Page 8 of Buoy
“Finish your story.”
Soren did a quick lap around Rhys, watching him follow his every movement before he treaded water to continue. “Kerrick was practically in the kelpie woman’s arms, and he started screaming. She’d wrapped her hands around his throat and she had seaweed hair and her skin looked slimy and disgusting.”
“So is the woman a kelpie herder?”
“No, she’s a kelpie. They can shift between horse and sort of human. They hate humans, even shifter types.”
“But they aren’t a shifter type?”
Soren shrugged. “Dunno. Technically they shift, but I think it’s more animal instinct to stay alive if that makes sense. To protect their territory.”
Rhys nodded.
“So, the woman grows a horse tail and thumps it against the sand. Lightning strikes all around, almost to where the rest of us are. She’s laughing, but it sounds more like a horse’s neigh. It’s terrifying.”
“Did Kerrick get away?” Rhys was so close.
Soren shrugged. “Vex stormed the beach alone. Shifting to his dragon. It scared the kelpies. They scattered. But we marooned Kerrick for foolishness. Everyone voted on it.”
“You vote?” Rhys tipped his head as if to think it over.
“For everything.” Though Soren’s votes didn’t really matter, he was still a part of the crew.
Soren sank under the surface and let the water hold him, needing what it gave him. But it wasn’t enough when he needed water through his gills. When he popped up again, Rhys stared at him.
“You can hold your breath an incredibly long time.”
“I can?” Shit. Shit. Shit.
“I wish I could.”
“You could practice. Just don’t accidentally drown yourself.”
Rhys splashed him. “I’m starting to prune.”
The pair climbed back onto the dock and laid on their backs, looking at the star-studded sky.
“Know any constellations?” Rhys asked. “We learn them for spell work, but I find it boring.”
“A few. My favorites.” Soren lifted a hand and traced a cluster of twelve stars. “Mer king.” Then traced another. “Fire drake.”
“Those are my favorites too.” Rhys pushed to his elbows. “I suppose I should dry you off. I need to leave soon.” He stood and held out a hand to help Soren up.
Soren dripped and shivered. Though it was hot outside, he always felt a chill when not in water. He still held Rhys’ hand. It was warm. So warm. Then he was dry.
“How’d you do that?” Soren patted down his arms. Dry. Then fiddled with the bun at his nape. Dry.
Rhys waved his hand towards the ocean and water splash with a gulp. “Drew the water off you, to my hand, then sent it back home.” He smiled wide, showing his subtle fangs.
“Can you teach me? Tomorrow?”
“I can try. Not sure I’m a good teacher, though.” Rhys rubbed a hand through his hair, ruffling it out of place.
“I’m not sure I’m a good student, so we’re perfect for each other.” Soren couldn’t help the grin. Though he was sure he’d practice that night to see if he could figure it out on his own.
“I’ll bring more food. How long will you be in town this time?”
“About five days is what I heard.”
