Chapter Eighteen
ReunionAt some point the darkness had given way to morning. Rising, for the first time on an altered world, the sun's kiss tickled across the water's surface. Uncovered gems reflected the fiery light, appearing like small red droplets upon the wounded land. The surrounding waters burnt with the same fierce and brilliant shades. Light created the illusion of movement and, for this brief moment, Afthonos appeared to bleed into the crimson water of the dawn sea.
Birds circled the ship, while other creatures scavenged the water and Afthonos' remains. Those not preying on the abundance of death kept their distance from the noise rising from the heaving decks, hoping for food as the scent from the ship's galley lured them closer.
Many of the longboats had now returned, and m
