I flinch awake to Lachlan shaking my arm.
“Key, look,” he points to the right of the boat, “sea dragons.”
I grasp the side of the boat, pulling myself up to peer over the side and into the water.
Turquoise scales shimmer in the starlight, and my heart stops. It’s a creature as long as our sailboat. Spikes the size of my arm and the color of the poppies by the training ground rip through the surface like a dorsal fin. A reptilian head the size of a man breaches the water.
“Gods,” I squeak out.
Lachlan chuckles at my expense. “Ye thought I was joking.”
It’s a dragon. An actual dragon. Thin, sheer wings propel it along as it keeps pace with us effortlessly. Its slanted orange eyes narrow into slits as it stares curiously at us.
“Are—are they dangerous?” I ask Lachlan, not daring to take my eyes off the creature in front of me.
“Undoubtedly. I’ve never heard of one coming out of the water like that. Usually, Evander just says he sees the spikes.”
The dragon leisurely circles our vessel before easing back under the water and trailing after us. Not a ripple left in its wake. But water sprays from its snout several times, making us aware of its presence, before it dives deeper under the water.
“That was incredible.” I lean my side against the stern of the boat. Lachlan stretches his arms around me, cradling me to his chest.
“I’m glad ye liked it.”
I hum my agreement, leaning my head back against his chest.
The rich timber of his voice vibrates through me as he asks, “Are ye doing alright?”
I shake my head, my braids tangling against the woven leather of his shirt. “No, not really. I can’t shake the feeling that something bad is coming.”
“Ye mean the war?” he asks, leaning in close. His lips nearly graze my ear.
“Yes, but more than that. Losing Elowen, and then Tane getting injured … ” I take a steadying breath. “What if we lose someone else? I mean, what’s the point in even getting close to anyone else if they’re probably going to die in the war?”
My lip quivers lightly as I think about the possibility of losing anyone else.
But Lachlan chuckles, and the sound rolls through me.
“I dinna ken. What’s the point in trying to make the most of our lives if we’re going to die in the end?”
“No, that’s not?—”
“I ken that’s nae what ye meant, but it’s still true. Tomorrow is not promised. Ye need to make the most of each day. Love as much as ye can, feel as much as ye can, just experience all that life has to offer and dinna worry about the rest.”
His words sink into me like a stone plunked in water.
“Is that what you do?” I murmur.
His chin rests on the top of my head, and he inhales deeply through his nose. “Aye, I’m trying to.” He brushes a kiss to my temple, and I sink deeper into his embrace. “I ken you’re dealing with a lot, but I’m still here. And I always will be. Ye dinna ha’ to do any of this alone.” His voice is gruff, and I turn my head to see his gaze, so full of longing.
I twist in his arms, tilting my chin up and pressing my lips to his. Just like the first time, my body goes hot and cold simultaneously. A tightness grips my stomach. His lips are soft, yet firm as he kisses me with a reverence that makes my chest ache. My pulse races as I press myself against him.
I need more.
He deepens the kiss by parting his lips, and my tongue slips inside. He tastes like deep waters and cool breezes. My arms find their way around his neck as I pull him closer towards me, craving the strength in his touch.
Craving him.
His fingertips brush against my skin, so gentle and tender.
