COMPLETED
Nereida has always been shackled to her royal duties as princess of Triteria, and when her kingdom becomes involved in a series of mysterious vanishings and deaths she begins to seek answers. Rebels soon shatter her world, and she finds he...
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Captain Shelley stood up, still beaming, and offered me his coat. I smiled, wrapped it around my body, and then responded to his comment. "It would seem you have, Captain."
Lastly, I removed the necklace and allowed my legs to resurface. With everything going on, I couldn't look away from Sam nor stop the firmly planted smile on my face. Sam offered his hand, helping me from the platform, his face still radiating joy at my return.
"Well, tell us how it went?" he asked as we walked towards the room underneath the ship's helm. Sam immediately sat down at the table, but I remained standing. I smiled and held up the compass victoriously; his eyes widened with surprise and glee, looking at it and then back at me.
"Captain, forgive the intrusion, but what are your orders?" Mr. Gibbs asked, barging into the room.
"Mr. Gibbs, we will have a heading shortly." Mr. Gibbs nodded and left the room, closing the door behind him. Once closed, Sam wasted no time; he was already in front of me, pulling me into his arms and placing his lips against mine. There was a peacefulness in that kiss, taking away every bad memory of my short trip back to Triteria. But the lingering pangs of guilt tainted it quickly, and I was forced to pull away, causing Sam's eyebrows to furrow in surprise and worry.
"What's wrong, Niri? You've been too quiet," he asked, looking down at my face.
"I've kept something from you. I'm so sorry, but now that we are headed, I am not even sure what we are heading into, but I need to tell you–"
"Niri, you aren't making much sense, love."
"Back when we were on Dodona Isle, I told you that we needed to return things to the fates–"
"Aye, you said that they wanted the item on Asherah and the return of their compass." I nodded.
"Right, well, there was more to their request than I told you. If we don't return the compass by the next full moon, the fates will come for... you." I watched as every ounce of happiness left Sam's face, replaced by shock. Water started to well up in my eyes, and I turned away from him, unable to bear to look at the pain that was so clearly present.
"I'm so sorry, Sam. I don't know what I was thinking! If I could go back and never make that deal, I would. I understand if you don't want to help me anymore–"
"Niri." I turned to face him, tears streaming down my cheeks. "I forgive you."
"What? You forgive me? How could you forgive me so easily?" I yelled, pulling away.
"Because I'm not innocent. I've done things to you, shameful things, that I regret with my entire being. I've threatened your life before, and I've hurt you."
"That doesn't make what I did any better, though."
"No, it doesn't, but I understand that people make drastic decisions in moments of uncertainty and limited options. Besides, this happened before we ever," he grabbed my hand, "I cannot fault you for making a decision I would have made myself. You did what you thought was best. I believe that because...I know you."
