Page 66 of Of the Stars and Sea

Grayson’s boots scrape against the cavern floor and even if I couldn’t hear his approach, I would know he’s standing right behind me. The air between us always seems to hum with crackling magick. Maybe he truly has put a spell on me with the immortal blood that runs through his veins.

I turn around and look into his face. The stardust in his eyes seems to glow brighter with the moon’s light shining upon them. But it’s not the stunning portrait of the heaven’s-kissed ocean that makes my heart skip a beat. It’s thewayhe’s looking at me. Like he’d sail to Esoros this very moment and take his sword to Red Beard’s neck if I asked him to.

“Every choice we make is like throwing a stone into the ocean; it’s ripples are carried farther than our eyes can see. Your father loved you, Rowenya. He never would have dealt with Red Beard if he thought doing so would come back to haunt you.”

I huff. “You say that like you knew him.”

Grayson’s eyes flick to somewhere across the cavern. “No.” He takes a deep breath in. “But I’ve made many decisions over my lifetime and there have been a lot of consequences I wish I could have seen before I made them. I think your father would have done the same if he was able to go back in time.”

There is no bravado in his words. No indication that I am speaking to Grayson Tyde—the most feared pirate to ever sail the Aelynthi Sea.

No. In this moment, I am speaking to the true Grayson. No hint of that stone mask in place.

It’s still difficult for me to observe the changes in him and not question if everything he’s told me is a lie to gain my compliance. But that tug in the center of my chest . . . the quiet voice reassuring me that followinghimis the right path . . . There’ssomething pure about it. Like the white light of the stars in the heavens, twinkling with every silent prayer made upon them.

I am meant to be here, in this moment with him.

“Here.” He holds an apple out for me. “You need to eat.”

“You’re always so bossy,” I grumble, taking the apple from him. “You do realize that I’ve made it thirty-six years without the likes of you around to help me survive.”

His canines gleam in the moonlight when his lips pull back into a dangerous grin that has my toes curling in my boots. “But now youdohave me looking out for you. Which means you can survivebetter.”

I roll my eyes and take a bite of the apple. He watches me intently and I don’t miss the way he wets his lips with his tongue. My entire body shivers when I think of what that tongue might be capable of doing.

Grayson chuckles when he sees my body react.

“You’re terrible!” I half-laugh before I throw the rest of the apple right at his face. With a quickness that shocks me, he catches the apple before it makes contact. His large hand squeezes around the fruit, and I can’t help but laugh as rivers of juice wind down his forearm.

He lowers his hand to reveal a dangerously mischievous look on his face. “My Little Pearl, for all your beauty it never ceases to amaze me just howviolentyou are.”

Grayson takes a bite from the apple. Seeing his lips move over the fruit has me clenching my thighs together and sinking my teeth into my bottom lip. The column of his throat shifts as he swallows the bite, then he tosses the rest of the apple back to me. I nearly miss it and have to lean forward to stop myself from dropping it on the floor.

“It’s a sweet one. But not as sweet asyou, Little Pearl.”

“Bastard,” I mutter and he laughs.

I finish the rest of the apple as Grayson settles the bed roll on a smooth part of the cavern floor. He motions for me to sit next to him. Tossing the apple core into the water, I watch the rings emanate from the center. Tiny waves crash onto the stone all along the edge of the basin. It’s just as Grayson said. One small decision can impact so much more than we think.

Sitting cross-legged next to Grayson, I’m careful not to let my knee touch his thigh as he sets out the bread and cheese Harrick packed for us.

I take out the Serpent’s Key and start fiddling with the sides to find more release triggers. With Blythe being so close to finding us, I need to solve it tonight—before we leave for theCaelestiaat dawn.

“How long have you known Harrick?” I ask.

From the corner of my eye, I see Grayson look down at the Serpent’s Key. His face is unreadable, the mask of stone slipping into place with ease. Then he reaches for the dagger set in the bandolier across his chest and starts cutting the bread and cheese.

“I knew Harrick’s father before he married his mother.”

“Right.” I huff. “I forget just howoldyou are.”

“Old.” He snorts. “I’m sure there are far better words suited for me thanold.” His eyes skate over me and a flush creeps up my neck. He spins his dagger in the palm of his hand. “Charming, intelligent, divinely handsome . . .” He draws out each word with annoying intention.

Rolling my eyes, I add, “And perfectly humble.”

“Yes, I do believe that word fits as well.” He catches the hilt of his blade and sheathes it before extending a piece of bread and cheese to me.

Careful not to let our fingers touch, I take the offering and feel thankful Harrick had the forethought to pack a heartier loaf.My stomach grumbles and I regret not eating very much for lunch.

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