Page 37 of Queen of Serpents and Shadows

Ara

The ship waitingin the harbor was like night against the early morning sun. Black sails waited to be expanded from black masts. The body of the ship was painted like midnight, complete with a dusting of stars along the bow. It was both stunning and terrifying.

I released Ryvin’s hand so I could go to embrace each of my sisters. Unshed tears stung the back of my eyes, but I wasn’t going to give in to them. I wanted to appear strong. I wanted them to think I was confident and unafraid.

“You can do this, Ara,” Lagina called.

“You’ll be back before you know it,” Sophia added.

“We’ll keep the war warm for you,” Cora said playfully.

I’d seen Nyx take lives without remorse. I watched as she made the tributes seem like nothing. The people Iswore I’d protect were taken right in front of me and there was nothing I could do. I was so tired of feeling helpless, and I would fight, but if Nyx wanted me gone, I was going to be just like those I failed to protect.

“We’ll be here when you return,” Vanth said as he pulled me in for a giant hug.

When he released me, I was facing Laera. She looked furious. “Don’t die on us.” To my surprise, she hugged me. “I’m serious. I won’t be responsible for the consequences of Ryvin’s behavior if you die.”

I smiled, knowing her words were demonstrating true concern in the best way she knew how. “I’ll miss you too.”

She scoffed. “I’ll be far too busy to miss you.”

“You should go,” Vanth said. “Before one of us drags you back to the palace.”

I nodded, then returned to Ryvin, who’d been waiting patiently. I reached for him and he clasped my hand. Wordlessly, we walked toward the black plank that stretched over the water to the shore.

We paused in front of it. “Please don’t be a hero,” he said. “Do whatever you have to so you can come back to me.”

I threw my arms around his shoulders and kissed him. His arms went around my waist, pulling me in close as he deepened the kiss. It was over too quickly, both of us stepping away, but breathing heavier. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Come back to me, Asteri.” He kissed my cheek softly. “I’ll be waiting for you.”

He released my hand, then took a step back. I knew Ihad to go now, or I’d lose my nerve. Before I could talk myself out of it, I stepped onto the plank.

After a few steps, dark shadows rose around me and my heart raced. I turned to look back at my friends, but they weren’t visible in the darkness.

Panic rose, making my chest tight. I couldn’t even see the plank under my feet. Carefully, I moved forward, my hands extended in front of me, blindly reaching for anything that would indicate that I’d made it onto the ship.

The shadows dissipated and I could see that I’d stepped onto the ship. Quickly, I turned and saw that the plank was gone. A black railing blocking the opening that had once been there. The ship had changed, locking me in like a prisoner.

The shadows floated beyond the ship, masking any view of the shore. I couldn’t wave goodbye. I couldn’t watch my family and friends fade from view. I couldn’t watch as my city grew smaller.

Nyx had already cut me off from everyone and everything I loved. The same way she’d been when she was in that cave, alone.

I swallowed over a lump in my throat. What was I sailing into? She said I was to go to Naxos, but would Dion be there? Would she even be there? What if my test was to isolate me the way she’d been isolated? Would I ever see my sisters again? Would I see Ryvin again?

My whole body felt too heavy with grief over something I couldn’t control. I had no idea what I was heading toward.

I looked over the edge of the railing, hoping for a glimpse of the sparkling blue sea. I’m not sure how long I stood there, but it wasn’t until my neck was aching from staring downward for so long that I finally watched the shadows ease.

White foam billowed atop sparkling blue water, the waves a playful companion alongside the dark ship cutting through the sea.

Sails full, we raced ahead. My hair whipped around my head and water sprayed my face. I embraced it all. The smell of the sea, the feel of the wind and water, the taste of the salt. I was not going to let Nyx defeat me.

I would play her game. And I would win. Because back in Athos, I had things waiting for me that were worth fighting for.

Glancing around, I looked for any signs of a crew. When I didn’t see anyone, I explored the ship, hoping for any company as I made the journey. There was nobody aboard. Somehow, Nyx was in command. I wondered if my mother was involved. The sea was part of her domain, and traveling through with her own daughter as a captive was likely risky, even for another god.

I returned to the railing and quickly found evidence that I wasn’t as alone as I anticipated. Several sea serpents swam alongside the ship, and beyond them, I caught sight of the occasional dolphin fin. It made me feel a little less alone, but none of the tension eased.

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