“It’s naught,” Nightglass says and waves a hand in dismissal. He seems to be unharmed, and I am so relieved that he’ll be able to return to his wife and to Lark without so much as a scratch.
Looking around, there’s no sign of the young pirate, but I didn’t expect him to be here. They might include him in most activities, but this would’ve been far too dangerous for him. Although I’m glad he is not here, I cannot wait to see him again, to thank him personally for his kindness.
“We owed you,” Match adds, “big time. You risked your life for us.”
“Aye,” the cook agrees, and I can’t help but smile.
Suddenly, shouting erupts from afar. My gaze drifts past him, toward the edge of the market. More red coats are spilling out from the stalls now, pushing past overturned crates and scattered goods as they force their way toward the pier. They all have their muskets raised, ready to shoot. Only this time, there are way more of them. And they look angry.
“Alright,” Sable says, his voice filled with authority. “Get aboard. Make her ready.”
The change is immediate.
The circle breaks apart as they turn at once, boots striking the planks as each of them moves toward the Noctis. They begin to pull ropes free and loosen the sails, readying the ship for departure.
Sable watches them until the last of them disappears up the plank, before he turns back to me. He lowers himself to his knees right beside me, then tightens his hands around my tail carefully. This time he does not pause as he lowers me toward the impatient sea. Cold water closes over my fin first, then my tail, and finally, he lets me go. And the sea takes me.
The tension I have carried in my body my whole life unwinds at once as the salt seeps into my split skin. All the aches and dryness dissolve as my strength returns to me, more potent than ever before.
My tail moves without me consciously commanding it. The motion begins low in my spine and flows downward in one sweep, a movement that feels both new and instinctive. Water parts around me, sliding across the curved length of my tail without resistance. Welcoming me.
Above me, Sable kneels at the edge of the pier, his gaze fixed on me without wavering.
“Are you alright?” he asks, a deep frown line settling between his eyes.
I turn slightly, letting my tail carry me closer to the surface as I look up at him.
“I think so,” I say.
“No,” I correct myself, unable to stop the smile spreading across my face. “I am way more than alright.”
Relief and pride flash across his gaze before he rises to his feet.
“Well then,” he gestures towards the open sea. “Follow the ship, little siren. We are sailing home.”
Home.
I nod, suddenly excited, and we exchange one more look before he turns and walks towards the Noctis.
“One more thing,” he says.
I tilt my head slightly, waiting for him to continue.
“I was right.”
I frown at him playfully. “Right about what?”
His mouth curves into a smirk. I know by now that this smirk means he is up to no good, and usually ends up making me blush.
“Your tail,” he says. “It is beautiful.”
I open my mouth in confusion, the heat rushing into my cheeks as if commanded. When did he ever say that to me—
Then I remember. His shadow told me many weeks ago.
I bet your tail would’ve been beautiful.
Sable winks, then boards the ship last.