Page 16 of Marked By the Sea

“And you have?” I asked. He didn’t say anything, but his eyes were answer enough.

“Can you tell me what happened to the others?”

Chapter 12

Amora

My unanswered question hung in the air between us. Sunlight filtered through Rowan’s hair, and flecks of gold I knew for a fact weren’t there before sparkled on his cheeks. I grabbed his hand and squeezed. It was then that I realized he hadn’t really answered my last few questions. He’d only responded with what he had to say. He hadn’t explained what he meant when he compared me to an earthquake, nor vocally admitted I was more. His throat bobbed as he swallowed. Green eyes took in where our hands connected. Taking a deep breath, he inched forward, and I leaned into him as his lips parted.

“In six days’ time, Riftan will become King of the South Seas, and playtime will be over,” a voice boomed. Both of us jolted, our spines straight as if we’d been caught with our hands in the cookie jar. Turning toward the sound, I saw flowing silver hair on a broad chiseled chest, a thick neck, followed by red glowing eyes. A god on a mass of tentacles made his way to where we sat.

“What happens to me then?” The kraken dragged his gaze from Rowan and focused on me.

“He’ll take his bride and dispose of you.” His words were blunt and clear-cut. They wouldn’t have use for me. I should feel relieved. There was a chance I would be returned. But I couldn’t kick the doubt churning in my belly.

“You said I was different.” Blue eyes locked with brown.

“I did,” Rowan said firmly.

Hexon looked between the both of us, his red eyes seeing more than just captive and captor.

“When did this happen?” A tentacle loomed above his shoulder as it pointed between me and Rowan. The sea faerie’s cheeks flushed.

“Why are you filling her mind with nonsense?” The kraken chuckled.

“Nothing about this is funny!” I snapped. Both men stared at me—Rowan in surprise and Hexon with a smile on his handsome face.

“The prey never finds death funny.” Hexon’s tentacles reached out to me. One gripped my shoulder, and another pushed my hair back.

“So I’m going to die.” It wasn’t a question.

“Yes.” Hexon’s word echoed in the cave.

Rowan had called me an earthquake. And now I knew time was ticking. Could I shake the ground beneath their feet? Could I raise up monstrous waves that would make these men want to spare me? I wanted to scream. I didn’t ask to be chosen, dragged, and chained for their pleasure. That’s what I should be focused on—mad about. Instead, there was only one thing playing on repeat.

Riftan was getting married.

“Are you sad because you’re on borrowed time? Or…” The kraken leaned forward, his lips on my ear. “Are you hurt because he’s not keeping you?” My teeth dug into my bottom lip as the kraken sat in one chair and pulled me down on his lap. I moved to get up, but tentacles held me down. Stupid octopus.

Stupid octopus.

“What have you been up to?” Hexon’s voice tapped on my shoulder, pulling me from my thoughts of the prince that caught me, only to kill me. Rowan gave me a pitying look.

“Oh, you know… loads of things,” I muttered sarcastically.

“Why does she smell like you?” The kraken asked. His voice was low and dangerous. He knew something, and by the way Rowan’s cheeks flushed, he had his confirmation.

“Are you jealous?” The blue-haired man teased.

“Yes.” Hexon’s answer was quick. Rowan stuck his tongue out at him. I shouldn’t, but I giggled. His slippery cock hardened and jerked beneath me.

“I like that sound,” he murmured in my ear. I tried to get up again, but it only made him laugh. “Even if you managed to break free, where would you go?”

And just like that, the good feeling was gone.

“You’re good at being an ass, you know?” I snapped. Rowan watched the two of us. His eyes flickered with a knowing look, as if he knew something I didn’t.

“By stating the obvious? You’re trying to run away when there’s nowhere for you to hide.”

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