Page 41 of Sea and Sky
“I expect,” Gavin addressed the crowd, “my pair-bond to be treated with respect. Do I make myself clear? I’m paying you well, aren’t I?”
“That you are,” Captain Basil said. “Come, let’s get the lot of you comfortable. The accommodations aren’t big, but should be good for the journey ahead.”
They followed Basil, and Kyler zoned out, letting himself fall into that place inside his head no one could get to him. He didn’t know how long he’d been on the bed when he realized he was staring across an elaborately decorated room.
“Skies, Kyler. Are you okay?” Gavin rushed over with a cup of water. “Drink.”
Damon stood at the door, no doubt to keep watch.
“What just happened, dear?” Ailey asked.
Instead of taking the cup of water from Gavin, Kyler pushed to his feet and ran to the pot in the corner of the small room and emptied what little contents he had in his stomach.
“Give him some space,” Damon said. Kyler was most grateful for the man.
“I’m sorry. I’m—I’ll be fine. Just…” Kyler held up a hand while panic rolled through him. He was a damned fool. Sweat drenched his brow, made his shirt cling to him. “I thought I’d be okay. Actually, IknewI’d be okay. But that was thinking the crew wouldn’t be people that have…” Kyler swallowed back bile.
Ailey kneeled in front of him. “We won’t let them hurt you, not on my watch.” She looked back at Damon and Gavin. Both nodded. “You’re safe.”
“You can’t promise that,” he whispered.
“No, I can’t.” She shrugged. “But you’re a fighter. I see it in your eyes. You’ve done everything you can to get tothispoint in your life. Trying to find safety. Gavin’s a good man, and I trust his judgment with this little scheme of his. In fact, it helps with what we need to talk about.”
Ailey’s calm words soothed Kyler’s heart. He believed she’d help keep him safe. She had freedom to lose, too. All three of them did.
“I’m sorry for—” Kyler waved his hand around. “Panicking.”
Gavin took the few steps to Kyler and kneeled beside Ailey. “They all know you’re mer. Why don’t we go swim?”
“It’ll be nightfall soon. You won’t be able to see.”
“This isn’t about me. Would it help you if you were in the water?”
Kyler nodded. “But” His head snapped up. “Sand? Do we have sand on board?”
“We do,” Gavin answered. “I made sure we brought a barrel, much to the confusion of Captain Basil.”
Kyler thumped the back of his head against the wall. “No, never mind. We don’t want to give them anything else to gawk at right now.” He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to take a deep breath.
“Dear, if it’s something you need—”
“I can last a few more days.” Kyler couldn’t look anyone in the eye. “I’m sorry. I’m messing everything up.” Like last time. He’d get whipped again. Vex would throw him in a room and let anyone have their way with him for all eternity. Kyler shook, but pushed the nausea away like he’d done countless times before. He could do anything he set his mind to. All he had to do was survive a ship full of sailors that hated him. What had he gotten himself into?
“Kyler,” Gavin’s voice rang out.
“Kyler?” Ailey’s softer voice penetrated his spiraling. “Would you like to change into something more comfortable?” She dragged a hand down herself and straightened her shirt. Her leathers were gone and in their place were the soft cotton flying clothes dragons wore when they planned on shifting. Kyler must have missed the wardrobe change.
He nodded.
“How do you feel about being alone with me?”
Kyler thought he’d panic at the thought of Gavin not being near, but he found he actually trusted Ailey. “That’s fine,” his voice came out so raw.
She shooed the two dragons from the room. Gavin’s eyes pleaded for answers Kyler didn’t have.
“Sorry.” Kyler pulled his knees to his chest and rocked. It’d been so long since he’d broken down, he thought himself immune from his own mind. “Sorry.”
“Have you told Gavin your story?”
