When I wake, I’m met with either a blessing or a curse, not sure yet. Trying to determine. Trying to compute. Trying to take in the sight of a gorgeous man sleeping soundly in the cot next to me, waves of silver hair cascading over broad shoulders. There’s a slight shadow to his jawline and, when his golden eyes flutter open, I’m burning from the top of my head to the ends of my toes.

Damn it, I’ve been caught staring.

“Sleep well?” Rehan snickers. His voice is rough from sleep.

Yes, this is both a blessing and a curse. Oh how I’ve dreamed of waking next to such a gorgeous man. Pity that it is happening in a body that isn’t my own while trying to outrun death and, well, the fact that we’re not actually together. At least I can appreciate the view.

“Didn’t get much sleep,” I answer honestly.

My eyes have been heavy all night, but a certain someone has made it difficult for me to rest. Even now, I swear I feel Daithi’s hand around my wrist, his voice next to my ear, his eyes focused on me.

I shiver.

Rehan sits up with a yawn, stretching then slipping out of bed. I’m proud to say that I give him privacy and look away. I’m ashamed to say that I missed the opportunity to check him out.

Wow, am I like this because of the dire situation or because I broke up with my boyfriend not long before my death? Is the sorrow of a break up following me even now without my realizing it? The feeling of being single during this time sucks! I want someone to cuddle with and tell me everything’s going to be ok!

“We should be reaching Kresin today,” says Henley from beside me. Looking over, I find her sitting up, rubbing at tired eyes. When she gets out of the cot, my stomach drops.

“Today?” I whisper, thinking of what I told Daithi, and what I read. The water spirit...it has to appear before we get to the island or he may chuck me into the ocean for lying.

Nodding, Henley dresses and I follow suit.

“Are you worried?” asks Rehan.

“Huh? Of what?” I laugh, hoping it doesn’t sound forced.

“We’re about to retrieve the only powerful artifact in the world that has been hidden for decades. There are likely traps,” he whispers in a spooky voice.

“I’d be surprised if there isn’t.”

And by surprised I mean doomed.

The three of us head to the upper deck where I spot Daithi speaking with some of the soldiers. Our eyes meet. I’ve been seeing his gaze all night, but in this light it’s daunting.

He walks over to us. I’m not surprised, but still disappointed and worried when he escorts me away from Rehan and Henley. Much like yesterday, they give us space when I wish they wouldn’t.

“So, where is it?” Daithi asks, leaning against the railing.

“We’re not at Kresin yet.”

“We will be soon.”

“Then the spirit will show up soon.”

“Will it?” Daithi challenges, leaning in once again.

“Have you ever heard of personal space?” I hiss causing his eyes to actually go a little wide then he scoffs.

“Worried?”

“Hardly.” I’m lying through my teeth. He knows it too...

But then the miraculous happens when the sea comes to life around us, flashing violent blue and haunting green. Waves twist into the form of an octopus-like creature lumbering over us, casting a fearsome shadow as it grows into titan-like proportions. Long tentacles thrash about, stirring the waves. When it opens its jaws, it lets out a terrifying roar that rattles the sea.

The crew erupts into chaos. The ship crashes into waves that rain down on us so harshly they’re more like stones against our skin. Every breath is mixed with water that continues to assault the ship until it’s being rocked against growing waves like that of a tsunami. The spirit sends a wave that would have taken the ship to the ocean floor if not for the unbearable heat from Daithi and the water elementi onboard.

My eyes clench shut when a firm grip takes hold of my waist, cradling me against unbearable warmth. There’s scorching heat in a mere second then an odd blanket of warmth and humidity. Opening my eyes, I’m met with Daithi, who is clutching me tightly. We’re surrounded by smoke, water evaporating and waves dropping. The side of the boat is scorched. There’s a small flame on the wood that is snuffed out with Daithi’s hand after he releases me.

“Water against fire, huh?” He actually laughs, showing his first ever smile, like a young boy that found his new favorite toy. He throws that joyous look over his shoulder to me, not only accepting my challenge from yesterday, but already hell bent on beating it.

“Never underestimate me,” he says, then jumps ship.

“Your Majesty!” Rehan bellows.

Daithi reappears as a stream of blue flames, blasting off with explosions from his open palms. He hurtles towards the spirit that veers back. Flames hiss when connecting with the waves below, casting gray smog into the air. The creature dips into the ocean only for Daithi to follow. The water actually hisses and smokes where he dropped.

“Damn it!” Rehan gets to his feet. “Hold on!”

Thankfully, Henley listens. She grabs hold of me when he casts a strong breeze into the sails, carrying us far from the chaos behind.

Still, I peer back, watching as Daithi’s azure flames erupt from the sea. The spirit emerges with Daithi circling it in a growing tornado of heat and fire. The rain from the newly clouded sky evaporates before impact. The smog grows so that we can barely make out their silhouettes. Blasts of fire light up like fireworks or are smothered out by waves.

I suspected Daithi would struggle. Fire against water, that’s an easy bet to take.

I’m learning not to take easy bets.