The ferry ride back to the Atoll took longer than usual.
Some kind of engine trouble.
Which meant I got to spend an extra forty-five minutes sitting between Natalia and Celeste while trying not to think about how Reyna Cabana had just challenged me to a duel.
In three days.
At the Crucible.
Where everyone would watch me get my ass kicked by the Crimson Comet herself.
Fantastic.
"You're spiraling," Natalia said without looking up from her phone.
"I'm not spiraling."
"Your jaw's doing that thing."
"What thing?"
"The thing where you grind your teeth when you're planning something stupid."
Celeste glanced over.
Noticed my jaw.
Went back to her tablet without comment.
But her lips twitched.
Just barely.
The smallest hint of a smile.
I forced myself to relax.
"I'm fine."
"Liar."
"I'm excellent."
"Worse."
Natalia finally looked at me.
Purple eyes cataloging every micro-expression.
