While everyone else went around fixing up the ship for smooth sailing across the continent, I retreated to my room to rest.
A rest I had clearly earned. After all that banter with an overgrown eel, I was feeling considerably more tired than my outward appearance was giving away.
This caused me to move with low groans despite the happy, fulfilled expression I was wearing for the crew's benefit.
This was my victory — one of many to come. The thought settled into my chest like warm water, refreshing and promising.
I climbed onto the lower bunk and straightened into the warm mattress, my body practically melting into the fabric as the accumulated tension of battle finally loosened its grip. For a few moments, I just lay there, letting the craziness of the fight replay behind my closed eyes.
