The Other Tide

Chapter VIII

Just as the sun set, the fire crackled. Sariah sat near the fire, watching as the others settled for the night. She watched the fire crackle before her eyes, the fire reflecting off her irises. Cassian sat down beside her on the sand. "Can't sleep again?" He asked, his voice a whisper. She turned her head to the side to look at him. "Can't sleep when there's so much on your mind." She shrugged, turning to look back out at the water. "Fair enough." He softly chuckled. "I've always questioned why my mother should have just hidden the necklace." Sariah blurted out, her thoughts taking over. "Maybe she knew that you would have a chance to connect to your birthright." Cassian looked out at the water, watching the moonlight reflect off the water. "My father tried so hard to paint me as a noble woman, to marry me into that society. But somehow, this part of me always finds a way to resurface." She looked over at him, her expression soft. It surprised Cassian as he looked over at her. "Maybe it's destiny calling." He spoke softly, his eyes deceiving him as he looked down at her lips. "Why do you always seem so different with me?" She asked, her voice softening. "You seem so serious with your men and kind with your friends. But, it's different with me." Their eyes met. "Because there's something different about you that makes me act a certain way.." He admitted. "And what's that?" She asked again, getting major deja vu. "You. It's just you." His hand slowly reached up, cupping her jaw. His fingers slowly caressing her cheek. Her cheeks turned pink, blinking a few times. "You never answered my question about already knowing my name." She cleared her throat. Cassian sighed. "That night your mother was killed...I was there." He admitted,. leaning his head back, his hand falling off her face.

"That night those pirates attacked your home, capturing your mother. There was a servant boy that saved you that night, remember? Your mother led you to the entrance of the passageway, telling you to run. Before you could they found you two, and there was a boy near your age. Dragging you through the passageway. I stayed with you until you were safe, till your father found you. I was there, Sariah."

"And I told you, I didn't want to be alone that night." Her eyes widened, her hand flew up to cover her mouth. She turned away, piecing things together. "So many years I wanted to thank that boy. But now...." She looked back over at him. In a flash, she wrapped her arms around his neck. She gave him a hug, tightening her grip. "I could never thank you enough." She whispered in his ear. Cassian's eyes went wide, slowly returning her hug. She smiled, slowly letting go. "I-..um..." She looked away awkwardly. He tilted his head slightly, smirking. "Didn't expect to receive a hug from miss sunshine over here." He teased, softly chuckling. "Don't get used to it." She rolled her eyes. "Oh come on." He wiggled his eyebrows. She scoffed, shaking her head. "Good night Captain." She said, heading to her sleeping mat. He sat there for a moment, a small smile lingering on his lips. "Such a charmer."

Sariah woke that early morning, looking up as the stars started to disappear in the sky. She looked out behind the trees. The sun was about to rise. She quickly got up, grabbing the journal Cassian brought. He stirred awake, hearing the sand move around him. He opened his eyes, spotting Sariah running off into the trees. "Come on, come on." Her feet stopped at the edge of the ruins. She looked up at the sky once more, the sun rising up into the sky. In the middle, a podium started to form. It had a perfect oval shape for the key. She took off her necklace, stepping to the podium. Cassian caught up, watching as she placed the necklace. He stepped closer, standing closely behind her. They watched as the sunlight hit the reflective surface, causing a reaction. Sariah watched as a land formed before her eyes, a tiny layout of a map. She quickly got out the journal, drawing down what she saw. Just as she finished, the image disappeared. Cassian looked over her shoulder, watching the map come alive. "Here is where the first trail lies." She pointed to a landmark she marked. "We should give this to Akira, he can lead us there." They nodded to each other, heading back to camp. Akira and Mohan were already up when they got back. "Akira. We have something for you." Cassian handed the journal to him, watching as Akira observed it. "This is our map?" He asked, looking back up. "We must hurry." Mohan butted in. "I got word that Crimson has been spotted heading the same course as us." Cassian sighed, crossing his arms. "Then set full sail. We have a treasure to find."