Page 28 of Lich's Mate

I snap at her the moment the door is closed. “What the fuck are you thinking? Consorting with the crew like that is dangerous and stupid!”

She stands in silence, too shocked to speak. Despite the obvious fear in her eyes, she keeps her back straightened.

Impressive. She won’t be easy to break. I like that.

I slowly walk over to her, making sure to stand at my full height and loom over her smaller form.

“I know they are humans and you want to free all of them, but Gorran has spies everywhere. One wrong word and my entire plan goes to shit. What did you tell them?”

Her fear is replaced by indignance.

“You must really think I’m a fool. I didn’t tell them anything. Sure, I befriended them to get food and drink, but that’s your fault.”

I frown. “My fault?”

She gives me an accusatory glare. “Well, when was the last time you gave me something to eat? You don’t even acknowledge my presence at all.”

“Oh.” I had been so enraptured by my planning that I forgot all about her needs. I tend to forgo eating when I start focusing on Gorran.

“It doesn’t matter anyway. I can take care of myself.” She shows me a brown cloth bag filled with cheese, dried fish and meat, and some kind of biscuit. There are even several dried fruits stuffed in it.

Impressed, I look into her eyes and spot the shimmer of pride in them. I turn away, dismissing her moment of joy.

“I will ensure you eat from now on. Stay away from the crew and other passengers. I can’t risk you foiling my plans before they’re set in motion.”

The cabin suddenly becomes stifling, and I can sense that Meera is upset with me.

Shit. If I don’t treat her right, she could easily betray me. Nothing is stopping her from walking out of this cabin and never looking back at me. I could kill her, of course, but I don’t want to.

I clear my throat and turn to her. Anger and distrust are clearly visible on her face.

“You want to help me free more human slaves, right? Then you must do as I say. I’ve been at this longer than you. I know how he operates.”

Her expression eases into calm resignation. “I understand that. But I’m not some stupid child. I know what’s at stake and I don’t trust anyone.”

The look in her eyes tells me I’m counted in with that ‘anyone.’

I simply nod and sit down on the bed, gathering the scrolls of paper I’ve been immersed in these last few days.

“Come. Let’s discuss some of my ideas.”

Her sudden smile takes me by surprise, and once again I feel an unfamiliar emotion flutter in my chest.

I shake my head to clear my head and we go over the intel I’ve gathered and go into detail about Gorran’s dealings.

At night, we sleep side by side and I often find myself looking at her sleeping form. The peaceful expression on her face seems to have a calming effect on me. Thinking about her also seems to help me think better, plan better.

This is extremely peculiar. Is it a good thing or is her effect on me something dangerous that should be stopped?

We never talk about anything private or personal and I’m relieved that she’s not interested in making small talk. Our focus is solely on working together to free the slaves and bring an end to Gorran once and for all.

The days continue to melt into a giant stretch of time spent in the cabin with her. Although I dismiss all of the ideas she comes up with, I am surprised by her intelligence and sharp attention to detail.

After another night of little sleep and pouring over details in the light of a candle, I leave the cabin for fresh air. Meera is sleeping, a half-eaten biscuit clutched in her hand.

I’m met with a heavy fog obscuring my view of the ocean and I can see the muted reddish hue of Ikoth’s sky.

My heart soars. I’m almost home.

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