After we settle their curiosity by answering a few of their questions, the ship sets sail.
The ship ride is…quiet, to say the least. Despite Algar and Rynthea having treasure and bright futures ahead, their spirits are far from joyous.
As night falls, it’s time to tuck away in the cabins. I stare at the bedding on the floor where Thane slept only last night. He opted to stay on the deck for the night. He probably won’t even sleep.
I roll over, waiting for Rynthea and Algar to fall asleep before crying quietly into my pillow.
…
Once we make it to the docks of Gadonia, Rynthea, Algar, and I decide to return to Irina’s inn, but not without Thane calling for me to wait.
I ignore him, pressing on, but he catches up with me.
“Zaira, will you please let me explain myself?” he asks, stepping in front of me and cutting me off mid-stride. “I studied the tome all night, and—”
“Did you find a spell to break Analla’s curse?” I demand, finally looking at him.
“Not yet, but if I can combine two of the spells, I might be able to—”
“Might?”I repeat, cutting him off. “Might isn’t good enough, Thane. I need you to be certain.”
“I know this can work. I just need time to go over the spells and to find the right materials.”
Rynthea steps between us to get in Thane’s face. “She doesn’t want your help. Take your book of spells and fuck off.”
Thane’s jaw locks as they glower at each other. Rynthea doesn’t dare back down. After a few seconds, he turns his gaze to me, then shakes his head and walks away.
Rynthea proceeds to Irina’s inn once Thane is a good distance away. I follow her lead, but I can’t help looking over my shoulder to see him walking with his head down. It hurts my heart to see him this way, but I don’t have it in me to forgive him right now.
…
After we’ve freshened up at the inn, we decide to head to a tavern in the heart of the city where the music is lively and the Gadonians are cheerful.
“What are you going to do now?” Algar asks as he sits on the stool next to me.
It’s strange to see how people can just live normal, exciting lives after everything I’ve gone through. Truthfully, I don’t think I’m ever going to be the same. The excited, bright-eyed Zaira has been washed away, now replaced by a sad, empty version with a broken heart.
Zephra sits on Algar’s shoulder, ogling me as he awaits my response. He was so happy to be reunited with her on the ship, and she squealed with delight when she saw her charmer again.
“I’m going to ask Captain Solyen if he’ll sail me to Meriva,” I tell him.
“And what about your sister?” he asks warily.
I avoid his eyes by putting my focus on the barrels of ale behind the bar counter instead. “There’s one more thing I can do to make things right for her.”
There’s a brief moment of silence.
“Zaira.” Algar leans forward. I cave and give him my attention. “You don’t plan on doing something reckless, do you? Wasn’t venturing to The Shallows enough?”
“No, I don’t plan on doing anything reckless,” I lie. “Maybe I’ll tell the queen that Seferin has my sister. I have so much information I’ve learned about The Shadow Guild now. Maybe they’ll be more inclined to help me if I give them intel…”
“The guild willkillyou, Zaira. And your sister.” Algar looks at me a bit more closely. “I need younotto get yourself killed after all we’ve been through.”
“Well, I don’t know what else to do, Algar,” I snap, and my voice is loud enough for Rynthea to place her fresh pint of ale down next to me.
“What’s going on?” she asks as I drop my face in my hands.
“Zaira’s planning on doing somethingreallyunwise,” Algar informs her. I look up, and his eyes are still glued to me. “Listen to me, Zaira. It might be time to cut your losses. Even if you do tell the queen what you know, that palace has ears. They’ll run right to the Grim and inform them. Seferin will find out, and he’ll kill your sister before the curse can. Then he’ll come for you. Is that what you want?”
