Siren's Kiss

81: Passing the Torch

Perhaps it was for the best that neither the land dwellers nor the sea folk could remember what had truly happened to them when the wraiths took control of their bodies. All they knew was that Prince Ciel and Captain Drake had managed to save them before the plague could spread throughout the Seven Seas.

Recognizing the pirates' help, the regalia couldn't even complain. Not only had the High Sentinel rewarded them, but Templar Commander Rowan, who had once despised their kind, had also supported the decision. As a token of their appreciation, the pirates were granted pardons for their crimes—which, in comparison to the transgressions of Grandmaster Lucius, seemed almost minor.

The pirates, however, weren't interested in glory. They accepted their treasures instead. Once pardoned, they returned to the ocean with their ships, along with their monetary compensation, and the stolen gold-forged weapons and armor blessed by the Phoenix God's flame. Surprisingly, Rowan only laughed at their spoils, swearing to reclaim them as soon as he could. Regardless, the two parties parted ways with what could only be described as friendly banter.

The lads of the Crimson Corsairs erupted with joy when they reunited with First Mate Toby, Boatswain Vic, and Gunner Griff. Ori and Jo shed tears upon hearing Captain Drake recount what had transpired, but Vic swore he couldn't recall any pain, even though the ordeal sounded harrowing. Regardless, they celebrated for an entire week at Pirate Isle, with Captain Drake granting them the freedom to do as they pleased.

As for Drake himself, he sat by the sandy shore, flanked by Captain Purity and Captain Hawk. The three, whose titles were legendary across the seas, watched the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

"So, you're a demigod?" Hawk probed again, even though Prince Ciel had already shared the story numerous times. Drake's reluctance to discuss his origins only made the subject more tantalizing.

Purity glanced at him, clearly curious as well. They had always sensed there was something extraordinary about Drake—his command over the seas and his uncanny ability to summon storms with a mere glance were proof enough.

"I'm not exactly thrilled about it, mate," Drake muttered, his tone carrying the weight of truth. Purity and Hawk responded with quiet chuckles.

"How'd the Siren Prince figure it out when ye didn't know yerself?" Purity asked.

Drake shrugged, his expression softening at the thought of Ciel. "He said he knew I was special the moment he kissed me. No soul can resist a siren's kiss, 'specially one brewed fer seduction 'n betrayal."

"Except he didn't end up betraying you," Hawk teased with a grin. "You, however, ended up impregnating him!"

"Aye, hard to believe our brother's goin' t' be a father," Purity said, clicking her tongue as though it were a crime. "I thought we all swore t' stay pure as the sea breeze 'til the end o' days."

Both Drake and Hawk turned to her in disbelief. "You're a virgin?" they asked in unison.

"What the—don't ye two scallywags dare be spreadin' that 'round!" she snapped.

"If you think about it," Hawk interjected, clearly enjoying the moment, "we could use Drake's new status to our advantage—his power, his position, all of it."

Drake frowned. "What makes ye think we're allies now? I haven't forgotten 'ow ye used yer sorcery an' left me lads to face the regalia's guards!"

"Aw, come on, bro!" Hawk slung an arm around Drake's shoulders. "Let bygones be bygones. We're the Deadly Trio, siblings through and through. You're not supposed to hold grudges against family."