Shira let her tears flow freely, till her throat felt hoarse, and her eyes were sore, and yet, she still felt little comfort. She would have loved to roll herself up into a ball, and remain that way, until the moon goddess, and her father’s God’s were merciful enough to take her life.

She did not fear for the Shark’s life anymore, not because her heart had seized to love him, but because, in his cruelty, she had seen the extent of his strength and, she was convinced that such a man would not – could not suffer defeat, no matter who he was up against.

She was afraid that...