Page 82 of Lore of the Tides

Lore’s jaw was on the floor. She snapped it closed lest a small fish try to make a home in it.

What was going on? Was this all it took for the male species? They save a kingdom together; one passes out and almost burns the other’s flesh off while the other carries them on their back, and then they’re suddenly friends?

Lore leaned forward and placed her hand on Finn’s forehead.

“Something on my head?”

Ass.“I was just making sure you weren’t burning up with fever again, is all.”

“Honestly, I’m a little sore, and my pride is a bit bruised, I think, but I’m fae, and—thanks to you—I’ve got magic. I’ll be healed by sunset.”

Lore made to remove her hand, but Finndryl pressed his own to hers, keeping it there. “Hmm, don’t just yet. Your hand is so cool. It feels nice.”

Lore would never argue with Finn when he asked her to touch him. Even if it was just her hand on his forehead.

Syrelle stood, glancing away from the two of them, his jaw suddenly tight. “I’ve got to check on my room. It’s across the hall if either of you need me.” Syrelle slipped out and shut the door behind him.

“I thought I killed you.”

“You didn’t.”

“Yeah, but... I mean, for a bit there you looked pretty close to death.”

He laughed, clutching his chest. “Ouch.” His smile dipped. “For a bit there, I felt pretty close to death.” His hand clutched hers, the pressure pacifying. “But it was worth it.”

Lore wanted to believe him.

“Don’t make that face. I mean it. You gave my family something back that we thought lost forever; not just my connection to my grandfather’s legacy, but the chance to do magic. Isla never caredthat she didn’t have magic. But it plagued me. This other life we should be living. It haunted me... that this was stolen from us before we were even born. Would be withheld from my own offspring.” His thumb began rubbing circles on her own. “I spent years searching for ways to break this curse. Every text, anecdote, and instance that I found all said the same thing: A blood curse is absolute. Forever. Irreversible. Once done, it cannot be undone.”

“I guess we’ll have to write a new book.”

“Alemeyu, our book would be one for the ages.”

“We could call itIs This a Prison or Just a Room, Surprise—I Broke Your Blood Curse, and Other Tales from the Deep.”

Through a grin, Finn said, “For a companion novel... something along the lines ofHow Many Times Is Too Many When Running Headfirst into Peril?” Finn shifted closer to the wall, turned sideways, and propped his head on his arm.

Lore wasted no time filling the space he opened. She settled onto the bed and mirrored Finndryl’s pose. This wasn’t the largest bed, and her lips parted slightly when she realized just how close they were. She played with a braid. “The sequel could be something along the lines ofOops, Danger Found Me Again: A Memoir. Quick, someone find us a quill.”

Finndryl barked a laugh. “I would absolutely purchase these if I saw them in a bookseller’s shop.”

Lore pressed closer, marveling at the way his face transformed when he laughed. It was magnificent. He was magnificent. “You know, the only bookshop I’ve ever been in was my own apothecary? I would love to explore another.”

“I saw one right here in Lapis Deep on the way to the palace.” He frowned. “But I imagine it might be a while before the owners reopen it, and we will be long gone by then.”

“We will be?” Lore yawned, the last day’s events finally catching up to her now that she wasn’t caught in a cycle of terror, guilt, and fear.

“Wasn’t that what you said in the strategy meeting yesterday? As soon as the pearl was restored, you had to leave.”

“Oh, yes. I did say that.Auroradelisn’t going to find itself, and I have a revolt to arrange.” Lore stretched as contentment settled in her chest, cozy and warm. “You’re coming with me, then?”

“Of course. I wouldn’t miss the chance to chronicle the next installment in our saga.”

“I hope this one has a happy ending,” Lore murmured as she fought to keep her eyes open.

“Lore, I’ll do everything in my power to make sure your story has a happy ending.” Finndryl pulled her toward him until she was curled up, her cheek pressed to his chest. He wrapped his strong arms around her and held her tight. The kiss he placed on the crown of her curls was featherlight. She could feel his magic thrumming inside him, strong and formidable. Her eyes fluttered closed as she nuzzled in, his spiced scent swirling around her.

She’d never felt so safe in her life.

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