The sun hovered low above the horizon, spilling molten gold across the sea. Waves rolled toward the shore in gentle rhythms, their foam catching the last light of afternoon. Zhinkee sat beneath a wide ivory umbrella, a tall glass of mango shake sweating in her hand. The sweet, chilled drink did little to distract her from the tension she sensed beside her.
Drake’s gaze remained fixed on the water.
Out beyond the shallow surf, Drevin and Naime moved through the sea with easy laughter. They swam side by side, sometimes disappearing beneath the surface, only to rise again in splashes of silver and blue. From where Drake stood, he had a perfect view of them. Even when they dove underwater, he tracked the place where they would emerge, as though waiting.
Zhinkee followed his stare and smiled
