Page 50 of The Powers of Nyx

MYheart raced with nerves and excitement as Captain Vale pulled the ship into port alongside other vessels and small fishing boats. The long dock housed many different types of boats, none of which I had names for, and there were dozens of people working, who barely glanced our way.

The port otherwise opened up to what seemed like a seaside town. From the deck, I couldn’t make out much other than buildings of a similar height, a hell of a lot of stone, a few cars, and trees.

A lot of trees. They definitely weren’t lacking for them here.

Maeve cleared her throat as she gathered us around her at the main mast. “For now, no one but the Queen and her immediate council know you are here. We need to keep it that way.”

The others stood in a small circle, with Rowan leaning against the mast, Thea on his other side, her worry clear in her eyes. Thankfully, we’d been able to dress in our own clothes, which made me feel a little lessother,considering the creatures on the dock were in overalls and boots, regular human clothes—or so it appeared.

I’d managed to get the kids into something clean, unstained, and warm. They weren’t huddled together, which I found comforting. Maisie was hanging from Elias’s arm, while Ginny stood closer to Maeve, and Eloise chose to stand further back with Thea, so she wasn’t stuck in the middle of everything.

Meanwhile, I was tucked into Elias’s other side, thankful for his strength.

Adrian stepped up beside Maeve and held out his hand. “Maeve’s ring, please.”

I narrowed my eyes, almost hesitant, but I pulled the delicate band off my finger and dropped it into his waiting palm. “What’s going on?”

I hadn’t taken it off since the initial charm, and now I missed it. It was a part of Maeve, and it was probably one of the few things she’d trusted anyone with. Adrian might have been my mate, but I wouldn’t abuse Maeve’s trust.

“We’re going to use a charm to hide your power,” Maeve explained, and she sent a small wave of reassuring energy down our bond. She was all team-leader now, and something about it made my thighs clench.

Her gaze flickered to me, eyes roaming my body for a moment before she cleared her throat. “The charm will hopefully hide the immediate strength of your power, just until we reach the palace. Because your magic is anchored and strong, we know it won’t last long.”

I nodded slowly; when Adrian was done with the ring, he gently slid it onto my finger and gave my hand a loving squeeze. “There.”

I smiled up at him. “Thanks.”

It didn’t feel like it was doing anything, but based on the careful glances the rest of the team were sending me, it was having the necessary effect. “So, do I seem...different?” I asked.

Rowan shrugged from where he leaned against the mast. “You seem like you. But that might be because we know your magical signature.”

“For now, we believe it works, and that’s what matters,” Maeve said.

As we waited for the gang plank to be lowered, I caught myself seeking Hawk. Something about his nasty attitude this morning grated on me, and not in anI-hate-this-mankind of way, but in asomething-is-wrongway. I hated having empathy for the jackass, but I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him and what he was going through. I couldn’t imagine what he must be feeling after losing one of his team. It explained why he’d been so snippy. Dull, even, when he’d asked to take his leave.

But that’s where my empathy needed to end.

“The ship is ready to say farewell!” Captain Vale announced, his voice still sing-song like. Thea, who stood on the other side of the mast, rolled her eyes when our gazes met. “I am thankful for the opportunity you afforded me with this voyage, but for now, I must say goodbye.” With that, he gave us a flourishing bow, and when he rose, a spark of magic left his hands. The blue turned into tiny creatures that flew into the air, their little fish-like bodies circling the kids, before disappearing like bubbles and floating off into the wind.

While the kids laughed, I shared a look with Adrian.Fae magic, he said down the bond, reaching for my hand again and giving it a squeeze.At least they’re smiling.

He was right. There was bright curiosity shining in their eyes. Even Eloise had a smile on her face. It made my heart soar, knowing that they could find a little joy in this new, strange land.

From the corner of my eye, I watched Maeve step away from the group, her tablet entering her hands. I sighed. It still felt like there was a chasm between us, and I had no idea how to broach it. Last night was progress, but maybe it hadn’t been enough. I didn’t want to read too much into Maeve’s reactions when we were alone; it was going to be an adjustment for both of us.

Give her time, Elias said, coming up behind me. He grabbed my waist and pulled me into his chest.A mate bond for Changed vampires is...different. It’s not common.

My heart clenched.It’ll be okay, right?

Of course, Angel, Elias replied, his arms tightening around me.Trust me.

And I did. I trust him—I trusted all of them—with my life. With the lives of my sisters and best friend.

So, I knew I had to trust him about this, too.

“The car is here,” Maeve announced as she rejoined our group. “There are three, but we will be in one, just to be inconspicuous. It’s not uncommon for those not born on the island to visit, so you shouldn’t stand out. But there are still protocols, and you are still in danger.”

“Does that mean Ivy has to leave us again?” Ginny asked quietly. She wrapped her arms around herself in a hug, and her bottom lip popped.