Chapter 20 The Hidden Island #3
“Understood.” I gestured to one of my guards standing near the base of the stone steps—Takahashi, a man who'd been with me for eight years and knew when to speak and when to simply obey. He approached immediately, his expression neutral but his eyes flashing with curiosity.
The door slid open, and immediately the scent of salt and plumeria rushed in—so different from the recycled cabin air we'd been breathing.
The heat hit next, wrapping around us like silk.
Below, I could hear the distant crash of waves against the shore and the rustling of palm fronds in the ocean breeze.
"Have the Scales escorted back to the main island." I kept my voice low. “Tell them they're free to enjoy their day. Whatever they choose."
Takahashi bowed, turned around, and then hurried toward where Yuki, Mami, and Hina stood waiting.
I felt Nyomi tense slightly against me, her eyes tracking the guard's movement.
From our position on the helipad, we had a perfect view.
Takahashi approached the three women and spoke quietly. Even from this distance, I could see the moment his words registered.
Yuki's face remained composed—the philosopher maintaining her control—but her hand moved to her throat for just a second before she dropped it back to her side.
A tell.
A crack in the armor.
Mami's eyes widened, darting between Takahashi and the helicopter. Her fingers found her right sleeve—that nervous habit she'd never quite broken—and adjusted it even though it didn't need adjusting.
Seeking order in confusion.
But it was Hina who made my chest tighten.
The youngest.
The dreamer.
The one who still believed in happy endings.
Her smile died completely. Her shoulders dropped, and for a moment she looked so young, so lost. She stared directly at the helicopter—but not at me. Her eyes locked on Nyomi with an intensity that felt almost. . .assessing.
Then her gaze shifted to me, and the devastation returned. What did I do wrong? That question was written in every line of her body.
Yuki touched Hina's shoulder—gentle, grounding—and said something I couldn't hear. Hina nodded slowly, but the hurt didn't leave her eyes.
The three of them bowed in perfect unison, their garnet uniforms bright against the white sand and green foliage. Then they turned to follow Takahashi up a different path that would lead them to the helicopters designated for staff.
But Hina looked back.
Just once.
Her eyes found mine across the distance, and I wasn’t sure about her expression.
Confusion?
Sadness?
Searching for an answer?
Or perhaps it was just resignation.
Hina turned away. Her shoulders squared as she disappeared into the tree line with Yuki and Mami flanking her like guards.
"Hmmm." Nyomi's voice went tight and she gripped my hand harder.
"What?"
"That look." She frowned, still staring at where the Scales had disappeared. "The third one. Hina. Right?”
“Yes.”
She tilted her head and continued to watch that area. “Something about the way she looked at me first, before she looked at you. . ."
"What about it, Tora?"
"I don't know." She shook her head, as if trying to clear it. "It just. . .made my stomach tighten.”
“Why?”
“Maybe I'm being paranoid. But it didn't feel like heartbreak. It felt like. . ." She paused, searching for words. "Like she was studying me. Measuring me."
"She was probably just trying to understand who you are," I said, though something about Nyomi's observation made my own instincts prick.
"Maybe." But her voice said she didn't believe it.
"Trust your instincts, Tora." I studied the empty path where they'd disappeared. "You're hunting a spy tomorrow. If something feels wrong about anyone—even someone who's served me since my childhood—I want to know."
She turned to me. "You think one of them could be the spy?"
"I think anyone could be the spy." The words tasted like ash. "That's what makes betrayal so effective. It comes from where you least expect it."
"Even from someone who loves you?"
"Especially from someone who loves you. Love makes the perfect disguise."
“Then. . .consider having Reo look into Hina’s whereabouts since she’s been on the main island.”
“Okay.” I noted her observation and laced my fingers through hers. "Come. Let me show you our new paradise."
She followed, but I caught her glancing back once more at the empty path.
The Scales were being taken away.
Already I could hear the staff’s helicopter turning on.
And now, finally, I had my Tiger all to myself.
"Come," I pulled her attention back to me. "Let me show you what paradise actually looks like."
She turned, and when her eyes met mine, some of the tension left her shoulders. "Okay."
I helped her out of the helicopter and then placed my hand firm at the small of her back.
Soon, we stepped onto the stone helipad.
The island hummed around us—alive, waiting, ours.
And still, I wondered why the fuck my Roar would have my personal Scales at my private surprise today. I'd known him for too long to ever think his actions were meant to harm me.
Yet, Reo never made moves without seven reasons hidden behind the obvious one.
Was this a test for my Tiger?
For me?
Or something else entirely?
Did he suspect Hina too?
Or was this all just paranoia in my mind?