Page 97 of A Promise so Bold and Broken

And that was that.

Tears had begun falling down Frelina’s face as she watched them, and the rest of the group had backed away when Lessia pulled her into their hug.

Her father had sobbed as he held on to them, whispering how proud their mother would have been, how she would have stood beside them on that ship if she could.

She and Frelina still had dampness coating their faces as they waved at their father’s ship, which was quickly disappearing into the thick white blanket that kept the island hidden.

As soon as it vanished from view, they went to join the others as they boarded the ship they were meant to travel on.

But while the rest had headed into the cabin to get everything set up—and probably also to pick the best beds, based on Raine’s mutterings—Lessia had stayed on the deck, needing the crisp wind to fuel the fragile hope and resolve that had ignited within her.

Merrick had joined her without a word.

“I did steal it. A long time ago,” he responded as his sharp gaze traveled across the mist beginning to surround them—the mist that had already shrouded the island from view.

As Lessia followed it, Ydren’s head broke the surface, and the cry she let out tugged so hard at Lessia’s heart that she had to look away—and force herself not to cover her ears.

Raine had ordered Ydren to stay back until he called for her.

Apparently, she’d been so young when her family was slaughtered that she’d never been trained in battle, and Raine didn’t want her anywhere near Rioner, should he somehow find them.

Lessia hadn’t argued, having grown quite fond of the terrifying creature.

“Tell me how you stole it, then.” Lessia went to elbow Merrick to keep her mind from lingering on the sorrowful sound, but he was faster.

Gripping her elbow, he pulled her against his body, his face stern as he stared down at her.

“How many times do I need to tell you not to lose focus?”

“Hmm, many?” Lessia’s voice wavered a little as she became acutely aware of how hard Merrick’s heart slammed against his chest, its beats echoing through her, quickening her own rhythm.

Placing a hand on his chest, right over his heart, she let out a soft breath when it drummed against her palm, its beats so wild she thought they might shake the ship if they hastened further, and an idea formed in her slightly clouded mind.

“Lessia?” Merrick asked hoarsely as he released her arm.

“Mm?” she hummed as she snaked the now-free arm around his waist.

Merrick’s muscles went taut as her hand skimmed over his back, fingers dragging over the hard muscles playing beneath his tunic.

“What are you doing?” he rasped.

“This.”

A triumphant grin spread across her face when she jumped back, holding the sword she’d eased out of its scabbard, and lifted it between them.

Her smile widened when Merrick stared at it, his body frozen for a moment before his hand grasped at the empty belt by his side.

“Who needs to focus now?” Lessia teased, fighting with all her might to hold back the giggle eager to burst out of her.

Merrick looked furious—his dark eyes so wild she wondered for a moment if she’d gone too far.

Swallowing, she thought it best to keep her mouth shut right now.

Taking a deliberate step toward her, Merrick’s voice lowered into a deep, purring growl. “A few weeks of training, and you think you know it all.”

Lessia shrugged, shifting the heavy sword into her other hand.

The movement was a little clumsier than she’d wanted, the sword much heavier than her daggers.

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