that makes perfect sense to me.”
* * *
Despite the group’s protests,Owen remained steadfast. No amount of reasoning could dissuade him—he refused to delay their departure from the island any longer. Though his steps were steady, the lingering paleness of his skin and the strain in his jaw betrayed his exhaustion. Still, he pushed forward, and they followed.
The descent was arduous, each step a test of balance against the steep incline and loose rocks beneath their boots. The mountain had no mercy, but at least the sky did. The air was crisp, the sun a merciful companion rather than an oppressor. The absence of rain kept the path dry, though the ever-present humidity clung to their skin.
After what felt like hours, they reached a narrow ledge jutting from the mountainside. The island stretched before them in a breathtaking panorama—rolling hills draped in emerald green, the river slicing through the heart of the jungle, and in the distance, the white-capped waves kissing the shore. A perfect vantage point to plan their next move.
Cirrus adjusted his grip on the rock face and scanned the landscape with a practiced eye. "It looks like our best route is still to follow the river back the way we came," he declared. "Minus the no longer existing canyon."
Florence let out a low whistle, shaking her head. "Yeah... that’s on me. In my defense,Enyomade me blow things up."
Lewis, arms folded, smirked. "I always figured you'denjoyblowing things up."
Florence’s hazel eyes gleamed with mischief. "Oh, I do," she admitted, a wicked grin curling her lips. "But I prefer to choose the where, when... and thewho."
Lewis swallowed hard, a mixture of fear and intrigue warred in his eyes.He turned to Cirrus. "Cici, how far is it to the beach where the longboats are waiting?"
Cirrus narrowed his eyes, tracing the winding river with his gaze before exhaling a thoughtful breath. "My estimate would be about twenty miles."
"Twenty miles?" Lewis’ shoulders slumped, his face etched with despair. "Itdidn'tfeel like twenty miles on the way here."
"That’s because we’ve traveled in segments," Owen rasped, his voice edged with fatigue. Though his stance remained firm, his breathing was still uneven, his usual bronze complexion several shades lighter.
"Blume," Cirrus quipped, stretching his arms above his head, "Verdance is only one hundred and forty square miles. It’s the smallest of Osimiri's islands." He threw Lewis a cocky grin. "Consider this a warm-up."
Vivienne grimaced. The mere thought of this grueling trek being a ‘warm-up’ made her muscles sore in anticipation.Her gaze drifted across the vast sea of green below, the river weaving like a silver thread through the dense rainforest. Her fingers wrapped around the strap of her satchel. “The river will take us near the Tree of Sorrows.” She hesitated before adding, “I’d like to see it again.”
Cirrus, who had been stretching, stopped mid-motion, his expression unreadable. He exhaled slowly. “We can stop for a few minutes to rest,” he conceded. “But, Banns, wecan’tlinger.”
"I know," she said softly. As she spoke, something on the horizon caught her eye. A ghostly wisp against the sky. Her pulse stammered.
Her voice was taut when she looked to Florence. “Do you think that’s?—”
"Smoke," Florence growled. Her body went rigid, her hand drifting toward her dagger. “The bastard captain and his cronies arestill here.”
"Why would they stay on this deathtrap of an island?" Lewis asked, his face twisting with confusion.
Owen frowned, his dark eyes narrowing. “They might be regrouping before setting sail.”
“If they think we’realldead, they’re not in any rush.” Cirrus nodded, his expression grave.
Florence let out a low chuckle, a vengeful gleam in her eyes. "They’re probably waiting for Enyo to recover... afterViviennestabbed him in the leg.” She smirked. “Andbithim."
Lewis’ head snapped toward Vivienne so fast she thought he might get whiplash. "You...you what?"
Owen, to hergreathorror, let out alaugh. Alaugh. A slow, knowing smirk tugged at his lips as he regarded her with something bordering on pride. “Sounds like you got a head start on your weapons training,” he mused, the amusement in his tone unmistakable.
Heat crawled up Vivienne’s neck. "I—” She brushed a few rogue strands of hair from her face. “I've got a lot to catch you two up on."
