Page 48 of Found at Sea

A lamp was lit and placed on the small table, but that was the only light in the otherwise dark room. My lute was in one of the chairs, and my journal was atop the table, along with my quill and ink. The two armchairs were empty, as was the desk. Another doorway was on the opposite wall, leading to the sleeping quarters, and I suspected that’s where he was.

After mustering up enough courage, I walked that way.

“You’re late,” a voice said once I’d entered the room.

“I wasn’t ready for bed,” I answered, standing in place as I let my eyes adjust to the dark. Soon, I saw the outline of him on the bed, sitting with his back against the frame. “And I had much on my mind.”

“Come here.”

But I couldn’t move. Fear rooted me in place. Never did I think I’d fear him in this way, for I’d chosen to see the good in him. My eyes were opened now, though, and I’d come to the dire conclusion that therewasno good in him.

“Fletcher.” His tone was different than before. Softer. “What’s on your mind? Are you still angry with me for making you my cabin boy?”

“Alek told me he’s a mage,” I admitted, still unmoving. “And you are using that against him to keep him here. As your prisoner.”

“He said that?”

“No,” I spoke before swallowing the lump in my throat. “I came to that revelation on my own.”

The bed creaked as the captain stood. My first impulse was to turn and flee the room. I dashed out of the bedroom and into the study, but before I reached the door leading to the main deck, he seized my arm in a tight hold.

“Release me!”

“No,” he growled, pushing me against the wall and caging me in. “Stop this nonsense, boy.”

“I do not want to be with you,” I said as my body began to shake. Each attempt to shove him away was met with his unmatched strength.

I’d never been so afraid, and I wasn’t exactly sure why I was right then.

“You had no complaints last night.”

“That was before I knew…before I knew what you were.” I thrashed against him again. He didn’t budge.

“And what am I?” he hissed between clenched teeth. The faint light of the lamp highlighted the side of his face, making his pale blue eye appear even lighter. Unnerving.

“A man with a cold heart,” I answered as my eyes pooled with tears. “A demon. Just as the stories say.”

Briefly, I saw pain in his gaze. The menacing scowl on his face faded and for the shortest of moments, he looked as if I’d just slapped him. Or stabbed him in the chest. But the pain was gone in an instant and he returned to his icy self.

“The stories have always been true,” he said, releasing me. “You’d do well to remember that. Now get into bed and be done with this foolishness.”

“No,” I said, shaking my head. “I will not.”

“You will,” he said with a snarl before grabbing me by the collar of my shirt.

“I’d rather jump into the sea than into your bed.”

The captain yanked me toward him, bringing us nose to nose. “If you keep disobeying me, you will get your wish. And the sharks will have a nice feast for the night.”

“Did you really kill mermaids?” I blurted out. “Are you truly so wicked?”

Kellan held my gaze but loosened his hold on my shirt. “Men paid a fine price for their hearts. It was business.”

“It was murder!” I shoved against his chest, catching him off guard. When he stumbled back, I pushed him again. “You’re a monster!”

When he regained his balance, it looked as if he planned to hit me. But the surge of violence in his eyes left just as quickly as it’d come.

“If you were anyone else,” he said with a snarl. “I would toss you overboard for that.”

“Why don’t you?” I challenged him.

He didn’t answer me.

“I detest you,” I said, glaring at him. I wasn’t sure if I meant the words, but I was so angry that I didn’t stop to consider them. “One day I hope you get what you deserve.”

“I’m already in hell, boy,” he said in a stern tone. “The fates have already condemned me, so detest me all you like. I will not tell you again. Get into bed.”