AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Nine
Havana
After my conversation with Declan, I excused myself to clean up. The moment I got to my cabin, I ripped off my soaking wet dress and threw it into the corner. My hands started shaking and my heart pounded.
I’d used my magic.
Besides letting my secret be seen, the surge of power acted like a beacon. If using a sliver to create a light drew that cursed octopus, what would using my power bring? With my father’advisor able to use his moon power to scry, it wouldn’t be long for them to find where the pulse of magic had come from. How long would I have until my father’s ships came hunting? What would I do when they did? And what other monsters would have heeded that call?
Father had warned me of using my power, and that the light was the greatest weapon we had against the darkthings that came from the Rift in the shadow realm called the Never.
I’ve put us all in danger.
I grabbed a simple cotton dress and slid it on. Clothed, I sat on the bed and rested my head on my hands. My left shoulder and back throbbed and my head ached. Every movement pounded against my forehead, making me want to hide under the blanket.
One by one the tears fell.
Since my light magic activated at the age of thirteen, I had spent the last seven years training, but I’d never had to use it. When Declan went over, I didn’t think about the consequences. The power within my hands terrified me for the first time. It was so much stronger than when I had done drills. Was it because of my heightened emotions?
The door to my cabin flew open.
“Havana.” Leon stood there, eyes wide and focused on me.
I looked up at him and more tears fell.
He rushed to my side and pulled me into his strong embrace. I buried my face in the crook of his neck, crying and letting his pine and leather scent comfort me. He stroked my hair, rocking me back and forth.
“You’re safe, love,” he whispered.
There were so many words I wanted to say at that moment, and in my fragile state, the truth almost slipped out, but I was too afraid. I didn’t know what the right thing was to do, and what did telling him the truth do all the way out here? If anything, I would tell him once we reached the Oasis.
He dragged his hand down my back, and I flinched.
“Are you hurt?” he asked.
“My back burns,” I hissed.
“Let me look.” Though he asked for permission, he already had one strap of my dress down.
I shimmied the other strap off, letting the dress fall,but keeping the front held to cover myself.
“Oh, love.” He grazed his fingers lightly over my back. “Did this happen when they pulled you up?”
My heart pounded, wondering how much Declan had shared with Leon. “It must’ve.”
“I have a salve that will help. Wait here.”
Leon left and returned a few minutes later with a brown jar. “This will ease the pain and help speed the healing process. Barnacles are nasty buggers.”
I turned on the bed to allow him better access to my back. With a gentle touch, he rubbed the cool topical on my skin.
“Mmmm, that feels nice,” I moaned, not even caring how I sounded. The cooling sensation provided instant relief.
He chuckled. “Careful, love. Moaning around a man who finds you attractive could be trouble.”
Did I hear him right? “You think I’m pretty?”
He moved down my back, applying the salve to various scratches. “Aye, but don’t worry, love. I’m a gentleman and would never impose on a customer of mine.”
