We board a ferry to Sakhalin Island, and the grueling trip takes almost twenty hours. We don’t arrive until the next morning, but I’ve never been so thankful to step back on land.
I spent the entire day and night seasick while Ilian rubbed my back and held my hair back as my stomach attempted to empty everything inside of my body into a small bucket.
Unfortunately, the Sakhalin-8 only has one toilet, and I wasn’t the only one feeling the effects of the waves.
Weak morning light greets me as Ilian carries my prone form off the ship. I’m too tired to put up a fight and appreciate the gesture as I’m sure my legs would give out.
The city of Kholmsk is just as white and cold as the rest of Russia, and I allow myself to drift off on the two-hour ride to the other side of the island.
When we arrive, Ilian gently wakes me, directing me to a hotel that looks more like a series of cabins—not that I’m complaining.
While Ilian goes off to find food and get in contact with his Dagon friend, I take a hot bath, heated by a multi-headed zmei.
My Ithaqua returns sooner than expected, his arms laden with bags that he sets down on the table while beckoning me closer.
“Come, eat, soyam. You must replenish your strength. I’ve never seen anyone expel so much.”
I laugh. “Gee, thanks.”
His bright pink gaze flares. “Don’t be embarrassed. I would’ve been sick, too, if not for my Ithaquan blood.
It makes my kind able to withstand almost anything given where we live, but even I don’t know how those men and women run that ship day in and day out without nausea.”
“Well, I’m glad you weren’t sick—can you imagine if we had to share that bucket?!”
Ilian laughs. “I would’ve just hung my head off the side of the boat and chummed the water.”
I shudder at the thought. “Speaking of water, as much as I hope to never get in it again, were you able to contact your Dagon friend?”
“Yes, and they have procured an audience with the Kueeng. When you are ready, we will meet them at the port.”
My stomach pitches, and I bet my face turns green. “So soon?”
“Don’t worry, soyam. We’re not traversing above the waves but below them.”
I scrunch up my nose. “What?”
“You’ll see. Do you trust me?”
“Yes.”
The second the word is out my mouth, I know it’s true—I trust Ilian with my life. A smile lights up his bony visage, as if I’ve made his day.
“Thank you. It’s a lot to ask for given the circumstances—”
I roll my eyes. “I don’t blame you for imprinting on me! Time and time again, you’ve proven you’re only care is for me. How could I not trust you?”
Ilian ducks his head. “Still, it means a lot to me.”
We stare at one another until the silence stretches too thin and our pulses begin to race. The ever-present heat between my legs roars to life, and I know Ilian can smell it.
“I’m ready.”
His fuchsia gaze nearly blinds me. “Ready for what?”
For you to fuck me.
“To go see your friend.”
He groans, knowing it’s not what I was thinking, but bundles up our bags and directs me out of the cabin.
“This way.”
The walk to the port isn’t long, but the wind chaps my cheeks. Ilian shields me once more, obscuring my view so I don’t spy the monster waiting for us.
“Greetings, my friend,” calls a mellifluous voice.
I yank free from the warmth of Ilian’s fur to whip around. There, standing in the freezing cold water, is a monster I’ve never seen before.
They are tall, with four arms, and colored similarly to a koi fish—pale blue with orange splotches.
Long, translucent fins sweep off their elbows and the top of their head, as well as along their tail that reminds me almost of a mermaid’s.
“Hello again, Dairfyn, please meet Zhuliya.”
Dairfyn clasps my right hand with their lower one. “A pleasure to meet you. I’m pleased to be able to help you in your mission.”
Their grin is all sharp teeth, much like a shark, and I swear a mischievous glint twinkles in their turquoise gaze.
