The sun filters through the gaps in the green curtains, highlighting Thane’s empty half of the bed. I run a hand over the spot where he slept, and it’s cool to the touch. A lump forms in my throat as a whisper of insecurity flares through me.
Where did he go? Does he regret what we did last night?
I suppose the bigger question is why amInotregretting it? Sex with an assassin? I could be hanged for treason if the wrong person were to find out what he is and our connection.
The thumping and clattering happens again in the hallway, along with the sound of someone humming. I climb out of bed and take a peek out the door to see Irina across the hall, cleaning one of the rooms.
I shut the door again. Roosters crow in the distance, but the inn is mostly quiet and calm. I grab my rucksack to find clothes, give myself a quick wash before getting dressed, and then loosen my braids.
The lobby is vacant when I enter. A station in the corner is set up with a teapot along with porcelain mugs and cubes of sugar. The tea calls to me, steam blooming from the pot’s spout, but I leave it be and march toward the exit to look for Thane.
The sun drowns me in its bold, warm light when I step outside. The salty air is humid and thick. Fortunately, the occasional breeze helps counteract the heat. With one hand on my hip and the other above my brows to block the beaming rays, I search the busy streets for any sign of my crew. I don’t see Thane anywhere, but I can hear Algar’s voice. And it doesn’t sound like it’s coming from the street.
I follow his voice around the side of the inn, which leads to a field of manicured grass and a grove of trees with low-hanging white wisteria. In the distance, I spot Algar slashing a dagger in the air, while Thane stands a few feet away with his arms folded, seemingly unimpressed by Algar’s performance.
I feel more relief seeing Thane than I should. I don’t know why I ever thought he ran away or bailed on me.
“And then you give it a quick twist like that,” I hear Algar say as I approach. “Deep in the right of their gut, just like that, yeah? Twist it hard—left then right—and they’re as good as dead. Trust me.”
“You have terrible form.” Thane’s sword is resting on the grass, and he kicks it up with the tip of his boot. His back is to me, so he doesn’t notice me coming. Behind Algar is a wooden post several feet taller than both of them. It connects a clothing line to another post on the opposite end of the lawn.
Without warning, Thane swings his blade above Algar’s head and cuts through the post. Algar ducks so low he ends up falling on his butt. The post tilts sideways before slamming to the ground. It’s a relief there aren’t any clothes or sheets hanging on the line.
“A heads-up would’ve been nice!” Algar shouts. “You could’ve chopped off my damn head.”
Thane inspects his sword. “Perhaps that was the goal.”
Hovering nearby, Zephra blows a small spout of fire at Thane. As if he expects it, he throws up a hand and creates an invisible shield to deflect it.
“Nice try, Zephra.” Thane eyes her as she chitters like she always does when she’s upset. It’s almost like she’s ranting.
I laugh. One thing’s for sure: no matter how much you coddle or feed Zephra, she will never be okay with you harming Algar.
“You training or what?” Rynthea’s voice surprises me as she hoofs past with her scythesword.
That’s when Thane becomes aware of my presence. He turns a fraction, looking at me from head to toe. I try not to make a fool of myself as I follow Rynthea.
“Have a good rest, sleeping princess?” Algar asks, standing again.
“It was okay,” I answer, avoiding Thane’s eyes.
“The darkling didn’t snore too loudly, did he?” Algar nudges Thane in the ribs.
“No. He was actually really quiet. Slept like a baby, which was a bit strange, considering how destructive he is.”
Algar snickers.
“Have any of you seen or heard from Enver?” I inquire.
“Nope.” Rynthea sways her blade to create infinity loops. “No sign of him yet.”
I shift uneasily. “You think we should find another way to the island?”
“If we don’t hear from him within the next few hours, we’re leaving,” Thane declares. “We can put all our coin together and pay someone to let us borrow their boat.”
“It can’t just be any kind of boat.” Rynthea drops the scythesword on its head, planting it into the ground and leaning on the handle. “There are sea monsters of all kinds out there. And don’t even get me started on the zerenias.”
My eyes round. “You think those are real?”
