Bloodtide

Part 29

"Get down!" John shouted as he pushed us both to the ground, his body shielding mine from the immediate danger.

Guards ran through the forest, their heavy boots thudding against the ground as they headed toward the camp. My eyes widened in fear, watching the armed men invade the island with a ruthless efficiency.

"Captain Blackeye," one of the guards sneered, grabbing John and yanking him to his feet. "And Miss Ella?" He turned his gaze on me, a mocking smile playing on his lips as he hauled me up as well.

The guards restrained John roughly, their grip like iron. I struggled to make sense of the situation, my heart racing. "The lord will be happy to know you're alive" he said.

The guard laughed again, his eyes cold and calculating. He began to drag us toward the camp where Jones and the rest of the crew were already being rounded up.

"Gather them all up, men," I heard a familiar voice command. My heart skipped a beat as the lord's face came into view.

"Griffen!" I shouted, walking toward him.

"Ella, where have you been? Your father has been a worried mess," he whispered, his concern evident as he glanced around at the pirates now in chains.

"I went to find Henry. Why are you here?" I asked, my eyes darting between the captured crew members and Griffen's stern expression.

Before Griffen could respond, Jones spoke up, his voice steady despite the chains binding him. "Sir Griffen, we had a deal, and I held up my end of it."

Griffen's eyes narrowed as he regarded Jones. "Your end of the deal was to deliver the treasure, and there is no gold here."

Jones smirked, despite his predicament. "The treasure is here, just as promised. You can't control how the sea plays its part."

Griffen looked back at me, his expression softening. "Ella, we need to get you and the others to safety. This place is more dangerous than we anticipated."

I glanced at Henry, who was being restrained by another guard. He met my eyes with a look of determination and worry. "What about Henry?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly. "And the rest of the crew?"

Griffen hesitated, his gaze shifting to the chained pirates. "They'll be dealt with according to their crimes. But you, Ella, you're going back home."

"No," I said firmly, stepping closer to Griffen. "I'm not leaving without Henry."

Griffen sighed, clearly frustrated. "Ella, this is not the time for defiance. Your safety is paramount."

I shook my head, my resolve unwavering. "If Henry stays, I stay."

Griffen's face hardened, but he saw the determination in my eyes. He nodded reluctantly. "Fine."

Jones watched the exchange with a glint of amusement in his eyes. "You see, Sir Griffen, even the best-laid plans can be unpredictable."

Ignoring Jones, Griffen turned to his men. "Uncuff him."

I watched, confused, as Jones kept a sly smirk on his face. "The boy lives along with my crew, as promised?" he asked, his tone deceptively casual.

Griffen nodded, impatience etched on his face. "Yes, yes. Now lead the way," he commanded.

Jones laughed, the sound cold and calculated, sending a chill down my spine.

"What is going on?" I demanded, my frustration boiling over. Griffen closed his eyes momentarily, as if gathering the strength to explain.

Before he could respond, John interjected, his voice tinged with bitter amusement. "Love, it seems Jones and Lord Griffen had a secret alliance this whole time," he said, laughing between his words. "They've been playing us all."