Captured by the Dark Commander (Veiled City Book 1) by Ellie Pond

Author:Ellie Pond [Pond, Ellie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-06-15T16:00:00+00:00

18

Holter

There are two guards in the corridor next to Belle’s door, one from Koralli and the other one from Permula. They nod to me and cast their eyes down, away from her. Smart. She’s inches from my side, and it’s all I can keep from doing to pull her hand into mine. I’ve had it with Nico. He had a squid move my things back into his quarters. But then again, I’m not upset about being near Belle.

Her eyes are wide as she takes in the corridor, locked doors on each side. With each step we take and each crew member we pass, she gets a little tenser. My silence can’t be helping.

I motion to the chamber doors down the corridor. “This area is where the officer’s quarters are.”

“Oh,” she says softly.

“We’re going down.” I stand next to the ladder. “I’ll go first.” Another reason Nico most definitely wanted her clothed. It’s one thing to be walking around the ship after a swim naked. It’s expected. But no one is going to expect to run into a naked mermaid while we’re cruising at 50 knots or when we’re skulking around these islands. It’s putting everyone even more on edge.

“Okay.”

I slide down the ladder like I normally do and stick close in case she needs me. For as long as I can, I will stay close. Until Nico or one of her future pod mates tires of me mooning over their mate.

She makes her way down the ladder without any need of a hand. This corridor flanks the crew mess. Most avoid it, using the mess as a hallway instead. So while there is considerable noise, this section is relatively empty.

“Is that where you eat?” She cocks her head toward the galley.

I smile. “When I’m not helping the commander with things, I’m assigned to the kitchen. I eat standing up, shoveling what bits of leftovers I find into my mouth.”

“That’s because you’re too good a chef,” Monty calls from the corner of the room. “When are you going to start cooking again? Keaton and Gunther are shit.”

“I cook when the commander tells me to.”

“Can we go in?” Annabelle asks.

“Sure.” We step into the mess hall.

“We’re having some of Keaton’s supposed stew. You should try some.” Monty’s taken the few steps from where he was sitting alone. He holds his bowl up, and I can already tell that Belle would hate it. It stinks of kelp.

Belle’s easy smile doesn’t reach her eyes. “I would love to, but we’re on the way to the outfitter’s.”

“Monty Agro. Nice to meet you, Arabel Portsmouth.” Monty laughs. He’s a viro but not an officer, and he’s always out for a good time. Definitely someone to hang out with in the pub, but not in battle.

“You know, I—I could try some.” Belle nods at me.

“Really, you’re sure?” Monty asks.

“Yeah, uh, yes.” She gives a definitive nod.

“I’ll get you a bowl.” Monty’s gone before I can tell him otherwise, or not to make it too big. We don’t

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