Cypher's expression darkened. "There are theories. The official Assembly version is that Nytherians were experimenting with unstable portal technology and triggered a catastrophic failure."
"But you don't believe that," I said.
"No. My father was obsessed with portal safety. He would never have approved dangerous experiments." Cypher's eyes landed on the codex. "The truth is in there, somewhere. Theroyal archives contained records of everything that happened in the weeks before the collapse."
"Is that why you really wanted it?" I asked. "Not just to keep it safe, but to find answers?"
He looked away, not meeting my eyes. "I've spent thirty years wondering why. Why my realm was destroyed. I deserve to know the truth."
"And what will you do with the truth when you find it?" Kora asked.
"I honestly don't know," Cypher admitted.
A strange feeling of emptiness settled over me. Once we were back, once we delivered the codex to Gideon, Cypher would go his way and we would go ours. He would search for his answers, and I would use my payment to free my father. Our paths would diverge, likely never to cross again. The thought bothered me more than it should have.
"I should rest," I said, standing abruptly. "If I'm going to get us back through that portal, I need to recover my strength."
"I'll walk you to your cabin," Cypher said, rising as well.
"I can manage?—"
"I insist," he cut in, his tone leaving no room for argument.
We left the galley in silence, the ship humming around us as we navigated the narrow corridors. Click poked his head out of my pocket, and I stroked his soft head.
"Are you all right?" Cypher asked when we were out of earshot of the others.
"Just tired. It's been a long day."
"That's not what I meant." He stopped, turning to face me. "What you saw when you touched the crown... it disturbed you."
I hesitated, not sure how to explain. "It was like seeing ghosts. But they weren't just memories—they saw me, Cypher. They looked right at me, as if I was really there."
"I wish I could give you answers," he said, something sad flickering in his eyes. "That crown is made of anchor crystal, so maybe the power was just waiting for a way out and being a rift, you're the perfect vessel. The First Anchor you're wearing," he said, gesturing to the crystal hidden beneath my shirt. "Keep it close. It chose you for a reason."
"What do you mean, 'chose me'?"
"First Anchors are semi-sentient, or so says our history. They respond to compatible users. The fact that it glowed for you means something." He started to say more, then winced, his hand going to his injured shoulder.
"You should be resting too," I said. "That bite isn't getting any better."
"I'll rest when we're safely back through the portal." He hesitated, then added, "Thank you. For understanding why I kept my identity secret."
"I understand why you'd want to hide who you are. The Assembly has never been kind to Nytherians, especially those with claims to power." I'd seen how Nytherian refugees were treated, with suspicion at best, open hostility at worst.
We reached the door to my quarters, and I turned to thank him again, but the words died in my throat. He stood closer than I expected, his broad frame nearly blocking the narrow corridor. The crystal lamp above cast shadows across his face.
Something in the air changed between us. The silence stretched, and turned heavy. I couldn't look away from his face, couldn't ignore how his gaze dropped to my lips for the briefest moment.
He moved closer, so gradually I might have imagined it. My heart fluttered as he leaned in, his breath warm against my skin. I found myself rising to meet him.
But at the last moment, Cypher froze. Something flickered across his face—doubt, perhaps, or caution. He pulled backslightly, and I did the same, suddenly aware of how reckless this was.
"Good night, scavenger," he said, then turned on his heel and strode away, leaving me breathless and confused outside my door.
I collapsed onto my bunk,exhaustion claiming me almost instantly. When I woke hours later, I felt more clearheaded. Whatever had happened—or almost happened—between Cypher and me would have to wait. Getting everyone safely out of Nytheris came first.
I dressed quickly, tucking the First Anchor beneath my shirt where it rested warm against my skin. Click chirped sleepily from his makeshift nest in my discarded void mantle. I scooped him up, letting him settle in my pocket before heading to the upper deck.
