I laced up my sandals and leg warmers, tied on my skimpy skirt and the excuse for a top. Lorcan held up that fur shrug thing, which I obediently shrugged into. It’s not so different from how Cata used to hand me a dress and tell me to put it on. Boob tape wasn’t any weirder to wear. He handed me a pair of thin leather gloves and a—
I dropped the wolf-bear skull with a thud.
“What the—Lorcan, it’s too early for practical jokes.”
He chuckled, picked it up and set it on my head, tying the straps beneath my chin. “Camouflage and head protection. You’ll need it where we’re going.”
“I thought yours was just for show.”
He shook his head, and said, “You’re safer staying here.”
“Will it be as dangerous as the climb to the Plateau?” He shook his head. “Then I’m coming with you.” I tapped his bicep. “You can keep me safe.”
His expression was halfway between pleased and concerned.
Tovian and Keryn met us at the stone bridge.
“Where’s Tahra?” I asked.
“Sleeping. Couldn’t rouse her.” Keryn shook their head affectionately. “Teenagers. Need their rest.”
My earlier doubts dissipated like early morning mist. I’m still trying to get out of the habit of mistrusting Lorcan.
“Drink this,” he said, handing me a rough ceramic mug. Hot tea. I took a tongue-scalding sip. Lightly sweetened with honey, exactly how I like it.
“You remember.” I couldn’t keep from smiling.
“It’s just like the old days when I made you get up early for swim practice.” He leaned in for a kiss. Our skull helmets bumped, thwarting us. “Never been a morning person, have you, Zosia?”
“No. Whereas you’re both a night owl and a lark. I don’t know how you get by on so little sleep.”
He winked. “I’ve had you next to me for weeks. Never slept better. I can go a while without.”
“Flatterer.”
He really is appallingly charming, when he wants to be.
We made our way through the dark jungle. Leaves shake overhead. Dragons, following us. They don’t fly so much as glide, leaping from high rocks and trees. Occasionally they come running after you on the ground. The critters even swim if the current isn’t too strong.
“We’re taking the long way. I doubt the princess could manage the climb,” Tovian told Keryn.
“I heard that. I’m stronger than you think,” I called out. I climbed to the top of the Sun Temple Plateau. One day, I would really like it if people stopped underestimating me. That day won’t be today.
“If you think you can manage, Zosia, the shortcut is right ahead.” Tovian pointed, grinning.
I took one look at the rock wall rising a hundred feet into the air and quickly rethought my bravado.
“The long way, it is. Lead on.”
We continued walking for a long time. The terrain rose slowly, then all at once.
“I thought this was supposed to be the easy way,” I huffed.
“It is.” Lorcan offered me a hand. I took it.
Around midmorning, we arrived at the top of the cliffs. Climbing the steep trail took the wind out of me. My legs will ache tomorrow. We climbed to the top of the black volcanic rock rim surrounding our island. From here, the churning blue waves stretch far into the distance. Directly below, you could see each tiny atoll surrounding the main island. Some of them were dotted with the unmistakable signs of pirates. Jagged rocks were clearly visible in the shallows, like teeth ready to bite out the bottom of your ship. Only the smallest vessels can navigate these waters.
“We don’t want to give away our position until the last possible second,” Tovian informed Keryn and me. Lorcan seemed to already know the plan. “All of us need to cross the open space between here and that rock formation.” He pointed. “While crossing, we can be seen by the pirates camped at Summertide Atoll. Go slow, stay low. If I whistle”—he demonstrated; it sounds exactly like a bird call—“freeze. Understand?”
