“I was no one,” I whispered. “Hephaestus made me at Zeus's request. I had no childhood or life before I met Epimetheus. I was created as a grown woman and immediately given away.”
“Like a statue or a work of art.” He scowled. “And then Epimetheus treated you like a viper in his bed.”
“In a way, I was.” I swallowed convulsively and looked away. “I'm not a star; I'm the heavens. I am the punishment that keeps you stars away from the world.”
Akylas took my face in his hands and turned me back to him.
“Sweet Heaven,” Akylas whispered against my lips, “hold me forever. I beg of you. Never let me go.”
“Never is an awfully long time,” I said just before I kissed him.
Chapter Fifteen
The next day, a knock sounded through the tree, and we emerged to find a band of Indians outside. The chief was among them. He came forward with a solemn face.
“Captain Kadmos sent men to our village,” the chief said. “They saw the items you traded us and were very angry. They fought with us.”
“Is everyone all right?” I asked.
“Although there is no death in Neverland, some of the men were injured, and the pirates have taken my daughter, Tigerlily.”
“Oh, gods,” I whispered.
“We will rescue Tigerlily for you,” Praxis said, surprising us all. He looked back at us and asked, “Well, we will, won't we?”
“Of course, we will,” I confirmed. “Leave it to us, Chief. We'll save your daughter and have her back to you by supper.”
“Thank you, Pandora.” The chief nodded, and his men started settling down in the grass.
“What are you doing?” Straton asked.
“We wait here until Tigerlily is returned,” the chief said.
I grimaced at Straton, then said, “I'll go get my sword.
Chapter Sixteen
The pirates were expecting us, so we didn't bother with subterfuge. We rowed a boat right up to their ship. They stood back as we climbed aboard, and made way for us. Captain Kadmos strode forward.
“Pandora,” he growled as he stroked his thick mustache. “You have taken from me, so I have taken from you.”
“Have you?” I surprised him by asking.
My warriors frowned at me, and the pirates frowned at Kadmus.
“Yes, I have.” Kadmus looked confused. “I have Tigerlily secured in my quarters.”
“I'll bet you do,” I huffed.
“Are we speaking different languages?” Kadmus asked. “You do understand that I have your precious Indian princess below decks.”
“Ah, but is she my precious, or your precious?”
Just the barest flicker of fear filled his eyes.
“She is not precious to me,” he protested.
“I think that she is,” I sauntered forward. “I think this was all a ruse to satisfy your crew's need for vengeance while you also made Tigerlily's father accept your relationship.”
