Total pages in book: 154
Estimated words: 144411 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 722(@200wpm)___ 578(@250wpm)___ 481(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 144411 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 722(@200wpm)___ 578(@250wpm)___ 481(@300wpm)
“And that match I’ve seen you carry?”
He pats his pocket proudly. “Another piece of magic I was gifted. A set of endless matches that can create flames at any time.”
“Fine,” Nerissa says hoarsely, coughing as she presses her hand to her neck, the metallic green blood shimmering as it goes over her fingers. “Keep me in here. I told you I wanted to be on your ship anyway. Why not in the captain’s quarters where I have the best access to Bones here?”
“I think it’s time you shut up, harpy,” Thane scowls at her.
Her eyes light up when she slides her gaze to his. “And you. My fate. I used your crystal, Thane,” she says. “Don’t you wonder what I saw in that purple light?”
Thane growls, making a move for the cage but Cruz reaches out and holds him back. “Don’t bother with her,” Cruz says. “I know witches, and she’s unhinged like the rest of them.”
“Oh, you call your own mother unhinged, Isaac?” she says in a silky tone, eyeing Cruz now. “I know that you left her back in Sierra Leone. I know that she was a witch herself, queen of the village. How much of her blood magic is in you, hey handsome?”
“I didn’t leave—” he starts and then he gives his head a shake. He looks to Ramsay and Thane. “I think it’s best that we leave her here before she tries to get in our heads.”
They nod and we exit the room, Ramsay closing the door to his quarters as much as he can considering I shot the lock off.
“Will the cage keep her?” I ask. “Maybe you should put her down in the hold.”
And out of your room.
“Don’t tell me you miss the cage yourself?” he asks. “Not to fret, luv, you’ll now be staying in one of the officer’s quarters. A whole room to yourself.”
His way of saying I’m sleeping alone.
But he’s not.
CHAPTER 30
Maren
A stream of sunlight hits my face, waking me from my slumber, and it takes me a moment to realize where I am. I’d never been in the officer’s quarters on the Nightwind, so I wasn’t expecting such a quaint space. It’s a lot smaller than the captain’s quarters but it’s still tastefully decorated, with a narrow shelf lined with worn books, a small basin and bucket, a painting of some tropical island. The porthole window is above a small desk and I can’t help but wonder who would have sat here before, penning letters or tallying things in a logbook.
I slowly sit up and smile when I see my trunk, having forgotten all about it. Though I am getting used to dressing like a pirate, I have missed my dresses, my own clean clothes that fit me like a glove and haven’t been worn by a skeleton.
I get out of the bunk, careful not to hit my head, and go to my trunk, rummaging through it until I find my undergarments, a stark white chemise shift, petticoat and a pair of champagne stays. I forgo the panier since it only makes it harder to maneuver on the ship, then I decide to forgo the gown too. It’s too hot for it, too stiff and clumsy, not to mention I no longer have a maid to help me with the pins. Why not just wear the shift? I know it would be seen as immoral to be seen in just your undergarments, but I don’t have any shame left on this ship and I don’t think anyone cares.
I decide to lace up the stays and the matching stomacher down the front, since my bust needs the support, but when I’m done I’m just in those, my shift, and the petticoat. I decide most of my shoes are too awkward for the boat with their heel and decide that if there’s a pair of men’s boots small enough for my feet then I’ll be wearing them.
I don’t have a mirror to look at my reflection but when I’m done I feel liberated and free. I feel like I’m still holding onto my Syren femininity yet I’m doing it my way, no longer boxed in to what society has been telling me how to dress.
I leave my new quarters, passing by the other rooms which belong to Lucas and Henry who share a room, Cruz, and Sam and Thane who share another. The rest of the crew sleeps before the mast in a large room filled with hammocks.
Then I head for the stairs, passing by the captain’s quarters at the end. I feel a twinge of jealousy again at the fact that Nerissa is caged in the room. Why isn’t she in the hold or the chains where Sterling is? Does he want her in there for other reasons?
I ignore that acidic feeling in my gut and go up the stairs to the top deck.