Tides of deception ✺ Outlander/Stephen Bonnet Fanfic

♤2 Dungeon or dragon 🕷

As they ascended the gangway, Maria's heart pounded in her chest. The ship loomed closer, dark and menacing, its sails creaking in the wind. Suddenly, one of the crew members leaned in, close enough to smell her hair, and grinned. "Captain," he called out, "think we could use her?"

Stephen stopped in his tracks, his posture tense. He turned slowly, an icy smile curling on his lips. His voice was low, but the threat was unmistakable. "Fancy sleeping in the sea tonight?"

The crewman's grin faltered. He raised his hands quickly in apology, stepping back as the rest of the men erupted into laughter.

Stephen grabbed Maria by the arm, pulling her forward like a prized possession on display. "She's mine," he declared, his voice booming over the laughter. His eyes bore into hers as he leaned down, his voice dangerously smooth. "Tell me, lass. Do you fancy the dungeon or my cabin?"

The crew laughed again, the sound unsettling in the cold sea air. Maria stood frozen, her mind racing. She couldn't answer-fear clamped her throat shut. Stephen's frustration grew, and he leaned closer to her ear, his voice harsh and gritted with impatience. "Answer me."

The words came out in a whisper. "The dungeon."

The men roared with laughter, but Stephen's smile vanished. He shoved her forward roughly, toward the waiting crew. "Take her to the dungeon," he snapped, his tone sharp with irritation.

Without hesitation, the men complied, dragging her below deck as Stephen watched, the tension thick between them.

✺

The dungeon was cold and damp, the air thick with the stench of sea salt and mold. Maria sat huddled against the wall, her knees pulled to her chest, listening to the muffled sounds of shouting and laughter from above deck. The walls seemed to close in on her as her thoughts raced-how had she ended up here, and how could she escape?

The creak of the door pulled her from her thoughts. A shadowy figure entered, the man from earlier, the one who had dared to disrespect Stephen. His unsteady steps reeked of alcohol, the sour stench mixing with the foul odor of sweat. He stopped just outside her cell, staring at her through the bars with dark, predatory eyes. He didn't speak, but the silence between them carried a menacing weight.

Before Maria could react, another presence filled the room. Stephen. His steps were slow, measured, and without a word, he grabbed the man by the collar and shoved him out of the dungeon with cold precision. She heard Stephen's calm voice outside, ordering his crew to tie the man up and throw him into the waves. The ease with which he gave the command sent a shiver down her spine.

Moments later, Stephen returned. The door to her cell creaked open, and he stood there, towering over her as she sat on the floor. His eyes were unreadable, his expression calm but holding a dangerous edge. "What to do with you," he murmured, almost to himself.

Maria remained silent, her eyes wide as he crouched down, bringing himself to her level. Though he didn't appear drunk, the scent of alcohol lingered on his breath, mixed with the spicy, musky scent of his cologne. He stood again, brushing his coat back as if to settle himself.

"Still planning on staying here?" His voice was emotionless, almost detached. He glanced around the dingy cell as if it offended him. "I've got clothes, food... a warm bed in my cabin." He paused, pulling an apple from his pocket and taking a slow bite. With his mouth still full, he continued, "But no, you'd rather insult me, choosing this filthy dungeon over my offer."

He tossed the half-eaten apple to the floor in front of her, the sound echoing in the still air. "You made me look a fool in front of my crew," he added, his tone sharp with irritation. "I could've let him have you," he nodded towards the direction the crewman had been dragged off, "just like I could've taken you in that forest." His cold smile returned as he turned on his heel, the smile never reaching his eyes.