All the Stars and Teeth(36)
“You owe me money,” she growls at once, arms folding. “If you think I’m helping you again, you’re more of a fool than I thought.”
Liam’s face never falters from its grin. “Your assistance is precisely what he requested, Shanty.”
The girl rolls her eyes. “Of course it is. Then pay up, pirate. You know we don’t work for free.”
Though I’m well aware of the freshly stolen pouch of coins hidden beneath his cloak, Bastian’s face contorts into a convincing grimace. “You know I’d pay you if I could. But I’ve been trying my hand at more honest work, lately. Only taking what I need, you know? I’m afraid keeping my hands clean doesn’t make for too much coin.”
Shanty waves a dismissive hand and turns to go. “Then I’m not interested in what you have to say. Get out of my club.”
“Wait a second—” Bastian reaches out to grab Shanty’s wrist, and all at once there are a dozen barracudas behind her with weapons at the ready—knives, spiked whips, and other rather creative tools I’ve never before seen. I swallow hard and set my hand upon my satchel as their lips twist into vicious sneers that force Bastian to quickly release his grip.
There’s no question as to whether Barracuda Lounge was aptly named. No one sits at the piano or holds the swaying saxophone, but somehow the swanky rhythm knows to quiet as the tension rises.
Shanty turns her focus to me, eyes roaming over my body in a way that forces heat to my cheeks. “The princess may stay, of course. My barracudas and I will assure that she remains safe.”
Though I suspected Liam had already guessed who I am, I falter when Shanty confidently announces my title, as though she recognized me from the moment I stepped into this strange place.
“How’d you know?” I ask, earning a quirk of her brow.
“Please.” She snorts, blond hair shifting to baby-pink waves that she bats over her shoulder. “You may be cooped up on your island, but that doesn’t mean the rest of us are. It’s my business to know faces.”
Something about the way she says that forces shivers down my spine.
“The pirate and I have something to take care of,” I tell her after licking my dry lips, squirming under her scrutiny. “I’m afraid I’m stuck with him for the time being.”
Shanty casts a dramatic sigh toward Bastian. “Fine. Out with it, then. Tell me why I should further help someone who’s already in my debt.”
“Because you’ll be offering your assistance to the future High Animancer of Visidia,” I say for him, ignoring the way my stomach clenches again, cramping up. I set a hand upon it, trying to steady my nerves. “And I have to think that’s a good person to have on your side.”
“Funny, because I heard your performance didn’t quite go as expected.” She cocks a brow.
“By the season’s end, that won’t matter.” I put every ounce of conviction into my words as I can muster. “I’ve a plan to earn my title.”
“But we need your help,” Bastian finishes.
This earns her attention. She pauses, head cocking as a thoughtful grin eats its way across her face. “So you’re saying that the future of Visidia’s throne is up to me?” She licks her lips. “What a position to be in. But you know, it’s interesting. I received a counteroffer to this very same issue a few weeks ago.”
My body numbs as Bastian tenses beside me. “What are you saying?”
“My barracudas and I have quite a bounty on our heads, you know. And we were offered an interesting proposition to help take care of that … assuming we help eradicate Visidia’s monarchy.”
My magic thrums to life, warming my core and stretching into my forearms. I want to sink into its protection, but hesitate.
I heard your performance didn’t quite go as expected.
The memory of Aran’s bloodied, mangled body eats through my brain. Rather than reach for my satchel, I tighten my grip around my dagger’s hilt.
I can’t risk letting my magic loose in a crowd this large. Not until I know for sure I’ll have to fight.
Not until I know that I’ll have to kill.
Bastian mirrors me, moving for his sword. But a girl with soft blue hair presses a dagger to his throat before he can even get the blade out.
“Stars,” he growls. “You women really love these things.”
Ferrick throws his hands in the air as one of the barracudas points a long, thin knife at him. Though he may be able to regenerate, even the most powerful Suntosans can’t mend a fatal wound.
I stiffen expectantly, waiting for a knife to my own throat. But surprisingly, the barracudas leave me alone.
Shanty looks Bastian over and arches a fine pink brow. And then she laughs, a soft but dark sound. “Oh relax, pirate. I’d never accept a deal with Zudoh. Even with Kerost, they don’t have the numbers to take on Visidia. I know a losing battle when I see it.”
“It may be a losing battle now, but Kaven’s influence is spreading.” I don’t sheathe my blade as Shanty’s attention flickers to me. She tilts her head, catlike. “Stores here carry Zudian clothing. I found a necklace possessed with Zudian curse magic, as well—”
“Oh, I bet that was a fun time,” she teases.
I side-eye Bastian, who swallows against the blade on his throat, then say, “Should Kaven win over another island, there’s no saying how bad things might get for Visidia. I need to put an end to his rebellion before it spreads any further.”