"Welcome, land dwellers! To The Siren's Kiss!"
Both of them snapped their heads up.
There, standing at the bow of a sleek black ship with deep red sails, was Rian, grinning down at them like a man who already knew he'd won.
The ship loomed above the dock, large but undeniably elegant. Its hull was carved with swirling etchings that pulsed faintly with residual magic. The ocean lapped at its sides softly.
A rope ladder unfurled from the side, landing at Val's feet with a wet plop.
"Well?" Rian called down, raising an eyebrow. "Shall I send someone to carry you up, or do your legs still work, big guy?"
Val's jaw tightened. He looked as though he'd rather walk into the ocean than climb that ladder, but Yara had already grabbed hold of the ropes and hauled herself up, leaving him no choice but to follow. He hated this, hated that human who made him bound to this weak form.