by Cameo Renae
Chapter Thirty-One
Peeling my eyelids open, I found myself back in Captain Salloway’s bedroom, under his blankets. This time, the windows were wide open, the heat of the sun was streaming in and caressing my face, and it felt wonderful.
I lifted the bedding covering me and saw I was in a bedgown I had no memory of putting on.
“You are a riddle, love,” Sebastian’s weak voice spoke.
Whipping my head to the opposite side of the bed, where the captain lay, his head lolled to me with a feeble grin. He looked pale, his face crumpled in pain.
“Sebastian? How are you?” The last time I’d seen him, he’d been bitten by the sea serpent and was knocked unconscious.
“I’m fine, love. But how on earth, after plunging into the sea and disappearing for nearly three days, did you arrive back on my ship?” His eyes were studying me like I was a mystery to be solved.
“Well,” I exhaled. “I was rescued by an Aquarian. Luckily, he was swimming by and saw me drop into the water. He took care of me in a water cave until I woke up and then returned me to the ship. How long have I been here?”
“Your burly friend brought you in this morning, and the girl changed your clothes.” Sebastian shook his head, his brow furrowed. “You are fascinating. Utterly fascinating.”
“I should have been dead countless times, but for some bizarre reason, fate has chosen to keep me alive.”
“I think there are greater things at play here, love. Life is an adventure, full of ups and downs and twists and turns. Quite like being on the sea. But it’s molding and developing you into the woman you are destined to become. Like it or not, you are at its mercy, and you can only hold on until you arrive at your destination.”
I pushed myself to a sitting position, my head pulsing, my body sluggish. “It’s nice to have such wonderful friends along this journey.” Sebastian smiled warmly. “How are you?”
“Alive. Thanks to you.” His sea-blue eyes were terribly bloodshot.
“It was you who saved me, captain.”
“I thought it was quite valiant. I had no other choice, given that your attention had wavered. You were smitten by the sight of me, weren’t you? I couldn’t let the beast eat you for that.” He tried to laugh but winced in pain.
“You were valiant indeed. And I might have been a tad smitten at the sight of you dashing toward me with a sword in hand, being a hero.” He smiled and closed his eyes, pain etched his face. “Can I get you something? Medicine? A doctor?”
“No, love. The fellow just left. I must wait until the tonic kicks in. It takes us mortals a while longer to heal, you know.” A smirk.
“How bad is it?” I felt horrible that he was suffering.
Behind thick lashes, lust glinted in those bright sea-blue eyes. “Would you care to have a peek?”
I grinned and shook my head. “I saw where the beast clamped down. I just hope it didn’t damage any vital limb.”
“Love, my vital limb is stronger than ever, especially with you tucked in my bed.”
I gulped, speechless.
He laughed, then groaned.
“I must add, I would have rather had you bite me than that dreadful creature.” His gaze turned back to me, extending his arm. “The offer still stands.”
“You’re injured, captain,” I playfully gasped, throwing a hand to my heart.
“Woman, I’d let you bite me if I was on my death bed.”
I shook my head and sighed. “Sebastian, you are a wicked, wicked man.”
“Aye, love. Wicked and damned.” His eyes turned toward the ceiling. “My crew is rather taken with you. They think you are a great and beautiful sorceress.”
“What about the superstition? They don’t think I was the cause of the sea serpent attacking us?”
His head swiveled back to me. “Quite the contrary. They are calling you the Savior of The Damned. There was even word they want your face to be carved as our new ship’s figurehead.”
“Oh, gods no,” I exhaled.
He laughed. “You saved most of my crew and my ship. You are powerful, love. Unlike any other I’ve laid eyes on, and I’ve seen a great many things on my travels. We will be eternally in your debt.”
“You don’t owe me anything,” I replied. “Besides, you did save me first. So we’re even.”
Sebastian rolled to his side. “How about I bite you? Or nibble. Whatever fancies you. And then we can call it even.”
“You, sir,” I said, sliding closer to him, taking hold of his warm hand. “I will never, ever forget you or your witty charm.”
“Aye. And I the same.” His expression turned somber. “I hope you realize my advances are merely play. But if you ever gave in . . .” A mischievous grin. “I wouldn’t dare hesitate.”
“Oh, believe me, captain . . . I know.”
“Although, the King of Morbeth might have me flogged.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at the thought. I now had the King of Morbeth looking after my wellbeing.
“In the future, if you ever need to procure a ship, my crew and I shall be at your service,” he added.
I smiled and lay my head on his shoulder. “Thank you, Sebastian,” I breathed.
“Wicked woman. Don’t speak my name that way, specially being so close. I might not be able to restrain myself, even with an injury.”
“We’re about two days from Incendia,” Markus stated from his hammock, hands locked behind his head. “Unless the wind picks up. With one mast down, it’ll take longer.”
Sabine was sound asleep. “How is she?” I whispered. I’d just returned to our cabin, finally able to stand and walk around.
“She was shaken up and a little bruised. She couldn’t stop trembling and crying, thinking we’d lost you, so I compelled her to sleep.”
I focused my gaze on him. “You compelled her?”
“Yes,” he said casually.
“I thought compelling was a myth. Then again, I thought vampires were too.” He chuckled. “Could you compel me?”
Markus gave me a side-eyed glance. “No. It only works on mortals. Their minds are fragile and easily persuaded.”
“Could you teach me to compel?” Maybe it could come in useful one day.
“When I’m rested,” he yawned.
I sighed, crossing my arms over my chest. “When will that be?”
“When we reach Incendia.”
I growled at his response. He wasn’t going to budge. Big, grumpy brute.
Chapter Thirty-Two
The next afternoon, there was a knock at the door. Sabine was still sleeping, and when Markus didn’t move, I went and opened the door. Sebastian stood there with a gold cane in his hand. He was pale but looked dashing dressed in his full captain garb. His hair brushed and drawn back behind his collar.
“I would love for you to accompany me on deck,” he said offering me his free hand. “The crew has worked round the clock to repair the damage left by the sea serpent. They would like you to join them in celebration.”
“Oh,” was all that squeaked out of me.
I wasn’t sure if I was ready to meet his crew. I would have been content to have stayed in the cabin for the remainder of our journey and disembark in Incendia with minimal contact from anyone else. I wasn’t comfortable mingling with others. Especially people I didn’t know. Especially, pirates.
I glanced at Markus, hoping he would forbid me to leave the cabin without his supervision. But he shrugged and said, “It’s up to you.”
Gods damn him! He was no help.
I knew he couldn’t be out in the sunlight but was shocked he would allow me to roam the ship alone with pirates.
I looked back to Sebastian. “I don’t have anything to wear.” I’d just tied my hair into a loose braid, and was still wearing my black pants, tunic, and boots. At least they were clean after being jettisoned through the water the other night and magically dried by Kai. And there was no way in hell I was going to wear that skimpy red dress.
“Love, you’re exquisite just as you are,” Sebastian purred.
I internally groaned, hating to be put on the spot. But didn’t want to be rude.
“Sure. I’ll come,” I finally responded.
“Good then.” Sebastian reached forward and took hold of my hand, dragging me out.
Before I shut the door behind us, I caught a glance of Markus wiggling his large fingers at me with an immense, toothy smile I wanted to smack off his face.
“Have fun, princess,” he piped, making me growl. Before I slammed the door, I heard his laughter. Big ass brute.
As we made our way down the hallway, I asked, “So where did you get all the lumber to fix the deck?”
Sebastian inclined his head to me. “After many years and wrecks, we are wiser and have learned to carry extra supplies below. That, and half the crew I employ are artisans.”
“Well that’s convenient.” Sebastian seemed to have a good crew, and they had a great captain.
“Tis,” he replied.
My stomach knotted as we neared the end of the hallway. Sebastian paused, gesturing for me to exit first.
I gave him a concerned glance and he offered me a smile and a reassuring nod. “It’s alright, love. I’m right behind you.”
I straightened my back and held my head high as I strode out of the exit and onto the deck.
Cheers broke out from approximately forty crew members. I suddenly wanted to slink back down the hallway and into my room.
“Sebastian,” I growled, feeling uncomfortable with all the unwanted attention.
He laughed and took hold of my hand, leading me forward. “They are fortunate to be alive and wish to celebrate with you.”
I was speechless as I peered out on the men’s beaming faces, all aimed at me.
They weren’t drunk or babbling, and there were no traces of anger, nor any disgruntled faces at my arrival. Instead, they wore wide and cheerful smiles, and seemed genuinely delighted to be alive with their ship intact. Even though a few of their members were taken by the Sangerian sea serpent.
The breeze shifted and an acrid odor drifted to my nose, causing me to gag. “What is that smell?” I choked.
One of the men—an older gentleman with stringy white hair and a long silvery beard—ambled over and extended his arm to me. I joined mine around his and flung a glance back at Sebastian, who hobbled after us, his smile still bright.
“I’m Skip,” the man said, his voice sharp-pitched and raspy. “Sorry about the smell. A few drunk men thought it was a great idea to use the serpent’s head as a temporary figurehead. But with the blazing sun and heat, they now realize it was a terrible idea.”
I laughed, then he led me around the ship and introduced me to the rest of the crew. Each of the men seemed genuinely happy to see me, but I felt uncomfortable watching them bow and address me as princess, serpent slayer, and the most powerful sorceress they’d ever witnessed.
I wanted to stop them, but I didn’t. Instead, I smiled and thanked each one. Even Sebastian’s father kissed my cheek before leaving, claiming he was in charge of steering the ship for the evening.
To my surprise, they had a banquet of food set up: meat, fish, cheese, bread, and veggies. Nothing I could eat. When they offered me some, Sebastian told them I’d dined in his quarters, which wasn’t a lie.
After everyone ate, the celebration commenced. A few of the crew members played instruments: a mandolin, fiddle, lute, and even a concertina, while a shantyman sang his lively tunes.
They carried out a few barrels of gin and rum and everyone danced and laughed and ate and drank until their hearts were content and their stomachs full.
The festivities carried on into the evening, and that was when I finally chose to let go. Let go this once and not feel or think or stress about the future.
After being in Morbeth all those nightmarish nights, I’d forgotten how to live.
All I experienced. All the suffering and horrors and nightmares, being starved and held captive. Despite it all . . . I somehow endured and was now free.
I knew my mother was at peace, and now I could only pray that my father and Nicolae were safe and that one day soon we’d meet again. I had a sense, deep in my gut, that we would be together again. Someday. Somehow. But for now, I’d set my fears and worries aside and focus on celebrating our survival and life.
As Sebastian sat on the side, clapping, regarding us with a broad smile, I danced and twirled with his crew. Laughter and music permeated the ship’s deck, causing my dark and hollow insides to swell and swirl with all the wonderful and magical colors of life and new beginnings.
As the sun melted on the horizon, Markus and Sabine appeared. I was overjoyed to see them. My heroes. My co-conspirators. My friends.
I ran over to Sabine and grabbed her hands, swinging her round and round until we were in the middle of the deck. We danced and whirled and laughed, drunk on life. Drunk on the fact we were still alive and no longer slaves or captives.
We were free. Amid the beautiful vast sea.
I’d never seen Sabine so happy or carefree, and it warmed my heart. My living, beating heart. Another blessing and a gift given to me. And another thing to celebrate.
There was a raucous shriek from above. Looking up, I watched a black bird circling the ship.
Nyx?
As if the bird heard me, it descended, landing on the railing closest to me. My insides twisted as I made my way over to Trystan’s magical crow.
“Nyx,” I said, and she cocked her head to the side as if she understood.
I was breathless, gazing into the bird’s midnight eyes, knowing Trystan had to have been looking back at me through those same eyes.
This was the first time I’d seen Nyx. The last few times, I was looking out from her eyes. But I knew it was her. I had no doubt.
I took a step closer, my heart hammering, my stomach twisting in knots. “Trystan?” I spoke.
The crow screeched again as if Trystan were answering.
In a flash, Markus was at my side. A rumbling growl exited his lips. The crow flapped its wings and let out a loud screech, then tried to nip at the imposing man standing next to me.
“It’s okay,” I reassured the bird—reassured Trystan. I put a hand on Markus’s arm. “This is Markus, and he’s made a vow to protect me. He’s a friend.”
The bird cocked its head to the side again, then squawked, and another growl erupted in Markus’s chest. I gave him a narrowed glare, then turned back to Nyx.
“Markus helped me escape from Morbeth. He also helped release the king from a dark spell Roehl placed over him.” I sucked in a heavy breath, my head reeling. “I have so much to tell you, and one day I’ll share it in greater detail. But the reason I cannot see you anymore is that the witches broke the blood bond I had with Roehl, and in the process, our bond was severed too.”
“Calla,” Markus roared, stepping closer to me. His voice low and restrained.
I shifted my attention to him. “Markus, you aren’t the only one who vowed to protect me.”
His jet-black eyes fastened on mine. “But I’m the one who is with you now.”
I sighed. “You are. And I appreciate that. But you’re going to have to loosen the reins. I think I’ve more than proven I can take care of myself.” He shot me an exasperated look.
I turned my attention back to the crow. “How is this even possible?” I breathed. “We’ve been sailing for nearly two weeks. How could she fly that far?”
“The crow is magic, and its master is a manipulator of air,” Markus responded. “As long as he can see, he can manipulate the air wherever the bird is.”
So, Trystan manipulated the wind to help Nyx travel here.
I faced Markus. “How do you know this?”
Markus snickered. “There are a great many things I know, princess.”
I glared at him.
Sabine came to my rescue and grabbed Markus’s large hand in hers. “Dance with me,
Markus,” she chimed, tugging his arm.
“I don’t dance,” he grumbled.
“Then sway with me.”
To my surprise, the Captain of the Guard obeyed. Sabine’s beautiful brown eyes flickered over to me and winked.
“Thank you,” I mouthed.
Her smile widened as she lugged the big brute away.
I turned back to Nyx, not knowing how much time I had left. The bird lurched forward and started pecking at my chest. No, not my chest. The necklace Brynna had given me for my birthday.
I raised the amulet in my fingers and showed the bird. “You like this?”
Nyx screeched and started hopping on the railing. “It was a present from Brynna for my eighteenth birthday. She found it in an antique shop in Sartha.” I smiled, looking at the gem. “The color reminds me of Trystan’s eyes.”
The bird squawked, and my cheeks heated. For a moment I’d forgotten that Trystan could see and hear me.
Nyx pecked at the necklace repeatedly, so I took a step back. What was up with her?
I wasn’t about to lose my necklace to a crow. I held the amulet in my hand and swore the azure stone glowed. Tucking it into my tunic, it felt warm against my chest.
“We’re on our way to Incendia,” I said to Nyx. The bird inclined her head.
I lifted my palms toward the crow to show the tattoos on them. “Leora, the Princess of Incendia, was my great-grandmother. I need to find answers about who I am, and I believe they are there.”
The bird flapped its wings, then bowed its head.
“Be safe, Trystan,” I said. “And even though the words seem insignificant . . . thank you. Thank you for everything. I know the risks you’ve taken to protect me and my family, and one day, I hope to return your kindness.” I blinked away the tears pooling in my eyes. “There are stories I want to tell you, and things I really want to share, but,” I smiled, knowing Trystan would be happy to hear about my beating heart and immunity to sunlight. “but those things I’d rather show you in person.”