“You understand what that sorcerer did to him?” Levrith asked.

  Levrith’s grandma leaned on her cane. “There is power flowing all around us. Energy and power. Through the trees, rivers, ocean, plants, and mountains. Through men and animals.” Her beady dark eyes bore into Ceto. “And through nymphs. It is nymphs’ connection to nature that makes the power so strong in them, far stronger than in humans.

  “Some humans, like this sorcerer”—she spat on the ground—“seek power. No matter the cost. They seek out nymphs. Steal from them. Harm them.”

  Ceto closed his eyes, leaning against Levrith. He knew that what she said was important. That he should try to listen more, but he was exhausted.

  “Get him inside, Levrith. He needs rest. I think I probed too much today.”

  Chapter

  Ten

  Eyes closed, Ceto sat cross-legged on the patchy grass beneath Levrith’s grandmother’s house, wearing only his breeches. Long braids of dried brownish-green seaweed had been draped around his neck. Several glass jars filled with water, seaweed, and pebbles from the river had been placed around him.

  Levrith's grandmother walked barefoot, circling Ceto. Her lips moved, but she and Ceto were too far away for Levrith to hear the words. The early-morning light bathed them in a soft orange glow.

  Levrith had wanted to be closer, but his grandmother had pointed to a tree a short distance away. “Levrith, you stay back there.” Her voice had been firm, not allowing for contradiction.

  So now he watched silently as his grandmother performed a healing ritual on Ceto. He was not unfamiliar with these rituals. He’d seen his grandmother perform them many times. It wasn’t until he was on the pirate ship that he’d realised her healing methods were not typical outside Lilliana.

  Everett, as the ship’s doctor, never chanted, lit candles, or made him drink excessive amounts of bitter tea. True, Everett used herbs for poultices, medicines, and whatnot, but otherwise, his doctoring looked nothing like Levrith’s grandmother’s. It hadn’t concerned Levrith. He’d assumed it was just another difference between his island and the mainland. But he was starting to think there was more to it than that.

  He hadn’t liked how Ceto had almost passed out. Still, he kept his distance, not interfering. But he watched, making sure Ceto was all right.

  A hermit crab scuttled across the sand as the ritual continued. His grandmother walked round and round whilst chanting. Her footsteps were measured and steady. In her hand, she held a beige earthenware bowl filled with river water. She’d made Levrith go and fetch the water himself. She sprinkled the water on the ground as she circled Ceto.

  This ritual was different from the others he’d seen. For one, the others had taken place in a house. They’d also involved less seaweed and water. When he’d asked his grandmother why, she’d merely said, “This is different. You’re human. He’s a naiad. And he has been touched by bad magic.”

  He didn’t know exactly what that meant, but she’d seemed more focused on preparing for the ritual than answering his questions.

  Ceto sucked in a breath, swaying forward. Levrith stepped toward them. His grandmother’s head snapped up, her eyes meeting his. She gave a sharp shake of her head. Reluctantly, Levrith stepped back. He wanted to go to Ceto, but he had to trust his grandmother.

  She turned back to Ceto. She dipped a finger into the bowl and wiped her finger across Ceto’s icy-blue forehead.

  Levrith swallowed. Please let this work.

  He knew how much Ceto hated being sick and how much he wanted to be better. A squawk from above caused Levrith to look up. A bright-green parrot with a yellow beak stood in one of his grandmother’s windows. Perhaps one of her many rescue animals.

  He pulled his gaze away and watched as the ritual continued. He didn’t know how long he watched. The sun steadily moved higher in the sky.

  Ceto opened his eyes. His grandmother said something to Ceto, and Ceto responded. Ceto took the seaweed off, placing it on the ground. Levrith wanted to approach, but what if the ritual hadn’t finished? As if sensing his uncertainty, his grandmother turned and waved him forward.

  Quickly he approached. “How do you feel?” he asked Ceto.

  “Good.” Ceto touched the unbandaged wound on his arm. It didn’t look different.

  “He’ll be tired for the rest of the day, but hopefully he will start to improve soon.”

  Ceto stood a little unsteadily. Levrith stepped closer and wrapped an arm around him, holding him up.

  “I’ll drop by to check on you,” she said to Ceto. “I will bring herbs and show you how to make a sun tea. And we will need more sessions.”

  Ceto nodded. “Thank you.”

  “Just trying to right a wrong,” she said.

  “Do you need any help packing up?” Levrith asked, looking at the various objects scattered around.

  “I’ll be fine. You just get him home and to bed.”

  “Thanks. I’ll see you later.” Levrith, keeping his arm firmly around Ceto’s waist, guided Ceto in the direction of their home.

  “How are you feeling?” Levrith asked. “Do you think it worked?”

  “I think it feels better.” He yawned. “But I’m just so tired. It’s kind of hard to tell.”

  “Well, you can rest when we get home.”

  Ceto nodded. They walked the rest of the way silently, Ceto leaning heavily on him. Once in the house, Ceto moved straight towards the bed.

  “Do you want some food or water…or anything?”

  He shook his head. “Just need to lie down.” His words slurred together slightly.

  Ceto crawled into bed, pulling the light sheet over him. Levrith felt an urge to tuck him in. Kiss him on the forehead, like his mother had used to do when he was a child. He shook his head at himself. He knew that wasn’t what Ceto wanted.

  “I’m going to go visit my parents whilst you sleep; otherwise, Mum will be barging in to check on us.”

  Ceto murmured something. Within a few seconds, his breathing had evened out. Levrith stood, staring at him sleeping peacefully.

  I should leave. Stop watching him sleep. He knew it was creepy, but for several moments, he just stood there, wishing he could curl up next to Ceto and hold him whilst he slept.

  Where is Levrith?

  Ceto stared out at the river, tapping his fingers on the arm of the wicker chair.

  Levrith had left earlier to spend time with his family. He’d invited Ceto, but Levrith’s grandma had visited, and they’d done another healing ritual. This time, by the river. Afterwards, he’d needed to nap, and Levrith had left.

  But that had been hours ago. Surely Levrith should be back by now. Ceto picked at the arm of the chair. He felt refreshed after the healing session and nap, and now he was bored and restless. On the ship, there was always something that needed doing.

  He stood and walked to the railing, looking along the dirt path, but still, there was no sign of the man. Perhaps Levrith was tired of him. Maybe that was why he hadn’t returned. Because he wanted to be away from Ceto, away from his whingeing and his moods. Maybe he wanted a break from always having to look after him. Unease crept up his spine.

  He went back to the chair and dropped into it. True, the healing sessions with Levrith’s grandmother had been helping. Yesterday he’d been able to walk almost the whole way to the beach on his own. He’d only needed to lean on Levrith a little. And now, after today’s ritual followed by his nap, he felt energised. But still he was recovering much more slowly than he wished. Perhaps much more slowly than Levrith wished.

  And who could blame Levrith if he was sick of him? It wasn’t like Ceto was useful or helpful. He was such a burden.

  He stood, eyes searching for something to do. Maybe if Ceto cleaned the house, that would show Levrith that he could be useful and not always a burden. He entered the room. The sheets lay unmade. Their clothes were strewn on the floor. They weren’t a particularly clean couple.

  Normally, he always kept his room on the ship spick-and-span. He knelt and pulled the sheets over the beds, straightening the pillows. He folded their clothes and put them into the drawers in a small wooden cabinet. He grabbed a small broom that hung above the cabinet. He swept, not that there was much to sweep. He continued sweeping out onto the balcony.

  “What are you doing?” He turned to see Levrith’s head poking up through the hole leading onto the balcony. He climbed the ladder and looked around. “You’re cleaning?” he asked, a perplexed look on his face.

  “I… I wanted to help.”

  Instead of looking pleased, Levrith stepped towards Ceto. “You didn’t overdo it, did you? Grandma said you needed lots of rest and—”

  “I’m fine. I can handle a little cleaning.” He shoved down his disappointment. He walked from the balcony into the room. He didn’t want Levrith concerned. He wanted Levrith to be impressed and pleased with him so he wouldn’t regret having to look after him.

  He hung the broom back up on the wall and stalked onto the balcony. Levrith still watched him. Ceto dropped into one of the chairs.

  “You sure you’re not tired?” Levrith took the other chair.

  “I said, I’m fine.” Ceto closed his eyes and took a breath. He shouldn’t be angry with Levrith. It wasn’t Levrith’s fault that he wasn’t impressed by Ceto’s poor effort to be useful.

  On the Naiad’s Revenge, he was first mate. Naiad battle master. Or had been. Before he’d been replaced by Raiya. And now he could barely clean without it concerning Levrith. And he really should stop snapping at Levrith. He knew it, but for some reason, he couldn’t stop. He closed his eyes, disgusted with himself.

  “I just worry,” Levrith said.

  Ceto didn’t respond, afraid he might say something he’d regret.

  “If you are feeling well enough, we could have dinner with my family tonight,” Levrith said. His voice was steady, but he didn’t look at Ceto. “They’ve been suggesting it since we arrived.”

  “I feel well enough.” Not only was Ceto a burden, but he’d stopped Levrith from being able to spend so much time with his family. Something else to feel guilty about.

  Chapter

  Eleven

  “—and this is Ratherin.” The cute young man, Ratherin, smiled. “He’s a prawner,” Veratha said. Levrith’s mother had taken it as her duty to introduce Ceto to everyone. “My son, Vil, he’s a prawner too. He’s not here at the moment, but I’m sure he’ll come by later. Everyone will want to meet you.”

  Ceto pasted a smile on his face, nodding as he was introduced to one person after another. He’d already met Levrith’s father, most of his brothers and sisters, and an endless supply of cousins, uncles, and aunts. He had been a little surprised when he’d met Levrith’s aunts, who were married. Apparently, same-sex bonding was accepted in Lilliana. He knew that wasn’t always the case in the mainland kingdoms.

  Ceto had been prepared to meet Levrith’s family for dinner, but he hadn’t expected Levrith’s family to be so large. They sat at or stood by tables around the village oval, a grassy area where people often congregated. To one side of the grassy area were tables laden with large dishes of food.

  “And you will want to meet—”

  “Mum, maybe we should let Ceto eat something before introducing him to everyone,” Levrith interrupted.

  Ceto smiled at him, trying to convey his gratitude.

  “Oh, of course. You’re probably hungry. Sit over there, Ceto.” She guided him to a chair. “You need to rest, and you’re still recovering. Levrith, go get him a plate.”

  “Already got him one,” Levrith said, holding up a plate piled with food. He sat down beside Ceto and handed it to him.

  “Is that enough prawns?” Veratha asked.

  “I think that is enough for him to start with,” Levrith said.

  She pursed her lips. “I’ll go get some more,” she said and was off.

  Ceto laughed, picking up one of the grilled prawns and popping it into his mouth, biting into it with a crunch.

  “Sorry,” Levrith said. “Once word spread that you were coming to dinner, everyone wanted to come. People have been very curious about you.”

  “It’s fine. I’m just not used to being the centre of attention like this. And your family is huge! I had no idea that you had so many aunties, uncles, and cousins! Everyone who comes by is related to you. What’s so funny?”

  “Sorry. I just forget what it must look like to an outsider. Technically they aren’t my family. Or they aren’t closely related anyway. It’s just what we call each other. Uncle, Auntie, older cousin, older brother. It’s a sign of respect, but also, they’re my people, my community, my family.”

  Ceto stared at the people. It must be nice to come from a place like this. To have such a sense of belonging.

  A little girl stared at him, head poking out from behind someone’s legs. He smiled. She giggled and ducked away.

  “Well, if it gets too much, let me know and we can go home,” Levrith said. “No one will make you stay.”

  The little girl stuck her head back out. She put her hand over her mouth and giggled before darting away again.

  “That’s my niece, Rela,” Levrith said.

  “She’s cute.” Ceto hadn’t had much experience with human younglings.

  “Rela, you want to come over here?” Levrith called out. “Meet him properly.”

  Rela poked her head out and bit her lip nervously, glancing between the two of them. She ran straight to Levrith, wrapping her arms around his legs and hiding her face against them. Levrith placed his plate on the ground next to him and then reached down and picked her up, lifting her in the air. She let out a delighted squeal before Levrith sat her on his lap. She ducked her face against Levrith’s chest, then slowly turned her head so she could see Ceto.

  “This is Ceto. He’s my friend.” Levrith’s voice was low and soft. He stroked his niece’s messy dark hair. “Do you want to say hello?”

  She shook her head.

  “Are you sure? He’s very nice.”

  She lifted a small hand and gave a tiny wave. “Hi,” she said, so softly Ceto could barely hear it.

  “Hi.” Ceto waved back, trying to give a smile that he hoped put her at ease.

  She shoved her face against Levrith’s chest again. Perhaps Ceto’s face wasn’t particularly friendly.

  “Rela!” a small voice yelled.

  Her head whipped up as if she forgot she’d been hiding from Ceto a second ago. She jumped off Levrith’s lap and sprinted off towards a bunch of children playing.

  “Sorry. I think I scared her.” He gave a small, awkward laugh. “I’m not used to children.”

  Levrith picked up his plate. “It’s not you. She’s just a little shy.”

  As they ate, a steady stream of people came over, saying hello to Levrith and introducing themselves to Ceto. It was a little exhausting, but it was nice to see the sort of people that Levrith had grown up with.

  “Hello, Levrith.” A short woman, holding a baby against her chest, approached. She smiled warmly.

  Levrith swallowed the food in his mouth and wiped his hands on his breeches. “Hello, Therani.”

  “It’s good to see you again. How have you been?”

  “Good.” Levrith gave a tight smile. “And you have a new baby.” He gestured to the bundle resting against her chest.

  “Yes. This is Tantha.” Therani stroked the baby’s head.

  “How many is that now?”

  “Six!” She laughed.

  Ceto waited to be introduced, but it seemed Levrith had completely forgotten him, which was not like him at all. An older man walked up behind Therani and placed an arm around her shoulders. She gave him an affectionate smile.

  “Hello, Levrith,” the new man said. “Nice to see you again.”

  Levrith smiled, but it looked tight. “Same to you.”

  A strange tension followed, which Ceto didn’t understand. The man’s gaze fell on Ceto. He glanced at Levrith, waiting for an introduction.

  “Oh! Sorry! This is Ceto. Ceto, this is Dareth.” He gave an awkward bark of laughter. Something was definitely wrong with Levrith. Levrith continued exchanging pleasantries with the couple. It all appeared nice, but it seemed forced.

  “Well, we should get going,” Dareth said. “My mother is watching the other children, and we should get back and help her out.”

  “Good to see you again, Levrith,” Therani said.

  “You as well,” Levrith said.

  They left, and Levrith picked up his fork and shoved it into a piece of chicken.

  “Who was that?”

  “Therani and Dareth.” Levrith put the chicken into his mouth and chewed. “You should try the chicken. It’s delicious. I know you prefer fish, but you should definitely try the chicken. I think you’ll like it.”

  Ceto stopped himself from rolling his eyes. “I know their names, but why were you all so…tense.”

  “Well…” Levrith swallowed the food in his mouth. “She and I were engaged.” A slight flush darkened Levrith’s cheeks.

  “What? When? You were engaged!” How did he not know this? “You never told me!”

  “I’m sure I must have mentioned it.” Levrith didn’t look at him, eyes on the food as he continued to eat.

  Ceto was certain Levrith had never mentioned it. He would remember that. “Well, what happened? Why didn’t you marry her?”

  “She preferred Dareth.”

  Ceto stared at him, trying to put all this new information together. He was about to ask more questions when a voice called out, “Levy! There you are!”

  A man walked towards them. A tall, handsome man with bronzed skin, and long, curly dark hair pulled back from his face.

  “And you must be Ceto. I’m Villerin, but my friends call me Vil.” He gave Ceto a dazzling smile before turning to Levrith. “Good to have you home, little brother.” He reached down and gave Levrith a one-armed hug. Levrith put one hand on his plate to steady it. “Surprised to see you haven’t drowned or been eaten by sharks.” He gave a full laugh. “Now tell me the truth, has he fallen overboard?” he asked Ceto. “Bet you’ve lost count of the number of times you’ve had to jump in and rescue him.” He laughed again. “Bet he’s always getting himself into trouble.”