Chereads / Across The Ocean We Called Home / Chapter 18 - CHAPTER 17: CRISIS OF VENGEANCE

Chapter 18 - CHAPTER 17: CRISIS OF VENGEANCE

As the ship descended into the embrace of the night, a serene silence enveloped every deck, providing a moment of much-needed rest and tranquility. However, amidst this peacefulness, a shadowy figure emerged, observing Tristan and Caleb from the stern of the ship. This figure seemed to embody the very essence of retribution, but remained unnoticed by the two brothers. After a brief observation, the shadowy figure eventually retreated to his room.

In that room, the figure unveiled his identity; it was none other than Drew, a member of the mysterious Circle and someone entrusted by Queen Winsley herself. "The plans are in motion, just as you said," Drew murmured, addressing some unseen presence. "However, I can't seem to find the target. He's likely hiding among the commoners below deck."

Meanwhile, Caleb began to sense an overwhelming surge of power on the ship, leaving him with an uneasy feeling. He urged Tristan to cut off their conversation and return to their room. Once they reached their quarters, they were surprised to find Nicolette already there, accompanied by Gabriel. The awkwardness on Gabriel's face was evident, and he explained that he had ensured Nicolette's safe return to their room after her impressive performance at the party.

Caleb couldn't help but notice a connection forming between his two friends, but he simply brushed it off, considering Gabriel to be a genuinely nice person.

"Gabriel, thank you. I hope one day I will remember you. Goodnight," Caleb replied, expressing his gratitude as Gabriel bid them farewell and left the room.

Caleb then tenderly caressed Nicollette's head and whispered softly, "I'm sorry I couldn't take you home, but I promise to take care of you, just as you did for me. Remember the glass window when I left the orphanage? Our connection remained unbreakable, and we silently promised to meet again in the future, dear friend… I'll make it up to you. Goodnight, Nicollette."

After a while, Tristan and Caleb settled down in the living room, continuing their discussion about their mysterious abilities. The enigmatic song played through the celestial plane remained their only lead.

"That song, how do you know it?" Tristan asked Caleb curiously.

"I don't know much, but it's a reminiscence of my parents," Caleb replied somberly. "Director Mikaela said they left me at the orphanage doorstep, and as she took me inside, that melody escaped my lips. But she never told me about my other half, that we were both abandoned at the orphanage doorstep."

"Do you think the Director knows who adopted your twin?" Tristan inquired, suggesting they visit Director Mikaela to find more answers.

"No, Tristan," Caleb cut him off. "I don't want to focus on that anymore. I already found my other half – you and Nicollette. You guys were there for me at my lowest, while he wasn't…"

"Caleb…" Tristan's embrace offered comfort and support. "Let's get some rest; you must be tired from all that has happened. We'll solve all this tomorrow…"

Finally, they retired to their beds as the night transformed into a new morning.

As dawn broke, the ship continued to sail smoothly through the vast ocean, with the festivities on board continuing unabated. The second day of the cruise had begun. In the morning light, Prince Quentin paid a visit to Caleb, Nicollette, and Tristan, bearing an envelope.

Caleb was pleasantly surprised to find the chivalrous Prince Quentin at their doorstep. "Oh my, what brings you here on this fine morning, Prince Quentin?" Caleb greeted him respectfully.

"Good morning to you as well," Prince Quentin replied cheerfully. "I have an invitation for a grand dinner in the dinner hall later. It's to celebrate the halfway mark of the cruise. I hope all of you can join. Oh, and please do bring Gabriel along; we had quite a cheesy conversation with him last night."

"Sure thing, Prince Quentin. We'll be there," Caleb responded with joy.

Eager to share the news, Caleb gathered with his roommates and relayed the exciting invitation to them. Gabriel joined the group and, though they felt a bit anxious about mingling with the more sophisticated guests, they had a delightful time attempting to mimic aristocrats and their silverware, which led to a burst of laughter.

As the day progressed, their laughter filled the air with joy, adding to the anticipation of the upcoming dinner.

Amidst all this, Drew prepared to set his plan into motion. He opened his briefcase, revealing an oil lamp and a revolver, his face filled with grim determination. However, he couldn't help but wrestle with the darkness inside him and the consequences of his actions.

"Queen Winsley, retribution has come, I awaken your power," Drew muttered, trying to summon his resolve.

Drew headed to the bottom deck of the ship, carefully imbedding the explosive by the engine to extract a massive explosive disaster. With much focus he managed to execute the plane as ordered by the Queen.

After imbedding the Bomb fear crept in as he went back to his Cabin. However, as he surveyed the innocent families and children who would be affected, doubt and remorse began to gnaw at him.

"What am I doing? Is this truly the path I want to take? What about the people, the children, and myself?" Drew agonized, torn between his humanity and his thirst for vengeance.

Returning to his room, Drew stared at himself in the mirror, wrestling with his inner demons and the memory of his beloved family.

"Remrosa and Petro… I miss you both so much," he whispered tearfully.

But amidst his struggles, an unseen presence seemed to encourage him, reminding him of his plan's ultimate purpose: seeking justice for her family. "Andrew… Andrew…" A gust of wind whispers, realizing an uneasy feeling.

"Oh God, help me…" Drew cries, with a tear running down his left eye. Once last time he looks at himself… "Forgive me."

His eyes became a shade of green glow. It was the power of the oracle… it had consumed him. The Queen's magic engulfed most of Drew. His eyes show it.

As he made his way back to the main deck to continue the second part of the scheme, Drew experienced a moment of clarity. "Stop! Drew, this isn't you!" A voice in his head continued to battle him.

"Remember your plan; it's also for your family. Continue on," he reminded himself.

He watched as many lives would be lost in the coming disaster that would unfold. Worry and fear continued to creep in, as his moral dilemma and conscience also began to creep in.

"Where are those who will help us…"

"Save us from this monstrosity"

"Kill her!!"

"You are nothing but a disgrace to our family!"

"Victoria you traitor!"

These words continued to creep in as Drew was reminded of what he had jumped into.

With newfound determination he was more and more eager to go on with Queen Winsley's plan.

It was final, Drew was far gone and humanity was no longer present in his form. Drew was fully consumed with the devil that once had haunted him.

As Drew continued on with his plan, everyone was unaware of the mischievous act set upon below the deck, many lives were about to be lost and many were about to see the true wrath and retribution of their own monarch.

In her Palace Queen Winsley couldn't help but grin of excitement as he saw that Drew was fulfilling her plan. Her words were "Retribution will come soon…"