Siren's Kiss

34: Struggle in the Frozen Wastes

With Drake and Ciel leading the way, the thousand steps glowed like embers. As they set foot on the first step, it felt as if they were transported to another place, another time, with no possibility of turning back. The Amazon Queen, her soldiers, the jackals, and the rest of the pirate crew faded into the distance as the sun dipped toward the horizon. It was hard to discern whether it was night or day, as everything was dimly lit, yet there was no sun to be seen. The sky swirled with shifting colors like blowing curtains, painted with rapid, ethereal motions.

Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights, a mesmerizing natural display usually seen in a clear night sky, now lit their path. The brightness was so intense it made them question whether it was still daylight. Ori clutched Jo's forearm, who immediately grabbed Vic's shirt. The boatswain growled at the two, their eyes wide with fear.

"Oi, ye two, move away from me! There's plenty o' space fer everyone," Vic grumbled aloud.

Griff glanced over and chuckled, continuing to follow the surgeon, Gus. Vic was right; there was ample room on the wide, open stairway crafted from polished stone. Each step was broad and deep, illuminated by softly glowing embers from braziers atop each pole. As they ascended, thoughts of what might lie ahead began to surface. Would there be hidden pathways to lead them astray, or would it be a smooth climb to the top?

"They shouldn't 'ave called this here the Lost Isle," Drake muttered beside Ciel. "It feels more like a floatin' city with no destination."

Ciel chuckled at his remark. "That's why it's forgotten and lost---because it never stays in the same place."

Drake huffed. "Aye, I be growin' weary o' this trial. What be yer reckonin' we'll find at the peak?"

Ciel shrugged. "Who knows?"

"Have any o' yer gods bestowed a clue upon ye? Or be we wanderin' aimlessly, with no purpose in sight?"

"We have a goal," Ciel replied patiently. He could sense Drake's discomfort, especially after his mother revealed his true lineage. To soothe him, Ciel intertwined his fingers with Drake's. "If you tire of this easily, you'll tire of our partnership just as quickly."

Drake looked at him, his eyes searching Ciel's gaze. "Avast there, don't be treadin' down that path. Ye be the only reason I be believin' in all this... malarkey. Ye be seekin' a cure for yer tears, but I reckon the gods have a different purpose fer bringin' ye here."

"Whatever the reason, I'm prepared," Ciel said. "I've always searched for my purpose. As an omega, no one in our kingdom recognized my inner strength. They think I'm unfit to be king. I've waited for the gods to give me a sense of purpose. Only the Phoenix God answered my prayers. I'd like to think he chose me for a greater good."

Drake, feeling guilty for upsetting Ciel, wrapped his arm around his waist as they continued to climb the winding staircase. "I didn't mean to stir ye up, me love. I'm just concerned. Besides me crew, yer sister, and mayhaps the historian, no one knows yer tears be pearls."

"You don't trust the Ladyqueen and Hawk?"

Drake hesitated, clicking his tongue. "It be a tangled tale. I ain't certain how deep our friendship runs."

"Perhaps because pirates aren't sentimental, you've never defined your relationship with them." Ciel smiled, touching Drake's chin to make him look at him. "I believe you three are siblings in another life. Fate brought you together."

Drake grimaced but didn't contradict his beloved omega. He set aside his personal feelings and focused on Ciel. At the moment, Ciel's heat had subsided, but they both knew it wasn't over. An omega's heat could last four to seven days, often starting with a fever. Drake was grateful Ciel hadn't experienced a high fever, but his scent could spread uncontrollably, causing even the crew to avoid him. With other alphas on this journey, Drake was more worried about Ciel than ever. He could trust Hawk and Purity to respect his claim, but Commander Rowan was a different matter.