Lewis adjusted his glasses. "What did the leaves look like?"
Cirrus shrugged. "Uh… green?"
Lewis exhaled dramatically. "Wow, what stunning detail. I should’ve brought parchment to take notes."
Cirrus’ lip curled. "No wonder you two get along. All that sarcasm and studying, you’re lucky to have stayed...friends."
Lewis’ posture went rigid, fingers curling around his satchel strap. Vivienne wasn’t sure why Cirrus’ words struck a nerve, but the smirk on his face said he was enjoying it.
She stepped between them. "Cirrus, why don’t you show us the trees so Lewis can confirm they’re safe?"
"Sure, Banns. Whatever you want." His eyes lingered on her a moment too long.
Vivienne shot him a warning look, but he only deepened his smirk.
Cirrus turned and disappeared into the trees. Lewis followed, cutting through the underbrush with unnecessary force.
"You know," Lewis muttered, "maybe I’ll help Cirrus find somespecialberries since he’s sospecial."
Vivienne stopped, grabbing his elbow. "You wouldn’t poison him, would you?"
"Of course not." He sighed. "But I might not stop him from poisoning himself..."
"Lewis!" she gasped.
"Alright, alright," he grumbled, raising his hands in surrender. "I won’t poison him or let your snake of an ex poison himself.”
Vivienne shook her head, exasperated yet entertained. As they trudged after Cirrus, she lowered her voice. "I was thinking about showing him my mother’s journal."
Lewis' gaze snapped to hers. "Why?"
"We’re mapping the island. Her journal has details his maps don’t."
Lewis mulled over her words. "Then share the details but don’t show him the pages. Keep some leverage."
Vivienne dodged a low vine. "What difference does it make?"
"It meansyoucontrol the information. And how much do we really trust him?"
Lewis had a point.I haven’t seen Cirrus in three years. I can’t just hand over one of the last things my mother left me.Maybe, over time, Cirrus would prove himself. But for now, Vivienne would keep her cards close.
* * *
Vivienne,Cirrus, Lewis, and the foraging crew returned to camp with arms and packs brimming with fruit. Lewis named the golden apple-like fruitauregranates—a moniker fitting its ruby-red flesh and gleaming seeds. Vivienne had already devoured three, too enthralled by their tangy sweetness to care about the juice dripping down her chin.
Dr. Mercer sorted the gathered food, flashing a bright smile as their group emptied their haul before her. “Well, well,” she mused, brushing her braids over her shoulder. “Leave it to the botanist and navigators to find the best fruit.”
Commander Thorne paced along the medical area, assessing the foraged supplies. “Miss Banner, Mr. Theodosia,” he called, “I recommend you begin your scouting excursion before we lose the light.”
Cirrus smirked. “Recommend or order?”
Thorne remained impassive. “For now, it remains a recommendation.”
Lewis hesitated before raising a hand. “Commander, I’d be happy to go with them. You know, handle the, uh, plant side of things.”
Thorne turned his assessing gaze on Lewis. “Some groups have yet to return, and your expertise is needed.” A flicker of humor crossed his stern expression. “On theplant side of things.”
Lewis opened his mouth to argue but knew Thorne was right. His glare at Cirrus could’ve punctured stone.
