Solena instinctively moves forward, but I reach out, placing a hand on her arm to stop her.
With each soft, smoky touch of Ashen’s nose, my daughter’s cries ease. Her sobs grow quiet, until finally, she exhales a soft, shuddering breath and falls asleep once more.
Ashen lingers a moment longer, watching her. Then his form begins to shift, his smoke-drenched bulk curling inward, shrinking, softening. Within seconds, the monstrous guardian is gone, replaced by a tiny kitten, all fluff and soot, already curling into a ball beside her and purring as he dozes off.
Zyphoro clicks her tongue. “That pet of yours needs to learn his place.”
I glance at the crib, then back at her. “I think he knows exactly where his place is. At my daughter’s side.”
Zyphoro considers this, then grins. “Hmm. You might be right. He’ll serve her well.”
I arch a brow, my voice dry as I address the unspoken question. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”
Zyphoro slumps lazily against the closed door, arms crossed. “I was wondering where you’d gone, is all. The males are drinking and singing, badly, I might add, and I’m bored to tears with their endless chatter about swordplay and muscle. So…” She shrugs. “I’ve come to collect you.”
I shake my head. “I’m not in the mood for drinking or banter,” I say. “Besides… my baby.”
Zyphoro gestures lazily toward the crib. “Your baby sleeps soundly with a void-born demon curled at her side. She’s safer than any of us.”
Solena catches my gaze and offers a gentle smile. “The weather is fair,” she murmurs. “The stars are bright, and the water carries us smooth and steady. Perhaps tonight is a good night to speak with your husband.”
Her knuckles graze mine, warm and grounding. That subtle, steady touch eases something tight in my chest.
“Perhaps it is,” I say with a slow smile.
“Speak to him about what?” Zyphoro cuts in. “Whatever it is, I hope it improves his mood. He’s been more insufferable than usual these past few days.”
“We’ll find out soon enough,” I reply.
Zyphoro grabs the door handle and twists it open with a long, exaggerated sigh. “Thank the stars. One more day of this tension and I might combust.”
Her gaze slides to Solena, a teasing smile tugs at her lips.
“If only there were... other ways to burn it off.”
Solena saunters to the door as Zyphoro swings it open, her hand braced above the frame. She ducks beneath Zyphoro’s arm.
“We’re surrounded by ocean,” Solena says coolly. “Maybe a cold dip is in order?”
She slips past Zyphoro like a breeze. But from the way Zyphoro licks her lips, amused and undeterred, it feels less like rejection and more like the opening move of a game.
I glance at her, one brow raised. “Do I want to know what that was about?”
Zyphoro sighs dramatically. “Dearest sister, such details would curl your toes and corrupt that sweet little innocence of yours.” She motions grandly. “After you.”
I cast one last look at my daughter. She sleeps peacefully, one chubby hand curled beside her cheek. Ashen lifts his head, eyes half-lidded but watchful. Our gazes meet, and in that silent exchange, I feel it. The vow unspoken but unbreakable. While I’m gone, she is his to protect.
I cross the cabin, pass Zyphoro, and step out into the night.
Just as Solena promised, the weather is perfect. The ink-dark sky is scattered with stars, endless and glittering. Salt wind sweeps across the deck, and the waves crash gently against the hull, steering us onward toward the Sundered Kingdoms.
And then I hear it, Souls, the singing. Horrendous and heartfelt.
Up ahead, lantern light spills across the huddle of males. Their cups slosh with rum, their laughter spilling louder than their melody. The golden glow of the lamps casts halos around them, softening the edges of hardened faces.
As I near, Daed lifts his head.
His storm-colored eyes find me, and whatever smile he wore falters, replaced by something quieter. Something reverent. I watch them unfold, the Binds of Fate, golden and luminous, unfurling from his skin like ribbons caught on the wind.
