Hunting Souls: The Ring of Shadows

Souls-9

**Alanna's POV**

"So what exactly was the whole point of this? We didn't trade anything!"

"Aye but mi lady we traded something far more valuable than gold. We got valid information about certain Pirates," Patch answered.

"Touche," I remarked and walked back onto the Nightlock.

Caleb crept up behind me and whispered, "Alanna."

My skin shivered and I turned around to blush as I saw Caleb gaze at me hungrily.

"Yes Caleb?"

"When you're not busy, I need to see you in my quarters." He strolled away as my heart started hammering. Why did he want to see me.

Corkscrew and Yellowtail snickered before going back to their work. I ignored them and went to my room so I could redo my appearance quickly. Jewel was nowhere to be seen as I continued with my hair and put a small white flower into it.

Gazing at myself, I saw how beautiful I was for once. This gave me the confidence boost I needed and walked towards Caleb's room.

Hesitantly, I counted to four and then knocked on the hard wood.

"It's open," Caleb called and I walked in to see him looking at a map.

"Planning your next battle Captain?" I joked looking over his shoulder.

"Not yet," he replied and turned to smile at my appearance. "You know, that dress looks really astonishing on you," he said trailing his hand up and down my waist slowly. I held my breath and did not move a muscle.

"Alanna," Caleb began and I kissed him because I figured I knew where he was going with that statement. "Don't. I want you Caleb."

"You're so fragile and innocent. How could you want me? This evil spirit."

"No you're not evil. I can tell you're not." I placed my hand on his chest as he brought me in closer.

"Your gut is telling you this,"

"No, and neither is my heart. I just know you're not who you say you are. It's hard to explain really."

This interested Caleb and he flashed a small smile. "I wish we knew what you were exactly."

"Me too," I said still waiting to see if he had something else planned.

He walked over to the window and looked at the tranquil sea.

I remained where I was and played with my hair as he continued. "The day I rescued you, I couldn't help but notice how beautiful you looked. Granted you were unconscious but saving you and later holding you was something I've yearned to do again. I feel the urge to protect you Alanna."

This was clearly not what I had expected. My cheeks flushed and I averted my gaze towards the door.

He came up behind me and touched my hair softly. "Alanna," he whispered as he kissed my neck. I shivered and felt everything burn from his touch.

"Caleb," I barely replied as he led me to his bed and held me tightly.

"I've never felt like this before," he said softly. By that I knew he meant I couldn't tell anyone.

"I won't tell your secret."

"Good," he said and played with the Ring on my finger.

"Honestly, I've never felt this way either," I smiled and watched his face light up.

"Well I feel special," he joked and pulled me as close to him as possible.

I closed my eyes and relaxed as I drifted off peacefully.

When I woke, it took me a moment to remember where I was. Caleb's arms were still around me and a smile lit up my face.

Something touched my cheek and I turned to see Caleb awake.

"Morning," I said rubbing my eyes.

He just stared at me and I sat up, "Caleb what's wrong?"

He touched my neck and I flinched. Looking in the mirror I saw a bruise. When did I get that bruise? Then images filled my mind and my cheeks were flaming. "Caleb it doesn't hurt."

"I didn't mean to," he said gruffly and got up.

"Caleb just wait," I said going up to him and looking straight into his eyes.

"I know you didn't, but why walk away from me?"

Caleb gazed back and saw the hurt in my eyes from him getting up. "Am I hurting you right now?"

"Yes," I admitted and he sighed in agony.

"I'm sorry Alanna." He kissed my forehead.

"It's fine, I think Jewel needed to talk to me," I lied trying to leave.

He let me without saying anything and I went into my room to get a knife. Jewel was in the room and I walked up to her saying, "teach me how to fight."

"Alanna what happened? Did Caleb say something?" News sure did travel fast on this ship...

I shook my head and repeated, "teach me how to fight." I was stupid to have fallen under his spell of whatever it was...

"Not while you're upset. Tell me what happened."

"Nothing. I just had a disagreement with Caleb that's all."

"Obviously it was a big disagreement," she said and peered at my neck closely. "Is that what I think it is."

My cheeks turned red again, "well... Um yea. That's why he's mad. He thought he hurt me, but I told him I didn't mind it."

Jewel hid a smile and tried not to laugh.

"He shouldn't be mad if you enjoyed it."

This made me blush even more, "well yea... I mean... I do have feelings towards him..."

Now she didn't bother hiding her smile, it was a huge grin!

"He likes me back!" I claimed.

"Oh we know, its... entertaining to say the least."

"To you it may be."

Jewel shook her head laughing, "Okay I think you've cooled down enough. Let's go fight."

"Ready?"

"Mhmm."

Jewel lunged at me while I sidestepped but was caught off guard when she nicked my calf. I only glared while the guys watched mutely.

"Never turn your back," she reminded me as I went at her. She easily maneuvered around me and ended up pinning me to the ground.

"Not too bad, but..." she trailed as she let me back up.

I grabbed her wrist and pulled her while flipping her to then be on top.

She grinned deviously as I let her up, "You were saying."

"You learn quickly," she commended.

"Thanks."

"How's your calf?"

I pulled up my legging, ignoring the guys whistles and saw it was healing. "Yea I'm good."

"Good, don't need Souls tossing me overboard."

"I wouldn't let him," I reassured and went to go change clothes.

The ship started to rock a little bit and I steadied myself as the choppy waves hit the ship. A storm was brewing and the crew was settling down. I finished changing and stood up to suddenly feel dizzy. 'What's going on?' I thought and yelled, "Caleb!" before falling to the floor.

Arms enveloped me and someone held me gently as I tried to fight the darkness.

"Caleb," I called.

"It's okay Alanna, I'm here Princess." He kissed my hair softly.

"Don't let me... sle..."

"Alanna?"