Total pages in book: 161
Estimated words: 153795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 769(@200wpm)___ 615(@250wpm)___ 513(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 153795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 769(@200wpm)___ 615(@250wpm)___ 513(@300wpm)
Enver scoffs. “I’m sorry, but I just can’t believe that a person like him would willingly risk his life for coins just to get you to the deadliest place in Thelanor. Either he has a death wish, or there is something else in it for him.”
I drop my chin and wring my fingers together.
“Look, Z.” Enver grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze. When I meet his eyes again, he places his other hand on top of it, sandwiching it. “I only want the best for you.” He pauses to choose his next words carefully. “I mean, if I’d never left Meriva, maybe none of this would be happening.”
“What do you mean?” I have the urge to pull my hands away.
“There is so much that could’ve happened between us. I hate that I had to leave you.”
“I hate that you left, too. I lost a really good friend.” I emphasize the last word. “But you seem to have made a great name for yourself here. You’re on the Gadonian council. I’m sure that was no easy feat.”
“Yeah.” He finally releases my hand, smile fading. “Just…promise me something, Zaira.”
“What?”
“Promise you’ll reconsider going to that island.”
I stare into his brown eyes as I shake my head again. “I can’t promise you that, Enver.”
“I figured you were going to say that.” We fall into another awkward silence. “It’s just kind of hard to accept,” he says, half laughing. “It’s like accepting notice of your death.”
“Enver, promise me you won’t do anything to hold us back.”
“Anything like what?”
“Like send inquiries out to other kingdoms about my group—especially Thane. I don’t want any of my crew getting distracted or detained. As long as you keep the peace, they will, too.”
He gives me a hard look. “I would never do that to you.”
“Promise me.”
He lifts his chin. “I promise, Zaira. You’re all safe here.”
I bob my head. “Okay. Thank you.”
A balmy breeze drifts by, making me want to stick outside just a few seconds longer, and a sigh escapes me. “I can see why you stayed here.”
“Yeah?” He tucks his hands into his pockets. “It’s a beautiful place, isn’t it? Almost reminds me of Ember Coast…just with more light.”
“Yep. I get that same feeling. All that’s missing are the pearls.” I look past him to the glittering waters in the distance highlighted by the moon. “I miss it every day. Life felt so much simpler there. I mean, don’t get me wrong, Meriva is nice, and I appreciate them for giving us refuge, but nothing can ever replace our home.”
He nods in understanding, then leans in closer as I take a minor step back. “Anyway, I should go inside and get some rest. Whenever you hear from Captain Solyen, will you let us—”
I don’t get the chance to finish my sentence.
Enver has leaned in completely to press his lips to mine.
Shocked, I pull away with a soft gasp. “Enver.” My cheeks burn as I shift backward. “Why did you do that?”
“I— Zaira, I’m sorry,” he stammers. “I just… It’s been so long since I last saw you, and all of these old feelings are rising up again. I’ve always felt something for you. I never thought I’d see you again and…well…”
I keep quiet for a few seconds, unsure what to say to that. “I’m…going to go in now,” I murmur. “To get some sleep.”
“Yes.” He nods quickly, taking the hint and stepping away. “Yes, of course. I’ll, uh…I’ll let you know when I hear from Captain Solyen.”
“Thanks.” I warily look him over once more before turning a fraction. “Good night, Enver.”
“Good night.”
I give him my back before he can say anything else, and hurry to the porch. Gripping the door handle, I glance over my shoulder to watch him walk away with his head hung and his shoulders sagging.
I didn’t give him the wrong impression, did I?
No, I’m positive I didn’t. He kissed me without permission. I’m sure his intentions were good, but still…
He’s just a friend. He’s always been a friend and nothing more. I suppose Gadonia has made him bolder.
“Now I see what he is to you.”
Startled, I gasp when I hear another deep voice come out of nowhere. Emerging from the shadows at the farthest end of the porch with a furrowed brow is Thane.
Chapter 39
Thane’s sleeveless black tunic shows off his muscled arms and a glimpse of the Divine tattoo on his forearm. In his left hand is the handle of one of his swords. The sharp silver blade gleams in the moonlight.
“Thane?” I look around, confused as to where the shadows he came from. “What are you doing out here?”
“About to train.”
“On the porch?”
“Behind the inn.”
“Oh.”
He steps closer, his boots thumping on the wooden floorboards.
“Were you eavesdropping?”
“Wasn’t intentional. I stepped around the corner, and there you two were.”
“You saw him kiss me?” I ask, avoiding a wince.