“The doors are open,” Erinna breathed. They were a step closer to the library, a step closer to answers, and closer to finding a way to save her father. She moved toward the path back to camp, but Inez grabbed her hand to halt her. The mended shirt was flung over her shoulder and sewing materials stowed back in her pouch.
“You can’t go in yet.”
Erinna gave Inez’s hand a squeeze, trying to tide her own flowing determination. She was ready to storm in. Traps be damned, she would get into that library. “But it’s open. I can help. We can get what we need. I can start putting this all behind me.” She made a pointed stare at the mark.
Inez steadied herself and pulled Erinna closer. “No. Kane made it clear that it was dangerous. I…remember…my feeling when we were first here. Now is not the time.” The last statement came out as a warning.
Erinna squeezed her eyes shut against unwanted tears. It was the most progress they made in days, and still everything felt like it was always just out of her reach.
“You’re right,” she yielded and welcomed the comforting squeeze from her friend. She would turn her focus back to Kane and the information she was owed.
Erinna forcedthe last bit of food into her mouth. She lacked an appetite, but the last time Rem noticed an unfinished plate, he’d complained feverishly in a language she didn’t understand andgave the rest of her plate to Brax. The following morning, she was granted the smallest portion size on the island.
“We do not waste food here. Come back for more if you’re still hungry,” he had said, and Erinna wondered if it was more about hurt feelings than wasting food. Probably both, but ever since, she made sure her plate was clean after every meal.
Afton and Kane had been holed up in that small guardroom all day. There was no opportunity to corner him.
“Your time will come.” Inez patted her shoulder, before taking her spot next to the chef, shoveling food onto plates for hungry pirates.
The group let Erinna stew in her own mind while she waited. Kane would have to leave sometime, and when he did, Erinna was ready to intercept him.
Finally, the door opened, and he emerged. Kane rubbed a tired hand across his face and attempted to slink back to his quarters unnoticed. Erinna jolted from her spot and was at Kane’s side before he could hide.
“What?” he asked, voice clipped and hard.
“You owe me a better explanation.” Erinna tried to summon her courage and confidence as she stood before him. Kane stood half a foot above her and was far more lethal, but Erinna’s stubborn pride would do its best to match Kane’s stature.
Something shifted in him. A solemnity she wasn’t used to. “Do not test my patience, Yarrow.” His voice was steel.
“Stop testing mine.” She tapped into her anger. He should know better than to drop an explosive in her lap and bolt.
His eyes narrowed, but Erinna continued. “You can’t just tell me that and leave. What did he want to know about my mom?” She was tired of his half-truths and fickle bargains.
He tried to sidestep and brush past her. Erinna was ready for such evasion. She reached out, grabbed his coat, and pushed him against the nearest wall. Erinna knew she wasn’t strong enoughto hold him long, but at least she had leverage with his back pressed against stone.
Kane stared at her wide-eyed, too surprised to resist. Erinna half expected him to recover and push her away, continuing this game of avoidance. To her surprise, he wrapped a strong arm around her waist and pulled her closer, dragging her deeper into the shadow.
A beat of silence. Kane slumped against her, like he was caving into some grand burden. Or being released from one.
“You’re right. I’m not being fair,” he whispered against her ear before pressing his face lightly into her neck.
Erinna was too stunned to respond. He held her close, close enough that her face rested against his shoulder and any leverage she had was gone.
“I’m sorry for leaving you like that. I can understand how that might be…frustrating.”
“I’m tired of these games, Kane. Please.” Erinna cringed at the quiver in her voice, the desperation. At least he couldn’t see the shame rise to her cheeks.
“I’m trying to tell you as best I can.” A faint hint of anguish filtered through. It was more difficult than Erinna thought. She figured, now that her own deal with Kane was fulfilled, she would be able to access more secrets. Apparently, all it did was slightly free his tongue. It was better than nothing. Erinna would take what she could get.
“Let’s try this. I ask a question, and you try your best to answer it.” On instinct, she reached out and patted his chest in reassurance.
Kane nodded and eased his hold, hands dropping to his sides. Erinna hesitated before taking a step back. “Do you know why he wanted books about my mother?”
“No.”
“How did you meet?”
“He found me behind bars. Right before all the nonsense started.”
