Fathoms of Forgiveness (Sacred Breath, Book 2) Read Free Page A

back his tears. “Callder, you foolish… fool!”
    “I love you too,” Callder said earnestly. He winced, but did not complain that Trevain’s arms were crushing his still-healing ribs.
    Sionna and Visola exchanged small smiles with each other. Aazuria looked at them, and she could see that they both were thrilled about the newest additions to their family. Although the Ramaris twins were tough on the exterior, they were the most loving siblings that she knew underneath their crass manner. She turned back to the embracing men, and felt emotion brim up inside of her. It seemed that the bond between Ramaris siblings had stayed strong throughout the generations, even though the Murphy brothers had a different name and overseas upbringing. How uncanny it was that the relationship between Trevain and Callder was so similar to that between Visola and Sionna, even though they had not grown up around them to be influenced. Nature is powerful, Aazuria thought to herself. Nurture is important in determining the path we take, but nature is what defines us, and defines exactly how we will traverse that path…
    “Where’s mom?” Trevain asked Callder. “I thought she’d be here with you.”
    “She’s sleeping in the hot springs,” Callder said, gesturing to the pool. He punched Trevain in the arm and grinned. “Hey, did you know we can breathe underwater? How cool is that? And all this time you had mom locked up because you thought she was crazy…”
    “Callder, my boat exploded.”
    “What?” Callder frowned. “How? Well, that’s no big deal, right? You have insurance.”
    Trevain closed his eyes.
    “Hey, what’s wrong big brother?” Callder hit him again playfully. “We’ll just get a new boat with a better name than the stupid Fishin’ Magician . You know what would be epic? Let’s call it The Master Baiter .”
    A burst of laughter shot out of Visola’s throat. Aazuria bit her lip to conceal the giggle that was threatening to erupt; she knew that this was no time for laughter. Sionna’s eyes had widened. “Whoa. This is unbelievable; he has Viso’s sense of humor. It skipped a generation.”
    Trevain opened his eyes. “Callder, the boat exploded with the whole crew aboard .”
    “No.” Callder’s face darkened. He took a step back from his brother, and looked him squarely in the eyes. “No. No! You’d better not be saying what I think you’re saying. Were you on the boat when it happened? Is… is everyone okay?”
    Trevain shook his head. His fists clenched and unclenched. “Only Brynne survived.”
    “Thank God!” Callder said, throwing his head back in relief. He exhaled a huge gush of wind. Then he realized how callous his words sounded and he cleared his throat. “I mean… that’s horrible. It really is horrible, but I am just so, so glad Brynne is okay…”
    “Leander. Arnav. Doughlas. Edwin. Ujarak. The Wade brothers.” Trevain slowly listed the names between breaths, gritting his teeth. “They’re all gone.”
    Callder shook his head, swallowing. “I guess we’re way past decimation now, huh? I wonder if Arnav would say we’ve been obliterated or annihilated. Which one would be more correct?”
    “Neither,” Visola said firmly. “You are alive, young man. You were pitted against a mighty enemy, and you survived.  You joined with us, your mother’s people, and what you are is victorious . We have succeeded in defending ourselves, despite suffering losses—the first wave of the Clan of Zalcan has fallen.”
    Callder was carefully observing the woman who had spoken. Captivated by the gorgeous redhead, he cleared his throat and tried to put on his best charming smile. “Victorious, huh? Well, I can assure you of one thing, you beautiful sex goddess. Although I may have been harpooned like the wild animal that I am, every part of my body is still fully functioning. I’m just as virile as ever—and I can take you (and your lovely sister if she’s interested) to heights of