A steady rap against wood sounds at my door. One of Odelia’s brows rise in question. She knows she has the upperhand right now. She knows I can’t get anywhere with the map if I don’t have the rest of the pieces.
The knock on the door repeats.
With a huff, I stand from my chair and stride across the room. Tav waits for me on the other side, her arms fold across her chest, and her hip is popped to one side as she taps her boot lightly on the deck.
“Yes?”
Her glittering green eyes run a quick check over my body. “Just making sure you’re alright.”
A slight huff escapes me. Surely she doesn’t presume something is happening here that shouldn't be. She knows me better than that. “Thank you, but I’m fine.”
Tavi isn’t convinced. Her mouth presses into a thin line. “Can I bring you anything?”
“I could use a glass of something cold?” Odelia calls from the bed, her voice dripping with sarcasm and hope.
I don’t bother to look over my shoulder. “We’re fine.”
Tavi peers around me to look at Odelia, then back. “Are you sure about . . . this?” She gestures to Odelia on the bed.
I roll my eyes, annoyed at the assumption. “I can handlethis.”
“We can set up a guard in the brig.”
I shake my head. “We still don’t know how she’s getting out. I don’t want her to take anyone by surprise. I’ve seen allher tricks. Plus I’m hoping after tonight she and I have come to an understanding.”
Her eyes narrow, still not convinced. “Elio will check on you soon.”
“Tell him to stop hovering . . . both of you go and do something fun.”
The entire crew—save for a few who’d rather stay aboard—are off enjoying themselves in town. And despite the weight of my last name, I’m more than capable of handling one pirate . . . even if the blonde-haired fae in front of me clearly disagrees.
Tavi flicks her braids over her shoulder, spinning on her heel in a huff. I smile as she walks away. No doubt she’d send Elio to check on me soon enough.
Once her silhouette disappears into the shadows, I shut the door, firmly twisting the lock back into place. Odelia watches me cross the room, my strides casual as I make my way back to the desk. I pick up the clay jug, the water inside sloshes softly as I pour it into a cup.
I turn back, cup in hand, and step towards her—slow, steady. She watches me with calculation in her eyes—fear buried beneath a layer of defiance.
The iron chain clinks as she reaches for the cup I offer. Her fingers brush mine, light and quick, but there’s heat in the touch. Something sharp. Her breath hitches—and for a second, I feel it too. The flicker.
“Finally, the water you promised me,” she murmurs, her voicefloating like the sea current.
A smile steals across my lips as I back away.“Unlike pirates—as I’m sure you know—I always keep my promises.”
Odelia downs the water as I settle into the chair opposite the bed. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long night, so I might as well make myself comfortable.
She leans over to place the cup on the nightstand. I can’t help but notice the gentle rise of her hip before it dips back down to meet the curve of her waist—silver moonlight bathing her figure in a glimmer of beams.
I avert my gaze as she straightens up. “So, are you going to tell me about this map?”
She reads me silently. “Are you going to agree to my terms?”
The chair creaks as I lean back, lacing my fingers together to rest on top of my head. “You can have half of the treasure, but there’s no chance you're setting the course for my ship.”
Odelia’s brows raise. “What about my own sleeping quarters then?”
The soft chuckle that escapes my lips catches me by surprise. “Not going to happen.”
“Fine—but if you so much as breathe in my direction I will make sure you never bear children,” she mutters.
