Kasey wasn't sure what kind of hell was awaiting them, but from looking up at the boat that was armored to the damn sails, she was sure it wasn't anything good.
"Are you sure that thing can float?" Kasey questioned Shobek, her eyes looking over the long sharp spikes that peeked out of the water.
"There are enchantments to keep it afloat." Shobek smiled as he watched Kasey look over the heavily armored ship they were to use. Mammon already talking to the captain who looked like he was ready to piss his pants.
"Why are they.... so... Spikey?" Kasey knotted her brows together and looked up at Shobek as she huddled closer to him when a strong salty breeze brushed past her.
"So any sea monsters that we pass will have a hard time ripping into the ship." Shobek slid an arm around Kasey as she frowned and eyed the wooden dock they stood on.
"Is this dangerous?"
"The wooden dock? No. Though it is rather.... flimsy... sea monsters don't come this close to land. The boat? Somewhat. But it's safer than flying or teleporting."
Kasey frowned and glanced up at Shobek before turning to look at Mammon who finished talking with the Captain of the ship. "It seems it's nearly time."
Shobek didn't respond as he slowly took his arm away from around Kasey and stood tall as Mammon again approached them. The businessman fixed his suit that had become a little messy from the wind as he again smiled broadly at the two.
"You're all set now! The Captain will treat you like royalty and anyone who dares whisper about it later will instantly perish before they can get a word out!" Mammon looked over the two cheerily.
"Fantastic," Shobek muttered softly as he eyed the Captain who was directing his crew and telling them the rules. A few crewmates' eyes instantly peeked over at them warily before going back to their posts.
Kasey glanced at Shobek before smiling happily at Mammon, "thank you so much."
Mammon, who was instantly stunned, hesitated before smiling back. "It was my pleasure to help, Kasey."
Shobek let out a soft growl when he heard Mammon say her name. Kasey, scowling at Shobek, smiled, "I hope we can work together again soon."
Kasey shot another sharp look at Shobek and patted Mammon's arm as she passed him to go to the boarding ramp. Shobek held an even larger growl and the temptation to rip Mammon's head off.
Mammon, surprised by Kasey's actions turned to watch her walk up the ramp cautiously, "she is peculiar...Isn't she?"
Shobek snarled at Mammon as he passed to follow her, "You have no bloody idea."
Mammon carefully watched the two board the ship before slowly touching the spot that Kasey touched, his heart doing a delightful dance in his chest as he stared emptily at the ramp they were now moving aside.
"Peculiar indeed..."
Once aboard the ship, Kasey looked around carefully. Sailors were quickly working to get the ship sailing, and Kasey struggled not to stare at the mostly skeletal bodies. Most of the crew was at least somewhat alive, but a few were downright walking bones. Unsure of where to go, Kasey kept to the side and figured she'd just observe until Shobek led her to where they needed to be. It was only about two minutes before she spotted him walking towards her. His eyes glowing with anger.
"Did you have to be friendly with him?" Shobek asked gruffly before tugging her to a door that lead to the belly of the ship.
"Shouldn't I be getting on everyone's good side?" Kasey asked back.
Shobek growled, "As if that was a power play!"
Kasey frowned, "It was!"
"Are you sure? Because I am pretty sure that's what girls do to get in a man's bed."
Kasey glared at his tall figure as he led her to a heavy-looking door, "what is wrong with you?!"
Shobek pushed the door open and quickly pulled her inside and hissed, "What's wrong is that you seem to be trying to seduce everyone you come across! Are you that desperate?"
Kasey gaped up at him, stunned beyond words. Yanking herself free from his grip, she moved to the other side of the room and glowered at him. "I wasn't trying to seduce anyone!!"
Shobek let out a dark laugh and glared right back at her, "Are you sure? Samael's searching all of hell for you, Apophis sacrificed his home and came close to losing his life for you, and Mammon has now deemed you interesting. I may be wrong but I am pretty sure that's four different guys that are pinning for you!"
"Samael is a dear friend!! Of course, he'd search for me! And Apophis... He... he's his person. That was his decision!" Kasey's heart twisted in her chest as she continued to cool down the anxiety that was building up inside her. Then, she froze and looked up at Shobek confused, "wait..You said.... four?"
Shobek's anger instantly depleted and was replaced with horror. His gaze quickly looked at the door. "Miscounted."
"You know how to count and you listed out only three. Who's the fourth?" Kasey watched Shobek's shoulders tighten as his gaze became distant. A minute passed before she tried again, "Who else is there?"
Shobek looked at her as a sharp pain stabbed into his heart. His gaze looked her over before turning to the door, "I'm getting a drink."
Before Kasey could say a word the door closed behind him and he was gone.
Kasey slowly brought herself back from the shock and confusion to finally take note of the room she was in. Across from the door on the other side of the wall were bookshelves that reached from the floor to the ceiling. Each shelf was stacked with books that were safely stowed away with a rail. The only break in the wall of books was a small window in the center with a desk sitting right under it. Off to the right were a door and a couch with a coffee table set in front of it. To the left was a king-size bed with two bedside tables on either side of the bed. to the left and right of the main door were two armchairs and small tables. It was quite spacious to what she had imagined. Slowly moving to the small side door, she peeked in to find a small bathroom with a shower, sink, and toilet. A wide mirror hung on the wall and Kasey stared at herself. Despite having a mirror in Shobeks house, she refused to look at herself.
Nothing was too abnormal from how she used to look. Except that she was a lot paler and seemed way thinner than what was probably healthy. Her hair was also in quite a mess. Her fingers slowly brushed through her frizzy hair with no luck. After a second of struggle, she gave up and left the bathroom. It didn't matter if she looked good or not anyways. Sliding off the heavy cloak, she set it on the couch and walked to the bookshelves. Her eyes scanned for anything of interest. After a minute of looking she pulled out a thick blue book with gold lettering on the cover.
"The Sea of Enchantments" Kasey read the title and opened the book as she walked over to the couch and sat down. Nothing like losing yourself in a book when things get tough...
Kasey lay across the couch lazily as she flipped to the next page of the book. She had been reading for about two hours before a loud bang snapped her to look towards the main door. A snarl came from the other side of the door as the person on the other side struggled to open the door. She was quick to sit up and stare anxiously as the door finally opened, Shobek trotted in and slammed the door closed. Her fear dissipated as she watched him stroll over to the bed and flop down on it. She carefully checked the page number she was on and set the book down on the coffee table.
"Are you alright?" Kasey's voice was velvety soft in Shobek's ears as he slowly sat up again and looked at her.
"I'm fine." He slurred towards her. Kasey frowned slightly as she walked closer and the smell of alcohol hit her nose.
"Are you drunk?" She peered at him carefully as she moved to stand in front of him. His face was red and he swayed a little.
"Nooo..." Shobek shook his head sloppily before laughing softly and smiled up at her, "Well... Maybe a liiiitttlle bit" his hand rising to sign a small amount.
"Oh? How many did you drink?" Kasey crossed her arms and fought to hide the building smile.
"Umm..." Shobek looked up at the ceiling as he tried to recall how many glasses he had. A minute later and he tried to count the number on his hands. But after the fifth finger, he shook his head and gave Kasey a goofy smile; "Okayyy... More than a littlllee...."
Kasey let out a soft laugh and shook her head. "I can see that. How bout you get some rest?"
Shobek paused, seeming to think about it for a minute before nodding. "Alright."
"Good. Now lay down, okay?"
Shobek instantly obeyed and plopped back onto the pillows, letting out a long sigh.
Kasey started to move away but was suddenly held back by a strong pull on her arm, she looked back at Shobek who gave her a pitiful look, "Won't you stay by me?"
Kasey frowned a little, "I was just going to sit over there."
Shobek shook his head and pouted, "that's too far away. It hurts when you're far away."
Kasey's frown deepened, "what hurts?"
Shobek, taking another minute to register her question pointed to his chest, "this."
"What do you mean?"
Shobek sighed and pointed again at his chest, "It hurts in here. I hate when you're far away. Won't you stay by me?"
Kasey slowly let Shobek pull her to the side of the bed, "Shobek..?"
Shobek looked at her innocently, like a lost puppy, "Hmm?"
Kasey watched him for a second before finally letting her question out, "Are you in love with me?"
Shobek frowned and for a second, Kasey thought she must have been wrong. That he did just miss count earlier, but then...
"Of course, I'm in love with you. You're mine."