“How did this happen?” He coughed again.
“It was all the stupid dress’s fault. Just get me out of it.”
“There are buttons on the back that you’re supposed to undo before you put it on. I’m going to have to touch you to help you. Is that okay?”
“Gregor, thanks for being a gentlemen, but I don’t care what you have to do to get this thing off. Well, on actually.”
I felt his hands on my back and he cleared his throat loudly. His hands were doing something as they moved down my back because I felt the dress becoming looser. Finally, it fell down from my head to rest on my shoulders. I sighed in relief and turned to grin at Gregor. His face was so red and he wasn’t looking at me.
“I’m going to have to redo the buttons because your undergarments are on display for everyone to see.”
I giggled. “I should be embarrassed about that, but I’m just so happy to be able to breathe again. Go ahead and work your magic.”
He awkwardly moved back behind me and began tightening the dress again. This time, it was around my abdomen and not my head.
“Can we not tell Steel about this?” Gregor asked.
“I’m surprised you don’t want to. It would be a good joke I’m sure.”
“I don’t think he would like the fact that I saw you in your undergarments.”
“If that’s what you think then don’t tell him. I’m fine with that. It’ll save me from his mocking comments. I do need to talk with him though. That’s the only reason I put this dreadful thing on.”
I tugged at the fabric of the dress that weighed a lot more than I’d anticipated. It wasn’t all that comfortable either as I attempted to walk in it. “How do human women wear these things?”
“No idea, but it makes me happy to not have to worry about it.”
“Couldn’t I just wear some pants? It isn’t like any of you lot are dressed fancy like this.”
“That felt like an insult, but I’ll let it slide. That can be something you ask Steel about. He’s in charge of all of the provisions, including clothes. He’s on the deck, so I can take you to him now if you’d like.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Steel was talking to Stan when we approached him. The closer we got, it became more and more obvious that they were arguing. Once we got within earshot, I understood it was about pillaging and I was happy it wasn’t about me this time.
Steel cut Stan off when he noticed Gregor and me. “Sera, I was wondering when you were going to make an appearance. I had some food prepared for us.”
Steel’s grin was like a double-edged sword this morning and it made me anxious. He had to be hiding something.
“I have something I need to discuss with you,” I said hesitantly.
“Excellent. We’ll have the dining room to ourselves. We can talk there because I have a request as well.”
The sting of Stan’s glare could be felt on my back even after we were out of sight. Gregor remained on the deck and the hallways felt narrower with Steel’s presence. The aura he was emitting was intimidating, as if he was a completely different person than the one I met yesterday.
He opened a door that was almost at the end of the hall and it led to another set of stairs. “Here we are. This is where I usually eat with the guys but we’re eating before them so we can have some privacy. I don't really want you interacting with them.”
“Why not?”
“Because they’ll bed you or kill you. I don’t want either happening just yet. I found a way for you to be useful, but let’s talk about what you want first. We’ll get to mine after.”
“You’ve said that before, but it hasn’t happened.”
“You haven’t really been alone with any of them. That’s the only reason why. Now, say what you want before you lose the chance to.”
He sat down and I copied him. He was at the head of the table and I was to the right of him. Plates of chicken and vegetables were set down in front of us.
“What’s wrong with you? You’re acting different from before.”
“Last chance.” He narrowed his eyes.
“Right, well, as you know, my stay on this ship is temporary, and I was wondering if you could drop me off at an island where I can start over. Preferably one with humans so I’ll be better hidden.”
“How do you plan to live amongst humans?”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you have gold?”
“Gold? No, I’ve never had a need for it.”
“Well, gold is everything to humans. I have a proposition for you that will benefit the both of us.”
“I’m listening…”
Steel leaned towards me. “If you use your siren ability to help pillage a ship without having to fight for it, then I’ll give you a cut of the gold. That way, you can save up enough to buy your own island if you want or live comfortably at the least.”
“You want me to kill humans?”
“Yes, but it would be an investment for your future as well.”
He reached a hand towards mine that was resting on the table but I flinched away from his touch.
“How could you ask me to do something like that?”
“It was actually Stan’s idea, but he doesn’t think you deserve any of the rewards. I do because your help would be invaluable.”
“I’m only learning how to control it. I couldn’t take on a whole ship. Besides, that would certainly draw the attention of the other sirens.”
“Not if you practice beforehand.”
“No, I won’t do it.”
“Hate to break it to you, but you don’t have much of a choice.”
His eyes darkened and his mouth curved into a menacing scowl. This wasn’t the Steel I met. This was Bloody Steel, the ruthless pirate I was warned about.
“W-what if I don’t do it?” I hated that my voice trembled.
My apprehension only encouraged this Steel and his grimace shifted into a Cheshire grin. “You better enjoy that chicken, because it’ll be your last scrap of food until you agree to my terms. I’m the captain and I always get my way.”
“Don’t do this,” I attempted to say in my siren voice, but it faltered and had no effect.
Steel let out a deep laugh. “Maybe you should practice while you’re alone. Gregor.”
Steel nodded behind me and I didn’t have the chance to turn around before I was hoisted out of the chair. Gregor dragged me out of the dining room while I was kicking and screaming. Why did these pirates like to manhandle me so much? The harder I fought the tighter Gregor’s grip became.
“I’m sorry,” Gregor whispered as he tossed me into the room with the four walls I was getting sick of seeing.
The door slammed behind him and the lock clicked into place. The knob wouldn’t turn so I began beating on the wood with my fist. Steel’s mocking snicker sounded from the other side and I burst into a frustrated sob.
This ship was supposed to be my escape, not my prison. I was starting to think I would’ve had a better chance at surviving against the sirens compared to the monsters that humans were. Humans weren’t as fragile as I was led to believe. Either that or I wasn’t as strong as I thought I was. It was most likely the latter and I hated myself for it.
I brought my knees into my chest and continued to cry, but it only made me feel worse. Without any water to replenish the tears, I felt even more fatigued. I needed to get off of this ship. Steel was correct when he said I needed to work on my siren ability. As soon as I regained my strength, I would perfect my gift and use it against everyone on this ship. Except maybe Gregor. He was the only one who’d been nice to me and by his apology, I could tell he didn’t want to lock me in here.
As the minutes turned into hours and with nobody coming to the door, I gave in to the exhaustion and curled up in a corner of the room, not even bothering to change dresses. The blanket from last night was quickly becoming my only source of security.
A noise awoke me and compelled me to peek an ey
e open. It was dark out the window and Steel was leaning over a candle on his desk. He was rifling through some papers and I jumped up at his presence. He glanced back at me with raised eyebrows before turning back to what he was doing.
My gaze found a book resting on the side table. I wasn’t as fast in this massive dress, but I still caught Steel by surprise when he turned around and I chucked the book at the back of his head. He yelped in pain and I darted towards the door. If I could get outside, I could escape to the water. It should’ve worked, but Steel intercepted me before I could twist the knob.
“What the Hades are you doing?” Steel threw me onto the bed, but I got back up.
He stood between me and the door with a hand on the back of his head. He was breathing heavy and his eyes were wide.
“Don’t look so surprised. You deserved that for being so mean earlier.”
“Are you crazy, woman? What the Hades are you going on about?”
“You threatened me earlier. I should kill you before you can kill me.” I grabbed the candlestick from the same side table and held it up defensively.
“You’ve gone mad. I have no clue what you’re talking about.” His expression was so open and confused it had me second guessing myself.
“It happened earlier today. How can you forget something like that?”
He took a step towards me and I raised the candlestick. Steel put his hands up in defense, but I wasn’t ready to give up my weapon. We were at a standoff, both staring at the other. He wasn’t saying anything and I was so confused that I wouldn’t be able to form coherent words if I tried. Steel had to be insane. That was the only explanation and I was in even more danger if that was the case.
Neither of us were expecting the door to bang open and Steel and I jumped in response. Gregor came rushing in and stared at me.
“Captain, I’ve come to retrieve Sera. She hasn’t eaten all day and must be going mad with hunger.” With the look in his eyes, Gregor was trying to tell me to play along.
“She has been going on about things that haven’t happened. Permission to take her as long as she promises to behave,” Steel said.
“I won't do anything. Gregor’s right. I’ve had no food and I’m starved.” I put down the candlestick to show him I wasn’t going to hurt him.
Steel nodded to give me the go ahead. I skittered passed him and had to clench my fists to keep from pulling Gregor into a relieved hug. I was finally able to release the breath I’d been holding once we were walking away from the room.
A few men were on the deck, but they didn’t pay us any attention. They were more focused on trying to stay awake. Their heads bobbed with drowsiness, so they might not last much longer.
Gregor stopped at the front of the shipped and rested his elbows on it. He let out a deep sigh and appeared troubled. His muscles were still taut and I was at a loss for this whole experience. I had no idea what he was going to say that would justify Steel’s whiplashing behavior.
“Steel’s cursed,” Gregor said.
Well, I wasn’t expecting that one.
“What do you mean by cursed?” I asked.
Gregor drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Has he told you the story of The Sea Nymph’s Revenge yet?”
I shook my head and he continued.
“Nobody likes to talk about it but his ship used to be named Poseidon’s Whore. The previous captain enjoyed the company of sea nymphs in his bed, but what others didn’t know was that he also enjoyed killing them. Once he had his way with them, he’d kill them and string them up on the mast. He liked to think of them as his fresh catch and before you ask, no we didn’t eat them. When they started to smell, he would throw them into the water.”
“That’s terrible.”
“I know, but he was our captain and always got us out of sticky situations. That and he was good at pillaging and we were on our way to riches. But when Poseidon heard about how our captain treated the creatures of the sea, he avenged them and destroyed our ship. Everyone died except Steel and me. He let us live to spread the story of what happened, but we didn’t get off that easily. He cursed both of us and we each have dark moments. I usually stay in my room when I feel them coming on, but Steel’s occur at random and he can never remember what happens during an episode. Sometimes, he even forgets he’s cursed. We both stuck together and found our own ship and crew—a new one. Steel swore he wouldn’t harm any sea creatures, which is why you’re still breathing. Our previous captain used to be loved, but now, we don’t even want to say his name because we fear Poseidon will hear it and strike down our ship. Steel will never let something like that happen again.”
“That’s why Steel’s so superstitious.”
“Exactly.”
“So, tell me how the curse works.”
“For me, I start feeling really ill when it’s about to happen and I lock myself in my room. Then, the darkness comes. It feels as if something is taking over my body and making me think terrible thoughts of killing my crew mates. For Steel, he has no warning at all. He just goes dark and I try to keep him away from the crew when it happens. With guarding you, it’s been more difficult to watch him.”
“The crew doesn’t know you two are cursed?”
“No, and Steel wants to keep it that way. I felt the need to tell you because you’ve witnessed it firsthand and I’m not sure how long you’re going to be on this ship. If it’s for a while, then you’ll see that side of Steel more often unfortunately. There isn’t anything we can do about it either.”
We fell silent as I went through everything Gregor just said. I couldn’t believe they were cursed. The only good thing about it was that it saved my neck. I was lucky getting on this ship. What if I would’ve climbed on one who filleted the mermaids or killed the sea nymphs? I shivered at the thought. Their curse was a blessing for me.
“Gregor, Steel said that I need gold if I want to live among humans.”
“He’s right. Without gold, you’ll be living on the streets begging for it just so you can buy yourself some food.”
“But I could go into the water and catch my own food.”
“And be discovered by the humans?”
“I didn’t think about that.”
“Let’s just say you did catch your own food, what about a place to live?”
I swallowed hard. “Steel said I should help on a pillage.”
Gregor looked thoughtful. “Do you want to?”
“Not really, but it would be a way to get gold.”
“Don’t change who you are because of gold. There’s always another way.”
“I need to do something though if I want to live in hiding safely. I don’t belong on this ship. That’s made clear every time Stan glances my way.”
“Ignore that idiot. Sure, we don’t like women on this ship, but you’re a siren. It’s different.”
“I’m scared the sirens are going to find me here and punish all of you because of it.”
“Meh. Sirens… Poseidon… we’re screwed either way.”
He smiled genuinely at me and I had to return it.
“I’d leave you to your thoughts, but someone might try to chuck you overboard,” Gregor said.
“You and Steel keep saying things like that, but they all seem nice to me.”
“Pirates aren’t nice.”
“You are.”
“Yeah, but that’s only because I’ve had a crappy beginning and learned from it. The others don’t see things from my point of view, especially Steel. Forgive him for earlier. It’s late though and you should get your rest.”
“I feel like all I’ve done is rest.”
“Well, I need to rest so I’ll escort you back to the room first since I don’t want to leave you here.”
I let him lead me to Steel’s room to appease his worry, but I had no intention of staying there.
5
The night sky was beautiful as it came alive over the water. The stars danced across the sky every now and then
and I wondered what it would be like to reach out and touch them. It was quiet and peaceful on a boat. More than I ever thought was possible. I never imagined I’d feel so content on floating pieces of wood, but under the dark sky, it was almost perfect.
The ship bobbed from oncoming waves and it was soothing rather than annoying like I’d figured it would be. I always assumed the humans went wherever the water took them, but I was amazed they steered this large vessel. It was massive and I didn't think I could do it. It had to be heavy to move.
I made a mental note that I should sneak out more often. It definitely smelled better out here. I had no idea how Steel could be used to the odor in his room. It made my nose scrunch up every time I walked in. He should at least have a window that opened. Maybe it wouldn’t feel so much like an evil lair then.
As I watched the stars above, a new hope swelled in my chest. I had the possibility at a future and the speckles of light in the sky gave me the feeling that Mom and Dad were cheering me on. Wherever they were, they were with me in spirit. The full moon that illuminated the water was proof of that.
A floorboard creaked behind me and drew my attention away from the enchanting scenery. Stan was sneering at me and he was missing a shirt. The pants he wore were loose and torn. He stood only a few feet away, but his hate wafted my way like a rough shove. It was intimidating and immediately set me on edge.
“Is there something I can help you with?” I asked, but my voice came out small.
It was too dark to see his eyes, but I could feel them on me.
“You can help me by getting off this ship,” he said. “You don’t belong here and Steel and Gregor don’t deserve to lose another crew to your kind. They fail to see that each day that passes with you still on our ship is a day closer to our deaths.”
“I’m looking for safety and wouldn’t jeopardize that.”
“Liar. You’re bringing the danger to us. Captain Steel may be too scared to do anything, but that’s where I come in.”
He took a step closer and it felt like my heart jumped into my throat. I was trapped and tried to draw from my siren bank of power, but nothing came. Just a small squeak. I closed my eyes and tensed as his hands grasped onto my arms. He was going to throw me overboard and I would have to find a new ship to take me to a safe island.
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