A silvery voice echoed through the jungle, mingling with the crackle of fallen leaves beneath heavy boots.
From the shadows, a man emerged. A fine-featured, tall, with an air of authority that silenced the pirate at my back. The pirate, a scar slicing across his left chee froze mid-strike, his sword trembling before he lowered it and mumbled an apology.
I turned, my breath hitching as I met the man's gaze. His green eyes bore into mine, sharp yet strangely gentle. My heart thundered in my chest, time seeming to pause under his piercing stare. Then, with a wave of his hand, he dismissed the pirate, ordering him back to their camp.
He introduced himself as Thomas Cavendish, captain of the English pirates. His voice was steady, yet something in his tone felt disarming, comforting even. Without warning, tears welled up in my eyes, spilling over as I began to cry uncontrollably. My sobs filled the still jungle air, a raw, broken sound I couldn't suppress.
Thomas crouched slightly, his expression softening as he tried to calm me. It took time, but eventually, I choked out the truth haltingly, clumsily about my journey, my family, and the underworld. His brows furrowed in disbelief at first, but as I spoke, something in him shifted. Perhaps it was the conviction in my voice or the weight of my words, but he believed me.
Despite his confusion, he offered me kindness. "Come with me," he said, his voice firm but inviting. "There's food and a place to rest at our camp."
Exhausted and overwhelmed, I accepted.
The jungle seemed alive as we walked. Every step brought me closer to his world and farther from mine. I followed him, the strange warmth of his presence stirring something unfamiliar within me.
When we reached the camp, it was like stepping into another realm. Laughter rang out, flames from a bonfire licked the night air, and the pirates moved with a chaotic energy that felt strangely vibrant. As we entered, the chatter quieted, every gaze falling on me.
I shrank under their stares, uneasy, but Thomas stayed close. His presence was a shield, and I clung to it. As we sat together by the fire, the tension eased. The pirates, though rough and loud, seemed far friendlier than the humans I had imagined.
Thomas handed me food. A piece of grilled fish coated in a tangy sauce, paired with a slice of warm bread. I hesitated before taking a bite. The flavor exploded on my tongue, rich and smoky. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted, and I couldn't hide my amazement.
"Who's this beautiful young lady, Sir?" one of the pirates asked, his tone teasing yet curious.
"She's the one I'll marry," Thomas declared without hesitation.
The camp fell silent. My heart raced, his words echoing in my mind. I stared at him, dumbfounded. Did he mean it? How could he, knowing what I was?
Thomas leaned in slightly, his voice low. "Don't worry," he murmured. "Your secret is safe with me. I'll protect you, no matter what."
Turning to his crew, he issued a command. "From this moment, she is under my protection. Anyone who dares harm her will answer to me."
The pirates, rough and hardened, echoed their captain's words like a solemn vow. I could feel their loyalty, fierce and unwavering, binding me to this strange new family.
As the night deepened, exhaustion tugged at my eyes. Thomas stood, signaling an end to the evening. "Let's call it a night," he said.
I followed the pirates to their ship. A towering, blackened vessel that seemed as weathered as its crew. Ralph Lane, a cheerful pirate with a boyish grin, led me to a small cabin at the end of a narrow corridor.
"If you need anything, call for me," he said, setting an oil lamp on the table beside the bed. "My room's just three doors down."
"Thank you, Ralph," I whispered.
Alone at last, I placed the Kogarasu-maru beneath the bed, its presence a silent reminder of my world. I untied my hair, letting it fall loose, and slipped out of my outer layers until only my long undergarment remained.
Lying in bed, my thoughts drifted to Thomas. His voice, his kindness, the strange warmth he stirred in me. Was it possible to trust a human? Could someone like him truly care for someone like me?
The thought lingered as sleep claimed me, and for the first time in a long while, I felt safe.