Page 58 of A Song of Shadow and Starlight

I reach my hand out of the water and grab his arm, pulling him into the pool, fully dressed in his pristine uniform.

"Shaye!" He wipes wet blonde hair from his face.

I stifle my laugh and wade up to him, running my fingers through his locks. "Are you angry?"

The corners of his blue eyes crinkle when he smiles and he wraps his arms around my waist, tugging me closer, so my chest is flush against his. "I could never be angry with you, my love." He tucks his index finger beneath my chin and lifts my face until our lips meet.

I pull away. My eyes flutter open, but the euphoria melts in an instant when I look up into his red-rimmed eyes.

"Bas!" I gasp, sitting upright in my bed.

"Shaye?" Eris dashes in from the brothers' adjoining room, Finn hot on her heels. "Are you alright?"

I reach up to my forehead and wipe beads of sweat from my hairline. The pads of my fingers swipe across my lips. My dream was so vivid, I could have sworn I was in Midori kissing Bastian, but I'm nowhere close to home. I'm on the river cruise to The Quarters recovering from the whip lashes I incurred from the Necropolis.

"I'm fine," I say hoarsely, and claw at my throat. "Water," I whisper. It hurts to swallow, and my voice sounds monstrous from disuse.

Finn grabs a glass from the nightstand and pours me some water. "Here you go," he extends it to me, and I guzzle the cool drink down, ignoring the pain in my throat. He presses the back of his hand against my forehead. "No fever. Do you feel hot?"

I shake my head, "No."

Eris' weight dips my mattress, drawing my gaze. "Nightmare?"

"I was reliving a memory," I explain, hoping I don't sound foolish. "But at the end…"

Eris grabs my hand when I trail off. "You don't have to say anymore if you don't want to. It's ok. You're safe."

I bob my head, puffing out a breath. Normally, I would welcome being the center of attention with all eyes on me, but in this case, I feel naked under their glare. I need to change the subject and fast. Mustering a smile, I say, "What's the verdict, Finn? Can I get out of bed today?"

He pulls back my covers and unwraps the bandages from my left leg. The slashes are already healing rapidly with the help of the salve he created and applied. There is no trace of pain and the rawness from last night is subsiding.

Finn pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose as he reapplies more balm and fresh bandages. "You're healing nicely. There is no puss or blood, but I'm afraid, even with my salves, you'll have scars on your ankle and thigh."

"Battle scars," Eris corrects with a wide grin and a smile stretches across my face. Only Eris could make these hideous slashes sound enviable.

"Battle scars," I echo, but I can't shake the feeling that there are more scars to be had in my future.

My mother is going to be livid when she sees my blemished skin, and I can only hope Bastian isn't repulsed by the sight of me.

"Let's see how it feels putting pressure on it." Finn extends his hand to help me up. I plant my feet on the plush carpet and wiggle my toes. With Finn's assistance, I stand up. I expect to wobble or feel like I'm about to tip over, but miraculously, I'm stable. Hand in hand, Finn walks with me around the suite until I'm able to move on my own. I have a slight limp from the dull ache in my leg, but he assures me in a few days, I'll be as good as new, no limp in sight.

"So, she can go tonight?" Eris bites her bottom lip, looking like a small child eager to open a present on their birthday.

"Go where?" I ask in confusion, since we're in the middle of the Nepita River.

"I don't see why not," he replies.

Eris claps her hands and squeaks. "Yes! Shaye, you're going to love it! I'll help you do your hair and make-up."

"Love what? What's going on?"

"The Bavan River Cruises throw the most elegant soireesin the casino," Eris quickly rattles an explanation. "There's amazing food, dancing, gambling, and the best part is getting dressed up."

I sink into my bed and shake my head. "I can't go."

"Why not?" she pouts.

"Because I don't have anything to wear."

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