Page 93 of Claimed By the Depths

“Not just a creature. Her name is Thryvossa, and she is to be respected as are any of the other entities roaming the sea floors.” Looking between both of them, I continued, “She came to guide us to Serevalen and offer protection as needed, so see to it your men don’t do anything stupid, or I promise the wrath I unleash will be all they recall before death greets them.”

CHAPTER 48

The Martyr of the Other Realm

ALASTAIR

Finished discussing plans with Caspian and Syoran, as well as the former’s insight on sigils, I lowered myself into the scarlet-backed chair. Its plush cushions welcomed me, molded to fit my body as a testament to how much time I spent in its embrace. Angled away from my desk, I peered up at the woman before me, the drum of her booted feet marking a pace from one end of the room to the other.

Black trousers swaying with each step, her cream linen shirt lay open at the collar. As though she’d dressed without giving the smallest thought to how breathtaking she would be, her sleeves bunched at her forearms, unmoving against her fury. The dark bandana she’d tied her curls back with framed her face and lent her a harder edge, while highlighting the softness of her mocha eyes, which stood out all the more. Infiltrating rays caught silver as they slipped through the window, and each time she turned, the necklace and bracelets she wore glinted against her honey skin like scattered stars.

Even as she scolded me, I could not stop watching her, for her every impatient stride and agitated breath reminded me that, even in turmoil, she was the most beautiful thing the gods had blessed me to behold.

“You are drooling.”

Running my tongue across my bottom lip, I leaned back. “Impossible not to when you’re around, my little fang.”

“Well,” she closed the distance between us and drove her heel into the gap between my thighs, flattening her sole against my groin, “you’re quite unlucky this time, Seridean. I’m not in the fucking mood, not when you continue shoving me off as if I am incapable of fighting alongside you. As if⁠—”

My fingers coiled around her ankle, and with one tug, the leg she wielded as a weapon straddled my hips. Peering up at her, my brows narrowed with the frustration her misdirected claim ignited. “That is not why, and you damn well know it.”

“Yet you’ve constantly waved me off. First in Veilmar, then Serevalen, and now this? It’s a godsdamned pattern, Alastair!”

“Because I fucking love you, Lani, and losing you frightens me!” I shouted, my chest hitching with a fractured breath. “It is not something I will survive, and honest to the gods, that is the reason. There is no underlying intention, not an ounce of disbelief, nor do I doubt your capabilities. Perhaps that makes me a selfish and foolish man, but I will gladly remain that way if it means you remain here with me.”

She held my stare, and the anger buried in her irises slightly wavered. “You fear losing me because you believe me incompetent?”

“No.” Inhaling, I leaned forward to bury my face in her silken locks. “But, unlike me, you are selfless to a fault, and when considering the concept of war, that will get you killed.” My fingertips trailed up her side before I rotated my wrist to cup her neck. “Your heart is your weapon, as are your words, and you are more than able to wield any steel you touch. But everyone harbors a weakness, and for you, it is your willingness to throw yourself before decimation, no matter the cost.”

“You speak as if you have not done the same.” Her body slackened against mine as she leaned into me, finding solace in my presence just as I did hers. “How many instances have you cast yourself aside for the benefit of another?” Combing through my hair, her nails grazed my scalp. “Tell me when you have not participated in such acts.”

“I cannot.”

With a gentle nudge, she pushed me away from her. “What?”

“I cannot,” I repeated as I ran a hand down my face, “because there are far too many times I’ve done just that. And yes, I am well aware that such demands make me a hypocrite. I have bartered my life to protect others, and I will continue to do so if it saves those I care for, which is why I stated what I did.” Holding her mocha gaze, I loosed a sigh. “I am foolish and selfish when it comes to you, Lani. My asking ‌you to stay on the ship, for you to protect yourself from the corruption that swaths our lands, comes from my pitiful need for you to remain unharmed.”

Brushing strands of my strawberry blonde hair from my face, she craned her head to the side, studying me. “Is my role as your second not to fight alongside you?”

“It is, but⁠—”

“But nothing. It is a simple yes-or-no question.”

My teeth ground together. “Yes, that is part of your role as my second.”

“Which is a position you deemed me worthy of handling, yes?”

“Leilani, that is not the point.”

“Again,” she swatted my chest, “it is a simple yes or no.”

There was a brief pause before I offered her the answer she sought. “Yes.”

“Then release your worries.” Tracing up my jaw, her fingers dusted over my facial hair as she approached my lobe. “I was raised a warrior far before the slave traders stole me from my home. By nine, I was proficient in swordsmanship, outperforming all ‌the boys in my village. Even then, I kept training before they tossed me onto that ship, and when you rescued me all those years ago, you ensured that mastery was further refined. I am not a weak woman. I never have been, nor will I ever be.”

Admiring her unwavering dedication, I dipped my chin. “Yes, I am well aware of your life before, as well as after. You have battled beside me without delay or falter. I just… Sorva and those of her degree are entirely different beasts. They are not mere mortals, and with us unaware of whether you are a Divari, there remain far too many possibilities. Far too many what-ifs and could-bes. Fates that I do not wish to challenge.”

Hellbent on molding my stubbornness, she redirected. “You mentioned everyone has a weakness, and that mine is my heart. If that is the case, then what is yours?”