Bloodtide

Part 50

Henry helped Hallow down to take a seat as she caught her breath, her usually composed demeanor shaken by the rush to escape. I watched her closely, unable to understand why Jones hated her so much. I'd thought she and John had a past, something that explained the tension, but it seemed I was mistaken. Whatever the reason, it wasn't what I'd imagined.

The men moved quickly, their boots clattering across the deck as they prepared the Black Pearl to sail out of danger. The sound of the wind snapping at the sails mingled with the shouted orders as everyone sprang into action. But my attention was drawn back to Hallow, who seemed unusually fragile in that moment.

I walked over to her, offering a blanket to ward off the chill of the early morning sea air. "Here," I said, trying to push away the unease that had settled in my gut. She looked up at me with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"My mermaid sister," she laughed, the sound light but carrying a knowing edge that made me groan inwardly.

"I'm not a—" I began to protest, but she cut me off with a raised hand, her gaze sharp and unwavering.

"You can't lie to me, Ella," she whispered, her voice as soft as the waves lapping against the hull of the ship. "I'm one myself, and I can smell you." The words sent a shiver down my spine, and I held my tongue, unsure of how to respond. She had seen right through me, stripping away the carefully constructed layers I'd used to protect myself.

Hallow's eyes softened as she studied my face, as if seeing me for the first time. "You've been hiding it well, I'll give you that. But the sea always calls to its own." Her tone wasn't accusing, but rather filled with a kind of understanding that left me feeling exposed.

Before I could muster a reply, the ship lurched forward, the wind catching the sails in full. The Black Pearl began to glide through the water, cutting through the waves with a grace that belied her size. The crew worked seamlessly, each man moving with purpose and precision as they guided the ship away from the shore and the danger that lurked there.

"Enough about me, why does Jones want you dead?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me. Hallow rolled her eyes, clearly not thrilled with the change in topic.

"He's just a man scorned," she replied with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Humans are so fragile when it comes to matters of the heart. They fall too easily, believe too deeply." Her tone was light, but I could hear the undercurrent of bitterness, the kind that only comes from experience. "I dated him for a time, when the sea was boring and I needed some entertainment."

I blinked in surprise. "You dated Jones?"

She laughed, a sound that was both amused and a little cruel. "Oh, darling, I've dated many men. Being a mermaid gives you certain... advantages. Men can't resist the lure of the sea, or the women who come from it." Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and I realized she was enjoying this—relishing in the power she held over those who had crossed her path.

"What happened?" I pressed, intrigued despite myself.

"Let's just say he found out the hard way that loving a mermaid is a dangerous game," she replied, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "I'm not one to be tied down, and he didn't take it well. He wanted more, wanted to keep me for himself. But men like Jones never understand—they can't keep what isn't theirs to own."

Before I could ask more, John walked over, the ship beginning to rock more violently under the gathering storm. His presence immediately pulled my attention away from Hallow. "Ella, you should get inside," he instructed, his hands lightly resting on my waist. His touch was steadying, and I nodded, momentarily caught off guard by how close he was.

Hallow watched us, an odd look crossing her face before she stood up, smoothing down her clothes as if preparing for something. "I'll join you," she said, her voice losing its earlier playfulness. Together, we made our way into the study room, the ship lurching harder with every step as the storm intensified.

Once inside, the walls creaked with the strain of the sea, and I could feel the power of the waves through the floorboards beneath my feet. Hallow paced the room with an ease that spoke of years spent at sea, while I leaned against the wall, trying to steady my nerves.

"You and John?" she questioned, raising an eyebrow in a way that made it clear she was already forming her own conclusions.

I frowned, unsure of what she was hinting at. "There's nothing between us," I replied, perhaps too quickly.

"Mm, if you say so," Hallow said, her tone filled with doubt. "But from what I saw out there, I'd wager there's more going on than you realize. Men are funny that way—sometimes they don't even know what they want until it's standing right in front of them."

I shook my head, trying to dismiss her words. "We're just trying to survive this," I insisted. "There's no time for anything else."

Hallow tilted her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Survival often brings people closer together. Trust me, I've seen it happen more times than I can count. And when it does, well... things tend to get complicated."

Her words lingered in the air, a reminder of the pain she carried with her. I glanced at the door, where John's silhouette was visible as he moved about the ship, steering us through the storm.

"But no matter how much he hates me, I'll always love him. That's the cruelest part of it all—knowing that I'll never stop loving him, even if he never looks at me the same way again."

She moved closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "But enough about that. Let me give you a piece of advice, sister. If you ever do find yourself tangled up with a man, especially one like John, remember this—never let them think they have the upper hand. Keep them guessing, keep them wanting. That's how you stay in control."

Her words hung in the air between us, a mixture of warning and temptation that I couldn't quite shake. Before I could respond, the ship gave another violent lurch, throwing us both off balance. Hallow caught herself easily, her sea legs clearly better than mine. She flashed me a grin, the cunning glint in her eyes returning. "Hold on tight, Ella. This ride's just getting started."

As the storm outside raged on, I found myself wondering if her words were meant only for the seas ahead—or if they were also a veiled warning about the man I was beginning to trust.