Tides of deception ✺ Outlander/Stephen Bonnet Fanfic

♤11. Blackbeard 🕷

A few days later in Bath...

Bath was small, barely a bustling port town. The streets were lined with humble houses and shops, and the scent of saltwater mixed with the earthy smell of timber. Despite its modest beginnings, the town had its fair share of secrets-political rivalries, piracy, and trade disputes shaped the landscape of Bath's future. But today, the sun gleamed on the worn cobblestone streets as life moved on.

Maria had spent the past few days wandering these streets, the weight of Stephen's bag of money tucked securely beneath her shawl. It was more than enough to sustain her for a while, yet the money didn't ease the ache in her chest or the growing confusion in her mind. She had thought that leaving Stephen behind would be a relief, but with every passing day, she found herself thinking of him more. His cold offer of freedom had left her with a hollow feeling that gnawed at her heart.

She had taken up a small room in an inn and roamed the port daily, hoping to find any information about ships that sailed near the stones-those cursed stones that had brought her here in the first place. Somewhere on the east coast of America. The memory of Stephen's voice haunted her as she walked, her bare feet having followed him through the dense woods, her steps once unsure, now driven by determination.

Stephen, on the other hand, had tried to drown out his thoughts with work. He focused on sending off rubies to his buyers, keeping his mind sharp and detached from the emotions that threatened to surface. But Maria's absence lingered like a shadow. No matter how hard he tried to convince himself that letting her go was the right decision, he couldn't shake the gnawing unease in his gut. Her face, the way she had walked away, the softness in her voice when she had last spoken to him-it all haunted him.

The nights had been worse. Thoughts of her occupied his mind, making sleep elusive. And so, after a few days, he found himself in a pub, trying to drink away his restless thoughts. It was early, but the pub was already buzzing with laughter and conversation. His crew was in good spirits, but Stephen sat quietly, swirling his drink, only half-listening to the rowdy banter around him.

✺

Maria had finally gathered enough courage to visit the local pub. She needed to find sailors who could offer her any clue, any scrap of information about the ships that sailed near the stones and where exactely they are located. As she stepped inside, the air smelled of ale, sweat, and the sea. Conversations slowed as some men turned to eye her. The pub was dimly lit, the flicker of candles casting shadows over the weathered faces of pirates and merchants alike.

She weaved her way through the crowd, aware of the eyes following her every move. A voluptuous woman with painted red lips sat at a table, her arm draped over a man's shoulder, laughing too loudly. Maria's heart raced as she neared the bar, her steps faltering when she felt a rough hand grab her arm.

The stench of sweat and alcohol filled her nostrils, and she instinctively recoiled. "How much?" the man slurred, a wicked grin spreading across his face. His laugh echoed around the room, joined by the jeering of his companions.

Maria's pulse quickened, but she kept her voice steady. "I am not for sale. Now, let me go," she said calmly, trying to pull her arm free.

Before she could move, another figure loomed over her-a tall bearded man with an impressive build, his dark eyes glittering with interest. His attire, from his wide-brimmed hat to his richly embroidered coat, marked him as someone of importance-a pirate, no doubt. He studied her with an unnerving intensity.

"Aren't you Captain Bonnet's lass?" he asked, his voice deep and mocking as his gaze flicked down to her ringless finger.

Maria's heart stopped for a moment. She said nothing, her throat dry, unsure of how to respond. Her body tensed as he stepped closer, his presence suffocating.