Chapter 26

Chapter

Twenty-Six

SAGE

" M aybe I should just stay with Nyko," I suggest, looking up at Killian. His hand is warm and engulfing mine, holding me a little too tightly, as if he's afraid I might slip away. He towers over me, the blue of his skin almost glowing under the dim lights of the hallway, his muscles bulging, and his presence feels both comforting and overwhelmingly powerful.

"You need to eat something, stretch your legs," he insists. "Besides, Wolfe's there with him now. They're going to do another checkup with the doctor."

The intensity in Killian's deep blue eyes softens, and he leans a little closer, his long, silver-white hair cascading over his shoulder and down his chest. He's wearing pants, at least, which is less distracting than Wolfe, who goes full commando in his monster form.

"Did you miss me?" he teases, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, a twinkle in his gaze. He impresses me with how he can switch from fierce to charming in a heartbeat.

I smile in response because I can't control myself around him. "Maybe a little," I tease him back.

Laughing, he draws me closer to his side, his lips on my brow, his breath on my skin. I inhale the strong woodsy, masculine scent tinged with a hint of saltiness, just as I remember his cum tasting when he splashed himself all over me.

"Don't lie. You've been hungry for me. I can see it in the way you stare at me. I smell your arousal the instant I touch you."

My legs tremble, a flush of heat burning between my thighs.

"There's my pretty little monster." His lips curl into a wide smirk.

"You know, you don't need to always say the obvious. Sometimes, less is more."

Walking down a long corridor, the area looks familiar to me, as though I'm starting to get used to the vessel.

Killian's laughter rings out again, piercing through the hallway with a devilish charm. Every time he does that, I feel a little weaker around him, as though I don't stand a chance.

As we round a corner, the crowd thickens in the hallway that spreads out to the main area I'd visited before with Nyko. We pass the rainbow-colored window, though with the storm moving in, not a lot of light is streaming indoors.

I spot a hulking monster with dull orange skin strolling in our direction, edging into my path. He's covered in scales that shimmer under the overhead lights, eyes a piercing yellow that seem too focused on me. Instinctively, I inch closer to Killian, trying to get out of his way.

Killian's hand suddenly shoots out, grabbing him by the throat.

I startle, my heart bouncing against my rib cage.

"Are you blind?" Killian snaps in a dangerous growl. "You can't see her walking here?"

The monster gurgles, clawing at Killian's grip, his gaze widening in fear. After a tense moment, Killian releases him. The scaly guy rubs his neck, coughing and avoiding my gaze.

Others nearby stare at us, and I feel extremely subconscious about causing a commotion.

"S-sorry, my Lord," he stammers. "I just didn't…" He scurries past us and vanishes around the corner.

"What was that about?" I whisper, my pulse racing in my ears from the sudden confrontation.

"Some on board aren't sure about you yet," Killian explains.

"No, I mean, you didn't need to be so rough with him," I say, but then it hits me. "Wait, some of them don't like me?"

He sighs, his expression softening as he looks down at me. "You're new, and with everything that's been happening…" His words trail off, and he shakes his head. "Let's just say not everyone is convinced you should be here."

"That's hurtful, but I guess I get it. Who would want their enemy's daughter on board?"

"Not that," he corrects me, turning to face me and pushing a curl of hair off my face. "Most don't know exactly who you are. It's your human side."

"Oh," I murmur. "That's just fucking mean and racist."

"Many are fearful of change or newcomers, but I've heard rumors of some females being jealous of you spending so much time with us." He raises his eyebrows, seeming proud of that.

My gaze narrows. "Really now?"

"Don't look surprised. You have no idea how many marriage proposals I've received over the years."

"All right, I didn't expect you to say that, but they're going to have to keep their hands off now!"

"Wait, was that a possessive growl in your voice? Are you jealous?"

"As if," I scoff. I push to keep on walking, having no idea where we're going, but I need to stop him from seeing that deep inside, I'm burning up with so much jealousy I want to paint the words He's Taken on his chest. No idea where that came from, but evidently, that's the new me around these monsters.

He's at my side, his hand slipping into mine. "We can't be too cautious until we find out who's trying to hurt you, so until then, anyone comes next to you, I'll deal with them."

I feel the weight of all the stares in my direction now, and thanks, Killian, for making me paranoid, knowing some Shadowfen dislike me.

Reaching the elevator, Killian commands Howler to take us to the third floor, and we're there in seconds. Stepping out into a less crowded hallway, Killian keeps his hand on my back, guiding me through the sprawling corridors. Arriving at a set of open doors, my anticipation grows.

Stepping through, I'm struck instantly by the breathtaking view. The walls curve into massive glass panels, revealing the dark, turbulent sea. The vessel is submerged beneath the ocean on this floor, and exterior lights pierce the water, illuminating the occasional creature darting past. The upper part of the windows shows the water sloshing against the glass and how rough the sea is.

Circular couches are scattered around the dimly lit room, each centered around a table and filled with monsters.

"This place is amazing."

"Wait until you taste the food," he murmurs.

"I love it already," I admit.

The floor beneath us shakes slightly, and instinctively, I grip Killian's arm tighter.

"It's all right," he soothes, holding on to me. "Sometimes, during large storms, the vessel feels the sea's movements, especially when we're hit by large waves. Normally, the vessel is stabilized by powerful rotors, and with a touch of magic, they keep us steady, but tonight might be a bit bumpier than usual."

"Should I be worried?" I ask, trying to hide the tremor in my response.

"Not at all," he replies confidently.

A young woman approaches us, carrying what appear to be menus. Her skin is a deep pink, matching her flowing hair, and she wears nothing but a short, thin skirt, her four breasts exposed with green nipples. I try to keep my gaze averted, my cheeks heating up at the sight. She doesn't seem to notice me, focusing all her attention on Killian.

"My Lord, what a pleasure to have you join us tonight," she purrs, and I instantly dislike her.

She guides us to a table, chatting with Killian as if they're old friends and I'm nonexistent. A sharp pang of jealousy slices through me. She keeps giggling, shaking those small breasts deliberately.

Killian, however, seems oblivious to her advances, his focus alternating between the path ahead and back at me. By the time we're seated next to the window, she's leaning in close to him, practically pressing her chest up against him.

What the hell? She's meant to be offering him the menu, not herself.

I frown at her, shifting in my seat uncomfortably.

Killian suddenly groans under his breath and lifts his chin in her direction.

"You can leave us now. I'll call you over when we're ready." He shoves the menu into her face, and she stumbles back, shooting a glare my way as she retreats.

"Damn," I mutter under my breath, unable to hide my surprise at her blatant flirting. "She didn't even try to hide it."

Killian looks at me, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "I approve of your fiery jealousy," he grunts. "But I barely notice the flirting because I'm not interested in them."

His hand scoops around my waist and drags me to the side of the circular leather couch, our sides pressed up real close. I giggle at bumping into him.

My attention is instantly caught on the monstrous creature swimming right past our window, close enough that I can make out its razor-sharp spikes trailing down its back. Its mouth is bristling with jagged teeth, hanging open as if it's permanently poised to kill. A shiver jolts down my spine.

"That's exactly why I'll never go into that water," I remark, genuinely intimidated by the sea and the beasts living in its depths.

Killian chuckles, his gaze following the creature as it disappears into the rough, shadowy water.

"It's not too bad, really. It's like those fluffy kittens you have back on Earth," he says sarcastically.

"Kittens?" I scoff, staring at him incredulously. "Are you kidding? Yes, if they had rows of sharp teeth and looked ready to rip your face off. Sure, they're similar."

His laughter fills the space between us, rich and deep.

Another fish monster, most like the ones I'm used to from home, glides by, its skin shimmering with golden scales that reflect the artificial light from the vessel.

"Now that one is kind of beautiful."

"Maybe I'll make a diver out of you yet."

I almost choke on my breath. "Not in that ocean, not in this lifetime. Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

"Fair enough. But you know, there's a lot to be said for facing one's fears."

"In the past few weeks, I've faced fears I didn't even know I had, so no, thanks. You can keep all the swimming beasts to yourself," I say, giving him a lopsided smile.

He nods, his hand reaching over to my necklace, his fingers tracing the pearls.

"That beast you just saw? Nyko took down a similar one the other day. He actually gutted it to extract these two little pearls on your necklace."

My breath catches in my throat, my fingers instinctively also reaching up to touch the smooth, cool surface of the pearls. "These came from that terrifying thing out there?" Shock shudders my question. "He fought one of those?" Nyko's lying in bed after almost dying, and earlier, he was still making jokes with me. Does nothing scare that Shadowfen?

"We've been hunting for most of our lives."

Since I arrived in Blight, it has been an endless ordeal of surprises, fear, and adjustments. Maybe if I stay here long enough, I'll start to feel normal and not freak out on a daily basis.

The waitress returns, her gaze lingering a bit too long on Killian, leaning over to him as she offers the menu to him again with a flirtatious smile.

"My Lord, may I take your order?" Her tone is a tad too sweet.

Killian, who doesn't even accept the menu, begins to order effortlessly, as if from memory, listing off items with ease. I have no idea what he's ordering, but the waitress is nodding rapidly, then she excuses herself.

"Wait, fuck! Forgot to give her our drink orders." Killian frowns, twisting around to search for the waitress. But when I twist around, she's gone. He signals to someone across the room, and I turn to find Clay, the captain of the vessel, making his way toward us.

"Clay, good timing," Killian greets him with a nod. "Take a seat with Sage for a moment while I go sort out our drinks."

"Oh, no, that's not necessary?—"

"I insist." His words leave no room for argument.

Clay nods and slides into the booth on my other side, his feet up on the seat as he sits perched like an oversized bird, feathery arms by his side. He truly is terrifying.

"You got it." His presence is oddly disarming—feathery fingers drumming lightly on the table, a friendly grin lighting up his face.

Once Killian shuffles out and vanishes, Clay glances at me with an awkward smile.

"You're going to like the food here," he begins. "They only serve seafood. It's a favorite of the crew."

"Are you here with your family?" I ask, feeling uncomfortable about being dumped with the captain as my babysitter. I get Killian is paranoid about leaving me alone for even a few moments, but I'm the one who has to face the uncomfortable conversation.

"Friends," he answers, glancing over my shoulder at the room as though he'd like to be anywhere else. Yes, I feel the same way. There's a scrunch of feathers on the bridge of his nose. "I hope you're starting to fit in well here. Any kind of change can be… disruptive. Not just for you, but for everyone else on the vessel." There's an edge to his tone, a sharpness that makes me sit up straighter.

"You mean my being here?" I think back to Killian's words about some Shadowfen who are not happy with my presence. Is that what Clay's hinting at? It's not as if I asked to be brought here.

He smiles, which just looks strange on his white face with darkness sweeping from his hairline and back, but it's way too creepy. Leaning back in the seat, he's inspecting his fingernails on his hand, long talons that could easily tear into flesh.

I suddenly feel uneasy in his presence.

"I mean the movements of the vessel, our course adjustments, our stops, they don't go unnoticed. Even in the deepest waters, eyes might watch, ears might listen."

"You think there are spies on the vessel?"

He twists his head toward me. "Someone like you needs to remain vigilant because in such turbulent times, if you don't make the first move, it gives the enemy a chance to do it."

I blink at him, swallowing hard as a chill races down my back. He's talking about my father; he has to be. "Clay," I start, just as Killian returns.

The captain rises to leave as Killian thanks him. Then he's gone, and I'm left with my insides twisting.

"Everything all right?" Killian asks, shuffling closer to me and taking me into his arms.

I smile at him, nodding, then I shake my head.

"Do you think my father knows I'm on this vessel? Could he have spies on here?"

He exhales loudly, his brow deepening. "Why do you ask? Did Clay say something? We've had no new additions to our population for over a decade, so I highly doubt we have spies. But everyone has different agendas, so I can't rule it out. But I promise that we're going to keep you safe and protected. No one will touch you."

I shrug, half grinning up at him. "I know you will. I'm paranoid, I guess."

Embracing me, I soften against his side, my hand resting on his chest, unable to let go of Clay's words.

Was it a warning? Could my father already know where I am? Is Clay hinting that waiting here, hoping to stay hidden, is a mistake? A knot tightens in my stomach. Maybe it's time I stop just reacting. Maybe I have to make the first move. If danger is coming, I should help Wolfe ensure we meet it head-on, not hide from my father.

The room seems to suddenly sway with the rhythm of the ocean that sloshes and slams against the windows.

"Whoa," I mumble while Killian tightens his hold around my middle.

"Nothing to worry about," he reassures me, smiling.

Around us, the other diners are chatting loudly, unaffected by the boat's movements, and the tight knot in my chest softens just a bit.

The waitress arrives with our drinks, a lighthearted grin on her lips, but for a change, she doesn't make any small talk or flirt, aside from letting us know the drinks have arrived. Mine's a tall glass with lots of greenery, ice, and a pale green liquid.

I take a sip, reminded of apple and mint. "Oh, this is delicious."

Killian doesn't have eyes for anyone else but just watches me as though I'm the most entertaining thing in the world for him.

Soon enough, the food arrives, and the table is covered in an assortment of dishes. I take them all in, unable to identify a single dish. One plate is teeming with thick tentacles, their tips still twitching as steam rises off them. There's one dish with dark, curled leaves, which are glossy and slick with what I hope is a cooking oil. The skewered meats look normal, except for the meat charred at the edges, oozing a vibrant green juice. Why does this food have to look so intimidating?

I hold back from gagging to not be rude and offer Killian a smile, seeing he's studying me for my response.

"Let me serve you a bit of everything." He's already busy scooping food onto my plate.

"Please, just not the skewers."

He glances at me with a comical frown. "That's the best dish on our table."

I shrug. "Maybe next time. I'm not sure I'm in the mood for oozing meat today."

He chuckles, placing a full plate in front of me in moments. Once he's got his plate heaped, he digs in. So, I do the same, and surprisingly, they aren't so bad. Like most of the things in Blight, they're the opposite of how they appear.

"Tell me about Nightingale Village," he prompts, twirling something that resembles a fork but with too many prongs around long strands of a green vegetable. "What's life like there on an average day?" He picks up a piece of something crunchy-looking and pops it into his mouth.

I pause, spearing a small, tentacle-like morsel on my plate.

"It was tough," I start. "The people there… they weren't exactly kind to my mother and me. Always whispering, always staring. It's like they blamed us for every bad thing that happened just because we were different."

He reaches over, placing his hand on my thigh. "They had no idea how lucky they were to have known you."

I laugh. "Yeah, right."

I dive into talking about the village, the lack of resources, the hardship, but also the great times I had with Alina and my mother. With no idea how long I've been talking, I find my plate's completely empty, and Killian's already filling it back up for me.

"I'm going to change things when I return," he explains before taking another big mouthful of a purple root vegetable that looks like a potato.

The ship tilts beneath us, shaking me in my seat, and I grasp the table, my drink sloshing in the glass.

"Okay, that one was scary," I say, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach.

"We're perfectly safe here." He's enjoying his meal while plates wobble on the table. "Anyway, I have grand plans for Nightingale Village when I return."

"Do you think… will I get to see my mother again?" I watch him, needing to know because just the thought of her has me tearing up.

He pauses and twists his head in my direction. "I give you my word, I'll make it happen," he promises sincerely.

"That means the world to me," I murmur, quickly wiping away a stray tear. "If she wasn't so sick, I wouldn't be as worried." I go on to explain how I've been secretly getting medicine for her from one of the Village Protectors and how it's improved her health.

"You love her so much; she's lucky to have you," he observes with admiration behind his words.

"She deserves everything," I reply, feeling a weight lift at sharing this with him. "Anyway, with your plan to head back to Nightingale Village, you're coming back here, right?"

"And if I decide not to return?" He's using that sexy tone that has me squeezing my thighs together.

I lean in. "Well then, I guess I'll have to send out a search party and drag you back fast. I know you use the pond in the village to summon the portal! And I know the two Shadowfen who can operate them." I raise an eyebrow, challenging him.

A slow grin spreads across his face, his eyes glinting. He leans in, his masculine scent with a hint of fresh wood and the sea washing over me.

He smells so sexy…

"Why would I run when I have someone so captivating to come back to?" His husky whisper stirs something wild inside me, making my nipples harden, and the ache in the pit of my stomach awakens.

I blush but hold his gaze, the air between us electric. I have my hand on his chest, not even remembering putting it there.

"Sounds like you've got it all worked out," I whisper.

"You have no idea," he purrs, his mouth on my neck, taking a sharp inhale. "I can almost taste your arousal, and it's fucking intoxicating."

I breathe heavily as his hand slides up my thigh and up my skirt. His hands are on fire.

"Tell me to stop," he murmurs before his tongue loops my earlobe into his mouth, his fingers inching up. "Open up for me," he demands in a voice that has me doing exactly that.

I shouldn't, but I'm weak when it comes to him.

Fingers graze me right where I'm purring.

"Killian," I whisper. "Not here."

But he's already slipped a finger between my wet lips, pushing deeper, finding my entrance so fast that I'm panting.

"I'll stop when you tell me to." His tongue is on my neck again, my whole body engulfed by him curling around me, his finger working into me.

"Oh, Killian." I breathe the words, my body quivering, stomach tightening. How in the world did we get to this stage in the middle of a busy room? My body seems to have already made a decision before my mind can catch up.

His assertiveness, bringing me to such a fast high, has me rocking my pelvis with each plunge. Every instinct is telling me to stop… but I just can't bring myself to say the word when I'm buzzing, the sensation so tight I'm about to explode.

"Fuck," he growls in my ear, that rich sound winding through me, going right down to my core.

My pulse flares between my thighs where he's pressing his thumb against my clit, rubbing me and sending me straight over the edge.

I buck in my seat, shuddering, my climax hitting me so fast it vibrates savagely through me.

Those sensuous lips are on my mouth, stealing my moans, inhaling my breaths. He never once relents from fingering me until I'm completely undone, having come all over his hand.

I'm flushed from head to toe, my heartbeat echoing loudly in my ears.

"Absolutely beautiful," Killian murmurs, his breath still warm against my skin as he pulls his finger out and straightens his back.

I pat down my skirt, ensuring it's covering my legs. When I lift my gaze, I catch the waitress standing across the table, staring at us with a wide, venomous stare. My cheeks heat up further, if possible, and I don't know where to look—away from her glaring scrutiny or back at Killian, who seems utterly unfazed by the interruption.

"We're done here. You can clear the dishes," he instructs her casually, dismissing her with a wave of his hand before his intense gaze locks back on to mine.

The waitress moves stiffly to clean the table, her attention swinging between us one last time before she retreats. I sit there, feeling embarrassed and still on my high.

"She… she saw that, didn't she?" I whisper, hardly believing the situation.

"Of course she did." He gives a nonchalant shrug. "And now she knows you're with me and will back off."

"Wait, you did that on purpose? For her to see us?"

"I had to show her I was taken." His smirk grows, a devilish gleam twinkling in his gaze. "Female Shadowfen are super territorial once they set their sights on a male. And yes, I might have wanted to mark my territory a bit by showing her I've claimed you, too."

My shoulders pull back as I process his decision. "You… you can't just use me to make a point!"

His laughter rumbles deep in his chest, soothing yet somehow provocative, and I hate how he makes me melt for him when I'm mad at him.

"Don't pretend you didn't enjoy our moment just as much as I did," he teases, leaning in closer again. "You were incredibly sweet, your cunt so soft and wet, my pretty little one."

As we stand to leave, the waitress reappears, holding a small white bag with a rather serious expression. "Your order, my Lord," she says, her response losing any previous warmth as she hands it to Killian. Then she leaves us.

"What's that?" I ask, curious, as we move toward the exit.

"A little something for later," he replies with a secretive smile.

"Later?" I echo, my curiosity piqued.

The vessel gives a subtle shudder.

Killian takes my hand firmly in his. "For dessert," he adds, leading me into the elevator.

Soon enough, the doors slide open. "Wait, this isn't my floor."

"You're staying with me tonight," he declares, not as a question but as a fact.

"Are you sure?" There's a comforting gentleness in the way he stares at me, saying that I'm not staying alone during the storm.

He smirks at me just as another tremor from the ship sends me instinctively closer to him.

"My point is proven," he says, amusement all over his face.

"Can we at least check in on Nyko while we're on this floor?" I negotiate.

He nods, and we detour to Nyko's room down the brightly lit hallway. He knocks lightly and opens the door. Wolfe is asleep on the oversized couch. From the other room, Nyko's steady snores confirm he's resting.

Wolfe stirs as we enter. "You're finally back," he rasps.

"Not really," Killian begins to explain, but I cut him off, stepping fully into the living area.

"How's Nyko?"

Killian flicks on the light, causing Wolfe to squint and shield his eyes.

"On the mend. He needs more sleep and to keep up with his medicine." He stretches his arms into the air, his back arched.

"Amazing news. I feel so much better. If something happened to him, I'd die," I say, moving to pour a glass of water from the tray that seems to be Wolfe's dinner remnants. Handing it to him, I notice the thanks in his nod as he accepts it.

"Thank you, beautiful," he murmurs, downing the water in a few gulps.

Exhausted, I collapse onto the couch opposite Wolfe while Killian stands somewhat awkwardly by the door.

"What's in the bag?" Wolfe asks, studying the small parcel Killian grips.

"We're passing by," Killian responds evasively.

Wolfe grins, a mischievous grin on his face. "You better tell me those are Moon Puffs," he states.

Killian shoots Wolfe a deadpan stare as he clutches the small bag close. "These aren't for you," he declares. "Sage hasn't tried them yet, so would you steal that privilege from her?"

Wolfe chuckles, shaking his head, his eyes glowing with flames as he glances my way.

"See how sneaky he is with the Moon Puffs? He's always been like this—snatching them away and gorging himself when we were kids, so Nyko and I never got them."

I can't help but laugh along, watching them minus the usual seriousness, feeling more at ease with them than I ever thought possible.

"How many did you get?" I ask, curious about the contents of the mysterious bag.

"Only three," Killian states.

"Perfect, there are three of us," Wolfe says, already rising from his seat with a grin.

"Why only three?" I probe.

Wolfe's smirk grows. "So he can give you one and keep two for himself."

"Now I really want to try one of these popular Moon Puffs."

Killian glares. "If I knew I'd need more, I would have ordered a larger batch." He strides over and opens the bag, revealing the contents to me. Inside are bright purple, thick, sponge-like cookies sandwiching a generous layer of cream, with small, colorful bits sticking out.

I grab one out. "What are these little things in the cream?" I poke at another.

"They're made to replicate the essence of our moons, which are teeming with… let's call them lunar worms."

"Please tell me these aren't actual worms, right? And your kind has been to the moon?" I ask, staring at the worms' different-colored bodies, slightly transparent and covered in what looks like sugar.

"We have powerful telescopes that reveal a lot of intricate details on our moons." Wolfe bites into one, his eyelids slipping closed. "Absolutely delicious," he murmurs between bites. "No worms here, only honey with a gelatin substance."

Encouraged by his reaction, I do the same. The puff is unexpectedly sweet, the honey worm candy adding a chewy, slightly sour flavor that's incredible. I find myself moaning much louder than I intended.

Just as Killian reaches for his share, Nyko calls out, "Did someone say Moon Puffs?"

I'm on my feet in an instant. "He's awake!" I rush toward him, Killian huffing toward me, hand outstretched, handing me his untouched treat. "Here you go."

"You're amazing," I tell him, then step into the bedroom to see Nyko propping himself up against the headboard.

He takes it greedily, staring at me while gorging on the Moon Puff.

Killian comes in, seeming to be stuffing some Moon Puff into his face, while Wolfe strolls into the bedroom behind him, hands in his pockets. He must have shared half his Moon Puff with Killian.

A streak of lightning snaps alight across the sky outside the balcony glass doors, quickly followed by the crashing roar of thunder. I flinch at how long it sounds.

"You're looking more alive," Killian states, licking his fingers, not bothered by the storm.

"I could do with more of the Moon Puffs," Nyko croaks, glancing my way and smirking.

"Guess I'm going back for more, then?" Killian's already heading to the door as Wolfe and Nyko say yes in unison.

"Get at least a dozen," Nyko calls out, then chuckles as Killian heads out. "I'm fucking starving."

"Means you're getting better," I say.

"I sure fucking hope so," Nyko groans. Sitting in bed, covered to his waist with the blanket, and his hair a mess, I find him so sexy… even when sick. "I've been having these confusing dreams," he continues. "Like I'm trying to count the fish in the sea. And it never adds up, just keeps going and going. It's maddening."

Wolfe comes and stands behind me, his hands around my waist.

The ship rocks at once, sending me into a stumble, but Wolfe catches me, holding me against him.

From behind me, Wolfe bursts out laughing. "I had crazy-ass dreams like that."

"My mother used to say when you have what she called fever-induced dreams, it means you've hit the worst of your sickness."

"Thank fuck," Nyko murmurs, his eyelids fluttering as if he's fighting to stay awake. "I'm ready to have my energy back."

Wolf rubs my arms, and I glance back around to him standing behind me, at the way he studies me. Sometimes, I can't always tell what mood he's in. Mostly because of the constant brooding expression he wears.

"Are you all right?" he asks.

"For sure."

Just then, a soft snore interrupts us, and we both turn to see Nyko, his head tilted back against the pillow, fast asleep again. Wolfe and I exchange a smile, and he gestures toward the door.

As he shuts the door gently behind us, he says, "I'm going to make you a soothing velary tea. It's from a local plant that brings relaxation. The same drink I've been giving Nyko to help him sleep more soundly." He moves to the door to chat with Grimm, his personal assistant, who seems to be just hovering outside the door. I still struggle not to feel unease at his spindly legs that remind me of spiders.

In moments, Wolfe's shutting the door on him and returning to me.

"Grimm's going to bring us tea. It'll help you sleep through this storm."

"I might need it." And as if on cue, everything beneath me shifts, and I stumble into a couch.

Wolfe's at my side. "Tell me about your day." He asks such a normal question when being on Howler is anything but ordinary. I appreciate him trying to instill some normality into my life, so I rattle off the events of the day.

There's something about this moment—the ease of being with Wolfe, with all of them. There's no awkwardness, only comfort and the excitement teeming in my stomach, loving the way he stares at me… as though I belong here.