The Cursed

Chapter Eight

Lilura

The sun had set, its golden rays no longer shining on the sea. A full moon hung heavy in the still air, while the scent of salt tickled my nose. Gentle waves rocked back and forth while I sat on the deck. Only two other people were up this late. They both were on the other end of the ship, sipping from a brown bottle and smelling of booze. I turned away from them and stared at the calm sea. The moon reflected in it, creating a silver orb that floated with the waves. I began to hum quietly, admiring the stars.

The tune carried me through the sky, I danced with each star, twirling in the night. I spin around, balancing in the tips of other stars while bright lights shine from the world. I leaped from star to star, balancing on the edges my my toes. Giggles left me and floated with the stars. My elation carried me away over the water and through waves, the sea spray splashing my face. My eyes shut as I inhaled deeply, wanting to carry the smell of perfection forever. I imagined this, my eyes shut tighter as I felt the deck below my back.

Opening my eyes, the stars winked at me, acknowledging our waltz. A smile formed, as I hummed again, admiring the night's secrets.

"Daydreaming?" Everette's voice breaks by trance. I sit up to see him standing above me, his back facing me, staring at the stars.

"Is it day dreaming if it's the night?" He turns to me, and his eyes are darker than the sky.

"I believe it would be, because dreams come when you sleep. You are not asleep," he so keenly notices. I giggle and he smiles before sitting next to me. My skirt floats around me knees as Everette's hand runs through his hair.

"That's true, I am awake," I giggle.

"So what was your daydream?"

"I was dancing with the stars," My voice trails off as I look at the twinkling lights that watch life go by, unable to participate. "Oh look at shooting star, make a wish." I gasp as I point to where a star streaks across the sky, leaving a fiery trail in its wake. I squint my eyes shut as I make a wish.

I wish that... what did I want? I wanted to know what Everette will be exposing to me; what the butterflies meant, why the Iris Kingdom sent chills down my back, and what he will say after we see that witch. I wish that he would tell me everything, no words without a hidden meaning.

I open my eyes to see Everette looking at me. My cheeks turn red as his eyes focused on mine. I giggle before quickly looking to the moon. I feel his gaze weigh on me, his body heat warming my arms.

"What did you wish for?"

"I can't tell you then the wish wouldn't come true," I say, giggling once more. I begin to hum. I feel Everette look away from me and stare at the sky too. I feel a weight lift off of me. I let out a breath and we stay in silence until I get up.

"Goodnight My Captain. I shall see you tomorrow—"

"Lilura?"

"Yes?"

"We will be seeing the witch tomorrow. And remember to meet me early, the journey is long  and will take many hours."

"Farewell Everette. I will see you when the sun rises tomorrow." I hurry to my room, skipping down the deck. I hear the drunken men yell as one falls to the ground, tripping over his shoes. The door shuts behind me as I collapse onto my bed, a smile on my face.