Page 72 of Heir of Broken Souls

“—but now you’re banning wine? Are you daft?”

I can practically feel Knox’s eyes roll behind me. “Just trying to keep you alive, Harlow.”

“Alive or dead, I’m still not eating that.”

Elysia flops into Harlow’s side and whispers something in her ear. The half-witch jumps up while Elysia shrieks with laughter. “You imbeciles!” she yells. She points at me and then at the bucket. “Donoteat that.” Then she spins on her heel and disappears.

Axel’s brow furrows. “What did you tell her?”

She shrugs innocently, fluttering her lashes up at him. “Nothing.”

“Care to share?” I ask, still utterly confused.

“With you, yes. With the fish eaters, no.” She giggles, rising on wobbly legs. “If you’re all nice, we’ll share.” And then she sways toward the stairs, following after Harlow.

“Do you?—”

“No,” I answer, always knowing what he’s going to ask before he does. I hold onto his thick corded arms around me and whisper, “I don’t want to leave. Make one of them go.”

The bucket of fish drops to the wooden floor, sending a loud clang into the air that makes me flinch.

“I’ll go,” Axel mumbles, cursing under his breath as he, too, disappears.

It’s quiet for a moment, with nothing but the setting sun, the ocean breeze in my hair, and the sound of the lapping ocean against the ship. It’s peaceful. That is, until I startle with a gasp and crane my neck in all directions, searching the large top deck.

“Where is she? Where are they?” My panicked eyes lock on Knox’s. “Did something happen? Why didn’t you come get me?”

Knox runs his fingers through my hair before cupping my cheek. “They’re all right. Breathe, Delilah.” Along with the deep inhale of air I take, Knox sends soothing calm energy down our bridge. “They’ve flown ahead to scout in case this is indeed a trap.”

My body sags into his, relief coursing through me so fiercely it frightens me. “When will they be back? Should I go prepare their food?”

“I already took care of it,” Lenox drawls.

Clearing my surprise, I dip my head. “Thank you.”

No sooner do the words leave my lips, clangs and bangs rise from the stairwell at the end of the deck. Shouts and curses and the pounding of boots join the ruckus.

Harlow then appears, her cheeks flushed as she hustles across the deck with two plates in her hands. Without any explanation she forces Knox and I to take them.

“Gods, those two truly despise one another.”

“What now?” Knox asks, exhaustion heavy in his voice.

Harlow waves her hand in the direction of the stairs. “Gods know, but I’m not going within ten feet of those fools. They’ll start throwing knives soon at this rate.”

“Perhaps it isn’t wise to leave them then?” I suggest slowly.

“I’m not risking my life simply because Axel is an asshole.”

“I heard that, Harlow!” he bellows from somewhere downstairs.

Rubbing my head with my free hand at the sudden pounding within my skull, I mumble, “Perhaps this ship isn’t big enough after all.”

“Harlow…where did you get this food?” Knox asks suddenly.

My eyes snap down to what’s in my hands. I didn’t even look when Harlow shoved it my way, but now that I have, I can’t believe the aroma didn’t grab my attention earlier. It’s divine, a helping of vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes…and even a large juicy steak.

Harlow flops down into her vacated spot, throwing her hands in the air. “Oh, yes! Those two aren’t the only fools! Did you lot check the kitchens upon arriving?” She snorts. “Or at all?”