Page 153 of Fallen Stars

“Try,” the Star drawled.

“Are you in my head?”

Eli shrugged, pushing himself off the mast. “Someone had to check you were still sound of mind after what you went through.”

“And what is that?”

“A rebirth,” a voice said behind him. Isra was there, and he recognised her as the voice who had cursed as he had awoken.

He sunk back to the floor, registering Leo too, aware that he was surrounded by enemies.

“We’re not your enemies.”

“Get out of my fuckinghead.”

“It’s annoying when he does that, isn’t it?” Elara said. “Eli, why don’t you help Merissa find the liquor? I think our captain needs a drink.”

Eli rolled his eyes, strolling along the deck to the cabin and leaving quietly.

Elara knelt before him and tried to take a hand. He snatched it back instantly.

“Adrian,” she whispered. “I know you’re scared. I was too. But you’re free now. You’re one of us. You’re the Water. And I’m so happy that you’re alive.”

Part Three

Chapter Fifty-Seven

The water. The sound made somuch sense on Elara’s tongue as she spoke it, waiting for Adrian’s reaction. She knew he would be feeling confused, wouldn’t be able to remember his whole story. And yet, she saw the realisation as it took hold, as Adrian truly understood who he was.

“We’re titans,” she carried on. “A league of gods greater than the Stars, who ruled long before them. You governed water in all its forms—the rivers, the seas, the rain. And you worked with Enzo and I, but me particularly. See, we’re bound, Adrian. The Moon and the Sea.”

She gingerly took his hand, and this time, she was relieved that he didn’t pull away. Enzo stood at her back, his warmth giving her the strength she needed to finish the story. “There are two more of us waiting out there, locked in mortal bodies. I know it’s a lot to take in. But I promise we will be here every step of the way.”

Adrian finally lifted his face, scar still deep and swollen from brow to cheek, peeking underneath the patch Merissa had helped fashion for him. The one eye that she could see searched hers with that turquoise that seemed to carry every shade of the ocean.

“I feel it,” he whispered. “In my bones. Like I’m no longer drowning.”

Elara nodded. “Your powers will increase. Will expand. You’ll be able to command oceans with merely a thought and make it rain when you’re sad. That’s what Eli said.” She turned to the god for assurance, and Eli nodded.

A lot lies ahead, but I’m so, so happy that we found you.”

Adrian sat further up. “And I’m sorry for stabbing you,” she added.

He laughed then, the sound hoarse, and she nearly sobbed in relief.

“Does everyone else know?”

Elara nodded. “I called on Eli after we killed you.” She rubbed the ring on her little finger, ever grateful to have had a constant connection with the god. She didn’t know what they would have done without it.

“He arrived from Concordia not long after with this ship. The only people on it are the four of us, Merissa, Isra, and Leo.” She waved her hand. “Apparently, it’s magicked.”

Adrian rubbed at his eye—the one covered by the patch—and Elara saw him still.

“What’s this?” he said, feeling around it. “A bandage?”

Elara looked quickly to Merissa, who looked about ready to burst into tears.

“It’s a patch, Adrian,” Merissa said softly. “I cleaned the wound while you slept as best I could but…” Her lip wobbled. “But we couldn’t save your eye,” Elara finished. “I’m so sorry, Adrian. It was Scorpius’s charm. The poison within that trident ravaged it. You’ll never be able to see out of it again.”

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