This provided two good things. One, it was a distraction from everyone’s calculating eyes on me. Two, it was an inconspicuous way to touch Steel and helped bring up his body heat.
“Where’s Gregor?” I asked when I couldn’t tolerate the dense silence any longer.
“He was feeling ill so he retreated to his room after telling me what he discovered,” Steel said.
Ill. The code word for when he was having an episode from his curse. Not that Steel would remember that. He couldn’t even remember his own. How were they supposed to spread the word about what had happened if he didn’t remember being cursed? The most important question was how could I break it?
Bastian lingered in front of us. “Did you really bring this storm upon us?”
I bowed my head in shame. “I didn't mean to. I didn’t even know I could.”
Bastian looked between Steel and me with indecision swirling in his eyes. A few people in the crew called out, “Stan was right” but Bastian’s gaze wasn’t accusing.
“We’re retiring to my room. If anyone has any problems with that then they can take it up with me. By me, I mean the cold bite of my blade,” Steel said and glared at anyone who was brave enough to meet his eyes.
Nobody said anything as we left. Not even Bastian. I had no idea how I was going to prove my innocence, especially when there was no physical evidence I could show them. It was my word and that was it. What good was someone’s word? It was only talk and intangible.
“Forewarning, I’m changing out of these wet clothes,” Steel said as soon as he closed the door behind us.
“It’s nothing I haven’t seen before.” I was attempting to tease him but it backfired and had me turning away.
His unusually cold hands gently cupped my arm and he turned me towards him. “You shouldn’t feel ashamed of anything. And by that, I mean anything—your powers or what occurred last night.”
Steel turned my stomach into knots with his melting gaze. He was staring unblinkingly and it was difficult not to pull away. His smoldering eyes reminded me of last night and it sent tingles throughout my body.
“Since I don’t remember last night, maybe we should do a retake.”
I wanted to respond to him, but it felt like there was a frog stuck in my throat. His hands went to my arms—just like the night before. He drew tantalizing circles and crashed his lips onto mine. He placed one hand on my cheek and the other around my neck to deepen the kiss.
Before it could get too steamy, I reluctantly forced myself to push him away. “Steel, we have to talk about what happened.”
“No, we don’t.”
“Yes, we do. I did a really bad thing.”
Steel huffed and sat on the bed. “You didn’t. It was unknowingly.”
“How can you believe that? Because I said so?”
“It may seem strange to you, but I trust your word.”
“Why? You haven’t even taken the time to get to know me. Like, did you know that I used to be so close to my parents and that their absence has left a permanent hole in my heart? I constantly feel like I’m drowning. How can you trust someone who can’t even get a grip on their own feelings?”
“Because you wouldn’t have gone through all of the trouble to gain our trust if you only wanted to kill us.”
“What if I’m leading you into a false sense of security?”
“Well, are you?”
“No, but—”
He cut me off. “Do you know what I see when I look at you?”
I shook my head.
“I see someone who needs a little guidance to be great. You have amazing powers that I can only dream of having. You can control the weather and make men do your bidding. Think of all the great things we can accomplish together.”
I didn’t want to remind him that his version of great things and mine were completely different. “I only want to be normal.”
“You won’t ever be, but that’s what makes you you.”
“How can you possibly know what makes me who I am? What’s my favorite color?”
“Um… does that really matter at the heart of everything?”
“See, you don’t know.”
“Fine. What’s your favorite color?” Steel looked bored already and I scowled at him.
“Can we just go eat? I’m starved.”
“You’re always hungry.”
“Is that a problem?”
“Nope, let’s get you fed before you decide to kill me.”
My eyes narrowed at him, so he could see just how funny I thought his joke was.
“Point proven.” He winked.
11
A few days passed and the guys were finally talking to me again. The first two days, they completely ignored me with distrust—until Bastian talked me up. He wouldn’t stop praising me for saving all of the men. I was embarrassed at first, but he convinced the others of my honesty so I owed him big time.
Those lonely days had been rough and I almost wanted to hide out in my room like Gregor was. He kept saying he was ill and didn’t want to see me or anyone else. I hoped things weren’t as bad as he was leading on. Either way, I was going to see him today.
Steel was currently at the Captain’s Wheel. They’d found a treasure map and he was making sure it was being read correctly. With him busy with that, I’d been left alone with my thoughts once again. I should be numb to the loneliness by now, but I wasn't. Steel would talk to me at dinner, but that was about it. The rest of his time was spent on the deck.
The idea of following a treasure map was pretty cool and a lot better than killing people. I didn’t believe in buried treasure, but what did I know? At least they have something to distract them from murdering any more innocent merchants.
It was getting harder and harder to think of Steel as a killer. Weren’t murderers supposed to be crueler? Even Steel’s dark moments were few and far between and it wasn’t like they were something he could control either.
I internally groaned. It sounded like I was trying to convince myself of Steel’s innocence which was nonexistent. I shook my head to try to clear it before knocking on Gregor’s door.
“Go away.” His voice was muffled by the wood.
“It’s me,” I said and hoped that would spark his curiosity enough to open up.
It worked, but the Gregor that opened the door sent a bolt of terror through me. His eyes were totally black—even the whites. I jumped back in fright, but Gregor’s fingers wrapped around my arm and yanked me back into the room. The force of it sent me flying in the direction of a chair. My head nearly missed the leg of it and I swiftly turned back towards Gregor.
He was looking down at me like he was a ferocious beast and I was some meek prey. Drool dribbled from the side of his mouth that was currently curled up into a snarl. He took a step closer to me, but I swallowed the fear that came on instinct. This was Gregor. He wouldn’t hurt me. This knowledge gave me the courage to meet his stare without backing down.
After what felt like forever, he grinned. “Were you even the slightest bit afraid?”
“You had me at first, especially with the eyes and all. Care to explain why you were attempting to make me pee myself—oh, and what’s with the eyes.”
“The eyes are part of my curse. Supposed to stand for how black and tainted our hearts are. As for scaring you, I thought it would be fun, but you ruined it by not playing along. You couldn’t at least pretend to be afraid?”
“And give you that satisfaction? No, thanks.”
“So, what brought you to my door this afternoon?”
“I came to talk, but I have to admit that it’s hard to focus when your eyes are like that. Steel doesn’t know about this?”
“Steel only knows what he chooses to see. All I have to do is say I’m sick and the others stay away as if I have the plague—including Steel. So, no, he’s never seen them like this.”
I sighed and tried to focus on his nose instead. “Does it hurt?”
“Th
e curse? No. These eyes don’t feel any different. I just do. To be honest, I’ve wanted to kill you from the moment you knocked on that door.”
“Hades… should I be worried then?”
“No, because I’ve learned to control the thirst for blood.”
“You mean you drink blood?”
I’d heard of vampires, but they were only myth. Not even sirens believed creatures like that walked this earth. If they did, it would be a frightening world where a person would have to watch their back constantly.
Gregor chortled. “That’s nonsense. Vampires aren’t real. I was referring to the desire to kill—to draw blood with my blade.”
“That’s what I assumed, but thought it would be safer to ask.”
“Do you really think I would tell you if I was a vampire?”
“As my friend, I would hope so. And since you’re my friend, I need to talk to you. The men are finally starting to become comfortable with me again but some are still hesitant.”
Gregor sat on his bed, but I remained standing. This small room was more stifling than Steel’s. It needed to be aired out more, but that was probably hard when you were trying to avoid everyone else.
“Is it because of the storm or did something else happen?”
I shook my head. “The storm was all that happened and that’s more than enough. I don’t think I could handle something else happening. Steel’s been too busy to entertain me, so here I am. Did you know we’re following a treasure map?”
“I didn’t know that. I’ve been cooped up in here, remember?”
“Oh, right. Want me to get you something to eat?”
“The doc has been bringing me some stuff. He’s the only one who knows about our curse for obvious reasons.”
“I was surprised when I heard there was a doctor on this ship. I didn't think pirates cared enough to heal the wounded.”
“That’s a pretty cold assumption. It may be every man for himself, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to speed up others’ deaths.”
“Then, why hasn’t Steel or anyone else come to see you?”
“He’s been busy. You said it yourself.”
“More like self-preservation.”
“I was expecting you to visit sooner, yet it took you some time.”
“I was locked in my room to avoid the harsh glares everyone was throwing in my direction the first day.”
“The doc told me you saved everyone who’d fallen into the water. Seems like you’re getting a grasp on the whole siren thing.”
“It comes to me when I need it. Using it for little things have been impossible, but at least it’s been there during the important times.”
“I’m glad you’re coming to terms with what you are.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m simply saying that you’ve chosen to keep the best assets from each race, rather than the worst. You choose kindness over greed and you save people from drowning instead of pushing them deeper. No matter what anyone says, you aren’t a bad person and there is nothing wrong with you. Just so you know, Steel’s been different with you around.”
“What do you mean by different?”
“He isn’t as cruel or demanding. It’s a nice change.”
Steel had told me he’d had a ruthless reputation, but I had yet to see it. Sure, he was meaner with his curse active, but it wasn’t what I would determine as evil.
As I met Gregor’s eyes, I asked, “Why don’t Steel’s eyes turn as black as yours? They only get a shade darker and his whites stay white.”
Gregor looked away from me and all of the teasing left his face. “Because I was that captain’s first mate too—the one on Poseidon’s Whore—, but I was given a second chance to be better. I deserve a worse punishment.”
“I think you both have your downs. Steel can’t even remember being cursed. You at least get a heads up.”
“Could you imagine if I didn’t?”
“You would probably be getting the same looks as me.”
“This will pass. Don’t worry.”
Gregor had been correct. Another three days went by and the whole storm fiasco was almost forgotten. Gregor finally came out of his room this morning and it was perfect timing because we arrived at the island that was supposedly hiding buried treasure.
Steel was standing next to me with a big smile on his face as the men were preparing the jolly boats. He said we couldn’t dock The Sea Nymph’s Revenge because it was too shallow so we were taking the littler boats. I was curious to see what I sent Stan on and whether or not it would be tolerable.
“Shall we?” Steel asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes and gestured towards Bastian, Gregor, and Barty who were waiting for us to hop on the jolly boat.
“I’m a little nervous. I’ve never been on a treasure hunt before,” I said, but moved towards the guys anyway.
“You’ll be fine. I trust that you can protect yourself and if not, then that’s why we’re here.”
Bastian helped me step over the side of the ship. The jolly boat rocked as my foot hit the bottom of it. It was slightly unstable and my heart lurched when it dropped slightly.
“Sorry, that was my bad,” Gregor admitted with a guilty smile. “I wasn’t holding the rope tight enough.”
“It’s okay,” I said, but still held onto the edge tightly as the others climbed aboard.
It was a lot more cramped than I’d anticipated it would be and I was currently smushed between Bastian and Steel. Steel had an arm around my shoulder and squeezed it lightly as we descended. My breath hitched as we hit the water. The downward motion didn’t sit well with my stomach, but it eased as Barty began to paddle us towards the shore. Glancing behind us, I saw that five other men were in a separate boat following us. They were squished together too and I understood why Steel didn’t want to lose any of the boats to Stan. Oops…
Nobody said anything as we went, but the excitement was palpable. It was also contagious and had me ready for this adventure. I wondered what would be waiting for us on the island and for once wasn’t afraid. Looking beyond the ups and downs with Steel, that comfort and security he filled me with was still present.
The white sand was soft under my feet as I climbed out. I didn’t want to ruin my shoes again so I chose to remain barefoot. The sand was a little warm and was making me regret my decision. Steel’s chuckle didn’t help either.
“We need to get you more pairs of shoes,” he said and I stuck my tongue out at him in response.
“How about you give me a piggyback ride and we call it even?”
Steel let out an exasperated sigh. “Only for you, but you’ll have to read the map for me.”
“Deal.”
Steel handed me the tattered map and squatted down so I could hop on his back. The others were staring in awe, but Steel and I both ignored them. He walked us in the direction I pointed and the adventure had officially begun.
The terrain was rough and several branches blocked our path. Steel even tripped over a few roots that were sticking up from the ground.
“I think I should walk on my own,” I said after he tripped for the fourth time.
“That might be a good idea before the both of us get hurt,” he agreed and set me back on my feet.
He accepted the map from my outstretched hand and we continued our forward trek. The air was thick with humidity and I had to tie my hair up to keep it from sticking to the back of my neck. My eyes were cast downward to watch my footing while I kept a hand on Steel to guide me.
This island was buzzing with wildlife, but was otherwise quiet. Bugs swarmed around our heads but there were no signs of humans inhabiting this area. Various fruits hung from the trees, including bananas, and my mouth watered. They were teasing as they hung out of reach and there was no way I was climbing anything around here. The terrain was unfamiliar to me, so I was unsure which trees were sturdy enough to hold my weight and which weren’t.
“Do you really think there’s treasur
e ahead?” I asked not being able to withstand the silence anymore.
“That’s why we’re here,” Gregor said with a smirk.
“But it doesn’t look like anyone’s been here for a while.”
“Exactly,” Steel piped in. “That means there’s a better chance the gold hasn’t been discovered yet.”
“How do you know there’s gold?” I asked.
“Because where there’s treasure, there’s gold,” Bastian answered.
“But what if this pirate only liked jewels?” I teased.
“I’ll take any jewels ye don’t want,” Barty said seriously.
The other men chuckled behind us, but then, the unexpected happened. One second Steel was in front of me. The next, he was tumbling into a hole. My fingers was still clinging to his shirt, so I went with him. A hand grabbed my ankle and I held onto Steel with all of my strength. Looking down, I saw what appeared to be sharp spears sticking up from the ground. If I let go of Steel, he’d die. But Steel’s yells and flailing legs made it harder to hold on. My fingers were slipping as the men were pulling us up.
“Grab ahold of my wrist,” I grunted.
Steel momentarily stopped his panicking to do as I said. His eyes were wild and wide with fear. My arm and shoulder burned in protest at the strain from his weight. When I thought he was going to drop, arms reached around me and took ahold of Steel. They lugged him up right after me. He and I stared at each other breathing heavily and at a complete loss for words.
“We must be gettin’ close.” Barty grinned.
“How so?” I asked between breaths.
How the Hades could he be smiling after Steel and I just almost died? My heart was still in my throat as I realized a new danger in our situation.
“That was a booby trap and that means someone’s protectin’ somethin’. Somethin’ like treasure.”
“He’s got a point,” Bastian said.
“Well, then, what are we waiting for?” Steel’s eyes had darkened and I was surprised to see Bloody Steel in front of me.
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