Hunting Souls: The Ring of Shadows

Souls-7

**Caleb's POV**

Once we were far away, I stood up and had Jewel undo our ropes.

"Good work," I said to my crew.

Turning, I saw Alanna staring out at the water. I figured this would happen so I went up beside her. "Having second thoughts my dear?"

"No, just... I didn't like seeing them helpless," she ended hanging her head before glancing at me.

I understood and looked out towards the water so she couldn't tell what I was thinking. How could something so pure want to be with me, a sinister creature? Surely she had something delusive about her. The way her eyes stared back at me. I needed to ask Scoundrel or Patch.

Maybe she cares about me, she had mentioned to me about her parents... I had hugged her and she didn't pull away that night. No, she probably thinks that I have no soul. Maybe it's better this way. She's strong, even if she seems fragile.

"They'll be fine," I murmured and walked away unsure of what else I could possibly do to accommodate her right now.

I went to go find Scoundrel and saw he was working on the sails.

"Scoundrel."

"Yes Captain,"

"Tell me honestly what do you think of Alanna?"

"There's something about her that I can't quite figure out Souls."

"I know, she's different but she found the Ring! No mere mortal finds the Ring."

"Yes... I don't know Souls, she's pure."

"Of course she is pure. Um, Scoundrel, do you think she is fond of me?"

He smiled a wicked grin and said, "Captain you can get any girl you want, cept Jewel because she's stubborn. If you want her, make her like you."

"I'd rather she choose though." Feeling the conflicting of emotions race through my mind. Was I supposed to be a gentleman or an ass? Pirates weren't exactly the sentimental type... But I wasn't like most pirates either.

"Suit yourself Captain." Scoundrel said interrupting my thoughts.

Walking away I saw Jewel come up to me with Alanna. Her complexion was flawless and it took me a moment to realize she had changed clothes. Jewel had given her a light blue dress, similar to hers, along with black leggings and soft patent leather boots. Her hair was done into a fishtail braid, which looked amazing on her.

"I gave her some clothes," Jewel said pushing her hair out of her eyes.

"It suits her, thank you Jewel."

She slipped away and left me alone with Lanna on the deck.

"She thought it would be more appropriate for me to wear this," she admitted while blushing.

"You look like a true piratess," I said then added, "now we have to teach you how to fight. Since you are aboard this ship for awhile."

She looked at me slightly afraid but said nothing.

"Not tonight mi' lady although, have you ever steered a ship?"

Now Lanna looked perplexed. "Not a pirate ship."

"Well my dear, tonight you get to steer."

I led her to the wheel and showed her how easy it truly was.

"it's a little heavy but you'll do fine."

She stepped in front of me and put her hands on the wheel. The wind was blowing gently having her hair whip back. A fragrance of peppermint seemed to radiate off her.