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“You scared me,” I admit, my voice cracking and I swallow hard. “Promise me you won’t make a habit out of that?”
She doesn’t say anything, her eyes dancing between mine. Fear spills into the pit of my stomach. She’s scared I’m going to hurt her for it... I don’t blame her. The last time she used her magic to help me, I locked her in a room. And despite everything—the words I’ve said that I can’t take back—I can see why. I’ve never physically hurt her, but I’ve said things that are just as bad.
My entire life, I’ve been taught that things are black and white. A witch is a witch, but I’m starting to realize that’s not the case.
Zephyr clears his throat, standing just inside the curtain. “Captain... I’d love to give you more time, but there are pressing things to attend to.”
“I asked for a minute,” I say, twirling my finger in her long, white hair.
“And I gave you one.”
I didn’t intend for it to be literal... I laugh humorously, bringing her hand to my lips to kiss the tip before stepping aside. “I suppose he needs to look you over.”
Sitting down on the bench, I make myself comfortable as Zephyr does his exam. Once he’s finished, he holds his arms out to his sides. “Was that thorough enough for you? Do you believe me now?”
My lips pull into a smirk as I drop my gaze, bouncing my knee as I sit back against the wall, arms crossed. “Yes. Thank you.”
Zephyr rolls his eyes. “She needs to rest, and you are needed in the wardroom. So, do you want me to sedate her or just have my assistant keep an eye on her? Her room flooded and though the water elementals cleared the ship, everything is soaked through. So, she should probably stay here, regardless.”
I don’t answer him, shifting my attention to Scarlet. “Where would you like to stay? Do you want something to help you sleep?”
“Um...” She looks between us before dropping her chin to her chest. “Here’s fine, and no, I should be okay.”
“You heard the lady.” I nod at Zephyr, swallowing the lump in my throat. He holds open the curtain, beckoning for me to take my leave. As I stand, I steal one last glance at her before heading out.
We make our way through the med bay and I spot Zephyr’s assistant. I brush his arm and he spins toward me. Leaning in, I keep my voice down. “Anything she needs, but no one goes in there and she doesn’t leave. Got it?” He jerks his head, nodding far too many times than what’s necessary. “Good.”
“You’re going to scare the boy,” Zephyr says as we walk to the wardroom. “Hell, you sort of scared me.”
Reaching the lower level, I grip the door handle to the wardroom. “Not a word of what you saw. Please.”
Zephyr drags two fingers over his lips like he’s sealing them shut. I push inside, finding Smee, Nelvin, and Lorian waiting. Nelvin slips into a seat next to Smee, who gives me a scrutinizing glance as I enter. I don’t sit, I’m too restless. Part of me worries about leaving Scarlet in the med bay, or anywhere that can’t be magically sealed. There are people on this crew who blame her for the storm, like she caused it somehow. Just as there are people on this ship who wanted her dead long before that.
“Update,” I demand, scrubbing a hand down my face.
“Things are under control,” Lorian replies, folding his arms across his chest. “There are more injuries and the damage to the ship is minimal, all things considered. Most have already been repaired. Scarlet’s room got the worst of it.”
“My room,” Smee corrects and I roll my eyes.
“Good.” I ignore her comment, nodding at Lorian. “What about the sails?”
Nelvin chimes in, sitting forward in his seat. “They’ll be up and replaced by the end of tomorrow. I don’t want my guys on the masts until daylight.”
“Is there any way to remove the blood oath?” Smee takes her feet off the table as our eyes meet.
“No, they’re for life,” Nelvin says, barely sparing her a glance.
“Why the hell would you ask that?” The words are out of my mouth before I can think better of it, my tone holding a lethal ring as I stare at Smee.
She scoffs, arching an eyebrow at me. “You have to ask that question? You’ve been off since you married her. I thought it was good at first, but since we found out about her mark, you’ve been making some interesting decisions.”
“I’m still adjusting. It would likely be the same way if I’d gotten my shadow back—“
“That’s the thing, Sebastian. Had we searched the mainland like we planned, right after you were pardoned, you might have your shadow back.”
“You can’t blame all of this on her,” I say, bracing my hands on the table. “She didn’t wreck that village or bring that witch aboard. Just as she didn’t summon that beast.”
“No, but her kind did,” Smee purses her lips. “This is exactly what I mean.” She glances at the men in the room as if she’s providing her evidence to them.
