Page 112 of Sea's Secret

“What will be ruined?”

“Your plan–all the progress you have made, and do not forget Meria. You think she likes seeing you that way?”

Meria. She was in love with Finn.

“It doesn't matter what Meria thinks. She is leaving as soon as I help her.”

“Leaving to save her people; of course, she is. But you promised to help her find her mother.”

“She’s leaving with him–Finn,” I growled.

“Oh, I see, you decided to torture someone for the first time on your own terms and then drink because you are jealous?”

“I am no such thing.”

“Heartache is the worst sort of pain. You are strong, Nick, but I understand.”

“You do not know how I feel, Sands, and I do not feel like speaking of it. Untie me. We need to explore this island before another monster kills us all.”

“Like Jealousy? That may be the worst monster ever.”

I groaned, leaning my head back against the chair I was tied to. “Untie me, Sands.”

“I shall only untie you if you will promise not to drink, and promise not to torture anyone, even Finn.”

“Blast, Sands!” I cursed.

“I am doing this for your own good.”

“Fine, I shall endure it. Now, get me out of here.”

“Good, Meria is beside herself with worry for you. It took you all night to recover.”

“All night?”

“Yes–you fool,” Sands said as he untied my hands. With the piercing headache I had and my heart still as pained as ever, drinking had solved nothing. I would gladly never drink again, and I could inform anyone who asked, that drinking never healed a painful heart or soul. Which was a pity, because I was not sure I could endure that pain.

I was standing on the deck; Finn was beside Meria, and I tried not to reach out and squeeze the life out of that man who was standing there, destroying my future. Sands poked me in my ribs when I started to take off my gloves.

I could just touch him a little–a little pain; he deserves it.

“Thank you for keeping her safe. I was not sure that you could, or that you were one of the good humans, but it is clear to me that you are,” Finn said, and that made me feel completely confused.

“Of course, I kept her safe. She is the most precious treasure aboard my ship!” I grabbed his shirt and pulled him close to my face. “You better keep her safe for the rest of her life, or you will be hunted down by The Cruel Hand,” I snarled, shoving him away.

“Nick,” Sands warned beside me.

I steadied my breathing.

“I am sure she will be rid of me soon. She has asked me to leave her yet again, and everything in Marren is so boring without her,” he said with a chuckle.

I paused and turned around. Meria was smiling at him and rolling her eyes.

Truly? Does he think she is purely for his entertainment?

I wanted to cause him so much pain, but only for Meria’s sake did I hold back, but I clenched my fists all the same.

“Knock it off, Finn. You have to tell the others, including my sisters and my father.”