Stavros hauled Scratch up again and stared at this enemy who had been responsible for killing so many and hadn’t faced any of the terra indigene.

“We’re going to destroy Cel-Romano. I wanted you to know that before you die,” Stavros said. “You upstart infestation. You thought you could wipe out the terra indigene? It’s your species that is going to wither—and you will be one of the things the survivors, if there are any, can thank for that.”

He released Scratch and floated a safe distance away as dozens of the Sharkgard rushed in to strike the enemy, consuming the human piece by piece. A foot. A hand. A forearm. A thigh.

How long before Scratch is missed? Stavros wondered as he drifted above the waves. If I can’t get home, how long before I’m missed?

<Vampire.> A fin sliced the water nearby. <Do you see the light?>

Stavros rose to a column of smoke and turned slowly. Yes, there, going in the opposite direction of the ocean greyhound.

<Intuit fishing boat,> the Shark said. <They were told to wait for you. Can you get to them?>

<I can.>

<Then, go. They will take you to their homeport. You are going to resettle near the Five Sisters?>

<Yes. A place called Talulah Falls.>

<Not our territory, but we will remember you if you travel here again.>

Stavros looked around. He smelled blood on the water, but there was no sign of Nicholas Scratch. <Not much of a meal for the effort.>

<There will be more. Do you know what the Sharkgard call humans on a ship?>

<No, what?>

<Meat in a can.>

Alone again, Stavros flowed above the water at his swiftest pace. Shifting to human form, he hailed the fishing boat as soon as he was close enough to be heard. They brought him on board, and a couple of them, swearing they were healthy and sober, offered to let him feed. He declined the meal he would have preferred but accepted a plate of meatloaf and mashed potatoes and listened as the men talked about the catch and the seas and their hopes that their town would be spared some of Ocean’s wrath.

He offered no comment but thought Ocean would be inclined to spare their homes and families. A favor for a favor.

After the meal, he found a quiet place to rest. He’d enjoyed the work he’d done in Toland, but being dominant in Talulah Falls would be new and exciting. He would miss Tolya’s company, but he would be nearer to Grandfather and Vlad... and Nyx.

Yes, he was ready for some changes.

Stavros laughed silently. Meat in a can. He would have to remember to tell that one to Grandfather Erebus when he reached Lakeside.

CHAPTER 48

CHAPTER 48