Siren's Kiss

02: Scourge of the Seven Seas

In the Seven Seas, men and women were considered equal and what set them apart aside from their origin was their biological roles, defining their societal positions, and there were three of them in this world: the alpha, the omega, and the beta.

Alpha stood at the top of the hierarchy, known for their dominant behavior and physical strength. They were renowned for producing exceptional offspring. Alphas were meant to be paired with omegas, and in a world where the ocean held vast secrets and obscurities, the omegas were the coveted treasures.

Omegas were highly sought after for their ability to bear children, so it was only natural that they were considered very precious but rare. So rare that if one was born out of a family without any power, influence, or credit to protect them, they would be taken away. Powerful alphas looking to produce outstanding descendants were advised to mate with omegas. The rarer and more exceptional the omega's heritage, the better. However, due to their scarcity, few alphas managed to find omega mates, and many of them ended up pairing with betas.

Beta, the third kind, could only produce children with other betas. Though at times, an alpha would choose a beta as a mate, they needed to go through rigorous medical treatments in order to conceive. A process that could take months to a year, often with very little success. And even after its success, the offspring they produced were nowhere near the perfection as those from omega pairings. These results could often lead to the failure of the pairing and the dissolution of the unions. This truth was thrust upon every denizen of the Seven Seas whether they liked it or not. Therefore, it wasn't wonder to anyone that omegas became the communal property of the wealthy and the powerful known as the "regalia".

Being born as an omega with a princely title and a noble lineage, it was no surprise that alpha suitors from all walks of life lined up to court Prince Ciel. They offered lavish gifts and showered not only him but also his parents with praises and tributes, all for a chance to be his mate. It was ridiculous, really, for Ciel abhorred all alphas. Not a single one had managed to capture his interest, and he hated all the attention they were giving him.

All Ciel wanted in life was to travel the Seven Seas and discover the secrets of their world.

Given the present company, Ciel had no idea what was going on in the minds of the young crew members. They were all gawking at him as if he were some kind of mystical wonder. Technically, he was, but Ciel hoped that wasn't what they were pondering about. They were just too heterodox for their mindset to be centered around a single notion.

"Er...should we put him in an aquarium?"

All eyes slowly turned to Jonah "Jo" Sparrow, their lookout. Sometimes, they wished they could just sew his mouth shut. As usual, Orion "Ori" Swift, their navigator, smacked the side of his head, prompting laughter from the rest of the crew.

"What was that for?!" Jo complained.

The carpenter, Elias "Eli" Timber, clarified, "Have ye seen an aquarium on this ship, ye dickhead!?"

Jo looked at him, puzzled. "I was thinking maybe ye could craft one."

Eli stared back, dumbfounded. "I don't know whether to laugh or cry at yer words."

"Enough."

The voice immediately ceased their nonsensical discussion. Drake Stormare, the formidable captain of the Crimson Corsairs and the fleet commander of the Scarlet Tempest, strode forward confidently, his long dark hair still damp from a quick change of clothes. He narrowed his gaze at the Siren Prince sitting defiantly on a chair, staring back at him.

"Let it go, Your Highness," Drake warned. "Ye're on me ship, so ye follow me rules. Now, I know ye can turn those tails and fins into a pair of lovely feet. I suggest ye do that, 'cause after that stunt ye pulled, ye won't be swimming in the waters for a long while."