Page 74 of Seaborn and the Seven Seas

Everything went still. The clash of steel died around us as the remaining riders backed off, watching.

Theron straightened from the man at his feet, blood dripping off his blade. For a moment his face was unreadable, calm in a way that should have terrified the man holding me.

The corner of his mouth tilted, slow and lazy. “You really want to test how fast Seaborn wounds heal?” He took a step closer, twirling the sword once at his side. “Go ahead. Cut her. I’ll wait.”

The man’s grip on me faltered, just slightly. “You’re bluffing.”

“Am I?” Theron tilted his head, almost bored. “Last man who threatened her lost his hand before he finished the sentence. You’re welcome to find out what I do to the ones who finish theirs.”

I felt the blade at my throat tremble. He was contemplating his next decision—good.

“Or,” Theron went on, voice dropping, all humor gone, “you let her go, and I make this quick instead of slow. Your choice.”

He didn’t get to answer. With a flick of Theron’s wrist, a small dagger flew across the space between them and buried itself in the man’s eye, blood streaming down his face.

Theron wasn’t even looking at the man—his eyes were on me. How had he done that? So precise, so effortless.

“I warned you.” Theron said. “You touch her, you die.” He glanced at the others, sword at the ready. “Anyone else?”

The remaining thieves ran.

“Oh, thank the goddess,” Hellena cried out.

“You’re safe now,” I said to the group, then turned to the pirate. “This is Theron.” I gave him a curt nod. “Thank you for helping. How did you find us?”

“I guess you had good luck today.” He smiled at the children. “Now, who would like to ride on a ship?”

“Me!” Hope jumped up and down, the rest of the children bouncing along with her.

Despite their fragile state and everything they’d been through, they smiled, and their spirits were lifted.

“My ship isn’t too far. Do you think you can make the journey?” Theron asked. “If you can, you’ll have a great adventure. You might even get to see some whales and dolphins. Also, I have plenty of food and sweets. What say you, young pirates?”

“We say we can do it!” Hope shouted, glancing at her friends.

A cheer went up among the children, small fists in the air, the kind of noise I was sure they hadn’t made in a long while.

I looked up at Theron, and our eyes met. He wasn’t watching the children. He had his eyes on me, that same unreadable look he always wore whenever I caught him staring.

What are you thinking, Crown Prince of Caelum? Why won’t you take your rightful place?

I cleared my throat. “Is Fraya on the boat?”

Theron’s mouth twitched, a hint of a smile. “She’s waiting for you.”

“And Jimin?”

“The same.” Those lips remained curved, blue eyes bright, assessing every inch of my body.

“What are you all standing around for, young pirates?” Ranis said to the children.

“Follow us.” Jina waved a hand, the children crowding around the three of them as they walked together.

Hope grabbed my hand, her sweet voice breaking me out of Theron’s spell. “Thank you… ummm… ummm.”

“My name is Star,” I said.

“Like the song. A star in the darkness will unite us all.”