The ferry ride back to the main island felt longer than the morning crossing. My body ached in places I didn't know could ache. My ribs screamed with every wave that rocked the boat. My muscles had given up complaining hours ago and settled into a dull throb that promised worse things tomorrow.
Natalia sat pressed against my left side. Her head rested on my shoulder. Her breathing had slowed into something close to sleep. The white streaks in her purple hair caught the moonlight streaming through the windows.
Emi occupied my right side. Her healing aura hummed constantly, a warm presence that dulled the worst of the pain without eliminating it entirely. Her sapphire hair tickled my neck when the boat swayed.
Skylar sat across from us. Her violet eyes watched the dark water through the window. Her hood was up. Her knives were hidden somewhere on her person. She hadn't said much since the ceremony ended.
"You're thinking too loud."
