The Captain charged forward, a grin splattered across his face.
He's weaponless. All I have to do is cut him.
Cristiana swung her sword as he neared her, aiming for the man's throat.
He sidestepped.
What? She thought with confusion, as she spun to keep up with his movement. So quick!
A fist came into contact with the side of her temple, and she lost balance. She tumbled backward, rolling down the red-carpeted stairs, coming to a stop on the lower landing.
The Captain hopped over the railing and landed in front of Cristiana.
My sword!
She scrambled backward; hands outstretched as she reached for the blade.
The Captain's foot came into contact with her ribcage, sending her tumbling backward. She nearly fell down the next flight of stairs but managed to grab hold of the railing.
"You're helpless," the Captain said with a smile. "Poor girl. Do you even know what is real anymore?"
She frowned. "What?"
"It's not surprising, considering how many drinks you've had." He smiled for a moment. "Truthfully, if I had that much of both alcohol and this new substance, I would also be losing my grip."
"I…I don't get it."
"Wake up!" The Captain shouted, making Cristiana jump. "We've been drugging you this whole time. The entire ship's been drugged, except for the staff. The perfect cruise, the happiest you'll ever be in your life. Every person who walks off this ship will talk about the experience for the rest of their lives. Mr. Denouement is a businessman, first and foremost."
Something changed, and Cristiana blinked with confusion.
She looked around in shock. They were back in her room cell, which was missing the bodies and glass and blood. Everything seemed to be in perfect condition, just as it'd been earlier in the day.
"How…how are we here?"
The Captain shrugged. "I don't know. God? Luck?"
"No…I mean…," she paused, knowing her next words wouldn't make sense.
He frowned. "You really are out of it, huh?"
Am I going mad? She thought, looking around the room frantically. But…I had escaped. I was out of this room. I was so close….
"Well," the Captain said, slapping his knees. "I must get back behind the wheel. If I don't, we might crash!"
"You don't actually drive the boat. You're just a figurehead to make the passengers feel like the boat is safe and secure."
The Captain chuckled. "It was sarcasm, Ms. Bertelli. You should try it sometime."
"Wait!"
He stopped.
"Don't leave," she said quietly. "Please, let me out of here. I can't stay any longer."
"Oh, please. Let you out? You're a murderer. You confessed it yourself."
Anger began to build within Cristiana, and she got to her feet. "Let me out. Or I'll let myself out."
"I don't think so," he said, glancing at the door. "Behind here, five security officers are waiting."
A knock came from the other side of the door and the Captain gave a confused glance at it. "Come in?"
Cristiana prepared herself, ready to run through the door as soon as it opened. This was her last chance at escape. If she didn't at least try, she would never forgive herself.
Who's to say I don't just end up back here like last time? No…I have to try again.
The door creaked open, and the Captain took a step back.
Cristiana rushed forward and immediately came to a halt.
The man who walked in was covered in blood, from the neck down. He glanced at Cristiana and smiled, as if he was seeing her for the first time in a while.
"You're dead," the Captain said, breathing heavily. "She…she killed you."
Liam stepped forward and silently drove a dagger into the Captain's chest. The white suit was quickly drenched with blood, its crimson color ruining the fabric.
He fell to his knees, turning to look at Cristiana. "Heh…heh…it seems…not all captains…go down with the ship."
Blood dribbled from his mouth, and he slumped to the ground, dead.
Cristiana looked to Liam who still stood in the doorway with a smile.
"Why so frightened?" He asked in a voice she used to find soothing. "Come on, I want to show you something."