Sails of Destiny

A Heavy Heart

Amira emerged from the forest, her thoughts consumed by Killian. She could still feel his presence, the way he had held her before she left. The promise of him finding her again echoed in her mind, but it did little to ease the ache in her chest. She had left him behind once more, and the uncertainty of when they would be reunited weighed heavily on her.

As she walked, she heard familiar voices calling out to her. She looked up and saw the crew approaching—Graham, Smee, and the others. Relief flooded through her as she realized they were still here, still loyal. They rushed to her, concern evident in their eyes, but she forced a small smile, nodding to reassure them.

"Captain's orders?" Smee asked, his voice hopeful.

Amira shook her head. "Not yet," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "But he's out there."

They escorted her back to the Rabbit Hole, the bar she had called her own during the curse. Once inside, Amira climbed onto the pool table, sitting on the edge as she covered her eyes with her hands. The exhaustion from everything she had faced—the beanstalk, the battle, leaving Killian behind—crashed over her, and for a moment, she let herself feel the weight of it all.

The crew watched her, a somber silence settling over the room. They knew the toll this journey had taken on their captain's fiancée, and they respected her need for a moment of peace.

After a while, Amira took a deep breath and stood. "We're closing for the night," she announced, her voice steady. She moved behind the bar, separating the tips that had been collected, ensuring each of her employees got their share. Once that was done, she turned to the crew, who remained by her side, their loyalty unwavering.

The doors were locked, the bar empty except for Amira and her crew. The weight of the quietness pressed down on her, and she leaned against the bar, her eyes distant. Graham approached her, his expression gentle.

"Are you all right?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Amira looked at him, then at the rest of the crew, who were watching her closely. She nodded slowly, her gaze drifting toward the door. "Our home... it's back there," she said softly, her eyes glistening. "But the Captain will find us soon. He'll bring us all back together."

She hesitated for a moment, then placed a hand on her stomach, her expression softening. "And his son," she added, her voice filled with quiet hope.

The crew exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from concern to determination. They had a purpose, a goal—to stay here, to protect Amira, and to wait for their captain to return. No matter how long it took, they would be ready.

Graham stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll be ready, Amira. Until then, we'll make sure you and the little one are safe."

Amira smiled, a flicker of warmth breaking through her exhaustion. She knew that she wasn't alone, and that, no matter how difficult things got, she had her crew—her family—by her side. And one day, Killian would return, and they would be whole once more.

Amira looked at her crew, the weariness evident in her eyes. She could see the concern etched on their faces, the loyalty they held for her and their absent captain. She forced a small smile, nodding at them.

"You can stay here tonight," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "Make yourselves comfortable. I have plenty of room, and we could all use a bit of rest."

The crew exchanged glances before nodding, grateful for her offer. They knew that the Rabbit Hole was more than just a bar—it was a safe haven, a place they could protect her while they waited for their captain's return.