Page 178 of A Tongue so Sweet and Deadly
With a final glance at him, she sprinted after the others, catching up with the males just as they found the entrance to the tunnel.
The journey to the harbor passed in a blur, and she barely noticed the vile water seeping into her clothing as they waded through it.
Fortunately, Venko kept his word.
With hoods covering their faces, they found their way to an old trade ship, and when the crew recognized Venko, they urged them into a small cabin, where they each collapsed atop a narrow cot.
But as the boat started cutting through the waves, Lessiaclimbed the wooden ladder leading to the stern, ignoring Venko calling for her to stay down until they were out of sight.
Stepping up to the railing, she watched Asker grow smaller and smaller until the island she’d called home for so long was merely a dot on the horizon.
Silent tears snaked their way down her cheeks.
But she let them fall.
Let them fall for Amalise.
For Kalia and Ledger and Fiona.
For her father.
And for Loche.
For the man who’d put her heart together, only to rip it out and throw it away as if she were nothing.
Merrick joined her at some point, and when he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, she leaned into him, letting him hold together the broken pieces she was now made up of.
When even her Fae sight wouldn’t let her see the island anymore, she looked up at him.
She had so many questions to ask, but right now, she couldn’t bring herself to, so she settled on “What do we do now?”
Merrick eyed her for a moment. “I know somewhere safe we could go. But I have to warn you. I am not sure that we’ll get the warmest of welcomes.”
She forced a teary smile. “I don’t think there are many places in Havlands where we’ll be welcomed at all.”
His mouth twitched, and a flicker of amusement sparkled in his dark eyes. “Then it’s time for you to meet Raine.”
