An awkward silence swells between us.
“Do you like him?” he asks after a few seconds.
“What?” I sputter.
He stares at me, waiting for an answer.
“He’s— It’s complicated.”
“I suspected as much.” He shakes his head. “I mean, the guy has not just two but three swords, and don’t think our guards missed the countless daggers when they checked his bags. He doesn’t seem like the kind of person you’d normally associate with.”
“He’s only around right now so we can reach The Shallows. Once he helps me get what I need, we’ll part ways. It’s as simple as that.” Saying it out loud feels like a lie. In fact, it hurts my heart a little to admit it.
Enver scoffs. “I’m sorry, but I just can’t believe that a person likehimwould willingly risk his life for coins just to get you to the deadliest place in Thelanor. Either he has a death wish, or there is something else in it for him.”
I drop my chin and wring my fingers together.
“Look, Z.” Enver grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze. When I meet his eyes again, he places his other hand on top of it, sandwiching it. “I only want the best for you.” He pauses to choose his next words carefully. “I mean, if I’d never left Meriva, maybe none of this would be happening.”
“What do you mean?” I have the urge to pull my hands away.
“There is so much that could’ve happened between us. I hate that I had to leave you.”
“I hate that you left, too. I lost a really good friend.” I emphasize the last word. “But you seem to have made a great name for yourself here. You’re on the Gadonian council. I’m sure that was no easy feat.”
“Yeah.” He finally releases my hand, smile fading. “Just…promise me something, Zaira.”
“What?”
“Promise you’ll reconsider going to that island.”
I stare into his brown eyes as I shake my head again. “I can’t promise you that, Enver.”
“I figured you were going to say that.” We fall into another awkward silence. “It’s just kind of hard to accept,” he says, half laughing. “It’s like accepting notice of your death.”
“Enver, promise me you won’t do anything to hold us back.”
“Anything like what?”
“Like send inquiries out to other kingdoms about my group—especially Thane. I don’t want any of my crew getting distracted or detained. As long as you keep the peace, they will, too.”
He gives me a hard look. “I would never do that to you.”
“Promiseme.”
He lifts his chin. “I promise, Zaira. You’re all safe here.”
I bob my head. “Okay. Thank you.”
A balmy breeze drifts by, making me want to stick outside just a few seconds longer, and a sigh escapes me. “I can see why you stayed here.”
“Yeah?” He tucks his hands into his pockets. “It’s a beautiful place, isn’t it? Almost reminds me of Ember Coast…just with more light.”
“Yep. I get that same feeling. All that’s missing are the pearls.” I look past him to the glittering waters in the distance highlighted by the moon. “I miss it every day. Life felt so much simpler there. I mean, don’t get me wrong, Meriva is nice, and I appreciate them for giving us refuge, but nothing can ever replace our home.”
He nods in understanding, then leans in closer as I take a minor step back. “Anyway, I should go inside and get some rest. Whenever you hear from Captain Solyen, will you let us—”
I don’t get the chance to finish my sentence.
