Forever after

Chapter Two • Sinking feeling

I sank heavily against a weathered crate, the vibrant surroundings of this seemingly idyllic place contrasting sharply with the heavy dread that clung to me like a shroud. How could such a picturesque scene feel so suffocating?

The question gnawed at me: how could someone simply disappear in the blink of an eye, in just three short days? I had interrogated every soul in this cursed town, desperate for a glimmer of information about that cloaked person. If it weren't for that infuriating man...

I sighed inwardly, my gaze fixed on the bustling docks. The cacophony of squawking seagulls and the rhythmic lapping of waves against the wooden posts provided a strange comfort, a lullaby for my frayed nerves. I knew I needed to return home, yet pointing fingers at those who were undoubtedly to blame was leading me nowhere.

Suddenly, a voice broke through my thoughts, startling me to the core. "Hey, are you alright?"

With a yelp that echoed my surprise, I nearly leapt from my perch. Turning, I found myself face-to-face with a woman whose wavy, dark red hair framed her face like a fiery halo, her sky-blue eyes wide with concern.

A nervous smile danced across her lips, revealing charming dimples that seemed to light up her face. "Oh, I'm so sorry if I startled you," she whispered softly, her fingers deftly tucking her long bangs behind her ear, a gesture that added an air of innocence to her already captivating presence.

I inhaled deeply, the air filling my lungs as I held it for a moment, trying to steady my racing heart. "N-no, it's alright; I'm just a bit on edge," I exhaled, my hand waving dismissively as if to brush away the tension that hung in the air.

But I couldn't tear my gaze away from her. She was stunning, a vision that seemed to shimmer in the fading light. "You really shouldn't linger here," she cautioned, her tone suddenly serious. "Wait, why not?" I inquired, curiosity piqued as she gestured toward a ship anchored in the harbor.

"Pirates. Specifically, the Hook pirates," she replied, her voice laced with a mix of intrigue and warning. My eyes widened in disbelief as I took in the sight of the ominous skull flag fluttering in the breeze. "Like Captain Hook?" I stammered, my mind conjuring the vivid image of a swashbuckling figure with a curled mustache and wild, flowing black hair, a character straight out of a storybook.

"Are you familiar with him?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued. "I've heard whispers about him... kind of, though my recollection is hazy," I admitted, my voice trailing off as uncertainty crept in. Her gaze turned sharp as it fixated on the ship, a storm brewing in her eyes. "He's a monster. They all are."

It was evident that she harbored a deep-seated animosity towards him. I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the intensity of her feelings. "So, you're not one of those pirates, then?" I ventured cautiously. "By the gods, absolutely not!"

A light laugh escaped my lips, the tension easing slightly. "Well, in that case, I'm Kacie," I introduced myself, extending my hand with a bright smile. "And I'm Cari," she responded, her grip delicate yet firm, as she lifted my hand to her lips and bestowed a gentle kiss on my knuckles. Fancy.

"Why would you venture to the docks if you're not a pirate, Cari?" I asked, my arms folded tightly across my chest as she let go of my hand. She simply shrugged, a playful glint in her eye. "I actually own a boat; I'm here on a family business trip."

A family business trip? That struck me as a bit odd. "Well, I should probably get back to what I came for. It would be nice to cross paths again someday," I replied, as she gave me a knowing wink and turned to walk away.

I couldn't help but smile as I watched her retreating figure. But then, without warning, a searing pain shot through my head, and the world around me faded into darkness.