It’s super awkward.
The rest of us look anywhere other than at the two of them. I guess they haven’t spoken, either. I didn’t hear anyone else in Euyn’s room, but I’d assumed they made up. It doesn’t look like that happened, though. My chest tightens. The failed assassination attempt broke all of the bonds in our group—even the deepest ones.
A large wave crashes against the ship, rocking the vessel. We all look for something to steady ourselves. I grab at the thick rope hanging off the mast. I’d rather hang on to Royo, but he’s far away in every sense.
Once the sea calms, Sora’s lips part. She looks ready to try to smooth things over, but Mikail speaks first.
“We can discuss being secretive, if you like, but I’ll remind you that you’re not innocent,” he spits. “You weren’t exactly forthcoming about hunting Chul for sport.”
Euyn looks away, but Sora’s head snaps to his.
“Chul? Did you just say Chul?” she asks.
She’s breathing fast, and her eyes are locked on Euyn. The ocean is calmer after the last wave, but I’ve never seen her so intense. What is happening right now?
I glance at Royo and then Mikail, but they also seem thrown. Mikail’s teal eyes dart between Euyn and Sora; Royo’s brow furrows.
“I did…” Mikail begins, hesitant.
“Chul what?” she demands. Silence greets her. “Chul what, Euyn?”
“Sora…” he says softly. But he won’t look at her. He’s pursing his lips—whatever it is, he doesn’t want to tell her and that can’t be good.
“Was it Inigo, like the village? Was it Chul Inigo?” she asks.
Royo takes a step closer to her. I’m still not sure what’s going on, but she’s looking increasingly unhinged. Who in the world is Chul Inigo?
Euyn shakes his head. “Sora, I…”
“Were you hunting myfatherlike a wild pig?” she shouts. “For your sick entertainment!”
Oh shit.
Euyn blanches as white as the sails, and that’s confirmation enough.
Everything around me slows down. If I didn’t know better, I would think I was gripping my time amulet. Mikail’s eyebrows rise in surprise. Royo’s jaw drops. But it’s Sora whose expressions change like lightning. Shock, humiliation, and something else I can’t name flit across her face before her beauty contorts in anger.
Sora lunges forward, but Mikail grabs her just as she’s about to reach Euyn’s neck. Royo rushes in to help, wrapping his muscular arms around her waist. They pull her back as she reaches out, her nails scraping the air. She’s desperate to get her hands on Euyn even if it’s just her fingertips.
I’ve seen her kill, but I’ve never seen herwantto—it’s a fearsome sight.
Unable to reach him, Sora lets out a wail more desperate than anything I’ve ever heard. I shudder from head to toe at the pure animal sound. It’s fury and heart-wrenching grief, wrapped up in one.
“You should’ve died in exile!” she screams.
Royo and Mikail pull her away. Mikail looks over his shoulder at Euyn, complete disgust written on his face.
He didn’t know Chul was Sora’s father.
They half walk, half carry Sora toward the back of the ship as she wails in anguish. The crewmen rush around and pretend not to see anything, but everyone notices Sora.
It’s just Euyn and me at the front of the ship, and he stands with his back to me. His shoulders go rigid as his hands grip the railing. I brace myself, thinking he’s about to speak. But he leans forward and vomits hard.
We’re almost to the port. The Palace of the Sky King gleams through the mist at the top of Oligarch Mountain, and the harbor comes into view.
Good gods, we’re screwed.
Chapter Two
