Page 40 of Queen of Serpents and Shadows

With a sigh, I dropped my arms to my side. Then I slowly lifted one arm, reaching for his muzzle. Obsidian backed away from me, shaking his head in a way that made his dark mane swish from side to side.

“Are you Nyx’s horse?” I asked.

Obsidian stomped, then shook his head, snorting with indignation.

“Alright, so you don’t belong to the goddess,” I said. “Maybe you don’t belong to anyone?”

The horse was still. I took that as a good sign.

“I need your help. Nyx says I’m to tame you and get your help. I think she intends for me to ride you,” I said.

The pegasus backed away, flapping its wings in irritation as it did.

“Alright. You don’t trust me yet, but I’ll earn your trust.” Even as I said it, I had no idea how I was going to do so.

For a moment, I considered trying to call on my magic, but I didn’t think it could help me here. A pegasus isn’t exactly a monster. And there’s not much I could do with Ryvin’s shadows, even if I could summon them while I was this far away from him.

Growing up, I’d always had stable hands to help assist with the horses. While I appreciated the animals, I hadn’t spent much time around them unless I was actively riding. Now, I wish I’d joined Sophia in the times she’d spent brushing and caring for the horses alongside the stableboys. She’d always had a soft spot for them and they adored her.

A smile made my lips curve. “I know what might help.” I glanced around, realizing that for this to work, I was going to need to hope that he would stay here while I left. “Will you wait for me?”

The pegasus didn’t respond. Instead, Obsidian simply stared at me, as if I was little more than an insect crawling through the dirt.

“I’ll be back.” I hoped leaving wasn’t going to cause me to fail. If Obsidian wasn’t there when I returned, I wasn’t sure what my next steps were. I couldn’t fail the first task. I had to follow through with this and complete everything Nyx threw my way.

15

Ryvin

Vanth was sittingon a crate against the railing of the ship. His elbows rested on his knees, his head lowered as he stared at the floor. I took a few steps toward him, then paused to look at the crew. They were busy, talking with each other, or doing their work, oblivious to me or the shifter in their midst.

We’d promised unrestricted access to Konos and Telos to the merchants who owned this ship upon the defeat of the Fae King. I think they were already imagining what they could do with the wealth they’d access through such open trade. While we’d allowed the occasional human vessel in, it was rare in Telos, and even more rare in Konos. Plus, I might have alluded that I’d put in a good word withCeto to help their crossing be less dangerous. I’d figure that out if we survived.

I continued on, stopping in front of Vanth. He glanced up. “I’m getting a little tired of ships.”

“I don’t think we’re quite done with them yet,” I replied as I sat down next to him.

“It has to end eventually,” he said. “I’m just hoping when I meet my end, my feet are on solid ground. I don’t want a serpent’s teeth as my last view of the world.”

“I’m not sure a sea serpent would touch you, given how much time you’ve spent around Ara,” I pointed out.

“I’m not the one with the gift from a goddess.” He nodded to the gold circle around my wrist.

“You have enough of her scent on you,” I said, my tone harsher than I expected.

Vanth laughed. “Trust me, if I wanted your woman, I’d have made my move already.”

I tamped down the jealousy that clawed at my chest. “I know.”

The shifter turned to look at me. “Do you? You finally conceded that I am not a threat to your mate?”

“I don’t always control my responses.” I hated admitting that, but it was true. “But I know you’re a good friend to Ara. She’s lucky to have you. And so am I.”

We sat there for a long while, listening to the chatter of the crew and the roar of the waves. For the first time in a while, Ifelt myself relax just a little.

“Why’d you do it?” Vanth asked.

My brow furrowed. “Do what?”

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