64

Kaylin

I swing wet hair out of my face and shift the girl’s weight. Her manacled hands are looped around my neck, limp body hanging down my back. It probably doesn’t look good. “Samsen, you and Piper toss the guard.” I check the distance of the approaching vessels. “Salila!” I growl her name.

“You didn’t drown,” Ash says, her voice small.

“Not enough water in the sea for that.”

Salila chuckles. “At least you’ve kept her in the dark. It might help your case with Teern.”

“Shut up, sister.”

I let Tyche down on the deck, where she lies like a broken doll, her head lolling to the side, lips and skin blue. Piper tries to resuscitate her, the serpent latching onto her wrist, but there’s no response.

I tap Piper on the shoulder and tip my head toward Marcus. “Take him below before he topples overboard.”

Piper looks up at Marcus with tears in her eyes.

“Samsen, check the water level in the hold.”

Piper ignores me and keeps searching for Tyche’s pulse. I can tell from here there is none. Samsen helps her up as her serpent retracts its fangs. “It’s too late.”

Ash holds the wheel, her tear-filled eyes resting on me. “I know you tried.”

“Lass, wait for my signal.” She’s about to protest, but I cut her short. “Salila, revive the child.”

“Revive?” Ash’s eyes go round. “She can do that?”

Piper looks over her shoulder and shakes her head. “We’re too late.”

I don’t try to explain but climb the rigging to retrieve the jib line that’s lashing against the mast. Salila needs watching. She’s unpredictable at the best of times, and the blood has to be driving her crazy. I know it is me. “Quickly, Salila.” I wave toward the lead Aturnian ship. “On Teern’s wrath, you’ve made a mess of it.”

“I’ve made a mess of it? Oh, that’s rich.” She lets out a snort but goes to Tyche.

“Samsen,” I call down the hold from my perch on the mast. “Water level?”

“Ankle deep.”

“Excellent!” I feel Ash’s teary eyes on me and give her a wink. “There’s a distance viewer in the galley, Samsen. Get it and go aft. Keep watch on the pier.” I check the horizon. “Ash, hold the wheel tight. She’s going to want to spin to starboard.” I jump and catch the jib line, riding it down to the deck. Once my feet touch, I haul it taut. “Now, Ash. Hard to port. More. More. Enough! Hold it for all you’re worth!”

The sail flutters for a moment then billows full. The sloop comes around fast, the prow heading toward open water. With the wind in the sail, it arrows straight past the approaching vessel, leaving the bewildered Aturnians behind, but not before they take in the deck with its spilled intestines, drowned child, and a tall, naked woman.

I’ll have to deal with them later. Right now, there’s too much else at stake. “Salila!”