Page 23 of Shadow and Smite

She wrapped it around her head, hiding her hair, antlers, and ears like the night we met.

“You really don’t like being recognized, do you?” I asked.

“Can you say you’re different?” she asked, glancing at the shadows billowing around my feet. “Unless, of course, you’re trying to get the Shade’s attention.”

I pulled my shadows tighter, still relieved to have them back.

“Weird question,” she continued. “Have you seen a turtle? The Firewolf said she would send one.”

The Firewolf. She was yet another loose thread, another mystery. The beast was clearly a divinity, one linked to Ayla. Ayla believed she was no one, but I saw so much more.

“If you stay with me, we can seek your Firewolf,” I offered suddenly. “Assuming this turtle finds us, and it doesn’t take us far from our route.”

“Really?” she asked.

I hesitated. This seemed unnecessary, too kind. But maybe this would give Ayla a reason to willingly join my quest. Besides, the Firewolf might be useful. “The Firewolf saved us. It’s the least I can do.”

She smiled, the first time all afternoon, and the sight brightened my mood. “That would be—” She frowned as she remembered our circumstances. “Okay. Thanks for the offer. I’ll keep it in mind.”

We shared a diplomatic silence as Vanessa approached the docks. The port city came into clarity, illuminated in the sunset.

Travelers filled Staria Bay under the dusky sky. Fishing boats and vessels for those traveling between isles. Though she tried to hide it, Ayla’s gaze turned bright as she took in the activity. Rightfully so, the bay was a gem of the Isles.

Distant mountains radiated purple while the sea turned a brilliant orange. Fae lights twinkled, the evidence of civilization. The scent of food, slow-cooked meats, wafted through the air, joined by the twang of music. The city was bustling, ready for dinner and dancing.

Protected from the worst of the sea winds, Port Saundyrs supported a vast network of docks. Countless craftsmen prepared their fae goods while merchants moved them to the other isles and south, to the human continent. Ever since the Starlit King invested in the infrastructure, it had become an economic hub.

It was also the gateway to the rest of the Starlit Isle, the de facto political center of the Isles. Farther inland, the Starlit King ruled from his capital city. While he was only the king of this single isle, the other courts sent delegates to his capital.

After the Collapse, I had been raised on the Starlit Isle, a royal fosterling in the king’s care. It was a poor fit—a shadow prince grieving his exile was not suited to such a bright court.

Vanessa steered us to an available dock, the type common for boats like ours. These boats, usually owned by sprites, were available for hire by those seeking easy travel between the Isles.

I handed Vanessa a coin. “I think this will cover our dockage fee.”

She accepted it. “Can you also pick me up a book? Something spicy. And don’t forget that I want a new anchor! The type with protective shielding.”

“Got it.”

“Are you going ashore?” Ayla asked.

“I have shopping to do. Besides, I want to make sure you reach your friend. I assume that they’ll be waiting for you at the merchants dock?”

“Yes.”

“I can show you the way.”

“Umm, thank you.”

“Pay attention to where we are,” I said, motioning to the surrounding ships. I pointed to the end of the berth where there was a tavern and a clothes shop. “Tomorrow, we sail at noon.”

“We? I’m not—”

“Vanessa and I sail at noon. And that’s how long you have to decide what you’re going to do.”

10 | The Merchant Prince

Ayla

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