“How did you find the ritual?” Levrith asked Ceto. They had moved further out into the water, taking a short dip.

  “This one felt very different to the healing ones.”

  “Different. How different?” He’d never felt anything different between the rituals.

  “Well, with the healing rituals, it felt more like water flowing through me, searching and spreading, leaving me feeling cleansed and refreshed. But tonight, it felt more like the water flowed around, circling us, making me feel protected.” Ceto frowned. “Don’t you feel it?”

  Levrith shook his head. “Never.”

  “Oh.” He paused. He frowned. “Your grandma said that the rituals work more strongly with me because I’m a naiad. Maybe that has something to do with why I feel it.”

  Levrith glanced at his grandma. She sat on a log by the bonfire, watching the others, leaning on her cane that stood between her feet.

  “It’s strange; before coming here, I was afraid of human magic,” Ceto said. “As far as I knew, only the Order did magic. But I’ve learned a lot from your grandma about her type of magic as well as other types that aren’t bad.”

  “My grandma does magic?”

  Ceto burst out laughing. “You didn’t know? What did you think she did?”

  “Healing. Rituals.”

  “Which is magic.”

  Levrith’s brows drew down. No wonder it had seemed so different from how Everett doctored on the Naiad’s Revenge.

  “She explained it to me,” Ceto said. “She said it was different from the type the Order uses. She called that evil magic. Dark magic. Not balanced or natural.”

  “I guess that makes sense,” Levrith murmured, although it didn’t really to him.

  Ceto splashed water in Levrith’s direction. “Now come on. I can smell the fried fish in the air. It’s making my mouth water.”

  The family ate soup, as well as rice and fried fish. And of course, there was dessert afterwards. Ceto didn’t take any, but Levrith put together two plates of the dessert, made of sticky rice, purple yams, and sweetened milk. Levrith took the plates and sat beside his grandmother on the log.

  “Here, Grandma. It’s your favourite.”

  “Ah! Thank you,” she said, taking the plate from him. She tucked in immediately. For several moments, they ate their food in silence, too busy eating the food to speak.

  Levrith placed his empty plate on the sand in front of the log. “Chirp is looking better now. She is even flying, or is flying as much as she can in the cage.”

  She finished chewing, resting the now empty plate and fork on her lap. “I’ll come by tomorrow. Have a look at her. Maybe she will be ready to be released.”

  Levrith nodded.

  “And you should know, I have started making you a water cloth.” His grandma took hold of his arm.

  “A what?”

  “A water cloth. I started it when you arrived with Ceto.” The corner of her mouth quirked up in a smile. “I saw the way you looked at him.” She leaned towards him. “And I see the way he looks at you,” she whispered conspiratorially. “These old eyes see everything. But no need to worry. I won’t tell anyone.”

  He felt his cheeks heating. “What’s a water cloth?”

  “You young people don’t know anything.” She smacked him playfully on the arm. “When someone from our village marries a naiad, they marry at the water temple. Always at the water temple.” She emphasised each word. “That way, Seroth and Seran can bless the union. You need their blessings to marry one of the children of the sea.”

  She paused. “I know he is a river naiad, but the god and goddess of the sea will have to do. I never learned if the river goddess had any connection to river naiads. Anyway, the water cloth must be stitched by hand. Then blessed during a water ritual, which I can perform. Then you both stand on the water cloth when you are married.”

  “I… Why have I never heard of any of this? Of water cloths? Of people from our village marrying naiads?”

  She sighed. “People forget so quickly. And it has been so long since it happened. The last time, I was but a little girl. A man from the village, a fisherman, married a naiad. But I was taught the rituals, and I remember.” She patted his arm. “So don’t worry. I’ll let you know what to do when the time comes. And I will make you each an earring to wear so everyone will know you belong to each other.”

  “But…” Levrith had never thought of marriage. He’d never thought that far ahead. He just wanted Ceto to want to be with him beyond the island. “I don’t know what he—”

  “Don’t worry.” She pulled her hand away from his arm. “No need to rush. I just wanted you to know everything will be ready. And you can ask me if you have questions. Now I’m going to get some more dessert before the children eat it all.” She stood and walked off.

  Levrith’s head buzzed. Ceto stood by the water’s edge, holding hands with Rela and Verin. They chased the receding waves out. Then they ran back to shore as the waves chased them, laughing and yelling as the frothy water caught them, swirling around their ankles and calves.

  He’d never considered marriage to Ceto. He hadn’t known it was possible. But, as he thought about it, something deep inside yearned for it. He shook his head. It was too much right now, when everything was still uncertain between them.

  Chapter

  Nineteen

  “Anything wrong?” Ceto asked.

  Stomach full from the meal on the beach with Levrith’s family, Ceto walked alongside Levrith, their arms brushing as they strolled back to their house. The clouds had descended during the bonfire, and a light rain fell, a respite from the heat.

  “Why would anything be wrong?” Levrith said.

  “You’re just quieter than usual.”

  “Just thinking.” Levrith’s warm hand slid into his, squeezing gently.

  The stilt house appeared in the distance.

  “Do you feel like taking a detour?” Levrith asked. “There’s something I think you might like to see. It’s just a little further along the river.”

  “Why not?”

  They continued past the house, along the well-trodden path that ran alongside the river. Ceto wanted to point out that he’d been this way before, on foot and swimming along the river. But something in Levrith’s demeanour stopped him from speaking.

  They continued in silence, walking hand in hand, no sounds but the breeze and drizzle of rain. They walked until they were out of sight from all the stilt houses.

  “What’s that?” Ceto asked.

  Up ahead, a large tree hung over the river. He’d seen the tree during the day, its weeping leaves almost brushing the water. But tonight, little lights flickered, moving amongst the leaves and branches.

  “It’s the firefly tree. During mating season, the fireflies come here, trying to find a mate.”

  “It’s beautiful.”

  The rain came down a little harder.

  “The fireflies don’t seem to mind the rain.” Ceto laughed.

  Levrith shivered. “Can’t say the same for me.”

  “Poor, soft human,” he teased.

  “Oy. We can’t all have a naiad’s ability to handle the cold.”

  “Should we head back? Get you out of the rain. I can warm you up.” He leaned against Levrith.

  Levrith took a deep breath. “Ceto, I wanted to ask—”

  “Can you feel that?” Ceto perked up, looking at the dark, cloudy sky.

  “What?”

  “The rain.”

  “What about the rain?”

  “It’s building.” Ceto could feel the energy pulsing through his veins. The crackle in the air. He breathed in deeply, smelling the ozone. “A storm.”

  “Are you sure?” Levrith squinted at the sky. He lifted his hand, the rain sprinkling onto his palm. “What are you talking about? It’s just a little rain.”

  A flash of lightning lit the sky. A clap of thunder reverberated overhead as the air seemed to shake.

  Levrith jumped. “Bugger me!” Levrith yelled.

  The sky opened. Rain poured down, pounding against his skin.

  Ceto opened his arms, welcoming the storm. “See, I told you!” Laughter burst from his mouth. “Never doubt a naiad’s ability to predict the weather!”

  He tilted his head back. He opened his mouth, and water filled it. The rain drenched his clothes, until the water penetrated every nook and crevice of his body, until his body dripped with rain. But it wasn’t enough. He needed to feel the droplets on his skin. It was like swimming. It felt wrong to be clothed. He grabbed for the hem of his shirt, tore it off, and cast it aside.

  “What are you doing?” Levrith yelled, but Ceto could hear the laughter in his voice.

  “It’s a storm!” Ceto cried out. He unbuttoned his breeches, shoving them to the ground. Levrith watched him like he was mad.

  “Take off your clothes, Levrith!” he commanded. He lifted his naked arms to the sky, the water streaming down his body. He twirled in a circle.

  “What—”

  “Feel the rain on your skin!”

  For a second, Levrith seemed to hesitate, then he pulled his shirt off and dropped it. He then removed his breeches and drawers, pushing them down. The rain slithered along the contours of his body, along his hairy chest and stomach, travelling to his cock, which had started to perk up.

  Ceto smiled. “Now come swim with me.” He held his hand out as he stepped towards the river.

  “What about our clothes?”

  “Who cares!” Nothing mattered but them and the raging storm.

  “I ah… I can’t see so well,” Levrith said.

  Ceto stepped towards him and grabbed his hand. “Don’t worry, I’ll look after you. I promise not to let you drown.” He pulled Levrith down for a fierce, hungry kiss, tasting the rain on his lips. “Now come on.” He tugged on Levrith’s hand, making sure their path to the river didn’t contain anything he might trip over.

  They entered the water and walked to the middle until it came up to Ceto’s chest. It flowed with greater force and strength than usual, fuelled by the rain that gushed into it. A flash of golden lighting illuminated the river. A crash of roaring thunder followed swiftly. The air and earth vibrated.

  Ceto laughed, tilting his head back. “Can you feel it?” His arms slid around Levrith’s waist. He was one with Levrith. One with the storm and the river. It was too much for Ceto. Too much energy lighting him up from within.

  He looked at Levrith, laughing and unable to stop. He pulled Levrith down to him. Rain-soaked lips slid together as their naked, wet bodies pressed against each other. He groaned into the kiss, fingers digging into Levrith’s hair.

  The river continued to pick up strength, and Levrith stumbled, losing his footing. He slipped beneath the water, but Ceto held firm. He dug his feet into the riverbed, leaning back and hauling Levrith to his feet.

  Levrith gasped. “I thought you said you wouldn’t let me drown,” he said, laughing.

  “I didn’t! I got you back on your feet,” Ceto laughed. He pulled Levrith against him and drew him down for another kiss. “And you’re such a strong swimmer.” He fused their lips together again. He didn’t doubt for a second that even if Levrith had gotten swept away, he could have easily gotten to the riverbank.

  Still, the strength of the river was making it increasingly difficult to continue kissing. He pulled away, tugging on Levrith’s hand, leading him out of the water, to the soaked grass of the riverbank.

  “Good enough,” Ceto said.

  “What did you s—”

  But before Levrith could finish his sentence, Ceto pounced on him, wrapping his slender legs around Levrith’s waist and pressing their lips together. Levrith stumbled under his weight before righting himself, opening his mouth, and returning the kiss.

  Levrith lowered Ceto to the ground, pressing him into the grass with his naked, wet body. His thick cock pressed against Ceto’s stomach. Ceto moaned as Levrith’s body settled on top of him, his leg slotting between Ceto’s thighs, pressing against his aching member.

  Ceto’s hands squeezed Levrith’s meaty arse, pulling him forward, creating delicious friction against his trapped cock. They ignored the thunder and lightning as they rubbed and thrust against the other, their groans and cries lost in the rain and wind.

  Ceto rolled on top. He wriggled down Levrith’s body until their cocks aligned. He wrapped his hand around both their cocks, jerking them off together, hard and fast.

  Ceto gasped at the feel of their cocks sliding together. Levrith threw back his head, exposing the thick column of his throat. Ceto leaned forward, biting and sucking at his Adam’s apple. Levrith’s hands grasped at Ceto’s thighs, fingers digging into flesh, pulling them closer together.

  This was the way sex should be. Exposed to the elements. In sync with the storm raging around them. The river pulsing only a metre away. Their bodies twined together, their pleasure building in unison. It felt so raw. He never wanted it to end.

  But already he could feel his orgasm approaching, cresting in waves through his body. He continued to move his hand, stroking them, their cocks sliding and bumping against each other. His body tightened, and his toes curled. He rested his forehead against Levrith’s chest. He felt each beat of Levrith’s heart. Each moan reverberated through his body like thunder.

  Levrith’s hands tightened on his arse. He shouted, cock pulsing in Ceto’s hand, spurting hot cum across their cocks and stomachs.

  Hunched over, hand still stroking, Ceto gasped each breath against the hair on Levrith’s chest. His balls pulled up. Seed shot from his cock, joining Levrith’s on their bodies.

  Ceto pulled his hand from between them, then dropped, exhausted, onto Levrith. Levrith wrapped his arms around him, pulling him against him. The rain continued to beat steadily down on them. They lay together in the grass, the mud, rain, semen, and sweat mixing between them. Still, neither moved. They just lay together.

  Ceto closed his eyes, listening as the gaps between lightning and thunder grew longer. Until the rain became a trickle. Levrith’s hand moved against his back, drawing circles on his damp, muddy skin.

  He sighed. The moment was perfect.

  “I love you,” he whispered against Levrith’s skin. He opened his eyes in shock, but Levrith continued to stroke his back, breathing deeply. He hadn’t heard.

  The words had been impromptu, as if pulled from deep within him, from a part of himself he hadn’t known was there. But it was true, he realised in shock. He loved Levrith. In a way beyond friendship. Beyond sex. He loved him. He sat up, legs straddling Levrith’s waist.

  “Let’s go back,” Ceto said.

  Levrith smiled, a contented smile. He was covered in bits of grass and mud. His hair was a tangled mess. Ceto’s heart twisted.

  I love him.

  They got to their feet, and Ceto found their discarded clothes in the darkness. Ceto took his hand, and they strolled in the direction of the house.

  Ceto felt light-headed. Overwhelmed by his sudden realisation. Ceto wanted to tell Levrith. Wanted to tell him that he loved him. That he didn’t just want friendship and fucking. He wanted to go to sleep holding him. Wake up next to him every single day. He wanted Levrith to be truly his. Wanted to be Levrith’s. And he wanted everyone to know.

  But what if Levrith didn’t feel the same? He knew Levrith cared for him. But he still remembered what had happened the last time he’d told someone his feelings. He remembered the sting and humiliation when Silas had rejected him.

  What if Levrith did the same? But surely he must feel something for Ceto? That was why he’d gotten so jealous and possessive with Rath. That meant something. Didn’t it? He thought it did. But all he could see in his mind was Silas, pushing him away. The idea that Levrith could do the same smothered the hope in his chest.

  He squeezed Levrith’s hand. Levrith squeezed back.

  Perhaps Levrith just wanted to experience sex. He’d been a virgin before Ceto. Maybe he just wanted to know what sex was like. Ceto moved closer so their arms brushed together as they walked, trying to calm himself.

  And even if Levrith felt like he wanted more, he was so inexperienced. Levrith might think he loved Ceto, but what if he was just confusing lust with love? And then when he realised the truth, it would end messily. Their friendship, everything would be in tatters.

  No. He’d keep quiet for now. Better to keep everything as it was. Better that than to face Levrith’s rejection. He didn’t think his heart could handle that.

  Chapter

  Twenty

  “Are you sure she’s ready?” Ceto asked.

  “I don’t know, but Grandma said she is.” Levrith’s stomach churned. He understood how Ceto felt. He didn’t want to let Chirp go either, but she could fly now, and the cage wasn’t big enough for her. She needed to spread her wings.

  He looked up at the night sky. Small black shadows streaked across it. Bats’ screeches pierced the air.

  “There are others.” Levrith nodded at the sky. “Maybe she’ll find a bat friend. Or a family.”

  “Or a mate,” Ceto said.

  “Aye.” Neither moved to open the cage.

  “I guess we better just do it.” Ceto took a deep breath and stepped forward, opening the cage door. “Hey, Chirp.” He reached in and patted Chirp’s head. She squeaked, leaning into the pat. “It’s time for you to leave the cage. Take flight. You have the whole island to explore now,” he said, voice sounding strained. “I know it might be scary, but I know you can do it. And maybe you’ll make some friends. A companion. Someone who’s always there for you. Then you’ll see it’s not so scary.”

  With a little rope that usually was used to keep the cage closed, Ceto tied the cage door open. He stepped back, giving her space.

  She tilted her head, beady eyes watching the two of them.