The Cursed

Chapter Thirteen

Lilura

I wake to a less painful throat. My eyes feel less heavy and my mind feels clearer. I sit up in bed, slowly, but to little pain or dizziness. Encouraged, I swing my legs off the bed and onto the floor. Still no dizziness. Taking that as a good sign, I wander out of my room and onto the deck. The sea air clears any last traces of my mysterious illness.

"Lilura, you're awaking, a walking. That's a sight for sore eyes," Walter booms from across the deck. I swing around to look at the old man. I smile and walk towards him, albeit slower than usual. He captures me a bone-crushing hug. "How are you? You have us quite a scare you did, getting sick an' all that."

"I'm quite well thank you. I'm sorry I must go, Everette must be-"

"Ah, he's worried too. Locked up in 'is room he has. Never sleepin'. He cares for ya, Lilura." I nod, biting my inner cheek. Everette's been worried. For some remarkable reason, nerves and excitement bubbles in my stomach and cheeks flush.

"I- thank you Walter," I mumble before walking towards Everette's cabin. Blayze now steps in front of me.

"Blayze, how lovely to see you," I say. He gives a curt nod.

"Where is Alan?" Blayze says, spinning his head around, looking for him.

"I know not. Is something the matter?"

"Yes-"

"What-"

"It's none of your concern. Return to your room immediately." His voice is stern and I see why Everette has him as first mate.

"No. I wish to know what is happening upon Everette's ship. If my personal guard is involved I deserve to know." Blayze looks at me and stops his dizzying attempts to spot Alan.

"It is none of your concern," he says, emphasizing every word. That's his final answer. I huff and release my hands from where they were clenched. Red crescent moons dot my palms. I turn and stomp away, very unladylike. I will apologize later, however I just find Everette. He has a promise to keep.

Everette

"Sir, you do not look well," Alan remarks. I feel my flushed cheeks and glassy eyes grown narrow. I know I look unwell if my headache is any indication.

"I assure you, I am in the best of health. Now, I need to find Lilura. I have been informed she is looking for me." I go to stand from the chair in my office, but the rooms tilts and I sit back down. Stumbling to my seat. Alan's eyes narrow as he decides not to question it.

"That is correct. But my Captain-"

"Yes?" I snarl.

"Wouldn't it be best if we told her together?" The damn fool was right. I press my fingertips against the bridge of my nose. My head was pounding. Opening my eyes and glare at him. He stands in front of my desk, his arms folded behind his back and feet apart.

"Yes." He nods once and leaves the room. I lean back against the seat a groan. My head pounded harder against the back of my eyes. I feel horrible. My mouth is dry and throat hurts with every breath I take.

"My Captain?" Alan says before knocking on the door.

"Enter." Alan renters the room with a confused looking Lilura. Her eyes gaze around the room before settling on my chair.