From above, I’m able to get a much better look at the fleet. It truly is impressive. Each ship is filled with people, creating a sea of gold within the black. It’s inspiring how their people come together. It’s the kind of life I wish to have for the Great Six Realms one day.
“Come. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
Ion drags me off to meet one of his lieutenants but I’m barely present in the conversation because my eyes keep drifting to her. I could watch her all day. The way her deep crimson hair blows across her face. The way she picks at her fingernails whenshe’s nervous. The way her eyes light up when Amaya smiles at Zane. Everything about her makes me weak.
The truth is, I could spend the rest of my life silently worshipping her and I would never grow tired of it.
I’m so lost in her allure that I almost didn’t notice Damien reaching for her hand. A wave of anger takes over my body and it’s enough to decimate this entire fleet in the matter of seconds. But if I let my power take control, it would only feel good for a moment. Instead, I have to remind myself that she’s not mine. If anything, he has more of a right to hold her hand than I do. No matter what kind of relationship she and I have built, they’ve had more time. History is hard to compete with, even if it wasn’t all good.
“Stop torturing yourself.” Amaya holds up a glass of champagne. “Here, you need this more than I do.”
“I’m fine,” I say with a sort of grunt that doesn’t make it very believable.
“Fine, huh? Is that why your palms are dripping blood all over the nice deck?”
I look down and instantly unclench my fists.
“Maybe I will take that,” I say, reaching for the champagne.
“That’s what I thought.”
“Yeah, yeah.” I take a quick glance around the crowd, looking for Zane. “Did you just come over here to make sure I don’t do anything stupid?”
She laughs. “Oh, I know you wouldn’t. Believe it or not, I actually just enjoy your company.”
I don’t even attempt to mask the shock. “That’s not something I’m used to hearing.”
“Yeah, well, you’re a bit of an acquired taste that I just so happened to have grown fond of over time.”
“Oh, yeah?” I ask with a raised brow. “Well, the feeling is mutual.” I nudge her with my elbow, and it feels so normal. I’m used to playing the role of king or mentor, but with her it’s strictly friendship. Even when I train with her, it feels different. Maybe it’s just the special effect she has on people, but I find myself cherishing our time together. A truth I will surely take to my grave.
“Oo, I think they’re starting the tattooing ritual!” She grabs onto my forearm and starts pulling us through the crowd to the main deck.
Once we get close enough to get a good view, we’re quickly joined by the others. When Damien and Reign walk up, they aren’t holding hands but there’s still a tinge of jealousy seeing them together.
“Thank you all for joining us for this momentous occasion!” Nio says to the crowd. “Today is the first day my brother and Anthony begin their journey to eternal love. Their unwavering love for one another is inspiring to us all. I can only wish to someday experience the kind of love they have found in each other.” Nio motions to two seats nearby. “Before their day of union, they must first take part in the tattooing ritual. Zaro will bear the mark of the sea and Anthony, the moon. Where my brother is ever changing like the waves, Anthony is constant—always there during the high tides and low tides of life. The two balance each other. Where one is weak, the other is strong. Where one is dark, the other is light. These tattoos represent the unbreakable tie that bonds their two souls beyond this life.” He nods to Zaro and Anthony. “Amora!”
“Amora!” The crowd chants around us.
Once the tattooing is complete, the two of them raise their hands up together. On the left hand of Zaro is the image ofthree waves and on the right hand of Anthony is the full moon in matching gold ink. The guest cheer and applaud the couple before dispersing into conversation. Ion informs us that we will all be having dinner together later, so I don’t bother bombarding Zaro and Anthony. Instead, I slip away to the front of the ship that seems to be left unoccupied.
It’s chilly on the water but not cold. When I run my hand through my hair, I can feel the texture the salty air has added. There’s something refreshing about being somewhere that isn’t all dirt and ash.
“Hiding from someone?”
Her sweet scent hits me before I turn around and see her.
“I’m not much for crowds.”
“Me either,” she admits, reaching for the railing with both hands so that she can lean back without falling. She closes her eyes and inhales a deep breath as if she’s exhausted from the day.
“You, okay?”
“Hard to say.” She doesn’t even look at me when she says it. “I will be, though.”
It makes me sick seeing her like this. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“Not right now. Right now, I just want to be.”
