Abyss

CHAPTER 38

The sound of the shotgun rang as the body of Zschova's brother fell into the water. Arsen's breath hitched when she heard Zschova yelling in pure agony and anger when she rushed to try and find her brother, only to find him sinking in the ocean. She grabbed her dagger and swung at Arsen's direction, slashing her leg in the process.

The Arkenheilm's leader clutched the cut in pain, backing away limping almost when Zschova stood up and glared down at her.

"You killed my brother," Zschova's cold tone pierced through despite the yells of pain and clashes of swords. Arsen stood her ground, her expression stoic.

"And I don't regret it one bit."

Darius and Arsen locked eyes, a silent exchange of acknowledgment passing between them. They knew Everfrost was probably guarding their treasure and quickly got news about them trying to find it. Now the only way to settle this was to get the treasure back and let it sink back to Seraphius. With a nod, Darius turned his attention back to the treasure and waited for Ophelia and Zschova to be distracted enough not to attack them.

"Don't you fucking look at him. This is between you and me."

As the fight continued, Darius casted his gaze back at the treasure chest. He knew that the only way to solve this predicament was to throw the chest back to the sea. The creature may have been absent for a while but it didn't mean it wasn't lurking.

He moved to the edge of the ship, his fingers wrapping around the treasure. With a heave, he lifted it over the side, panting as he then tried to carry it over the edge of his ship. Ophelia tried to rush towards him, only to get her face slammed back to the crates as Elysaria kicks her harshly.

Darius nodded in her direction as a way to thank her before putting the treasure down. If he let it go with his hand, there was a chance that something was watching him under the waters — waiting for him to lose his balance or to have a chance to be able to pull him down. 

So, he pushed the chest instead before backing away hastily. The waves answered it almost immediately, the waves crashing furiously and rocking the ship relentlessly. Darius could almost see the ruby eyes slightly disappearing into the dark abyss. At first, he thought that the coast was clear until he was proven otherwise.

Suddenly, the ocean rose, and from its depths emerged a colossal, god-like creature. Ruby eyes stared at them with hatred and disgust, water cascading from its massive form as its horns and spear towered the ships. 

The once calm waters of the Regimere had now became a ground for howling winds. The dark sky were filled with clouds illuminated by flashes of lightning and a brief crash of thunder. The turbulent waves making it hard for the crew to maneuver their ships, their faces contorted with fear and desperation to keep the sails intact.

Ophelia and Zschova's eyes focused on the creature, their ships the closest. They were the first to react, their crew with eyes widened in terror as they scrambled to pull their sails in order to move. 

"Turn us around, now!" Ophelia yelled back to her crew, her voice barely audible from how loud the storm was.  The crew made their ship swerve and turn as it tried to sail away from the colossal figure. The creature's eyes bore into the wooden ship as it retreated and fought its way from the harsh waves of the Regimere.

But amidst the chaos, one ship remained still. The Valka Agro stood its ground, its crew seemingly frozen, not moving an inch. Arsen and Elysaria locked their gaze towards the towering figure before them. Unlike the other ships, they didn't decide to retreat and scream. Instead, they just stared at the creature as its ruby eyes glancing down below them.

Its ferocious glare softened. Almost as if there was a hint of recognition to them, showing gratitude even if it wasn't obvious enough. Arsen knew that the figure had only been hostile due to the missing treasure stolen from its depths.  

But now that it was returned, it recognized them. Slowly, the creature began to sink back into the ocean, its massive form disappearing beneath the waves. The waves finally calmed down with gentle ripples as if the Regimere itself was letting them pass through. The storm slowly vanished, the winds never howling anymore and the dark clouds began to disperse, revealing patches of the sun.

"We stay our course," Arsen commanded, her voice steady. Elysaria nods and ordered her crew as her members hesitated at first but followed. They maintained their positions, letting the ship sail slowly. As the ship sailed forward and the waters calmed, Darius approached Arsen. There was a mutual understanding in their gaze.

Arsen saw the desperation in his eyes, rubbing his shoulder. "We'll find her." 

"We have to," Darius murmured, his voice barely audible over the waves. "She's out there, and I can't just stand by and do nothing."

"We'll search every inch of this ocean if we have to, Thorren." Elysaria nods at him, ordering her crew to search for the captain's wife. The others worked in unison, yelling out the order as they steered the Valka Agro into the open waters. The once feared waters of the abyss was now a calm place like any other parts of the Regimere.

It took hours before one of the crew members decided to call him. "Captain!"

Darius was almost certain he would never find Calista until Aloysius dragged him. He felt his heart beat skip when his friend pointed at the shore not too far from where they were.

"They found her," Aloysius claimed as Darius could hear the remaining voices of his crew ringing around him. The crew sprang into action, lowering a rowboat into the water. Darius and Aloysius were the first to leap in, rowing desperately towards the shore. 

As they neared the island, they could see her more clearly – her clothes soaked, her hair matted with sand and seaweed. She was coughing violently, her body shaking as she struggled to breathe.

Darius rushed next to her, pulling her towards him in an embrace.

"I got you," Darius' voice gentle but firm. "You're safe now, Calista."