The Legacy of the Uncharted

~ Chapter 19 ~ Tensions and New Bonds

As Lucy continued to rest and recover, the crew tried to return to some semblance of normalcy on the *Mariner's Whisper*. Sophie, Theo, and Keoni took it upon themselves to prepare a meal for everyone. However, the tension between Sophie and Keoni had been palpable since they left the Shaded Isles, making the kitchen an awkward place to be.

Keoni, sensing the unease, quietly excused herself from the group.

- Keoni : I think I'll step out for a bit. I need some air."

Theo watched as Keoni left the room, a sigh escaping his lips. The tension between the two women was becoming harder to ignore, and he knew it couldn't continue like this. After a moment, he turned to Sophie, who was chopping vegetables with a bit more force than necessary.

- Theo (POV) : I don't like this tension between you two. You've got me, love—you don't have to avoid her, you know?"

Sophie paused for a moment, the knife still in her hand, before she responded with a hint of frustration.

- Sophie : I don't feel like I need her in my life, Theo. I have you, and I have my friends. That's all I need."

Theo frowned slightly but didn't push further. He understood that Sophie was hurt, but he also knew that holding onto resentment wouldn't do anyone any good. Deciding to shift the mood, he finished preparing the dish he and Sophie had been working on—a hearty stew they named *Sailor's Comfort*, a nod to the comfort food they used to dream about during long, tiring days at sea.

Once the meal was ready, Theo called everyone to the living room to eat, including the four new members of the crew. The table was set, and the crew slowly filed in, taking their seats around the long table. The atmosphere was still a bit strained, but the sight and smell of the food helped to ease some of the tension.

As they began to eat, Jax, one of the former Blackwell pirates, caught Theo's attention. He was staring at Sophie, his gaze lingering in a way that made Theo's blood run cold.

- Theo : Why are you looking at my girl like that, Jax?"

The room fell silent, the other crew members pausing mid-bite. Jax, realizing he had been caught, quickly looked away, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender.

- Jax "Iron Hand I apologize, Theo. No harm meant. I was just... thinking about how tough she must be to have survived everything we've put her  through."

Theo's jaw tightened, but he forced himself to relax. He didn't want to cause a scene, especially not in front of everyone, but he wasn't going to let anyone disrespect Sophie.

- Theo : Just make sure you keep your thoughts to yourself. We're all on the same ship, and we need to respect each other."

Jax nodded, his expression serious.

- Jax "Iron Hand : Understood. I won't cause any trouble."

Sophie placed a hand on Theo's arm, her touch calming him down. She gave him a small, reassuring smile, letting him know she appreciated his protective nature.

- Sophie  : It's okay, Theo. Let's just enjoy the meal."

The rest of the crew, sensing the tension easing, returned to their food, the conversation gradually picking up again. They talked about everything from their plans for the next leg of their journey to sharing stories from their past adventures.