What did that make Avalon? A doll to be tossed about as Sable pleased? What if it hadn’t been the House’s doing at all, but Sable simply taking control of more than she should? What if there was a line that could be crossed, and Avalon would be lost forever if Sable pulled just the right strings?
She nibbled on her bottom lip. Well, she couldn’t sit here and dwell on it all night. And while there was no immediate danger, she might as well speak to Sable and confess her concerns.
Without another thought, she lifted the mask to her face.
~
When Sable came to, she felt dizzy and confused. It was by habit that she took in her surroundings as quickly as possible, checking to ensure there was no threat of imminent danger.
They were surrounded by rows upon rows of barrels, every single one filled to the brim with slimy fish. Lanterns swung chaotically from rotting beams and mice squeaked from shadowed corners. She was still getting used to being able to smell, but when she caught a whiff of stinky fish and unwashed bodies, she wished she’d resisted the urge to dip into all her senses. In this case, sight would have sufficed.
Why are we in a cargo hold?She didn’t give Avalon a chance to answer before she continued.And why did you even bother waking me up? You seem pretty safe to me.
Avalon was taken aback by the venom coating Sable’s words, and it took her a few minutes before she could find her voice.I know it’s been a while since we spoke—
How long?Sable interrupted brusquely.
Avalon took such a long time to answer that Sable attempted to sift through her memories, but it was as if the princess had put up a wall.
Three days,she finally admitted.
Sable’s thought was barely a whisper as she said,Three days. And just what have you been doing for the past three days that was important enough to forget about me?
Avalon had no answer, but Sable felt her body go rigid. The simple reaction pushed Sable closer to the edge, and her thoughts ran rampant.
But she didn’t let herself fret for long before she spoke again—before she poured her heart out.You are my only connection to the world, Avalon. Without you, I am blind, deaf, and mute. I cannot see anything beyond cold, endless silver. I cannot feel anything. I can’t even move. I amnumb, Avalon. When you take off the mask, it’s as if someone has blindfolded me, cut out my tongue, and cut off my limbs.The warrior swore that if the mask could allow her to cry, she would be sobbing.Without you, Avalon, I amnothing.
Tears welled in Avalon’s eyes, and at that moment she wasn’t sure which one of them was crying. Perhaps they both were.
Sable’s internal voice was a jagged whisper as she said,Without you, I’m not even here.
The princess and the warrior were silent for a very long time. Only the groaning of the ship and the shouts of the men on deck filled their ears.
Finally, Avalon whispered, “I’m sorry.” And because Sable was there with Avalon, feeling everything as she experienced it, she felt Avalon’s heart squeeze and knew she meant what she’d said.
When they were both ready to speak again, Avalon told her everything. About their encounter with the Wraith and their agreement, and how they’d happened upon a fishing vessel scheduled to cross paths with Aquatica.
We’re really doing this then,Sable breathed, her tone coated with relief.
You doubted me?
To be completely honest, I thought the Skorpios were enough to change your mind.
Please,Avalon scoffed.If I can survive Skorpios, I can find the other stones.
Sable barked a laugh.Ifyoucan survive Skorpios? If I remember correctly, I saved your sorry ass from those wicked beasts!
A chuckle slipped through Avalon’s lips.I never said I was the one that killed the Skorpios. I only said Isurvivedthem.The warrior laughed but made no further argument. If it were possible, Avalon could’ve sworn she felt Sable’s smile deep in her chest, a rosy warmth spreading through her.
I’m envisioning it,Sable explained.I’m envisioning smiling, because for the first time since you found the mask, I feel a shred of happiness. Of…of hope.
Avalon settled in against Hadrian’s side, her eyelids suddenly heavy.I know how you feel. For the first time in forever, it feels like I am no longer alone. Like perhaps… Perhaps one day, you and I can be friends.The princess paused. When her thoughts started up again, a curious note accompanied her confession.I’ve never had many friends.
But you have the captain.
Avalon shook her head.It’s not the same. Our friendship, it’s…not the same as it used to be. When we were children, we were inseparable. But since then, we’ve…grown apart.
It’s changing,said Sable.When you’ve put on the mask and allowed me to join you two on the road, I’ve seen something in him. I don’t know how to explain it, but I think you and Hadrian are finally seeing eye to eye.
