Chapter 13: Fact or Fiction

For two days, a mighty western gale pushed the Pacer miles off course. Damage to the vessel exceeded expectations, and the captain closed access to the forecastle and the sports deck. Only the restaurant and the main and lower promenade decks remained open to passengers. Through it all, Bjorn battled boredom, motion sickness, and frustration. He wanted to see Crystellia.

He considered contacting an officer. Maybe something or someone had harmed her. But perhaps she didn’t want to be found? He was tired, nervous, and starting to feel like a fool. His imagination carried the mental distraction of a soft pectoral tracing his rear spiracle.

Then came a knock on the door of his cabin. He almost tripped on the bed while rushing to answer.

Crystellia hovered in the gangway, her scent intoxicating. Clad this time in a greenish-yellow netted weave of living kept, she stunned his breath away.

“Down at Glory Activities,” she said without p