Gabb shut the door behind him without a sound. He stood just inside the room. A few months ago he wouldn’t have been able to sneak up on Kraken. Now his Captain was sitting, leaned back, with an arm over his eyes. Gabb knew Kraken didn’t know he was there because the Captain was muttering. Kraken never muttered.
Gabb watched the most powerful person he knew crumble inward. “Is it really that bad? People come after us all the time.”
Kraken jumped to his feet, blade in hand. It took a second to recognize who spoke. “Gabb,” he said, “how long?”
“Not long.”
“Cousin eating?” Kraken sat.
“As fast as Jak can cook.”
“Good. I hope she gains some weight. She still looks malnourished.”
Gabb walked over, grabbed a chair and pulled it around the desk. He pulled Kraken’s chair with him in it, to be face to face. “Talk to me,” Gabb said.
Kraken leaned forward and lowered his voice. “She is damaged. She is too young. She doesn’t understand basic social interaction. How many times do you think she was raped? beaten? chased away? One minute I think she is afraid and unhappy here. Then she is jumping . . .” Kraken inhaled sharply and closed his eyes.
“Jumping?”
“Never mind. It isn’t important.”
“Yes. It. Is.”
Kraken’s power coiled ready to strike. he blinked, shook his head, and sagged back. Now he was having irrational anger responses? He pinched the bridge of his nose. “I don’t want to talk about it.” Kraken tried to move his chair back.
Gabb grabbed the arms and held it still. “You’re losing it, Krak. I need to know what’s happening with you. You’re not that kid I found living in the wild anymore.” Gabb leaned back. “It can’t be all Cousin.”
“It is.”
Gabb stood and put his chair back. He stood leaning on the hard wood back, his eyes closed. “I’ll take her and go if you need me to.”
“No!” Kraken’s voice echoed through the cabin, and shivered the glass behind him.
They stood facing each other.
“No,” Kraken said, his shoulders sagging. “I offered to leave her at the next port. She doesn’t want to leave. I don’t want her to leave.”
Gabb watched Kraken sit and turn to the windows. “Aye, Captain.”
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