Page 17 of Lore of the Tides

Oh gods.A blood curse... Lore hadn’t realized that was something that could even happen. It sounded awful. Violent.I am so sorry that you and Isla had this happen to you. I wish I had known... I feel terrible for even asking.

No need to be sorry. How could you have known, when I don’t talk about it? I wasted years of my life searching for ways to break the curse. It’s why I broke into the Edgemoor Academy library... When I was caught, my true lineage was discovered, and I was kicked out of the university.

Sounds like another reason to findAuroradel.I wonder if it could break the curse,Lore wondered.

Hmm. Maybe. Finn didn’t sound like he thought it would. Then again, maybe he’d given up hope long ago to stop himself from being disappointed when nothing worked. Lore knew what it was like to live in a world where most had magic, and to be without it. She felt for him. For Isla. She wanted to ask why their family had been cursed, but now wasn’t the time.

I can’t stay long, but I’ll be back around moonrise tomorrow.Lore peeked at him through her lashes, suddenly shy even though he couldn’t see her.If you want me to, that is.

Of course I do.Finndryl’s eyes glimmered with mirth as he waved a hand across his bare chest.I’ll make sure to be wearing clothes.

She wanted to say: Please don’t.

Lore wasn’t quite ready to leave yet... even though she needed to scry forAuroradel.I’m surprised you don’t hate me, Lore confessed, the words coming out quick and breathless, even though they were spoken from her mind.

Do you want me to hate you?He arched an eyebrow.

No, I just... I know you told me it’s not my fault you are trapped on this ship... but I can’t help but feel like you are full of shit. It is my fault. I’ve brought nothing but bad luck since I met you.

Don’t worry, Alemeyu. If I didn’t choose to be here, I wouldn’t be.He leaned back onto his bed, resting his head on his arms crossed at the nape of his neck.I’m just biding my time until we dock next. I have a plan to free us, just waiting on one more piece to fall into place.

What piece?

Cecil, the female guard, has a kind heart—

Lore leaned forward.Cecil, she’s my favorite guard. Makes you wonder how she ended up on this ship with the rest of these degenerates.

I wonder that too; the rest of the guards seemed to be handpicked for their depravity.Finn smirked.I’m hoping that with just a little more time, she will see reason—or at the very least, maybe I can convince her to leave my door unlocked...

No, don’t do anything! I’ve got a plan. Sort of. I need to stay on the ship until we find the book he’s searching for.

I just hope you aren’t looking forAuroradelon my account. The only reason I’m still here is because it will be easier for us to escape once we’ve reached land.

No, trust me. I need the book for more nefarious reasons than rescuing you.She felt her lips frown, though her physical body was far awaystill. Just becausesheneeded to stay on the ship didn’t mean that he must. Though she hated the idea of him leaving her here. Gods, was she really such a selfish person that it pained her to even think of being trapped here alone? Of course, she wanted him to be free from here... but the thought of being without him also terrified her at the same time.

Lore heaved a sigh. She had to tell him that he need not feel beholden to her. If he could convince Cecil to free him... then who was she to keep him here?Finn... don’t stay on my account, though... if you have the opportunity, you should absolutely—

Finn slashed his hand through the air, cutting her off.Hush, Alemeyu. I’m not leaving you.There was the hint of his crooked smile. For the first time in weeks, she felt a glimmer of warmth.If you want us to stay... we stay. Enlighten me on your plan, please.

Far away, Lore could feel Syrelle stirring in his office.I will, I promise. Just... be safe. And no more putting guards into the infirmary.

Finndryl dropped his jaw in surprise.You heard about that, did you?

Yes.

Finndryl shrugged.He called you a witch, so I broke his jaw.Finndryl absently rubbed a hand over his knuckles. They were visibly bruised, and a few fresh scabs littered his knuckles.

I’ve been called worse. Don’t let it bother you. I have to go.

Finndryl looked unnerved for a moment.Lore, check in with me tomorrow.

I will, if I can...

Lore severed the connection and compelled her awareness back toward her physical body. She passed by the faceless forms of strangers, of enemies. Until she saw one form she recognized.Syrelle.She wished that she couldn’t see him. That he was a stranger to her, a faceless, insignificant form, but there he was. As clear to her as Finndryl had been. He sat at his desk, perusing through what looked to be an old journal, marking something inthe margins. He kept glancing up at her, gnawing on his lip in worry, more emotion showing on his face than he’d let her see in weeks.

Lore saw herself, where she sat in front of him. Her hands on the bowl, her eyes squeezed tight, her brows pulled together, strain in her shoulders.

Lore walked toward her body and tapped her own shoulder.

---