“She isn’t flying out. Is something wrong?” Ceto asked.

  “Maybe she just needs to get ready,” Levrith said. “Prepare herself.”

  Chirp climbed down, her leathery wings stretching as her claws moved. In the doorway, she hung upside down. She whistled, looking between them. Then she opened her wings and, with a mighty flap, rose into the air.

  “There she goes!” Ceto cried, pointing as she flew up and up, her shadow disappearing amongst all the others.

  They stood on the balcony, staring at the night sky.

  “She’ll be all right,” Ceto whispered.

  “Aye. She’ll be all right.” Levrith wrapped his arm around Ceto’s shoulders and squeezed.

  “Levrith! Ceto!” a voice called.

  “Who’s that?” Ceto slurred. Not opening his eyes, he nuzzled closer, tightening his arm around Levrith’s waist, his leg slung over Levrith’s. Levrith didn’t want to get up. Didn’t want to leave the delicious tangle of Ceto’s limbs.

  “Levrith! Ceto!” the voice called again.

  Reluctantly, Levrith disentangled himself from Ceto and got to his feet. Yawning, Levrith spared a glance at Ceto’s naked, still-sleeping form before pulling on his drawers and walking out onto the balcony. Below, Ratherin stood, peering up at him.

  “Ratherin? Anything wrong?”

  “Nothing’s wrong, but there’s a naiad here. A messenger from the Naiad’s Revenge. He’s waiting for you at the oval.”

  A clatter sounded behind him. He turned to see Ceto stumbling to his feet, scrambling to pull on his breeches. “The ship!”

  Levrith chuckled at the sight. “We’ll be down in a second.” Levrith quickly dressed. Ceto half jumped, half climbed down the ladder, Levrith following.

  Ceto’s smile was blinding. “Did you see the ship?” Ceto asked Rath.

  “No, just the messenger.” They strode down the path. “Sorry, didn’t get his name. He’s a naiad. Older than you. And green.”

  “They must have sent him first. I can’t wait to tell everyone how much improved I am.” He laughed. “Levrith”—he clapped him on the shoulder—“we’re going back!”

  “Aye,” Levrith said. A sliver of unease coiled through his guts. He spared a glance back at the stilt house where they had lived.

  Had they just had their last night in the house? Was it the last time they’d make love there? Curled up, just the two of them? If only he’d known, he’d have savoured it and appreciated every moment.

  “I can’t wait to see the ship again! And the crew!” Ceto let out a laugh.

  Clearly, Ceto wasn’t mourning the end of their time on the island together.

  “Come on,” Ceto called as he picked up the pace. “Let’s find out who the messenger is.”

  Despite it only being late morning, it seemed like everyone had come to the village oval to meet the messenger. To one side, a long wooden table had been set up, and already there were plates containing rice, roasted vegetables, cooked fish and meat, and sweets. Probably whatever people could scrounge together quickly or had already been preparing for lunch.

  Aneya stood shorter than the humans who surrounded him. His curly green hair hung wild around his naked shoulders. He wore breeches, damp and clinging to his legs. He either would have swum in them or brought them in a bag with him.

  “Aneya,” Ceto called. The crowd parted, making space for them to approach. Ceto grabbed Aneya by the shoulders. “Good to see you.” He beamed.

  “You look much improved. I’m glad. Good to see you, Levrith.”

  “You too,” Levrith replied.

  “When is the ship coming?” Ceto burst out, eyes scanning the horizon.

  “The ship should be here by evening. I swam ahead to tell you.” He tilted his head. “I take it you are well enough to be rejoining us?”

  “Of course,” Ceto said, his voice eager.

  “Wonderful. Captain Tivera and the crew will be thrilled. You’ve been missed. You’ve both been missed.”

  Levrith smiled, but inside he was a mess. Tonight. So soon.

  “We should have a feast tonight,” his mum said. “To welcome your crew when they arrive. And to say goodbye to Ceto and Levrith.” She placed an arm around Levrith’s waist.

  “A feast like this?” Aneya asked.

  “Pfff. This is nothing.” She waved a hand at him. “We’ll do a proper feast. Everyone will help and bring food.”

  “I’m sure the crew would appreciate it,” Aneya said.

  The next few hours were a flurry of movement as they set up. His mum was in her element, cooking and organising people. Levrith, like many of the villagers, followed her instructions. Ceto was off in the sea, catching fish to cook.

  He saw Vil lighting the coals for one of the firepits dug into the ground. Soon, various meats and fish had been set up, grilling over the firepits, the smells of smoke and cooking meats filling the air.

  “Levrith, go round and see if you can scrounge up more chairs and bring them back to the oval,” his mother said after he had collected mangoes to go into a fruit salad.

  Back and forth he walked. This wasn’t how he wanted to spend his last day on the island. He wanted to go for a swim in the river with Ceto. He wanted to sit on the balcony, eyes on the sky, looking for Chirp. He wanted to make love in the room that had been their home these past weeks. Instead, he wasn’t even with Ceto.

  He didn’t think he was ready to leave. He had enjoyed the time with Ceto on his island, showing him his home. Now it would all change, and he didn’t know what it would mean for them.

  Ceto let out a whooping noise. He raised a large, flailing fish in the air, and several children applauded. He handed the fish to a child, who wrapped her arms around it, then ran back to the oval, carrying her bounty.

  Levrith turned away. Perhaps it would be easier if Ceto acknowledged the change or seemed even slightly sad to be leaving. Instead, he seemed thrilled to be going back to the ship, to be putting an end to their time here.

  Levrith set about the next task his mother had given him, tying hammocks between trees, so the crew could sleep on the island if they wished. His fingers moved slowly as he tied the knots, as if going slower could draw out the day and the moment when he would have to leave.

  The children squealed. Levrith looked up; the ship could be seen in the distance, white sails against the sky. The children waved at the ship. Ceto ran forward out into the waves. He sprung, diving into the water, disappearing beneath.

  Ceto hadn’t even glanced in his direction. Hadn’t even said goodbye. Just swum straight to the ship. He shook his head at himself. A ridiculous thought. He’d see Ceto again soon. No doubt Ceto was just keen to see the crew again. Or perhaps inform them about the feast.

  Or maybe he wanted to see the captain again. Levrith stared out at the ship. No. The captain was with Raiya. And things had changed between him and Ceto. Hadn’t they?

  Seran’s beard! Levrith should have spoken to Ceto when he’d had the chance. Told him his feelings and found out what Ceto wanted. At least then he would know where they stood. Levrith moved around in a daze, hanging the hammocks. He kept glancing in the direction of the ship.

  What is Ceto doing right now? Is he talking to the captain?

  Levrith’s stomach was in ruins, and the smell of the sizzling meat and fish made him want to vomit.

  Rowboats from the ship started to make their way to the island, the wooden boats gliding across the ocean. The naiads swam to shore, their bodies emerging on the beach. But he couldn’t see Ceto amongst them.

  “Levrith,” Rowena called out.

  He turned to see Rowena, a smile on her face.

  “Rowena!” He pulled her in for a hug.

  Rowena thumped him on the back. “Did you miss us?”

  “Aye.” He nodded. “It’s good to see you. You must be hungry. Let’s get you some food. Maybe some rum too. They make excellent rum here.”

  She smiled, her gold tooth sparkling in the afternoon light. He led her and several of the crew to the table.

  “This looks amazing!” she said, grabbing a plate and piling food onto it. His other crewmates did the same.

  Levrith kept glancing at the water. Where was Ceto?

  “Are you joining us, Levrith?” Tomas asked.

  “Aye.” He grabbed a plate, but anxiety had ruined his appetite. He put a little bit of fruit on his plate, some grilled fish and rice, and joined them on the logs.

  “Is that all you’re eating?” Rowena laughed. She shovelled a mouthful of food into her mouth. “This is delicious!”

  He chuckled. “I’ve been here weeks. I’ve had more than my fill.”

  She shook her head. “You and Ceto have been living on this island paradise, lazing around, eating like kings every day. Meanwhile, we’ve been working, eating sea biscuits and fish day after day after day.”

  They all laughed.

  Levrith hesitated before asking, “Did you see Ceto on the ship?”

  “Aye,” Tomas said. “The captain wanted to talk to him about something. So he might be a while. You know how the captain is,” he laughed, and Levrith tried to smile.

  From the corner of his eye, he could see Rowena give him a look. “So what did the Naiad’s Revenge get up to whilst we were away?” Levrith said, trying to get Rowena’s attention off him. “Fill me in on everything.”

  He listened with half an ear, nodding along, keeping an eye on the ocean. Why is Ceto spending so long with the captain?

  “—then Raiya left. So the captain has been in a bit of a bad mood. Then we travelled here.”

  His head jerked. Raiya had left? He wanted to ask Tomas to repeat what he’d said. Where had Raiya gone? Were he and the captain through? His breathing sped up. All he knew was that Raiya was gone and right now, Ceto and the captain were together on the ship.

  “To be honest, it’s been dull,” Tomas said. “I’d definitely rather be with you here. Better food. Beautiful beaches.”

  “Better rum!” Rowena lifted her cup.

  Levrith stood. “I’m going to go check if my mum needs any help.”

  He walked away, but he didn’t go find his mother. He needed space. He walked along the beach, passing crew and villagers intermingling. He sat in one of the hammocks on the outskirts of the group.

  Several of his crewmates sat in a group in the oval, drinking and laughing with Vil and some of his friends. He spotted Aneya and Ratherin walking along the beach together. A couple of naiads and humans splashed around in the water.

  But no sign of Ceto. It was their last night on the island, and Ceto wasn’t here. Instead, he was on the ship. With the captain.

  For the past weeks, it had just been him and Ceto, cut off from the world. They’d become lovers, but maybe it wasn’t real. Maybe it had just been a break from reality. From the truth.

  And the truth was, Ceto loved the captain. Had loved him for years. A handful of weeks on an island with Levrith wouldn’t change that.

  No, he was getting ahead of himself. He didn’t know if any of that was true. Maybe Ceto had a reason he’d remained for hours on the ship with the captain when most of the crew had come ashore. If Ceto had wanted to stop everything when they returned to the ship, he’d have said something by now.

  A body emerged from the dark water down the beach. Ceto. Levrith’s heart leapt as he stood. Ceto smiled as he walked, pausing to stop and talk to the villagers and crew. He threw back his head as he laughed at something one of his crewmates said. Then he walked to the table and started to put food on a plate.

  Ceto didn’t even seem to notice Levrith was missing.

  A rowboat moved steadily across the water, approaching the land. Captain Tivera and several crew members disembarked. Ceto, without missing a beat, strode to the captain, and they talked. Ceto’s dimple appeared. Levrith’s heart twisted.

  It was like Ceto’s compass always pointed to the man. And if the captain was there, Levrith was forgotten. And who could blame him? Handsome and striking, Captain Silas Tivera commanded respect and admiration. How could Levrith ever compare?

  He hadn’t thought like this in ages, but seeing the crew and ship, seeing the captain and Ceto together, brought all the doubts and fears back. Is this what it will be like back on the ship?

  He didn’t know if he could handle it. Levrith turned his back on the gathering. He couldn’t be around people right now. He walked away from the bonfire, the villagers, and the crew. From Ceto. He needed to be alone.

  Chapter

  Twenty-One

  “Take it easy today, Ceto,” Captain Tivera said. “That’s an order. We only just got you back. Don’t want you taking another leave of absence because you overexerted yourself.”

  They stood on the beach, side by side, watching the rowboats being packed with supplies that they had bought and traded from the island. The pirates of the Naiad’s Revenge had spent the night feasting and drinking with the villagers. At some point, most had fallen asleep in hammocks, or found a spot on the beach or on a patch of grass. But as dawn broke, it was time to rise and get back to work.

  “I’ll keep that in mind, Captain,” Ceto replied. He held his tongue. He was more than capable. He’d rested. He’d healed. He was ready and eager to get back to work. To take his place as first mate.

  The previous evening, Ceto had climbed the rope ladder onto the ship, bursting with joy to see the crew again. He hadn’t been away from the ship for this long since he’d joined years ago. He’d been in the middle of greeting everyone when the captain had walked up, a half-smile on his face.

  “Welcome back,” he said.

  Of course, he was as handsome and striking as ever. But for the first time, Ceto felt entirely unaffected. Of course, he was glad to see Silas. They were friends. But it felt so different from before. Like all the want and desire he’d felt for the captain had disappeared.

  He’d been nervous to see Silas again. But Ceto felt at ease, unembarrassed, and no longer filled with the sting of the man’s rejection. He smiled. A genuine smile. Apparently, he was over Silas. And he had Levrith to thank for that.

  “Come, we should talk,” the captain said. He turned, long legs striding across the deck of the ship. Ceto followed.

  “Are you feeling well?” Silas asked.

  “As good as ever, Captain. Tip-top.” He wanted to be put to work. To feel useful again. To be part of the crew. “I’m ready to resume my duties as first mate and battle master.” He paused. “Well, not as naiad battle master. That’s Raiya now.”

  Silas nodded. “Aye. He’s not here at the moment. He left us three nights ago to go to Naiad Island, make sure there is no sign of the Order. He should return in the next few days.”

  Ceto was taken aback at how little it hurt to hear Raiya’s name on Silas’s lips. And how little the idea of Raiya as battle master bothered him. In fact, he saw now that it was an excellent idea. Raiya was a skilled fighter. Skilled in battle. He’d proved that at the Battle of Naiad Island. He’d even been excellent at strategizing and training the naiads. He would be great in the role of naiad battle master.

  And truly, being both the first mate and battle master had been too much for Ceto. He’d barely had time, what with all his duties as first mate. Strange how clearly he understood that now that jealousy no longer fogged his vision.

  “He is a good choice for the naiad battle master.”

  Silas stared at him, and the corner of his lip pulled up into a smile. “I’m glad you approve the decision. I was concerned you might feel that I didn’t appreciate the work you do. You’re an excellent first mate. The ship runs far less smoothly without you. I’m glad to have my right-hand man, or naiad, back.”

  “Thanks, Captain.” Ceto followed him below deck to the door of the infirmary.

  “Still, Everett has been instructed to examine you thoroughly. I expect you to cooperate.”

  Ceto frowned.

  “Just a precaution,” Silas said.

  Whilst most of the crew took rowboats or swam to Lilliana, Ceto sat in the infirmary on the wooden pallet. Everett prodded and poked at him, looking over every inch of his body. Afterwards, Ceto had to run laps around the deck, climb the riggings, even swim around the ship, all under the watchful eyes of Everett and Silas.

  “He looks well,” Everett nodded. He pushed his thin-rimmed glasses up his nose. “Seems to be completely recovered.”

  “Hear that, Ceto? The doctor has approved your return to duties.”

  “Thanks, Captain.” He couldn’t even be annoyed. He was too happy to be back!

  Because of the examination, he arrived late to the feast. He couldn’t wait to catch up with his crewmates and spend the remaining time he had with the people from the village.

  He looked around, trying to find Levrith and share his good mood, but he couldn’t spot him anywhere. No doubt he was saying goodbye to his friends and family. But that was fine; they’d have all the time together on the ship.

  He wondered if he could convince Levrith to share his room with him. He smiled at the thought of him and Levrith squished together in his bed. Perhaps he needed to look into getting a bigger one. It would make the room even tighter, but Levrith was worth it.

  He stood back, smiling at the mixture of people and naiads. His chest felt light. He’d been nervous about what he and Levrith were to each other. But as he was surrounded by his friends, preparing to set sail on the morrow, his mood was too good to worry.

  Ceto didn’t know exactly what he and Levrith had. He didn’t know what their future held. But he knew he loved Levrith, and he trusted that it would work out between them.

  He spotted Veratha watching him, a sad smile on her face. She stepped forward. “You’re looking forward to leaving?”

  “You’ve all been so wonderful, and I love this island. But I can’t wait to be sailing again.”

  “We’ve loved having you here.” She wiped at her eyes. She reached out and grabbed his arms, squeezing lightly. “You have to promise to come back.”

  “I promise. Nothing could keep me away. Thanks for everything,” he said, throat tight as she pulled him in for a hug.