Bound by Fate | Eustass Kid X OC

Ch 6 • Clash of Spirits

•• Hanmee's P.O.V ••

I did wake up a little late, finding Eustass sitting right across the table. He noticed me, "Look who woke up! It's dearest 'Kitten!' Come and serve yourself rather you wanna stay hungry all night."

Dinner was a grim affair. I sat in Kid's quarters, the tray of food before me untouched. My mind was a whirl of thoughts and plans, all leading to one goal: escape. But for now, I had to bide my time, endure whatever Kid threw my way.

Kid's voice broke my reverie. "Eat. You'll need your strength."

I glanced at him, then at the food. "I’m not hungry."

His eyes narrowed. "Refusing to eat won't help you. You need to stay strong if you want to survive."

"Survive for what?" I muttered, poking at the unappetizing meal. "So I can be your slave?"

Kid’s expression darkened. "Watch your tongue, kitten. You're on my ship now. You follow my rules."

I bit back a retort, knowing it would only make things worse. The tension between us was palpable, an invisible barrier that neither of us was willing to cross—until now.

"Why are you curious about Koby so much?" I asked, unable to keep the question bottled up any longer. "What did he ever do to you?"

I shouldn't have brought that up. But I could not help myself as well. Right when I was sitting at a corner and watching him work through pages, I saw Koby's article marked. It got me tensed since he's my friend.

Kid’s eyes flashed with anger. "Koby is a Marine. That’s reason enough."

"He’s a good person," I argued. "He’s not like the others."

Kid slammed his fist on the table, making me flinch. "All Marines are the same. They think they can control everything, impose their order on everyone. They’re hypocrites."

I glared at him, my anger rising to the surface. "Koby is my friend. He saved my life. You don't know anything about him."

"I know enough," Kid spat. "And I know that if you value your life, you’ll keep your mouth shut about him. And calling Koby your friend, you really surprise me, kitten!"

My fists clenched, nails digging into my palms. "I won't let you speak about him that way. Do you even know who you are? A pirate! And he's talking about a Marine!"

Kid leaned closer, his eyes boring into mine. "You're in no position to argue, Kitty! Remember where you are," he added, "I bet the scar on your face won't go away that easily", his tone almost mocking.

The room fell silent, the air thick with unresolved tension. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of fear and defiance warring within me. I turned away, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of seeing my tears.

I could sense him smiling to himself.

"Hana, is that your name? Tell me something then, you a Marine?," Kid finally asked, his voice cold.

Fear crept all over me. I immediately refused.

The room was heavy with an oppressive silence. He was a shadowy figure in the dim light.

"Stand up," he ordered in a low stern voice.

My mind didn't want to but the fear controlling my body followed as told.

"Kitty," Kid’s voice broke the stillness. I turned to see him standing over me, a cold gleam in his eyes. "Time to learn your place."

Before I could react, he grabbed me by the wrist, yanking me off my position. His grip was iron, his metal hand cold against my skin. I struggled, but his strength was overwhelming.