All the Stars and Teeth(55)

Bastian’s hand flies to the pommel of his sword. “Say that again.”

Ferrick laughs. It’s a dark sound, unnatural for him. “We’re useless without these girls. Vataea’s magic saved us. You don’t get to call her defective after she’s been made a prisoner for gods knows how long. Apologize.”

Vataea looks at Ferrick as if seeing him for the first time. I understand, because it’s the same for me. I’ve never seen him so riled up.

Bastian has no immediate response. The tense muscles of his arms flex as he loosens his grip on his pommel but doesn’t release it. He won’t draw his blade; I can tell by the way he holds himself. Back in Vice he stood like a coiled snake, ready to spring with a moment’s notice. Now, his body is awkward, looking for something to do. He opens his mouth to speak, clamps it shut, then furrows his brows and tries again.

“I’m sorry I called you defective.” The words are tight in his throat. “I didn’t mean it. I’m just stressed; we can’t afford to make a mistake right now. We need someone who can sense Zudian magic. If we try to charge ahead only to discover you’re unable to do the job we need done, the three of us are as good as dead.”

“My connection to the sea may be weak, but that doesn’t make me weak,” Vataea says. For the most part her features are relaxed and unbothered, but I think back to the blood on her lips and wonder how long this girl can hold a grudge. “I’m able to sense your silly curses, pirate. In fact, I can sense one right now.” She lifts her chin, and Bastian practically withers beneath her glare. His fists clench tight at his sides.

“There’s a curse nearby?” I ask. Vataea dips her attention to me with a vicious grin.

“Yes, but it won’t affect us.” She turns back to Bastian. “I could have left, you know. I could’ve kept my fins and continued swimming. But I struck a deal with you, and mermaids are honorable. We pay our debts and keep our deals. That is, unless you no longer want my help?”

Bastian draws in his bottom lip and bites down on it with a sigh.

“Ferrick’s right,” he admits. “I have no magic, but the three of you do. It was foolish of me to imply that you were somehow weak when you’re the one we all need the most. I’ve no intention of backing out of our deal, Vataea.”

I let the apology sit for a moment, digesting it. Vataea needs far less time. Her lips curl into a coy smirk.

“Then I’ll stay. Though rest assured, it’s not for you.” Only when her eyes catch Ferrick’s do they brighten. She places a hand on his chest. “Though you don’t seem quite so bad. Perhaps you’ll be spared.”

“What do you mean by that?” Ferrick asks, a tinge of worry in his voice.

“I’ve a collection of men who I intend to repay for how generous they were to me.” Vataea’s smile gleams wicked. “Dismemberment for anyone who ever tried to touch me. The tongue flayed from those with wicked mouths. And the hearts eaten from any man who’s ever told me to smile.”

Ferrick goes deathly still. The only noise on the ship is that of the fluttering sails, and the lapping of the waves that grow fiercer as we shift our direction to the southeast. After what feels like one incredibly long and awkward moment, Ferrick gently takes hold of Vataea’s hand and eases it away from him. “I’m flattered, but I’m afraid I’m already spoken for. Or so I thought.”

The words grind into me like a rusted knife. That’s not fair; I never asked to be engaged to Ferrick.

“It was only a kiss,” I say. “The two of you were going to drown if I didn’t do something. That was the only way to pull you both from the trance.”

“It was the quickest way,” Vataea corrects me.

“Only a kiss.” Ferrick’s face twists as he sneers. “Right. When you kissed both of us, it was only a kiss. We’re engaged, Amora! I didn’t ask for this, either. But by the gods, the least you can do is try to act like I don’t physically repulse you.”

I draw a step back.

“I used to think you were too good for me,” Ferrick whispers, shaking his head. “But you’re the most naive, materialistic person I’ve ever known. You think you’re so clever. Born to be the greatest animancer there ever was, or whatever. But maybe you’re not what the kingdom needs at all, and perhaps you never will be. Get over yourself.”

My chest constricts, though I’ve no idea whether it’s from anger or hurt. Who does he think he is? He doesn’t know the truth—that I’m the only one. That without me convincing my people to grant me another chance, Visidia will eventually fall.

Aunt Kalea can’t accept soul magic. It will kill her. And then what? Who else is there to take on the Montara magic, and keep the beast within us at bay? Father won’t live forever, and someone needs to be ready to take his place.

“We did what had to be done, end of story.” Bastian steps between Ferrick and me. “If you want to throw yourself a pity party, do it somewhere else. We’ve more important things to take care of.”

“No, you have more important things to take care of.” Ferrick closes the space between himself and the pirate. “The only reason I came here is to help Amora, my fiancée. But if you want to take that task over then be my—”