Page 20 of A Descent Into Darkness

“Well, I’ll be damned. That speck of an island is little better than this realm.”

“Anything is better than here. Plus, I have unfinished business there,” I admitted.

“Ah, yes. Your vendetta.”

“Thanks to you,” I growled, “I’ve been denied what is owed for far too long.”

“Vengeance is a dish best served cold, and with a glass of rum,” Teach chuckled, shooting back another shot. “But mark me, once we get to Mag Mell and get the answers I need, I’ll deliver Neverland to you on a silver platter.”

“Tell me more. You want me to have your back? Then tell me about this ruby you’re looking for?”

“The Heart of the Divine. I’ve been searching for it for centuries. Thanks to Katherine’s visions, I finally know where to look.”

“What’s so special about it?”

“Truth is, I’ve been exiled to this realm,” he started, and for the first time since I met him, he revealed a bit of his past. “I’m bound by magic to remain here for the rest of my preternatural life. But the ruby could change all of that. It will get me out of this hell.”

“You still haven’t answered my question. What is it?”

“It’s a gemstone, but not just any gemstone. The ruby is ancient. Many believe it to be nothing more than a myth. Legend claims that it contains star dust from the first realm, placed there by the hand of the Divine. The power it contains… well let’s just say that whoever possesses the ruby will have the entire cosmos in their hand.”

“And this Manann, you expect him to simply tell you where it is?”

“Awe, James, you disappoint me. I know you’re more cunning than that. I have a plan. I always have a plan.”

We sailed out at dawn the second day. Teach had been eager, almost manic, as he orchestrated the preparations for the voyage. He’d been an insufferable fuck. Worst of all, I hadn’t had a single moment alone with Kat since we returned from Castlebar. When Teach wasn’t on deck, ensuring his orders were being followed to the letter, he was in his cabin with Kat. I’d seen the relief in her eyes when I’d returned. I wanted to wrap her in my arms, tell her everything that had happened, but the best I’d managed was a grazing touch, my hand brushed hers as Ipassed by. I lingered just long enough to watch her green eyes disappear behind his door.

I’d upended my room when her throaty moans drifted down the hallway. I tried to remind myself that she had to put on a show for him. That this was all against her will, but the thought didn’t give me any comfort. The idea of his hands on her, when she was supposed to be mine was almost more than I could bear. I let my rage grow as I paced the small space while the demon inside me stirred, reminding me that there was one person responsible for everything—Pan. It wasn’t rational, but Pan was a familiar outlet for all the problems in my life. It was the path of least resistance since I couldn’t take it out on Teach. As much as I wanted to gut him with my dagger for everything he’d done to Kat, I still needed him. I dropped my head in my hands. I felt sick, trapped, useless. Once my room was completely destroyed, I made my way to the bow to let the chilled ocean breeze cool my burning rage.

When my eyespopped open the next morning, they landed on a pair of well-oiled boots. Teach’s imposing figure stood over me, gazing out at a horizon that was completely obscured by the thick mist that hadn’t eased since the moment we’d set sail.

“Mornin’. Great day to travel to the Otherworld, don’t you think?” Teach sounded unusually chipper. I grumbled asI got to my feet. Trying my best to ignore the memory of Kat’s moans that echoed in my head.

“How do you plan to keep the rest of the crew in the dark about all this? Or does it no longer matter?” I asked in a desperate effort to distract my mind from thoughts of him and Kat together.

“Pirates are a superstitious lot. Most of them already believe in the fae. Their stories will be seen as nothing more than embellished ramblings of drunken men,” he answered, brushing off my concerns. “James,” he started, clearing his throat.

“I don’t think I ever thanked you properly,” he paused, his gaze never leaving the obscured horizon. “For Katherine, I mean. She’s been beyond valuable, and I would have overlooked her as nothing more than a lowly human. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here now. She pulls at my heart in ways no woman has. Not to mention her pussy is just as sweet,” he chuckled, and I felt my jaw clench as jealousy bubbled up in my chest.“But she’s more than just a sweet piece of ass. She’s the key, James.”

“Key?” The simple word came out like a feral growl as I tried to hold my temper in check.

“The key to the ruby. The key to Manann.”

“I’m sorry, Captain. I can’t say that I follow?”

“Your race is evolving. Going through what’s called thetribulationlike every race before them. It’s a painful rite of passage. Magic is growing, and some are born with more than others. Kat has been born with a particularly usefulform of magic. Once she’s touched you, not only can she peer into your future. She can see your secrets.”

“Secrets? You mean she has more than just the sight?” My mind whirled with the idea. Kat had never explained her powers to me. But to be honest, I don’t think I’d ever asked. It had always been a sore spot between the two of us. I knew she kept things from me, and I’d never gotten over it. But his words were like a hot knife of betrayal, sinking into my gut. She’d confided in Teach, and not me.

“Aye, one touch and she’ll know,” he continued. “That’s why I need you to get her ready. She’ll be coming with us to meet Manann. There’s a dress I’ve been saving. One of the few things I still have from my life across the veil. It’s from the First Realm and fit for a fae queen. I want Kat to wear it. If we’re to make an impression, she’ll have to be perfect. Go into my cabin and fetch it for her from the wardrobe. Make sure that she’s put together.”

“Aye, Captain.”

“Oh, and James, make sure she knows to keep that sharp tongue of hers in check.” He raised his brows as if to insinuate that if she ruined this mission, he’d take it out of her hide.

“The woman has a mind of her own, but I’ll see what I can manage.”

“She’ll listen to you. She sees you like a brother after all these years.”

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