Siren's Kiss

12: A Healing Encounter

While the crew waited for their captain and the others to return, they ended up being hungry and craving to eat something specific, much to the annoyance of their cook, Ollie. After a quick vote, Griff and Vic were dispatched to fish in the surrounding waters. Two longboats moved up the river, with Griff and Vic in one, Ollie and Eli following close behind.

The fog lay thick over the water, casting an eerie silence over everything. Griff couldn't help noticing the apprehension on Vic's face as he looked around. "What's got ye all jittery?"

"Ever heard the tale that when the fog's this thick and the water's silent, it means a beast does the biddin' of Davy Jones? A Kraken, mate! Giant tentacles that'll drag you and yer ship down to the abyss."

Griff swept him an indescribable stare. "Your obsession with Krakens makes me think ye're scared of dyin'."

"It's not about the idea of dyin', it's about the chastisement," Vic insisted. "Think about the worst fate ye can conjure for yourself, your karma. That's what awaits ye in Davy Jones' locker."

Ollie, hearing their conversation, moved closer to Eli, clutching his fishing net and other materials, clearly terrified. Griff rolled his eyes at Vic. "It's a myth! Azure Kraken don't show up randomly unless you set sail directly to the Ghost Sea and seek 'em yourself."

"Well, that's not entirely true, ain't it?" Vic argued. "The Siren King had to defend his kingdom against one."

"The Siren King lives under the vast sea! Who knows how far his territory stretches?"

Vic glared at him. "Aye, then, matey. If me story is so mythical in yer point of view, then why are ye pullin' so fast?"

There was a sudden splash behind them, and they turned to see Ollie on the brink of tears, much to Eli's irritation. However, the noise from afar caused them all to glance at one another and start rowing much more quickly---in sync.

Out of the fog, something large and menacing appeared in the water. It was a massive, predatory, ray-finned fish, its fearsome appearance and ferocious behavior unmistakable.

"Row, ye scallywags! Row!" Griff shouted; his voice filled with panic as the fish gave chase.

"Aye, I'm rowin', I'm rowin'!" Vic replied, his eyes wide with fear.

"Is it gainin' on us?" Ollie squeaked, his voice trembling.

"Stop lookin' and keep rowin'!" Eli barked, his arms working furiously.

The crew paddled like their lives depended on it, their boat skimming over the water at an impressive speed. The monstrous fish snapped at their heels, its razor-sharp teeth flashing in the murky light.

"Almost there!" Griff yelled, the cove coming into view.

With one final, desperate push, they managed to reach the safety of the hidden ship in the cove. Panting and drenched in sweat, they collapsed into the boat, their hearts still pounding from the close call.

Ollie, still clutching his fishing net, glared at the others. "From now on, ye'll eat what I serve ye and be content with it! No more fishin' expeditions, ye hear?"

The others, too tired and relieved to argue, nodded in agreement. They had had enough excitement for one day, and the promise of a simple meal back on their ship suddenly seemed very appealing.

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Once he was out of Captain Drake's sight, Ciel released the tension he had been holding, grateful for a breath of fresh air. Allowing himself to relax, he took a moment to think about his next move before seeking out a physician who specialized in treating omegas during their heat. Though reluctant, he found the strength to approach one of the nurses who was making rounds.