Vivienne bit back a victorious smirk. Lewis' shoulders trembled with held back laughter. For once, someone put Cirrus in his place.
Captain Garrett’s sea-green eyes settled on her, his expression expectant. "Miss Banner."
Her stomach clenched.Shit.
"Apologies, Captain," she started, shifting uneasily. "I wasn’t prepared for an update, but if I know what’s expected, I’ll be ready tomorrow."
Instead of the reprimand she braced for, the captain’s eyes contracted, considering her.
"Your updates will be most relevant once we reach the island," he stated, leaning against the window frame. "If you have any research that may aid the crew, I want it included. The same for you, Blume."
Before either she or Lewis could respond, he pushed off the frame. "Thorne, Theodosia, Banner, Blume—stay. The rest of you are dismissed."
As the other officers filed out, Garrett lowered his voice. "What news of the Thanatos?"
Lewis leaned closer to Vivienne, confusion lining his words. “What’s a Thanatos?”
“Captain Enyo’s ship,” she whispered, though it came out as more of a hiss.
Cirrus’ confidence dimmed as he spoke. "They’re outpacing us by a wide margin. Lighter ship, smaller crew, faster speed."
Commander Thorne widened his stance. "Last sighting was around four this morning before they disappeared over the horizon."
Garrett’s jaw tightened.
Vivienne’s brows shot up, knitting together in alarm. "What happens if they reach Verdance first?"
The captain exhaled sharply, running a hand through his silver-streaked beard. "Men like Enyo don’t play fair. We have to assume they’ll do whatever it takes to win."
Vivienne felt the weight of his words settle in her chest. Either option—facing Enyo and his crew or trailing too far behind—was a risk.
* * *
Vivienne and Lewisslumped against a row of barrels on the starboard side of the main deck, soaking in a few stolen moments of rest. The gentle rock of the ship lulled her muscles into a half-sleep, her head tilted back against the sun-warmed wood.I could fall asleep right here. Right now.
Lewis flexed his fingers, brows drawn in pain. "Is it possible to get blisters on top of blisters?"
Vivienne cracked one eye open, wincing at the memory of her own hands gripping the mop for hours. "Aren’t you the one working with the doctor?"
A shadow interrupted the warmth of the light. She lifted her gaze, squinting against the sun, only to find Commander Thorne standing above them, arms tucked behind his back, his uniform still impeccably crisp.
"Miss Banner. Mr. Blume." He offered a perfunctory nod. "As per the Captain’s orders, you will be rotating through officer stations today to better understand their essential roles."
Lewis groaned. "No shift with you, Commander?" His pout was all mockery, but his voice carried a tinge of exhaustion.
Thorne’s expression remained unbothered, but Vivienne swore she saw the smallest twitch of the corners of his mouth before he responded. "Not today, Mr. Blume. Perhaps another time."
Lewis sighed then sprang to his feet, stretching his arms behind his head as he glanced over the ship’s side.
Thorne turned to Vivienne and extended a hand. The chivalrous gesture caught her off guard. She hesitated, torn between her instinct to refuse and the aching pull in her muscles. With a small, grateful smile, she accepted.
His grip was firm yet careful, his calloused fingers warm against hers. As she steadied herself, he flipped her hand over, his dark eyes settling over the raw, blistered skin marring her palms.
A flash of concern flew across his face before he masked it. "When you report to Doctor Mercer, ensure she tends to your hands."
Lewis, watching the exchange, straightened with a slow blink of realization. "I’ll make sure the doctor takes a look," he said with an icy tone.
Vivienne raised an eyebrow.What was that about?
