𝑀𝒶𝓃 𝑜𝒻 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝑒𝒶 | 𝟏𝟖+

13.

Ellianna Kingston

I woke to the feel of fingers running through my hair, the gentle, rhythmic motion slowly pulling me from sleep. For a moment, I forgot where I was—until the weight of the night before crashed back down on me.

I was in Kairos' bed, and his touch was still there, the pads of his fingers grazing lightly against my scalp as if I were some delicate thing he was trying to soothe.

I kept my eyes closed, my breathing even, pretending to be asleep for just a few more seconds. It was easier to think that way, to sort through the tangled mess in my head without his gaze on me. The night before felt like a fever dream—the shock of finding out that he'd kicked everyone off the ship, the betrayal that stung like ice when I realized Nadia had been part of it all along.

They'd both been playing me and yet here I was, tangled in his sheets, with Kairos' hand moving tenderly through my hair as if nothing had happened.

It was disorienting, the gentleness of his touch clashing with the harsh reality of everything else.

I felt drained, my body heavy and my mind still clouded with exhaustion. Even as I lay there, unmoving, the weariness clung to me like a damp fog. I should've been scared—more that I wasn't—but I just felt hollow, as if I'd run out of emotions to process everything.

Kairos' fingers slipped down to trace the line of my jaw, his touch featherlight and maddeningly calm. I couldn't tell if it was meant to comfort or control me. It didn't matter. I knew I had to get out of there.

With a quiet inhale, I opened my eyes, blinking away the sleep as I gathered the strength to move. I didn't look at him, didn't dare meet his gaze as I slid out from under the blankets, feeling the cool morning air prickling against my skin. My legs felt unsteady as I stood, but I forced myself to move with purpose, walking toward the door without a word.

He didn't stop me. I could feel his eyes burning on my back as I reached for the door handle, the silence between us hanging thick and heavy. I hesitated for the briefest second, then turned the knob and stepped out, leaving the room—and him—behind without a backward glance.

The hallway outside seemed impossibly quiet, as though the entire ship were holding its breath.

I walked with no real direction, just needing to get away, to put as much distance between myself and that room as I could. The realization that I was far more trapped than I'd ever understood sunk in.

I stepped back into my room and let out a small sigh of relief. It had been cleaned. The bed was made neatly, the curtains drawn open to let in the bright morning light, and the air felt fresh.

I had half expected to find the room in disarray, reflecting the chaos of the last few days. Instead, it felt strangely inviting, a calm oasis amid the confusion swirling in my mind.

Glancing around, I noted how everything seemed too perfect. The bathroom was spotless, the towels folded neatly, and a folded note on the dresser thanked me for staying. Not that I wanted to. But all I could think about was where Nadia had gone. Despite the hurt I felt over her apparent betrayal, I couldn't shake the worry curling in my stomach.

What if she was in trouble?

Memories of our time together flooded my mind—her laughter, the late-night talks we shared, the way she had pushed me to step outside my comfort zone. It was hard to reconcile those memories with her connection to Kairos. I desperately wanted to believe she hadn't known what he was planning, that she wasn't part of it.

I pressed my forehead against the cool glass of the window and looked out at the endless expanse of ocean. The waves sparkled under the sunlight, crashing gently against the side of the ship, yet I felt isolated. The world outside seemed alive, but inside, I was stuck in limbo.

Just then, I heard footsteps in the hallway and jumped back from the window. My heart raced as I glanced toward the door, anxiety bubbling inside me. Had Kairos returned? Would he follow me here, wanting to talk? The last thing I wanted was another confrontation.

Listening closely, I recognized the sound of voices—housekeeping. I hadn't even considered that they were still on board, and I felt a small wave of relief. If there were staff around, it meant I wasn't completely isolated. Maybe I could find someone to talk to, someone who could help me.

Hesitating for a moment, I decided to step into the hallway. I opened the door slowly, peeking out to see if anyone was nearby. The corridor was empty for the moment, but I could hear the faint sounds of chatter and the clinking of cleaning supplies further down.

I crossed the hallway and spotted a woman pushing a cart filled with linens and toiletries. She smiled warmly as I approached, and I felt a flicker of hope at the human connection.

"Excuse me," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Have you seen Nadia?"

The housekeeper paused, tilting her head as she considered my question. "Nadia? Yes, she was in the lounge earlier. I believe she left with one of the guards, though."

Relief washed over me at the news. At least she was safe, even if I didn't fully understand what had happened between us.

As the housekeeper resumed her work, I turned back toward my room, my thoughts racing. I didn't know what would happen next, but the uncertainty no longer felt as suffocating.

Back in my room, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. Sunlight poured through the window, bathing everything in warmth

Even though I just woke up, I wouldn't mind having another nap. Alone, in my bed, and away from Kairos.

I had let him get inside my head, I had truly felt that everything he said was true. That he was the only person I could trust. Until I remembered how he chased me around the boat.

He wanted to manipulate me into thinking what he was doing was normal.