Page 182 of Tempest

The tattoo was already fixed in her mind, memorized after so many years tracing it with her fingers, her mouth, her tongue. Seven islands, seven black diamonds. Arcayo, Rosby—and the rest.

Her breath caught.

“Why are the Arcayans building song towers beyond their island?”

Valerian did not react, going too still, as if frozen to the spot. Like prey in front of a predator.

Cat sunk her teeth in.

“I passed through Alvaris. There is a new song tower in their harbor, manned by an Arcayan priest,” she said, watching every minute flinch of muscle in his face. “The Esperese are not believers. What business have they with the Song?”

He finally gave a shrug, running a hand through salty hair. “You should have asked that in Arcayo. I am but a pirate. I know nothing of politics, as you’ve pointed out many, many times.”

Valerian even dared a patronizing smile, until Cat lunged forwards, seizing one necklace among the many others.

“And what is this?” she demanded, holding up the Arcayan amulet. The golden charm washed silver in the moonlight, almost glowing.

His smile dropped and Valerian wrenched the necklace away, ripping the beaded length from her grasp.

“You’ve asked enough questions. It’s my turn,” he snapped, tucking the amulet back into his shirt. Then he leaned forwards, towering over her to blot out even the stars. “Was Fell hunting you? Or was he following you?”

He’s trying to distract you, throw you off the scent, Cat told herself, even as she rolled back on her heels. Her head tipped, trying to hold his eyeline even as his warm breath washed over her face.

Her throat worked, swallowing hard as she considered what to say next. What does he know, and what will he believe?

“You saw the warrant of execution yourself. It’s my head if I go back to Archenport,” she replied. The admission, though calculated, still felt shameful. “Empty handed.”

The truth is always best. A piece of it, at least.

Grim satisfaction filled his face, his lips pursing. But Cat did not miss the flicker of regret, small as it was, barely a candle before being snuffed out.

“I see,” he laughed, though it sounded more like a snarl. “You’ve changed so much over the years. And yet not at all.”

Her hand brushed his arm tentatively, but he shrugged away.

“I always planned to give Jasper the slip,” she offered, still weighing her options. “I tried in Alvaris first, but—”

Valerian’s jaw tightened. “Ana sent you on your way.”

“It was good to see her. Even at the wrong end of a knife,” Cat muttered. She raised her hand, touching the still-healing cut on her neck.

His eyes flashed, following the path of her fingers.

“Go back to the ship,” his hissed, repeating himself.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

Without thought, the pirate grabbed her by the bicep again, marching her the last few feet to the longboat. It was not gentle, his strength and frustration on full display. Water sloshed around their feet, and Cat caught herself on the edge of the boat, holding firm before Valerian could toss her in.

She whirled, bracing her back against the smoothly curved hull. He loomed again, fire-eyed and frustrated.

“I wish it could have happened differently,” she said, sending him reeling back on his heels.

A low growl whistled through his clenched teeth, one hand tearing at his hair in frustration.

“Tell me, Cat, what other path would you have chosen? If given the chance to go back?”

“I don’t know. But I can still wish.” The smell of him was making her head spin again, and Cat fought to keep steady, one fist clenched, nails digging into flesh. “If you had listened—”