Page 150 of Facade

“Watch over her, Lyra. Please.”

Like I wasn’t already doing that?

The over-ripened banana I’d palmed in my hand upon seeing Evanee’s tear-streaked face just so happened to fly across the room, smacking him right in the face with a splat, the blackened peel hitting the floor with a wet thwack.

I ran before he could clear the mush from his devastatingly chiseled face.

44

Evanee

“What the hell is that?” I asked, squinting far across the never-ending sea. My body was exhausted, and my sight struggled in the bright, hot sun.

“We’re not sure.” Captain Gideon held a scope to his face, scowling. “Whatever it is, it’s staying beneath the surface.”

“Can we go around?” I asked nervously.

He shot me a look. “No. It would add too much time to the journey, and I’m under strict instructions from Thaddeus to stay on this course.”

Gideon stalked back toward the stairs, yelling at sailors to prepare for battle, getting cannons and ammunition gathered. Luna neighed nervously from her spot with Shadow in the stall.

I cast a glance back toward the water ahead, and something large glided beneath the surface. The stories we’d all grown up hearing of the beasts that roam these waters came to mind. Creatures that made the useo look as gentle as a bunny. I fought a shudder as goosebumps skittered across my skin.

The sun was still high, meaning it would be a while before I could shift.

I scowled as I stomped back down the stairs and went to calm Luna and Shadow.

Ryker stood on deck with his back to me, tattoos stark against his pale skin from losing so much blood. Veda worked ferociously, weaving the fresh bandage around him.

“They’re saying there’s a monster in the water!” I jumped at the screech of Lyra’s voice.

“We don’t know that,” I snapped, side-eyeing Ryker as he held a hand to his side, smiling at Veda. Acid burned in my veins at that smile.

I turned to see Lyra staring at me with an annoyingly large grin on her face.

“What?” I barked.

“Oh, nothing,” she said, narrowing her gaze at Ryker.

I scowled at her, turning to walk away—

“You know you can do better. You don’t need that big bastard. Besides, I remember him from long ago. He slept around with—”

My open palm met with Lyra’s face before I could blink, a snarl tearing from my throat.

Her hands flew to the reddened skin, eyes wide.

“Oh, great moon! Lyra, I’m so sorry—I didn’t mean—”

“No!” she squeaked, eyes flicking to the now silent crew. To Ryker. “It’s fine. I’m fine. I’m going to go find the Pup. Moon knows he can’t do much without some guidance.” She forced a laugh past her lips, the corners of her mouth lifting tightly before she turned her back to me.

“Lyra—” I started, but she hurried her steps, without turning back. As I watched her, a pit formed in my stomach until I met Ryker’s hard gaze. My teeth ground together as I dragged my attention to the sea instead.

I raked my hands through my hair. What is wrong with me? I didn’t lose control like that. It was as if my Gargoyle took over, only I was still me.

The ship jolted as it struck something hard, sending me flying forward, landing on my hands and knees, the impact jarring.

I grabbed the railing, pulling myself up when we were struck again.