Siren's Kiss

21: Dark Waters

Ciel's tears were unlike anything seen in this realm, shimmering with an almost magical quality as they fell from his eyes. Whenever he shed tears, they didn't just stream down his pale, flawless cheeks; they transformed into tiny, lustrous pearls. Each tear, as it left his eyes, seemed to catch the light, refracting it into a thousand colors before solidifying it into a perfect, round gem.

The transformation of his tears was a reminder of his mystical origin, a secret the King and Queen of the siren kingdom kept hidden from most, revealing itself only in moments of profound emotion.

Sensing the conversation they needed to have, the Amazon Queen left them in the solace of the throne room to sort out their situation. Drake was still baffled by the disclosure, his hands picking up the precious pearls from the ground. Inspecting them closely, he finally understood why the alchemist described these pearls as similar to what the Azure Kraken produced, yet different. These pearls were lighter compared to those hidden beneath the Kraken's tentacles. They came in various delicate and iridescent colors. Drake suspected he could crush one into dust with a bare hand with enough pressure.

Yes, indeed---these were not the same as the pearls from the depths of the sea, which were larger, heavier, and turbulent, each symbolizing the creature's immense strength and ancient power. Both types were magical and rare, but they embodied different aspects of the oceanic and mystical realms to which they belonged.

Ciel watched him inspect the gem meticulously, afraid to move from his position. He couldn't discern whether Drake was upset about the lie regarding the pearls' origin or saddened that Ciel hadn't trusted him. Perhaps both. Accepting the possibility, Ciel lowered his gaze, not daring to look at the captain's face.

"Is this why yer parents rarely let ye up on the land?" Drake's voice was steady, devoid of any particular emotion. He simply wanted to understand more. "Not only are ye an omega prince, but ye also produce this kind of treasure. Why didn't ye tell me?"

Ciel finally raised his head to meet Drake's gaze. "Then, whatever we have now would never be the same."

Drake was taken aback but understanding. Ciel had a point. How would he have reacted if he'd known this earlier? How would his crew? He drew a deep breath. "Aye, I suppose ye had yer reasons, and I had mine." His eyes softened with affection, and Ciel felt his heart skip a beat. "Your Highness, ye and I, we met before. Do ye remember?"

The memory of their first meeting made Ciel flush. He admitted, "I remember."

Drake's expression briefly showed a mix of astonishment and offense. "Thank goodness. I thought I'd have to rack yer brains again to remind ye."

"It is I who do not wish to remember."

"I sensed it."

"That day... an Azure Kraken rose from the depths and crushed your father's fleet. I couldn't save them all... I'm sorry."

Drake slowly smiled. "That's not yer fault, Your Highness."

"Still, you lost your father and the crew that day. I know how much you treated them as your family."

The siren's words brought back memories of his painful past, the loss of a parent, and the family he had always known. "Ye carry too much burden for somethin' ye can't control. Didn't that same monster attack yer kingdom too? I'm sure ye lost a lot as well."

But he hadn't lost his family, Ciel thought bitterly. His father survived the attack, only losing a handful of good soldiers. Both his mother and grandmother were protected by Commander Triton, untouched by the sea creature.

Drake took a deep breath. "I reckon I understand yer fears now. After all, I'm a pirate and an alpha. My very bein' probably disgusts ye---"

"No!" Ciel interrupted, and Drake stared back, surprised. Too many emotions swirled in the prince's eyes for Drake to discern which was strongest. But as he looked into his face, he knew Ciel was trying to reach out to him. "I...I'm not disgusted by ye. Ye've been kind to me. I just..."