Chapter 166
We’re quiet as we retreat back to the Nereid research ship, the tension of what just happened in Hale weighing heavily on all of us. The freed team members follow closely behind, their expressions tired but determined. No one speaks much; it feels like there’s nothing to say that could make sense of everything.
The ship is a welcome sight, its lights glowing softly against the endless sea. As we climb aboard, a wave of relief washes over me. For the first time in days, I feel like I can breathe. Still, the events of Hale linger in the back of my mind, unresolved and festering.
Once we’re settled, I make a beeline for the shower. The hot water pours over me, washing away the grime and stress of the past few days, but not the thoughts swirling in my head. The betrayal in Hale, Emil’s venomous accusations, and the fractured alliances all feel like a weight I can’t shake. By the time I step out, the steam-cloaked bathroom feels suffocating. I towel off quickly, wrapping it around myself before heading into the adjoining room.
The soft glow of the room’s lights contrasts sharply with the storm raging in my thoughts. I sit on the edge of the bed, brushing through my damp hair as I try to piece everything together. The Nereid team is safe for now, but the implications of what Emil said loom large. The thought of another army—another war—sends a shiver down my spine.
The sound of the shower turning off pulls me out of my thoughts. A moment later, Wake steps into the room. He’s fully nude, water glistening on his skin as he walks toward me, but it’s not his body that catches my attention this time. It’s the weariness etched into his features, the way his shoulders sag as though the weight of the world is pressing down on him.
He doesn’t say anything. Instead, he crosses the space between us and pulls me into his arms. His skin is warm and damp, his grip firm but gentle. I let the brush fall to the floor and wrap my arms around him, sinking into the embrace. For a long moment, we just hold each other, neither of us speaking. The silence is heavy but comforting, a quiet acknowledgment of everything we’ve been through.
“I thought I’d lost you,” Wake murmurs against my hair, his voice rough. “When I saw you fall into that sinkhole… I didn’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t get to you.”
His words hit me harder than I expect. Wake isn’t the type to wear his emotions on his sleeve, so hearing this vulnerability from him feels almost overwhelming. I pull back just enough to look up at him, my fingers brushing against his cheek. “But you did find me. And I’m here. I’m safe.”
He exhales sharply, his jaw tightening. “Phoebe…” He trails off, his eyes searching mine as though looking for reassurance.
I smile faintly, trying to lighten the mood. “You know, it’s funny to think that we’ve only really known each other for a few weeks. I can’t imagine life without you; those two days I spent in the caves felt like a lifetime.”
Wake’s lips twitch into the barest hint of a smile. “On that, we can agree. And I’d prefer if you didn’t do it again.”
I nod, my smile growing. “What? Get trapped beneath an active volcano?”
Wake raises an eyebrow, his hands sliding down to my waist. “Leave my side,” he growls softly. Before I can respond, he lifts me effortlessly into his arms and carries me to the bed.
“Wake,” I start, but the intensity in his gaze stops me. He lays me down gently, his body following mine as he presses a kiss to my collarbone. The tenderness in his touch contrasts sharply with the heat in his eyes, and I feel a shiver run through me.
“You worried me, Phoebe,” he murmurs, his lips brushing against my skin as he speaks. “I am not a man who frightens easily.”
My heart warms and aches at the same time. “Tell me how to make it up to you.”
Wake's black eyes go even darker, fire flickering in those onyx depths. When he speaks, the steel in his tone sends delicious dread warning my core. "You can start by getting on your knees."
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