The Traitor's Wish

9. The Bracelet's Power

TTW Ch9

Killian ran for port as fast as he could. The gold he'd stolen weighed him down, but the ocean's call for him was so strong. He angrily brushed tears from his face and took a breath of the sea air. The water was home for him.

Anger consumed him. He'd offered that girl her freedom! She was a fool to stay behind, he told himself. His place was the ocean. He was captain of the bloody Jolly Roger, most feared ship on the seas!

He caught sight of his ship floating in port. The usual Skull and Crossbones had been replaced with a kingdom flag, and the name was covered with wood. His ship's alternate identity. He felt one with the ship as he left his own alternate version behind, along with the only person he might love.

He slinked through the dark night, hoisting himself over the edge of the ship. His feet hit the familiar deck with a clank. The gold fell to the deck, all the filthy stuff he had stolen slipped from his fingers. Her ripped every coin from his pockets and piled them on the deck, wishing to be rid of it all.

A bright green bracelet fell from his pocket. His eyes landed on it, and hesitantly he picked it up. The Carrick bend knot twisted his stomach. It was a twin to the one he had given Emma. He cursed violently under his breath. She's made it. She had snuck it in his pocket. He had every intention of throwing it into the sea, but was interrupted by a voice.

"Captain?" Killian peered through the darkness at his men. They were circled around him, staring down at the gold.

"Get us out of here as fast is bloody possible Smee." He ordered, stepping back easily into his role.

The first mate rushed to the wheel, shouting orders as the ship slowly began to move. Killian gazed down at the bracelet, brushing his fingers delicately over it. There was no getting rid of this. It was his last gift from Swan. He dropped it in the pocket of his palace uniform.

"What was it like Cap'n?" Wiggins asked as he gazed at the gold and the formal guard uniform.

"What was it like?" He spun on his heel and scowled at them all. "If you wanted to know, you should've done it yourself!"

"Faster Smee!" He yelled, "If they find the treasure missing, the whole Royal guard will be chasing our trail!" He stormed down the steps to the Captain's cabin and slammed his door shut.

Killian was a mess. His mind did not know whether to be furious or sorrowful, so he was both. He threw the green bracelet to the ground, and slammed his desk chair down on top of it, until it was nothing but firewood.

He lost himself in rage, until he collapsed on the floor and curled up, laying by the broken chair. Pain pounded through his head until he could take no more. His eyes grew red and puffy, and his vision was blurred by tears as he searched for the gift from his lover.

It was buried under the wood, but he found it and slipped it on, a reminder that he would never be happy.

He carefully took off the uniform. It was another piece of her he just could not let go, so he hid it in the bottom of his trunk, and pulled on the old leather vest, and his dark black jacket.

He finally left his room for a bottle of rum, pleased to find the stores had been filled recently. He took two bottles to his room and did not leave until his had been transformed.
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The crew heard the clashing coming from his room. After Liam died, they had grown used to it. Killian always had bad days. Most of them assumed the kingdom had brought his memories of Liam to the surface. They knew he would be ruthless until he had lost his mind with drink. That's how it always happened.