“Do. And tell Leo to get his ass out of his bunk while you’re at it.”
“Leo’s sulking?” Phoenix asked, feigning surprise. “But he’s such a good sailor,” he drawled. “We made a bet he wouldn’t make it out of bed before he pukes. I bet he’s still sulking about it.”
Maddie snorted. “He’s sulkinghandsomely, thank you very much. That boyhatesthe sea. But yes.”
I shook my head, smiling as I stepped back from the rail. War was coming. But right now, we had this.
Then Caelen stepped onto the deck. The tension rose immediately—sharp and instinctive.
Phoenix moved before I could speak, his hands settling on my back. Steady. Possessive.
His gaze locked onto Caelen like a challenge waiting to be accepted.
Caelen’s posture stiffened. His eyes darkened. But he said nothing—just kept walking.
I exhaled and rolled my eyes.Gods, not this again.
“It won’t be long before the garrison comes into view. Expect a large force,” Caelen said. “Time to load up on whatever weapons you need to carry. Once we land, we’ll have to move.”
“We’ll be ready,” Slade answered. Calm, even. “My men know their roles.”
“Just… make sure everyone’s ready. We may not get a second chance to hold the line.” He replied. “We get in, reinforce the garrison, and hold it as long as possible. But if things turn—we evacuate. General Marcus will coordinate survivors.”
For a moment, something shifted behind his eyes—like he’d already seen too many people not make it out. But then it was gone. Buried.
“We’ll do whatever we can,” he added, “none these people deserve this.”
Phoenix’s voice cut in, low and sharp. “I’m sorry—are you giving the orders now?”
Slade muttered beside me, “Pretty sure that’s my job.”
Caelen turned. Phoenix stepped forward. The space between them crackled.
“I know these waters,” Caelen said. “I know my ships, and I know my men.”
“I’m sure you do,” Phoenix said coolly. “But this isn’t your command.”
Caelen’s patience snapped. “I know this coastline better than you ever will.”
“Well, as fun as this is, I’m going to go get Leo up,” I sighed. “You mind reining this in, boys?”
Neither of them moved.
“Seriously,” I added, stepping between them. “Unless you’re planning to kiss, I’d like to keep the testosterone level below boiling before breakfast.”
Caelen’s jaw flexed. Phoenix’s eyes didn’t leave his.
Slade muttered under his breath, “We could flip a coin.”
That earned him a glare from both of them, which made me snort. “I’m not kidding,” I said. “We’re not doing this here. Not now.”
Phoenix blinked first—just barely—and stepped back a fraction.
Caelen tilted his chin, lips pressed in a tight line, then nodded once—sharp. Not agreement, just acknowledgment.
“Great,” I said, already turning away. “Love this team spirit. Truly.”
Maddie whistled as I passed. “You’d make a great general.”
