Grayson trailed behind Keld, inspecting the unfamiliar plantlife. Thick, rubbery shoots poked out of black mud puddles and trees with bulbous trunks rose in their midst. With the other humans out of sight, Grayson could almost believe he was standing on an alien world.
“Is the sky blue on Usoi?” Grayson asked, peering up at the thick canopy of purple overheard.
Keld glanced over his shoulder. “Not like Earth’s. It’s more of an indigo—between blue and purple.
Grayson squinted at the sky, trying to force himself to see indigo. “It sounds beautiful.”
“I’m sure it was.” Keld paused next to a large, wooden sign bearing the thick, slashing letters of Loaish. “Here we are.Jiede’n PasoiCampground.”
Grayson caught sight of a structure that looked suspiciously like a violet yurt. He pressed his lips together and followed Keld down the small, hardpacked soil road. The trees and undergrowth thinned to reveal a clearing and—to Grayson’s horror— a ring of enormous, luxury tents, complete with fairy lights.
“Are you serious?” he asked, before he could stop himself. “This ain’t campin’!” He clapped a hand to his mouth.
Keld wheeled around, his face the picture of delight. “Was that your real accent just now?”
“No!”
“It was, wasn’t it? Your southern sensibilities were so offended by the sight of beds in tents you couldn’t—”
“There arebeds?!”
“We’re the product of modern civilization, Grayson, why would we be sleeping in the dirt?”
“Because that’s how youcamp.” His voice twanged again.
Keld’s smile grew wider. “I’ll make you a deal. If you still hate this by the end of the weekend, I’ll let you drag me on a ‘proper’ camping trip.”
Grayson scowled at the Mer. “Fine.” Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed an actual store, selling snacks and fishing supplies. His brothers would have been appalled.
“Come on, we’re over here.” Keld took Grayson’s hand. His heart fluttered.
When did he retract his webs? Did he do it just to hold my hand?
Keld brought them to a stop in front of a huge, purple tent, raised up on a wooden platform, and complete with lavender mosquito netting and a king-sized bed in the middle.
“Jesus Christ,” Grayson mumbled.
“I know, I know,” Keld said sympathetically. “You’ll have to be comfortable all night long. It’s so unfair.”
“Shut up.”
Keld shrugged off his waterproof bag. “What should we do first? I vote skinny dipping.”
Grayson rolled his eyes. “Every time you swim, it’s skinny dipping. What else is there to do?”
“There’s a hiking trail around the island with some nice views, fishing spots for the humans and their silly little poles, and an archery range.”
Grayson brightened. “They have an archery range? Can we go?”
Keld lifted a brow. “You’d rather shoot arrows at a target than swim naked with me?”
“Yep.”
The Alpha heaved a dramatic sigh and exited the tent. Grayson watched the bronze tailfin wave as Keld walked, staring at the pinkish scar tissue that ran along the bottom. His own mother…
They trekked down a narrow trail, through the purple flora. Signs of lime green wood pointed the way toward the range. A Mer couple passed as they entered a clearing with colorful targets and a rack of bows. They smiled politely, but the fluid sound of Loaish conversation didn’t pause.
“Have you ever done this before?” Keld held out a battered compound bow.
