Page 125 of Stormbreaker

“Hi,” I say, bracing myself for whatever slew of questions she’s about to hurl my way.

“Let’s get you to the bar,” she says with a wink. “Something tells me you could use a drink.”

I exhale a shaky breath before she starts leading us to the far side of the main deck. There we find a bar draped in sparkly purple velvet. With glasses in hand, we look for a place to sit and find a wooden bench curving along the bow.

A dance floor sits off to our left, already packed with people who’ve cast off their dress coats, tossing them all into a pile. I sip on my cocktail, happy to observe for now. I try not to search for Rook, but something tells me this wouldn’t really be his scene anyway. He’s probably off brooding somewhere and looking very good while doing it.

“So,” Journey says, turning to me. “How did that go? Did the scion lay into you? Threaten you? That was quite the scene with your parents. What’s it like having all your family drama out there for everyone to see? Does your dad always get that vein in his temple when he’s mad? That was kind of scary—”

“Journey,” Domino says, cutting her off. “Enough. Leave her alone.”

“Oh!” Journey covers her mouth. “I was doing it again, wasn’t I?”

“You were,” Domino says, while I smile politely.

A moment later, a bullhorn sounds, and everyone belts out a loud cheer. The boat shudders and then starts pulling away from the dock. More cheers as the music pumps, and I turn to watch the ferry gently glide into the center of the canal.

We float through the city, down the main waterway, which is wide enough to accommodate dozens of boats. Many of the buildings have been constructed to mimic the same great city that the gondolas and canals were based on. Beautiful carved marble, colorful facades, and ornate gilded window frames all glow in the evening light.

From here, I can see hundreds of people walking along the shore as they head out for dinner and dancing or wherever their evening takes them. It’s a mostly clear night with only a few clouds in the sky, so everyone can relax without the fear of a storm.

I spot Trinity through the crowd, and she waves.

“Excuse me for a second,” I tell Domino and Journey before I head toward her. A press of bodies surrounds us as we throw our arms around each other and hug tightly.

“You’re here,” Trinity says. “What happened with Scion Beaufort?”

I shake my head, recalling how Domino waited for me. “She just wanted to remind me that she’s keeping an eye on me and I’m not to be trusted.”

Trinity gives me a sympathetic look. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine,” I say. “We did it, Trin. We’ve pledged, and I get to be a Storm Guard and you—” My words cut off. She’s joined the E-squad, and the awkward truth sits on my tongue like a barb.

“And you’re still Society,” I finish, somewhat weakly.

If she notices my hesitation, she doesn’t show it. She breaks into a grin and hugs me again.

“What about you?” I ask. “Everything good?”

“Yeah. The scion barely noticed me, but what else is new, right?” she answers, a tightness in her tone.

A second later, someone snags Trinity around the waist and lifts her up, spinning her around. A guy who I’ve seen with her before. One of the E-squad. He’s cute with sandy-blond hair and slightly rounded cheeks.

“I missed you, baby,” he says, kissing her, his hand sliding over her waist and down to her butt before he squeezes it. Trinity shrieks as she playfully shoves him in the chest.

“Poet,” she says to me. “This is Jared.”

She leans against him, petting his stomach, as he throws an arm around her shoulders.

“The famous Poet Graves,” he says, holding out his hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

I wish I could say the same. Trinity presses her cheek to his chest, peering up at him with a dreamy look. Now she’s dating one of these guys?

“It’s nice to meet you,” I say, shaking his hand, hoping my distaste doesn’t show.

He then grips Trinity by the back of her neck and tips her face up. “Can I get you a drink?”

She names a cocktail, and he nods, giving her another kiss before he walks off.