Recalcitrant and unapologetic, he gave her a droll stare that dared her to defy him. “I know.”
“You’re a fool!”
“Nay. For the first time, I see clearly.”
“You seenothing.” Masaka shook her head. “You’ve just sold us all out for your human. I hope you’re happy!”
“Delirious.”
Cursing, she vanished.
Those hate-filled words made Valynda’s throat go dry. “Should I be worried?”
“Nay, Vala. Remember, she lives on theatrics. If she’s not scaring small children and grown men, she’s not happy.”
And with that, he carried her through the gate and into the unknown underwater realm of Vilokan.
Stunned and amazed, Valynda drew up short at the perfect island city that glittered like a jewel nestled on rippling turquoise waves.
She wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but it definitely hadn’t been this treasure. People spoke of paradises. Dreamed of such rich, amazing places. This one actually seemed to be such a realm. The weather was perfect. The beach a lovely caramel against the most serene seascape. As incredible as Kalder’s home had been, it had nothing on this one.
She gaped at Nibo. She didn’t understand him at all. “Why would you ever leave this place?”
“Because you weren’t here.” He gave her a dry stare. “Besides, as with any place, the company here can get a bit stale.”
That was sad. Truthfully, she could live forever just watching those perfect waves roll in. In fact, she could imagine the crew of theSea Witchin the harbor here, making jokes and dancing. Kalder in the water, with Cameron yelling down at him to hurry back to her.
She couldn’t imagine finding fault with this picture-perfect life.
“Where do you live?”
He pointed to a small rise where a white cottage stood stark against the horizon. “There.”
“’Tis beautiful.”
“Aye, but it was missing one thing.”
“That is?”
He gave her a pointed smirk. “You,mon ange.”
Those words warmed her, but she didn’t believe them for a moment. “You are ever an epic charmer.”
“Nibo!” That shout rent the air.
He let out another elongated sigh. “See now why I told you to call me Xuri? ’Tis the only way to get me attention in this godforsaken place, as they wear the other name out.”
She stifled a laugh at his put-upon tone.
He let go of her hand and turned toward Papa Legba and two others she didn’t recognize as they moved toward them with a gait that said exactly what Masaka had predicted—Valynda wasn’t welcome here.
Dressed in purple and with a glare that went straight through her, Papa Legba seemed even more fierce than normal. “What is the meaning of this?”
Nibo took it in stride. “You called for me. I assumed that meant don’t dawdle.”
“Don’t get lippy with me, boy. What isshedoing here?”
Nibo shrugged nonchalantly as he swept her body with a mischievous grin. “Standing.”
