Vivienne mouthedthank you, offering a grateful smile. Cirrus tilted his head in a slight bow—just as Thorne’s sharp eyes snapped to them.
Hours passed as the crew ferried supplies and personnel to shore. Vivienne learned half would remain on the ship while the rest—about seventy, plus officers—formed the landing party.
When their longboat scraped onto the sand, sailors hauled it ashore. Vivienne stepped onto the beach, her boots sinking into the cool, powdery grains. She knelt, letting the white sand sift through her fingers—so fine and soft, nothing like the rough, gritty shores of Vantner. A towering rainforest loomed ahead, its emerald canopy dense and impenetrable.
“These trees must be hundreds of years old,” Lewis murmured, his voice hushed in reverence.
Maybe older. The place felt ancient. Untamed.Alive.
The shrill blast of Thorne’s whistle snapped everyone to attention. Captain Garrett climbed atop a crate, his officers fanned out beside him.
“Welcome to the Isle of Verdance.” He spread his arms in grand invitation, drawing a round of cheers.
“Now, now,” he waved them down, “she’s a beauty, but she’s dangerous. We stick together. We respect the land and follow orders. Commander Thorne will handle assignments.”
Thorne nodded and strode through the gathering crew, directing sailors and pointing out supplies. Cirrus, map in hand, conferred with the captain, gesturing toward the jungle. Vivienne forced herself to look away.What am I going to do about him?
She glanced at her canvas pack, realizing with a jolt that she had no real memory of what she’d packed. After Cirrus’ unexpected visit, she’d grabbed things in a rush. The essentials were in her smaller tote, but beyond that…Gods, I hope I brought something useful.
“Banner. Blume.” Thorne’s voice cut through her thoughts.
Vivienne and Lewis turned as the commander approached. “You two are near the front of the marching order. Blume, you’ll assist Dr. Mercer and carry medical supplies.” He pointed toward a packed satchel. “Banner, you’ll work with—” his expression darkened slightly, “—asupervisedMr. Theodosia for navigation.” He handed her a coiled length of rope and an instrument case.
Lewis raised a brow atsupervisedand shot Vivienne a questioning look. She shrugged.Later.
Thorne bent to pick up a heavy canvas pack, grunting at the weight. “Whose is this?”
Lewis raised a hand. “Mine.”
Thorne hefted it, incredulous. “Blume, this must weigh a hundred pounds. Most of which appears to be books. Why didn’t you leave these on the ship?”
Lewis smirked. “I didn’t ask you to leave your sword or your sparkling personality on the ship, did I?”
Vivienne bit her lip to suppress a laugh. Away from deck duties, Lewis had grown bolder, but pushing Thorne’s patience was dangerous territory.
Thorne exhaled sharply, unimpressed. “You’ll still carry your fair share along with your portable library.”
With a theatrical sigh, Lewis slung the monstrous pack over his shoulder, grabbed his assigned cargo, and trudged toward the forming line.
Thorne watched him go, then turned to Vivienne. “Is he always like that?”
“Not always,” she admitted. “I think he’s over tired. I know I am.”
Thorne rolled his shoulders with a dry chuckle. “Well, I’m tired too…” He shot her a glance. “Tired of hisshit.”
Vivienne barked a laugh. “I know the feeling.”
19
The rainforest pressed around them with strangling humidity. Sweat clung to Vivienne’s skin, strands of hair curling against her damp neck. Lewis’ glasses fogged over repeatedly, and soon, his tunic was too damp to wipe them dry. They had been hiking for miles, the air laden with the scent of damp earth and vegetation. Cirrus led the way, followed by the captain and commander, while Vivienne and Lewis fell into step beside Dr. Mercer.
The uneven path twisted through soaring trees, their roots snaking across the forest floor. Sunlight barely penetrated the dense canopy, leaving only dappled patches of light to guide them. Vivienne focused on her footing more than the scenery, unlike Lewis, who tripped twice while marveling at the flora.
"Of course," Lewis mumbled in awe. "Epiphytes! Bromeliads! How obvious!"
Dr. Mercer chuckled, leaning toward Vivienne. "Should we consider his sudden naming of plants a medical condition?"
Vivienne’s mouth curved up on one side. "If it is, he’s got a chronic case."
