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Zephyr. I’ve dissociated for three whole days, but I have to throw a dam up against a wave of excitement as I rush down to see them.

They raise their lantern, and my shoes sink into the wet sand. If it weren’t for their periwinkle eyes, there’d be no way to tell they’re not fully human.

Their brown breeches are soaked up to their knees, and a matching halter vest is fastened over the blouse hiding their wings. Their hair has been cut into short pieces that frame their forehead and cover the pointed tips of their ears before tapering down to the nape of their neck, the silvery strands altered to a light shade of brown.

Darcy has to crane her neck to look them in the eye. “Then what are you doing out here?”

“You don’t know?” Their cocky grin is the only thing that’s completely unchanged. “I’ve come to hunt the stoor wyrm.”

9

ZEPHYR

Darcy goes deathly pale.

After witnessing the snippets of her interactions that have slipped through the aether these past few days, watching the blood drain from her face is somewhat entertaining.

“I’m the Duchess of Blustery Heights,” she says. “As the head of House of Cinder, it’s my right to ask who you are and why you’re sailing in these waters without my permission.”

The Duchess is evading the topic of the serpent, but her reaction has already confirmed its existence. She really doesn’t want anyone finding out about it.

“I’m Professor Tommelise, scholar of hydrography and explorer of the six major seas,” I introduce myself. “My studies on sea creature habitats are available in all of the realm’s major libraries, so I’m sure you’ve heard of me.”

“No, I’ve never heard of–”

“I have.” Cordelia taps Darcy’s shoulder, her pout softening like she’s actually excited to see me. “They led a research excursion studying the seasonal afanc migrations off the coast of Gentrilly. ”

“Yes, that was me.” I take her hand, a prideful smile playing on my lips as I lift her knuckles and brush my thumb across them. “And who might you be?”

“I’m Dee. A fisherwoman from Seshly.” She steps into her role without missing a beat, lashes sweeping over her cheeks in exaggerated modesty. “I’ve enjoyed reading about your adventures. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Dee.” I press the softest greeting kiss to the back of her hand, and a feather-light sensation tickles along our bond. It fizzles out as Darcy coughs.

“Dee is my betrothed,” she says, and I lift my eyes, catching her tensing up behind the princess.

Good. I’ve caught her attention. I had a feeling she’d be the type to respond to some competition.

My mouth maintains its crooked smile as I lower Cordelia’s hand. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” Darcy postures herself between us. “Although I’m still not sure I understand what you’re doing here, Professor.”

“The Gentrillian Queen has funded my research project on how shifting tidal patterns may predict harsher winters in the northern kingdoms.” I march in a wide circle, feigning confidence as my brain sluggishly strings paragraphs from textbooks together. “During my studies, I made an interesting discovery—the sea levels, water temperature, and sediment traces washing up on the coast of Sorciere have recorded values that were eerily similar to one other time in history.” I stop mid-stride. “Do you know which period I’m referring to?”

The Duchess shakes her head. She doesn’t realize I’m pulling this all out of my ass.

“The years in which the stoor wyrm was active.” I grab the strap slung over my shoulder to adjust the bag resting near my hip. “That’s why I’m here. To prove it’s awake and stop it from terrorizing the Heartbreak Isles again.”

“That’s a noble ambition, but I’m already handling it.” Darcy’s leather gloves creak as she cracks her knuckles. As I suspected, she hates the idea of someone reaching the serpent before she does.

I take that observation and run with it. “So you’re aware the beast has awakened?”

“Yes,” she admits. “I managed to shoot it, but I’m sure you know the monster has a history of hiding away for weeks at a time. I’m not sure if the wound was lethal.”

“Then I’ll set out at first light. If the beast is still alive, I’ll take it out myself.”

“It’s too dangerous.”

Metal equipment clinks together in my bag as I cock my hip to the side to support the weight. “I’m prepared to make it my final mission if I can save the islands.”