Page 65 of Folds
“They werenota gift. At least, that’s what I used to think.”
“And now?” I ask softly.
“Now I’m tired. Exceptthis”—she flips her tail—”wouldn’t have led mehere. Can’t begrudge the memories.”
Memories. That’s all our time together will amount to. At least we’re on the same page. That’s what I tell myself. It’s easier than examining why my chest is tight. I glance at the sun, barely peeking through the fissure across from us. It’s sinking toward the horizon faster than I want.
“Vixen,” I murmur, and she shifts in my hold. “I have to go.”
“Okay, let’s go.” She attempts to slip away, and I cling to her.
“No. I have to go alone.”
When she sits upright, I let her go. “I’m going to try not to take offense to that.”
“You shouldn’t. I have to deal with this on my own.” My gaze dips to her tail. “If you want, circle the ship and drown anyone I throw over the side.”
She purses her lips. “And then? No. Don’t answer that.”
I grab her face and kiss her softly. I push to my feet and climb into the dinghy before I can change my mind. If I don’t go now, I’ll end up fucking her again. Maybe falling even further than I already have. I need to cut this off before I’m in too deep. She flips the rope in the boat, and I take up the oars.
By the time I’m through the gap, she’s disappeared. Smitty lifts a hand and drops the ladder when I get close to theBlack Maiden. He doesn’t ask any questions as I drop onto the deck. He knows I wouldn’t answer him.
“Did anyone ask about Nock?” I ask quietly.
“Yes. Told them it was normal for this vessel. I was waiting for you to tell them the rest of the story.”
Smitty follows me to my cabin. Several pairs of eyes track us across the ship, and I mark each of them. I could end this whole thing right now. None of them know why they’re truly here. It’s my job to inform them. I used to do it right away until I realized they’d try to run after I did. Now I let them get used to beingstuck on a pirate ship they have no recollection of joining. Typically, waiting helps. Not this time.
When we reach my cabin, I usher him inside. “They’re planning a mutiny. Going to get rid of us both.”
Smitty laughs, a boisterous cackle echoing around us. “Too bad we can’t die, huh?”
“Die? No. Butyoumight get sent to the gods. You want to risk that?”
He shrugs. “I’d be happy living out my time here. If the gods deem me worthy enough to stay on theBlack Maiden, I’d consider it an honor.”
“That makes one of us,” I mutter. “Question is, do we let them carry out their plans or stop it now?”
“Fate must find its way. Interfere and you risk catching her eye.”
A chill walks down my back. I nod, knowing we need to let things take their course. We spend the next hour talking in circles. It’s not like we can make an actual plan other than don’t get stabbed, and even that one is up in the air. My mind keeps wandering back to Keres and my time with her. Nothing productive gets done, especially with her consuming so many of my thoughts.
Cook rings the bell for dinner and I sigh, pushing to my feet. Smitty’s out the door before I’ve tucked my knife in my belt. I doubt they’ll make a move before they’ve eaten. By the time I make it out to the main deck, most of the crew are scattered around with bowls in their hands. Cook hands me one and I take it to the bow. Night falls and stars materialize in the ever-darkening sky, yet I don’t eat. My stomach lurches every time the aroma from the stew hits me. Subtly, I tip the contents overboard. Hopefully, Keres isn’t below me with her hair full of my dinner.
As the hours pass by, the crew settles into their typical routine of mooring lines and swabbing the decks. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think it was just another night. Except there’s a nervousenergy winding its way through them. The tension grows by the minute.
Between one blink and the next, everything changes. Shouts ring out across the ship, and swords are drawn. Two men, Bosco and Ward, rush toward me and point the tips of their blades at my throat. I tip my chin up and raise an eyebrow.
“Care to tell me what you’re doing?” I ask, a slight hint of annoyance in my tone.
“We’re taking over,” Bosco snaps.
“We’ll send you to the gods. You’ll be their problem soon,” Ward adds, then glances at Bosco. Of course they don’t know what they’re doing. They’ve probably never pulled off a mutiny before. Or rather, Ward hasn’t.
“I’ve been the gods’ problem long before you were alive, and I suspect I’ll continue to be one long after you’re gone. I’ll give you one chance to withdraw.”
Bosco’s lip curls and he sneers, “Or what?”
