Page 26 of Reign of Light
“I put salve on it. It’s like it didn’t happen. Just the memory,” I say with a small laugh and a hopeful glance over at Sig.
“And her hard head really hurt my hand.”
I snort, looking back at Weston, whose face is now stoic, completely void of the anger that was there moments ago.
“It’s fine,” he says, and Sig’s shoulders sag in relief. “I understand why you didn’t tell me. But Signee?” He wraps a possessive arm around my waist, tugging my body against him and gripping my hip tightly. “Keep your hands off my woman.”
She starts to speak, but before she can even respond, he reaches out and shoves her shoulder. A high-pitched squeal escapes her as she stumbles backward, the rail hitting her waist as she topples over the side of the ship.
“Weston!” I scream, shoving away from him and rushing to the rail to lean over and peer down into the water. Sig’s splash resonates from below, but moments later, she surfaces, a huge grin splitting her face, followed by a peal of laughter.
My jaw falls open, and I look back at him, only to catch him smirking with a playful glint in his eye.
Jorn crows from behind me, and before I know it, he’s hopping onto the rail and jumping off the side, doing a full flip before hitting the water beside Sig.
I let out a disbelieving laugh before turning back to Weston. A small smile turns up his lips, and he lifts a shoulder in a shrug.
“What does it matter anymore? The island showed her the ship, so we have no reason to hide during the day.” He steps beside me, leaning over the rail and beaming down at Sig and Jorn, who are floating in the water, splashing each other and giggling.
A crowd of expectant faces looks up at us from the main deck, well, more specifically at Weston. His arms are crossed over his chest when I turn back to him, waiting to see what he will do with everyone’s unspoken questions.
Is it safe? Can we leave?
“Go on,” he calls out, jerking his head toward the reef.
Rumbling vibrates the boards beneath our feet as the gangway extends out, thudding into the land on the other side. An eruption of emotional cries and cheers rises from the crew on the main deck, and my chest swells with everyone’s excitement.
I can’t imagine what everyone who has been isolated to this ship for so many years is feeling now that they’re finally set free, now that the island has told them it is safe. As one of the newest Castaways, I’ll never know the depth of their emotions, but I know even I am itching to come and go whenever I want.
Feet pound as the crew tears down the gangway, Stassia leading the pack and sprinting faster than I’ve ever seen her move. Mara stares after everyone, mouth agape as they barrel across the reef toward the shore. Stassia throws herself onto the beach, rolling around in the sand while others splash into the cove or run around in the sunlight, arms raised above their heads, laughing carelessly.
I spot Fin as he runs across the beach to find Roley standing near the bottom of the stone steps, watching everything unfold before him. Arms out wide, Fin runs up to him and wraps him in an embrace, then the two of them take off winding through bodies and splashing in the surf.
My cheeks hurt from smiling as I watch the pure joy emanating from these people I’ve grown to care so much about. While everything about our situation is tinged with sadness and loss, an entirely different world has been opened to everyone here, one that is safe and happy, and will be for eternity.
I look up to Weston, expecting to see him watching his crew, but he isn’t. He’s watching me, a soft smile playing on his lips. Stepping forward, I close the gap between us and raise my arms. His hands find my waist as he takes the cue, and leans forward, letting me wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer.
“Come on, Captain,” I say, unable to stop grinning as I take in the relief and happiness in his eyes. “Take me to shore.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Joy. Peace. Relief.
All of it explodes from the smile that breaks across Weston’s face, and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Pressure in my chest explodes as I stare into the playful eyes of this gruff and grumpy man who can finally just be, letting go of all the responsibilities and stresses that were settled on his shoulders for years.
The island gave us this gift, this light in the darkness, right when we needed it. The sunshine and freedom that accompany the trust of those we once called friends make the eternity that glimmers ahead of us seem so much brighter.
A peal of laughter rips from my throat as Weston drops down in front of me, his corded arms wrapping around my waist before he throws me over his shoulder.
“Weston!” I scream. “What are you doing?”
“Takingyou to shore.”
“I didn’t mean that way!” I bounce up and down as he jogs down the steps then strides swiftly down the gangway.
“Hey!” I yell, my cry full of laughter as he hitches me up higher, making me feel like he is about to let me fall, so I have to wrap my arms around his torso and cling tightly.
“Stop complaining. Your captain is taking you to shore, as requested.”
