A Bone in His Teeth

by Kellen Graves

“I promise I’ll treat you tenderly, sailor. Just come when you’re called, alright? Don’t resist me, this time. Who knows what I’ll do if you don’t come. I’m desperate enough.”

“You will be made my caller of the shore,” the humming, growling voice spoke between their mouths, making Alba’s heart race. “My bride of the salted air, my brine witch. I will be your caller of the sea—your bride of the shore and soil, your mud witch.”

For Eridanys to say such things as wanting to be relied on, and for him to agree to rely on Alba in return, even a little bit—it helped Alba feel a little more anchored into his existence. Perhaps one day he would learn how to exist for himself and not anyone else, but—a part of him wasn’t sure he was capable of leading a life like that, either.

“Don’t you dare drown me,” he threatened into Eridanys’ ear. “I’ll haunt you for every day you’re still alive.” “Promise?”

“What was that for?” Eridanys asked with a little surprise. “I just like you,” Alba answered. “You and your mouth. That’s all.”