Every person aboard my ship is bundling up in blankets and wrapping their bodies around their few belongings on the ship. There's a lot of people looking to escape Alastair and Parmenia, including a few partners and children of Captain Bradley's crew. People are camping up on the deck anywhere they can find space.
I make my original crew bring their cots up to the captain's quarters. I won't let any of them out of my sight again. I don't care that our arrangement is squishy and awkward. We've been through too much and I refuse to lose them. Besides, it makes more space for our extra passengers below deck.
Everyone has been hugging and hogging Daegan and Lorcan, asking questions about how they're alive, so I haven't had a chance to talk to either of them yet. I watch Lorcan get pulled away by Hadrien, and Daegan swarmed by hugs. It gives me a chance to meet Captain Bradley's family while I wait for my turn to speak with them.
"Evening," I greet them as I come near. Captain Bradley is talking to a young man who I presume is his son, simply based on his large stature. A beautiful woman with deep skin and shiny, braided hair stands to approach me with a large grin.
"You must be Captain Echo," she says, smiling.
"Aye. Are you Yoli?" I put my hand out so she can shake it. Most land dwellers like to keep their distance from dirty pirates, so I don't expect her to take it.
"Thank you for taking care of my family," she says with tears in her eyes. She pulls me into a tight hug and squishes me against her round belly.
I return her hug, holding her close. She smells like flowers.
"Careful," Captain Bradley puts a hand on my shoulder, pulling apart our embrace.
"Oh she isn't hurting me any," Yoli says to her husband, hearts in her eyes.
"You said she was beautiful but I didn't expect someone this stunning!" I say, eyeing her up and down. "Who knew Captain Bradley could get himself such a woman?"
Captain Bradley only glares, but Yoli giggles and holds his arm happily.
"This is my son, Bradley Junior," the captain says.
"Pleased to meet you," I hold my hand out and he shakes it, looking nervous. It's been a helluva day and an even more hellish life, so I don't blame him for being hesitant towards strangers. "Daegan and Fenix moved out of their room downstairs," I say, turning to his dad. "If you'd like to claim the empty space for your family, do so quickly."
"Thank you," Captain Bradley nods, his arms still around his wife. "Daegan is looking for you," he says, his eyes gesturing behind me.
I turn to see Daegan waiting for me, a nervous smile on his face as he pushes his black wavy hair out of his eyes. I walk over to him quickly. When he's close, he wraps his strong arms around me so tight I can't pull in a full breath. I don't mind. He can squeeze all the air out of me in this moment. I'm just happy to have him back.
"How are you alive?" I ask, my words muffled in our hug. He smells like the woods and I press into his chest, wishing I could escape the smell of fire buried in my nose.
"One of Alastair's goons pulled me out of the tavern right before the bombs went off. He must have planned to use me as a hostage from the beginning." Daegan's voice is thick and sad.
I smooth his hair down with my fingers, trembling at the recent memories of the horrific event.
"He didn't hurt you?" I pull back, scanning his body.
"He didn't hurt me," Daegan confirms, pulling me back into him.
I hold him in silence, just breathing him in and telling myself, he's safe. Daegan is alive and safe. I feel like this is a dream. I was so sure I had lost him.
YOU ARE READING
Evocation
Adventure"I promised myself the next time I saw you, I was claiming you. Your mouth-" he gazes at my lips while biting his own. "-your body.." he squeezes at my hips. His hands trail up and he wraps his thick fingers in my hair, pulling softly. "Watching you...
