“He would,” I hear Silas say back as he watches them vanish into the darkness, too.
I give him a weary smile.
“They will be alright.”
“I’m worried,”I respond.
“Fenmore is strong, and Warrick won’t let anything happen to her, just as she won't let anything happen to him. They will protect each other,”Silas hums into my mind.
“I know,” I respond.
Oak lets out a heavy sigh, “Can you two stop speaking without me? Let’s do this.”
Silas, Larkin, Oak, and I walk toward the edge of the pier, and in this moment, I feel as if we are on the world's edge with only darkness below and before us. The howling wind rips in all directions, making it hard to hear anything else. The large ships beside us rock in the angry water, and many warriors on board prepare the masts, ensuring the boat is in perfect condition before we set sail.
Captain Darcy leans over the side of the first ship. “Spiridon, we will push off in a few minutes. Get on board the second ship or stay back.”
He nods and turns toward Oak and Silas. Their faces are resolute and tense, showing no signs of fear in their eyes—only strength and determination to emerge victorious. Larkin reaches toward Silas and pulls him into an embrace.
“Fight like the Gods are watching,” Larkin says, releasing him, and gently taps his cheek with his palm.
“Good thing they are,” Silas responds, pulling Larkin’s forehead to his. “Keep her safe.”
They quickly part, and Larkin turns. He squeezes Oak’s shoulders and climbs onto the rocking ship from the bridge.
Oak rushes toward me, and I open my arms, expecting a massive hug from the smiling Lumor Wielder.
He grabs both my shoulders and looks in my eyes with fury. I flinch, waiting for the statement to burst from his lips.
“If you die,” he says, frantically, “can I have your axes?”
“Fucking Gods,” Silas mumbles under his breath.
I punch him in the chest and laugh. “Yes. Yes, you can, my friend.”
Oak smiles and quickly hugs me tight. He steps back a few paces before getting into position. I turn to Silas and gaze at his handsome face. He inches closer and rests his forehead against mine.
“Are you sure you want to go out there?” he whispers.
I nod against him. “I can do this; I can stop some of them from docking.”
“I know you can, my love.”
I hear a shout from the ship's edge. “Blackbyrne, either board the ship now or stay back,” Larkin’s voice travels through the dark. “It’s time.”
“Don’t let down that wall, Nastronde. Keep it strong and high. I will see you soon.” I kiss him, and he kisses me back, hard, wrapping his strong arms around my waist and pulling me in tight. “I promise.”
The weight of the world sits upon us, but I kiss him deeper, knowing this could be the last time.
“I love you,” I say in my mind.
“My soul belongs to you,” he responds. “It’s yours.”
We part, and I turn, stepping up the wooden bridge onto the ship.
Each step feels like a weight trying to hold me back, but I push forward. From this height, the vast sky appears darker before us. I look over the edge as the large boat moves ahead and see Silas in the same position. His gaze burns into me as I watch his figure shrink in the distance. As the second ship leaves the dock, my heart fractures.
I watch him turn, taking a few steps away from the edge of the pier. His hands drop to his sides, and his palms open, but he hesitates. For a second, I swear he is going to bound for the ship, but he stops himself, focusing on the plan.
