Page 102 of Ship of Shadows
Perfect. The jungle veered upward, so steep we had to dig our hands into the moist ground and claw our way up. At this point, sweat slicked my hair to my face and trickled down the sides of my temples. We both breathed heavily, slowly working our way up, and I hoped this was the right direction. I was just about to collapse from exhaustion when another yell rang through the air, a clang of metal and heavy grunting following it.
Kara and I looked at each other and climbed faster, grabbing onto tree roots and pulling our way up the hill until we crested the top. I wanted to collapse and not get up for a very, very long time, but Bastian’s distinct accent echoed through the jungle as he yelled, “Stop, damnit. I can explain!”
We raced toward that voice until we came upon a clearing, the canopies opening up, the sun shining down right onto Bastian... and my brother hovering over him with a sword to his throat.
I’d recognize that mop of curly auburn hair anywhere.
“You have to do something.” Kara nudged me. “He’ll kill him.”
“Stay back,” Bastian ordered his crew, throat bobbing. His sword was sheathed at his side. “You’re not to hurt the brothers.”
Everyone hovered around the edge of the clearing, watching as Lochlan’s large frame straddled Bastian, and he pointed the sword deeper into the pirate lord’s throat, a prick of blood welling and trickling down.
“Stop,” I yelled, the sound strangled and hoarse. “Don’t hurt him!”
Lochlan froze, the snarl on his face melting into confusion. He slowly straightened, letting his sword drop by his side. “Gabby?” he said, that deep timbre of his voice so comforting.
“Loch.” I let out a sob and broke into a run. He stood, and I barreled into him as his arms came around me and crushed me in a bear hug.
“What are you doing here?” He pushed me back, gaze searching me for injuries. “Did he hurt you? I’ll kill him if he’s laid a single finger on—” He paused, those thick auburn brows bunching. “Wait, why did you tell me not to hurt him?”
Bastian came to a stand, straightening his leather coat and cracking his neck.
“He’s here to help us get your shadows back,” I said.
“Help us?” Lochlan rubbed his jaw, thick and strong like my father’s. “The pirate lord of the Dark Seas, the one who is working with the shadow court, is here to help us?”
“It’s a long story.” I looked around. “Is there somewhere we can go to talk?”
Lochlan let go of my shoulders and stepped back, crossing his muscled arms against his broad chest. He took after my father with his massive height and build. Suspicion clouded his eyes. “Just you. The pirates stay here.”
“Lochlan...” I started, but Bastian gently grasped my arm.
“It’s okay, love,” he said. “We’ll stay. You take the time you need with your brothers.”
“Where is Mal?” I asked, and Lochlan nodded his head behind him.
“He’s gathering firewood for our camp.”
“Can you just give us a moment?” I glanced back at Bastian. “I promise I’ll explain everything. I need to have a word with the pirate lord first.”
Lochlan hesitated.
“Please, Loch?” I could hear the whine in my voice.
Finally, he nodded, backing away. “I’ll get Mal and be back in a few minutes.” He looked at Bastian. “And I will not hesitate to use this”—he lifted his sword—“if he tries anything.”
“I don’t doubt it,” Bastian said as Lochlan stalked away and disappeared into the trees.
I turned toward Bastian, saw the anger etched across his face. I’d ruined his plans by leaving the ship, but I’d also saved his ass. I couldn’t believe he’d thought this was a good idea. “What were you thinking? You idiot.” I gave him a shove, and he didn’t attempt to fight back. “You left me on that ship.” I pointed a finger at him. “You knew how important this was to me, and you were just going to leave me behind? Again?”
Mia crossed her arms. “We told him it was a bad idea.”
Other crew members nodded in agreement.
His jaw ticked. “I didn’t exactly have a choice in leaving the first time.”
“There’s always a choice, Bastian, so stop making excuses.” I stepped forward. “I almost died trying to get past the crocodiles. Your sister almost died. You almost died because you thought it would be a good idea to find my brothers by yourself. And you just expected they’d trust you? I told you that we work together.”
