Siren's Kiss

13: Ever a Splinter

Waking up inside the grim shadows of the gallows with iron shackles around his wrists and ankles wasn't the ideal scenario Hawk had in mind. He knew Grandmaster Isadora would find a way to get back at him, but he didn't give a damn and went with the templar guards, indifferent about his situation. His confidence wasn't out of ignorance; he knew he could slip out if he wanted to. This kind of predicament wasn't new to him. But at the moment, he'd rather cooperate and wait for the right timing.

He had been caught in one of the hidden villages inhabited mostly by the saurians, lizard people who valued their independence and weren't affiliated with any confederation. Hawk didn't feel the need to be defensive around them. But after seeing the flag bearing the familiar "red cross" symbol, he knew he was busted.

A knight entered with a jailor just as Hawk raised his head and opened his eyes. Surprise marred his face when he realized this wasn't the head guard usually beside Grandmaster Isadora, but Templar Commander of the First Order, Rowan Nicolaus himself.

Rowan jerked his head, and the jailor moved forward with a ring of keys in hand, unlocking the door and pushing the beam away. As the door swung wide, Hawk couldn't help looking amused, as if he were a cursed spirit imprisoned within a dark tomb.

"Get up," Rowan Nicolaus commanded, his voice deep and authoritative.

Being born a beta, Hawk knew an alpha at first glance, and before him stood one of the most formidable. However, this didn't stop Hawk from mocking him, as he had dealt with worse.

Unfazed and grinning widely, Hawk chuckled. "What a pleasant surprise. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

His greeting was met with stern, dark eyes. "So, you're one of those Deadly Trios?"

"In the flesh."

Rowan scoffed, the disgust on his face evident, which entertained Hawk even more. As if he wanted to spit on the pirate's existence, Rowan shifted his gaze to the jailor and the guards. "Bring him."

Hawk was happy to oblige but still, let the guards drag him away. Rowan led the way, climbing upstairs into a magnificent hall with a rib vaulted ceiling. The laughter and excitement Hawk heard were replaced with ghostly quiet as they emerged. Hawk was surprised to find a ceremonial banquet being held, but nothing prepared him for the sight of templar knights and siren guards together. From a distance, he spotted the imposing figure of King Cyraeni, flanked by Commander Triton, the head of the guards, and Captain Merror, the leader of the kingdom's fleet.

Commander Triton was a beautiful man, tall and slender, with long, dark seaweed-green hair that flowed like waves around his shoulders, often tied back in full armor. The eyes of the sirens seemed to change colors at every turn. At the moment, Hawk found himself staring into piercing blue eyes that reflected the depths of the ocean, calm but firm. His armor was adorned with intricate designs that matched his helmet, which appeared more like a headdress. Even his breastplate bore the emblem of the royal family, signifying his loyalty and duty to protect them at all costs.

Captain Merror seemed less strained. Handsome and youthful, his hair was a cascade of dark indigo, tied back in a loose, practical braid. His eyes were a captivating shade of aquamarine, sharp and discerning, and he wore a coat made of the finest sea silk, dyed in deep blues and greens, adorned with epaulets fashioned from golden corals.

"Is this the renowned Captain Hawk, the Dread?" King Cyraeni broke the eerie silence. "Was the story about Seabreeze Hollow true?"

The mention of Hawk's birthplace wiped the grin off his face immediately. Clearly, the king didn't appear to reprimand but to punish. The small coastal village, once known for its vibrant community of seafarers, traders, and craftsmen, had turned into a ghost town after hundreds perished from the plague.