ã€ŠJade of the Seaã€‹


 Prologue

    All my life, I''ve wondered what the world out there was like, how it looked, and what it felt like. Ever since I could remember, I''ve been confined to this place, safely tucked away behind these thick palace walls. Today, I sat on the wooden terrace outside my chambers, gazing up at the endless blue sky, longing for something more.

    I raised a hand to shield my eyes, squinting against the bright sunlight. The sky was clear, the sun warm and golden. It was a beautiful, quiet day. The kind of quiet that settles in after a storm has passed. My heart ached with the stillness.

    Above me, birds and cranes flew effortlessly over the pointy peaks of the palace roofs, their movements graceful and free. I sighed, watching them disappear into the horizon. What I would give to have wings of my own, soar high above the palace, and taste freedom just like them.

    I was startled out of my thoughts by the sound of hurried footsteps echoing through the palace corridors. The servants were moving quickly toward the entrance. My heart leaped, and I turned my head to follow their movements. Could it be? Was he here?

    It must be him!

    I scrambled to my feet, nearly tripping over the endless layers of my gown. Gathering the fabric in both hands to free my legs, I rushed toward the entrance, my pulse racing as I fell in line behind the servants. Craning my neck, I strained to see past them as the massive gates of the inner palace creaked open slowly.

    "Welcome, Master Zhuwei," the servants said in unison, bowing deeply in perfect formation.

    There he was. I was right¡ªhe had come to visit again!

    Zhuwei stepped through the gates, his calm, confident demeanor drawing all eyes to him. He had grown into a tall, strikingly handsome man, with a presence that exuded both intelligence and quiet authority. As the son of a high-ranking minister and a trusted advisor to the Emperor, Zhuwei was no ordinary guest. He was practically family, having grown up alongside me within these walls.

    But to me, he was more than just a family friend. He was Zhuwei, the boy I''d shared countless memories with¡ªthe one who always had a way of making me feel like the palace walls weren''t so suffocating after all. Now, he was a scholar and a statesman, walking confidently in his father''s footsteps.

    "Yuming," he said warmly, his voice cutting through the formalities like sunlight breaking through clouds.

    "Zhuwei!" I replied, my excitement escaping before I could think to compose myself.

    For a brief, shining moment, the palace walls seemed less confining, the world outside less daunting. With Zhuwei here, perhaps everything would be all right.

    I couldn''t take my eyes off Zhuwei. Every detail of his face seemed to demand my attention¡ªthe soft warmth of his brown eyes, the tender curve of his smile, and that little mole just below his lips. His lips! My cheeks flushed, and I quickly shifted my focus back to his eyes, hoping no one noticed. He was smiling, as kind and gentle as ever, as he exchanged pleasantries with the palace servants.

    Who was I kidding? I had more than a "slight" crush on him. Growing up with Zhuwei had been one of the greatest joys of my life. We''d spent so many hours playing in the royal gardens, his laughter ringing in the air as he recited poems or played the flute. I had watched him transform from that sweet, talented boy into the man standing before me now¡ªa man whose beauty and poise seemed almost otherworldly.

    I couldn''t help but notice that his attention was now fully on me. Zhuwei, still smiling softly, tipped the fan in his hand to his lips. "Yuming!" he said. "I must apologize for my absence. I''ve been busy preparing for the ministerial examination. You look as beautiful as the peach blossoms in spring. It''s so good to see you again after all this time."

    His words made me blush even more. "Th-Thank you, Zhuwei. I''m really happy to see you again too!" I managed to say.

    Zhuwei chuckled quietly, hiding his smile behind the fan again. "So, tell me, Yuming, are the king and my father here? I''d like to meet with them."

    I nodded quickly. "Ah, yes, they''re in the big chamber discussing something now. I-I''ll take you there! I¡ª"

    Before I could finish, Zhuwei raised his hand in a gentle but firm gesture. "That won''t be necessary. I''m honored enough that the princess herself graces me with her presence. How could I ask her to escort me? It wouldn''t be proper for a member of the royal family. There are servants for matters like that," he said, polite as always.

    "But we''re like family! We''ve known each other our whole lives!" I protested, feeling a little stubborn. "And I want to bring you there! I haven''t seen you in such a long time! How can you not respect the wishes of a princess?" I pouted, putting my hands on my hips, pretending to be angry.

    Zhuwei sighed, defeated, but smiled at me again. "Very well then. My princess'' wishes are my command," he said, bowing gracefully and bringing his hand with the fan close to his heart in a swift motion. He looked up at me, his gaze lingering just a little longer than necessary.

    My princess.Did he really just saymy princess? And why was he looking at me like that? My heart started to race¡ªnervous, excited, flustered, all at once. I quickly turned around to hide my red face. "Come on. Follow me!" I muttered and led him to the big chamber in silence.

    When we arrived in front of the massive gate leading to the chamber, two guards stood at attention. As soon as they saw me, they hastily bowed and opened the door. "Princess! Master Zhuwei! Please enter!" they said in unison.

    We stepped inside and walked toward the throne at the far end of the room. As we approached, two middle-aged men turned around, surprised by our arrival.

    "Yuming, what are you doing here?" a deep but gentle voice asked.

    "I brought a guest, Father," I replied, stepping aside to reveal Zhuwei behind me. He smiled and bowed low, elegant as ever.

    "Greetings, Your Majesty. I apologize for my unannounced visit. It is an honor to meet with you," he said, his voice steady and respectful.

    "Oh, Zhuwei! Don''t be ridiculous! You''re like family to me! No need to be so formal!" the King said with a warm smile.

    "Zhuwei!" Now, it was his father''s turn to speak, his voice filled with affection.

    "It''s good to see you too, Father," Zhuwei answered.

    "It''s good that you''re here, Zhuwei." The King placed a hand on the young scholar''s shoulder. "I was just discussing the current..." He paused and glanced at me. "...situation with your father. I would like you to join our meeting, learn about your father''s work, and perhaps you can help us find a solution."

    "I would be more than honored to do so, Your Majesty," Zhuwei replied respectfully.

    "And you, Yuming," my father said, turning his attention to me. "You should go out and play. Politics is no concern for a young girl like you."

    Young girl? Nothing to be concerned with? I couldn''t believe it. I was already 17, almost 18, and most importantly, I was the princess¡ªthe only heir to the throne,the future empress. If that was nothing to be concerned about, I wasn''t sure what was.

    "B-But Father!" I protested, my voice betraying my frustration. I wanted to know what was going on in the kingdom that I would one day rule. I had always felt that something was off, and whatever it was, it was clear that something was happening within the Kingdom. I needed to find out what it was.

    If my father wouldn''t allow me to leave the palace for my safety, as he always insisted, then the least he could do was let me join their meetings.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    "Enough. I said what I said, Yuming. This has nothing to do with you," he said firmly, pointing toward the door. "Please."

    Zhuwei turned to me then, his tone gentle. "Do not worry, Yuming. I''ll be with you again as soon as I can, and then we can have some tea and a chat together." He smiled at me, and that smile¡ªso warm and reassuring¡ªmade me forget my protests.

    "Very well, I''ll see you later then, but be quick!" I said, turning to leave.

    "Certainly," he replied softly, giving a slight nod of his head.

    ~~~

    I sighed as I sat at the small tea table beneath the huge peach tree, its branches adorned with beautiful blossoms. I was so bored, and it felt like time was moving in slow motion. But finally, after what felt like an eternity, I heard a voice behind me.

    "I was wrong. You are surely more beautiful than these peach blossoms. They cannot compare to your beauty," came the voice, followed by a soft chuckle.

    I spun around, my face instantly burning hot and red. "Zh-Zhuwei! You''re finally back!"

    He smiled at me, his eyes warm. "I told you I would hurry. However, there are still some things left to discuss, so I, unfortunately, don''t have much time, Yuming."

    My smile faded into a pout. "You''re always so busy."

    He sighed softly. "I know, and I apologize. But you know I do all this work for my dream¡ªto help you make this kingdom an even better place in the future."

    He gently brushed a stray strand of hair out of my face and tucked it behind my ear, and I couldn''t help but blush in return. Such a gentle gesture... it nearly took my breath away.

    "Now, let''s sit down and have some tea. We haven''t seen each other in so long. Until I have to return to my duties, I''m all yours."

    All yours.The words hung in the air, and I couldn''t help but stare at him, feeling my heart race. He smiled at me, clearly amused.

    "Tell me, what have you been up to while I was gone?" he asked.

    The two of us chatted for a while, the conversation flowing easily as the sun began to set. The soft orange and pink hues of the fading light reflected off Zhuwei''s face and eyes, making his features look even more beautiful and gentle.

    "Unfortunately, it''s time for me to return to my duties, Yuming," he finally said, his voice soft.

    "Let me accompany you to your chambers," he added.

    I couldn''t believe it was already time for him to go. "Fine," I sighed, standing up and taking a step forward.

    But as I moved, my foot got caught in my long gown, and I stumbled. I felt myself falling, and in that instant, panic struck. Oh no! Not only was I about to hurt myself, but I was going to embarrass myself in front of Zhuwei of all people! I closed my eyes, bracing for the fall.

    The fall never came.

    "Huh?" I slowly opened my eyes and found myself staring right into Zhuwei''s deep, deer-like eyes, held securely in his strong arms, flush against his chest. For a moment, I got lost in his gaze, my heart racing, before I quickly pushed away, utterly embarrassed.

    "I-I''m so sorry!" I exclaimed, turning my face away, my cheeks burning hot.

    Zhuwei just smiled, as he always did. "Do not worry. As long as you are not hurt, I''m fine too!"

    My heart was beating wildly. I had never been so close to a man before. Sure, Zhuwei and I had played together when we were children, but this was different. This was no longer the boy I knew, but the man he had become.

    "Come on, let''s go. It''s already late." Zhuwei''s voice gently pulled me from my racing thoughts, and he placed his hand on my lower back. He didn''t quite touch me, but the gesture was enough to guide me toward my chambers.

    When we finally reached my door, I blurted out a quick, clumsy goodbye and dashed into my room as fast as I could. That had been so embarrassing!

    After taking a few deep breaths to calm myself, I sat down at my writing desk, my mind racing. Something was terribly wrong with the city¡ªor maybe even the entire kingdom¡ªand I had to figure out what it was. I had to prove to my father that I was capable of solving problems, that I was worthy of being the next heir to the throne. But why were they keeping things from me? Did my father not trust me? Did he not believe in me?

    I was determined to find out what was going on out there.Out there. The thought almost felt foreign, like it belonged to a different world¡ªliterally otherworldly. Which, in a way, it was. I had never been beyond these thick palace walls.

    My fists clenched, my knuckles turning white as I gripped them. I was going outside! Yes, outside! It was probably the craziest idea I''d ever had, but I had to do it. I needed to. I had to know the truth.

    Ever since I was young, I''d been kept tucked away in the palace. My father always said it was for my safety and that a princess shouldn''t roam the streets among dangerous people. But I knew the real reason¡ªit was because he was scared something might happen to me. I was his only daughter, his last family member, ever since my mother passed away a few years ago from a disease.

    I sighed. I understood my father''s feelings. I wished I could have spent more time with my mother, too. But I didn''t want to hurt my father. Still, I had to do this¡ªfor the future of the city, which was also my future.

    "I''m sorry, Father. I''m so sorry," I whispered to myself, unclenching my fists.

    Once everyone was asleep, I would sneak out. Yes, that was exactly what I was going to do! My heart raced with nervousness.

    "Calm down. You can do this. No, youhaveto do this. For your future. For the future of the city and the entire kingdom. Prove them wrong," I told myself, standing up from my chair, all determination. "Prove them all wrong."

    After I made my decision, and my servants helped me get ready for bed, I tried really hard to act normal, though my nerves were all over the place. I was going out. Outside of these walls, I had known all my life. Outside! Out!

    Laying in bed, wide awake in the darkness, I waited. Time stretched on, feeling like an eternity. Quietness and the weight of what I was about to do settled over me. When I was sure everyone went to rest, I slipped out of bed, throwing on the cape I had hidden beneath my pillow. I lit the small lantern under my bed, its faint glow casting long shadows on the walls. With the hood pulled low over my face, I opened the door as silently as I could and stepped out into the corridor. My bare feet moved noiselessly against the polished wooden floor as I crept toward the outer doors. The air was cool and still, but my heart pounded like a war drum.

    The palace grounds were eerily quiet as I made my way toward one of the main gates. I slipped on my shoes once I reached the stone pathways and clutched the lantern tightly. For a moment, doubt clawed at me. What if Father was right? What if the outside world was dangerous? But I needed to know. I had to see for myself what was going on beyond the walls.

    When I reached the gate, I hesitated, my fingers trembling as they touched the heavy wooden door. With a deep breath, I pushed it open just enough to peek through the gap. What I saw made my blood run cold.

    The city beyond was unrecognizable. The streets were lined with bodies¡ªmen, women, and even children. Some were sprawled motionless, others writhed weakly, their faces twisted in agony. Their skin was pale and blotchy, their eyes sunken and lifeless. Yet, the ones who moved were far worse. Their movements were jerky, and unnatural, like puppets controlled by invisible strings. Low, guttural groans filled the air, a sound that chilled me to the bone.

    Before I could process what I was seeing, a ruckus broke out behind me. Loud shouts and the clatter of hurried footsteps echoed through the palace. I turned to see the guards rushing toward the gates, their faces pale with fear. The sick¡ªthose undead-like creatures¡ªwere at the palace walls, clawing and pounding on the gates, begging for the Emperor to save them.

    "Open the gates! Help us!" one of them shrieked, their voice barely human. The palace gates groaned under the weight of their assault. Panic surged through me as I realized the gates might not hold.

    "Yuming!" a familiar voice called out, and I turned to see Zhuwei running toward me. His face was grave, but his presence filled me with a flicker of hope. "What in the world are you doing out here? Why are you not in your chambers?" I couldn''t even respond. "We need to leave. Now!"

    "Leave?" I echoed, my voice trembling. "But... the palace...the people"

    "The palace isn''t safe anymore," he said, grabbing my hand. "I promised I''d protect you, and I will. Trust me."

    There was no time to argue. He led me through the palace, dodging panicked servants and guards. As we reached the outer gardens, the sound of the gates breaking open sent a fresh wave of terror through me. The sick poured into the palace, their grotesque forms illuminated by flickering lantern light.

    Zhuwei drew a blade from his side, its steel gleaming. "Stay close to me!" he commanded. I clutched his sleeve, my heart racing as we fled into the city.

    The streets were chaos. Fires burned in the distance, and the stench of decay was overwhelming. The sick prowled everywhere, their groans and screams haunting. Zhuwei fought valiantly, cutting down the creatures that came too close.

    "Go, Yuming!" he shouted as a particularly large group of the infected blocked our path. "I''ll hold them off. Run to safety and don''t look back!"

    "No! I won''t leave you!" I cried, but he pushed me forward.

    "Go!" he yelled, his voice filled with urgency. Tears streamed down my face as I obeyed, running as fast as I could away from this terror. Behind me, the sound of his blade meeting flesh and his shouts of determination faded into the distance. I ran and ran until I was already close to the city walls separating us from theForbidden Woods. Forbidden because majestic and powerful magical creatures roamed in there and stories were told of people gone missing, likely dead, unable to return to their beloved ones after being faced with whatever the thicket and trees of this forest had to hide.

    I paused under the huge city gate, tears still running. Looking around in panic, I realized I had no other choice: I took a deep breath and ran towards the woods. The forest swallowed me in darkness. The lantern in my hand barely lit the way, but I didn''t stop running. Branches scratched at my arms and face, and roots threatened to trip me, but I pressed on. My chest burned, and my legs ached, but the thought of those creatures kept me moving.

    Finally, in the distance, I could hear an ear-numbing screech which made me lose my focus and I stumbled over the root of a large tree, hitting the cold dark soil which kicked all the air out of my lungs. The woods were silent except for the rustling of leaves in the wind. I was alone. Zhuwei was gone. The palace was gone. My entire world had been turned upside down in a single night.

    I hugged my knees to my chest, trying to keep the rising panic at bay. "I''ll find you, Zhuwei," I whispered into the darkness. "I promise."

    But for now, I had to survive.

 Chapter 1

    Yuming''s POV

    The forest seemed alive, its shadows twisting and shifting as the lantern''s light flickered. I stayed curled beneath the tree, my heart pounding in my ears, every sound amplified in the oppressive silence. Somewhere in the distance, the same ear-numbing screech echoed again, sending chills down my spine.

    I couldn''t stay here. Whatever that was¡ªit wasn''t human.

    Forcing myself to stand, I wiped my face with trembling hands and lifted the lantern. Its dim light barely pierced the darkness, but it was better than nothing. My legs wobbled, exhaustion and fear threatening to drag me down, but I couldn''t give up now.

    As I stumbled deeper into the woods, the air grew colder and denser, as though the forest itself was watching me. Vines and branches clawed at my cloak, and the path beneath my feet turned uneven, forcing me to slow down. Suddenly, I felt the faint sensation of warmth against my skin¡ªso out of place in the chill of the night that I froze.

    A glow, faint but golden, flickered ahead through the trees. My heart jumped in my chest. Was it a fire? People?

    I approached cautiously, my pulse racing with equal parts hope and dread. As I drew closer, the glow grew brighter, spilling through the gaps between the trees like liquid sunlight. Then I saw it¡ªa small clearing illuminated by the red light of a strange orb, hovering in the air.

    I couldn''t take my eyes off the glowing orb. Its light pulsed faintly, almost like a heartbeat, and despite the warning bells ringing in my mind I felt an irresistible pull toward it. Slowly, I reached out, my fingers trembling as they neared its surface. The air around it was warm, humming with energy that sent shivers up my arm.

    Just as my fingertips were about to brush the orb''s surface, a rustling noise cut through the stillness, sharp and sudden. My heart leaped into my throat as something darted between the trees, quick and fluid, too fast for me to fully see. My chest tightened as panic set in.

    They''re here.

    The stories weren''t just tales to frighten children. The creatures they whispered about, the ones that claimed this forest as their domain¡ªthey were real.

    Before I could think, my legs moved on instinct. Dropping the lantern, I turned and bolted, crashing through the thicket with no sense of direction. Thorns tore at my skin and tangled in my hair, but I didn''t stop. The rustling grew louder, closer, and I felt the unmistakable sensation of being followed.

    I pushed through a dense patch of shrubs, stumbling into a small clearing bathed in pale moonlight. My breaths came in ragged gasps, and my eyes darted wildly, scanning the shadows for any sign of movement.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    Then I saw them¡ªeyes. Luminous and unblinking, scattered in the darkness like stars in the night sky. They watched me from every direction, their silence far more unnerving than any sound.

    "Stay back," I choked out, though my voice was weak and unconvincing.

    The eyes blinked in unison, and one of the creatures stepped forward. Its form was half-hidden by the shadows, but the faint glimmer of its body revealed something impossibly sleek and alien. My knees buckled as a low growl rumbled through the air, reverberating in my chest like a warning.

    I turned and ran again, my feet barely touching the ground as I sprinted through the forest. The glowing orb and the curiosity it had stirred within me were forgotten. All that mattered now was getting away¡ªaway from the eyes, the growls, and the unknown that lurked in the darkness.

    Branches snapped underfoot, and my lungs burned as I pushed myself harder, faster, desperate to put as much distance as possible between me and whatever was out there.

    And yet, no matter how far I ran, I couldn''t shake the feeling that the forest itself was alive, closing in around me, its unseen inhabitants watching my every move.

    I pushed forward, each step a battle against my screaming lungs and trembling legs. The woods began to thin ahead, the oppressive darkness giving way to faint patches of moonlight. This must be the way out!

    Hope flared inside me, a fragile flame against the cold dread that had gripped me since I entered this accursed forest. Just a little further, I told myself. Just a few more steps, and I''d escape this nightmare.

    Ignoring the ache in my chest and the sting of scratches on my skin, I pushed myself harder, faster. My feet pounded against the ground, and the thought of open skies and freedom filled me with a desperate kind of energy.

    The moonlight grew brighter, illuminating a wide, open space ahead. Relief washed over me, and I dared to believe I could make it out of this hell untouched. But as I surged forward, my footing faltered, and the ground beneath me gave way to nothingness.

    Too late, I saw the truth. There was no clearing, no open field of safety waiting for me. Instead, a deep canyon yawned before me, its jagged edges swallowing the moonlight, a churning river glimmering far below.

    I tried to stop, my feet skidding on the loose earth, but my momentum carried me forward. I teetered at the edge for a heart-stopping moment, my arms flailing as if I could somehow catch myself.

    And then I fell.

    The air rushed past me, cold and unrelenting, carrying with it a gut-wrenching sense of finality. My thoughts raced, jumbling together in a chaotic swirl. This is it?

    Maybe my father was right. The memory of his stern warnings about the dangers beyond the palace walls stabbed at me. The outside world is dangerous. I should have stayed safe, protected.

    The roar of the river below drowned out everything, the sound growing louder as I plummeted. I closed my eyes, surrendering to the inevitability of what awaited me. The air turned icy, and my skin prickled with the spray of the water below.

    When I hit the river, the impact was like a hammer blow. The frigid water closed over me, stealing the breath from my lungs and pulling me under. Darkness consumed me, deeper and more suffocating than anything I had ever known.

    I fought to surface, my body thrashing against the current, but it was no use. The river''s relentless pull dragged me further into its icy depths, its cold claws seeping into my very bones.

    My strength ebbed, and my thoughts began to blur. My body grew heavier, my movements sluggish. The fight left me as the cold numbed every sensation.

    And then, mercifully, everything went still. My mind quieted, and the darkness claimed me once again.

 Chapter 2

    Jun''s POV

    The campfire crackled in the quiet of the night, its golden glow casting flickering shadows over the rough faces of my crew. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and earth, the sounds of the forest blending with the low murmurs of my men. We were settled just off the riverbank, surrounded by towering trees, their gnarled branches weaving a canopy above us. The wind rustled through the leaves, carrying the distant, almost haunting sound of the river rushing through the canyon. The river¡ªwild, unpredictable, and deadly¡ªwas both a blessing and a curse, offering both danger and gifts to those who dared approach.

    I leaned back, allowing the warmth of the fire to seep into my bones as my eyes drifted to the shifting shadows beyond the flames. The weight of the journey ahead pressed on me, but for now, we were safe. I had the moment to think, to plan. But my thoughts were interrupted by a gruff voice.

    "Boss!" Garan''s deep, raspy call cut through the night. I turned, my sharp gaze settling on him as he strode into the light, a wide grin stretched across his face. The wiry, burly man seemed to thrive in the wilds, his sweat-damp hair sticking to his forehead, his eyes gleaming with something between excitement and mischief. He was carrying something limp in his arms, and as he drew closer, the murmurs from the crew grew louder.

    "Look what the river brought in. A little snack for us, eh?" he said, his voice thick with humor, though there was something unsettling in the way he grinned.

    The camp stirred at his words, murmurs rising as the men craned their necks to get a look at whatever Garan had discovered. Harun, ever the skeptic and troublemaker, snorted from the edge of the circle.

    "Snack?" he scoffed, stepping forward with a smirk. "You sure it''s not a corpse? Doesn''t look like she''s breathing to me, you idiot." His voice was low, but it carried enough to make the others laugh, the tension in the camp momentarily breaking.

    I stood up, brushing the dirt off my pants and crossing the clearing toward Garan. As I got closer, I saw the girl for the first time. Garan dropped her onto the ground near the fire with a careless thud, and I knelt beside her, my eyes narrowing as I took in the sight. She was soaked to the bone, her clothes tattered and stained with mud. Her skin was as pale as the moonlight, her chest rising and falling in shallow, erratic breaths.

    "She''s alive," I said, my voice low but firm, silencing the murmurs around the camp. I could hear my own heartbeat in my ears as I inspected her more closely. Her appearance screamed of someone who had been through something horrible¡ªa desperate struggle, perhaps¡ªor had been lost for far too long.

    My gaze shifted to her neck, where something caught the firelight. A jade pendant, hanging delicately from a fine chain. The craftsmanship was unmistakably intricate, the fine artistry of the piece standing out against her otherwise ragged appearance. This wasn''t something that a common person would own. It was too refined, too beautiful. She either stole it¡ªor she was from a noble family.

    My mind raced, calculating the possibilities. If she were noble, someone would surely be missing her. Someone who could offer a hefty sum for her safe return. Or, better yet, someone who could be persuaded to pay a hefty ransom to avoid the scandal of her ending up in the hands of the wrong people.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    "What should we do with her, boss?" Harun''s voice broke my thoughts, dripping with amusement. His arms were crossed, a sarcastic grin tugging at his lips. "She''s half-dead already. Toss her back in the river?"

    I shot him a glare, the firelight casting shadows across my face, making my expression even harder to read. Harun''s grin faltered as he took a step back. The men knew better than to push me when I was in this mood. I could feel the heat rising inside me. My patience, already thin, was wearing even thinner.

    "If you touch her with your filthy hands, I''ll cut them off for you," I growled. My voice was low, but the deadly seriousness in it caused the air around us to tense.

    Harun''s grin vanished completely. He raised his hands in mock surrender, but I saw the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "Understood, boss."

    I didn''t say another word. Carefully, I lifted the girl into my arms, the weight of her fragile body strangely grounding. She was cold, and her breath was barely a whisper against my chest, but there was life in her yet. I turned toward the tent, giving orders without looking back. "Garan, get some blankets. Harun, grab the medicine kit. And move quickly."

    Garan muttered something under his breath, but he didn''t hesitate to follow my orders, disappearing into the shadows to gather what I''d asked for. Harun stood still for a moment, arms still crossed, looking like he was about to say something else. I met his gaze with a hard look that told him to keep his mouth shut.

    "What, we helping her now?" Harun finally asked, his voice dripping with skepticism. "She could be trouble. Or worse¡ªshe could lead trouble straight to us. Looks like someone who doesn''t belong out here."

    I turned back toward him, my expression grim. "Exactly. And I want to know why she''s here, and who she is. She''s my guest now, so unless you want me to feed you to the sharks, shut up and do as you''re told."

    Harun opened his mouth, but the words died on his lips. He didn''t argue further, and I took that as a sign to move on.

    I carried the girl into my tent, ignoring the skeptical glances from the crew as they watched from the firelight. The air inside was warmer, the quiet a sharp contrast to the chaos outside. I laid her gently on the cot, her body seeming to sink into the softness of the makeshift bedding. I brushed her damp hair away from her face, studying her features closely. Pale, fragile, and unconscious, there was an odd sense of calm about her, as if she were caught between this world and the next. Yet, even in unconsciousness, there was something about her expression¡ªa flicker of resilience, of quiet strength¡ªthat I hadn''t expected.

    My fingers instinctively moved to the jade pendant still nestled around her neck. The cool surface sent a shiver through me, and I couldn''t help but trace the fine carvings with my thumb. The jade had an almost unnatural weight to it, a presence that seemed to hum with power. The old man''s stories about ancient relics, curses, and hidden powers echoed in my mind, stories I had dismissed as mere superstition. But as I held the pendant, those tales didn''t seem so far-fetched anymore.

    I tightened my grip around the chain, the fine links wrapping around my palm like a secret. The weight of the pendant felt almost tangible, like the very air in the tent had changed, charged with something I couldn''t place. A whisper of danger, perhaps, or a sense of destiny¡ªor something darker.

    I looked down at the girl, her chest rising and falling with each shallow breath. The faintest exhale of air escaped her lips. I couldn''t shake the feeling that she was more than just a helpless stranger. There was a mystery around her, and I had just stepped into it, whether I liked it or not.

    "You''d better not make me regret this," I muttered under my breath, my voice barely more than a whisper. The words hung in the air, the weight of them almost too heavy to carry. I wasn''t sure why I felt this way, why I was making this choice. It was as if I''d been drawn into something I couldn''t control.

    The moment had passed. A decision had been made. And now, there was no going back. Whatever this was¡ªwhether it led to salvation or damnation¡ªI''d have to see it through.

 Chapter 3

    Yuming''s POV

    A low murmur of voices and the occasional bark of laughter pulled me from unconsciousness. My head throbbed with a dull, persistent ache, and I groaned softly as I tried to open my eyes. Blinking against the dim light, I reached up to touch my temple, wincing at the soreness.

    The air around me felt dense and unfamiliar. It smelled of earth, leather, and something sharp¡ªmetal, perhaps? I pushed myself upright, the world spinning slightly as I moved. My limbs felt leaden, weighed down by exhaustion and cold.

    When my vision steadied, I looked around.

    I was inside a tent, its canvas walls dull and streaked with dirt. The cot I was lying on sagged beneath me, and a battered lantern hanging from the central pole cast flickering shadows across the sparse interior. There wasn''t much else¡ªjust a wooden crate, a few blankets, and a bowl of water sitting on the ground.

    I leaned forward, peering into the bowl, and froze. The face staring back at me was pale, drawn, and unfamiliar. My damp hair clung to my cheeks, and my eyes were wide with panic. My heart raced as I stared at my reflection, willing some fragment of memory to surface.

    A burst of laughter outside the tent made me jump. Voices, sharp and mocking, echoed through the night. My pulse quickened, the noise jarring against my fragile calm. I stood on unsteady legs, clutching at the cot to keep from toppling over. The cold bit through my damp clothes, but I ignored it as I shuffled toward the tent flap.

    The noise grew louder as I pushed aside the fabric and stepped out into the night.

    A roaring campfire burned at the center of a clearing, its light casting flickering shadows over a group of rough-looking men. They were loud and boisterous, their faces marked with scars and hardened by sun and sea. Most of them were armed¡ªswords, daggers, and rifles glinting in the firelight.

    I froze.

    Pirates.

    My pulse quickened as I took in their raucous laughter, their rough jests, and the predatory glances they cast in my direction. Several of them noticed me and nudged each other, their grins widening as they muttered amongst themselves.

    Before I could retreat back into the tent, a sharp voice cut through the din.

    "So, the little river rat''s awake."

    My gaze snapped to the speaker.

    He stood at the center of the group, tall and broad-shouldered, with an air of authority that silenced the men around him. His black hair fell to his shoulders in thick, untamed waves, and small braids woven into the strands swayed as he moved. His tanned skin gleamed in the firelight, and his dark eyes were sharp, glinting with both amusement and something colder¡ªcalculation, perhaps.

    He took a step toward me, his boots crunching on the dirt. "I thought you were dead already," he said, his lips curling into a smirk. "You must be tougher than I thought."Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came.

    "What''s your name, little rat?" he asked, his tone mocking.

    "My name is..." I started, but the words caught in my throat. My brow furrowed as I tried again. "My name is..."

    Nothing.

    My pulse raced, and my breathing quickened as panic crept in.

    Who am I? Why can''t I remember my name? The thought shot through me like a bolt of lightning. I pressed my fingers to my temple, searching desperately for a name, a memory¡ªanything. But there was nothing. My mind was a blank slate, a yawning void where my past should have been.

    "Quiet, aren''t you?" He tilted his head, studying me like a puzzle he was trying to solve. "Do you know who you are?"

    "I... I don''t know," I finally stammered, my voice cracking. "I don''t know my name."

    The men around the fire burst into laughter, their mocking voices filling the night.

    One of his men shouted mockingly, "She''s got nothing upstairs, boss."

    The man¡ªclearly their leader¡ªheld up a hand, silencing them with a sharp gesture. His dark eyes lingered on me, his smirk returning. "Convenient," he said. "No name, no memory, nothing? You''re just full of mysteries, aren''t you?"

    I pressed my lips together, unable to meet his gaze.

    His attention dropped to the pendant around my neck. The jade gleamed in the firelight, its intricate carvings catching his eye. His expression darkened briefly, his lips pressing into a thin line. But just as quickly, he masked it with another smirk. "Well, lucky for you, I''m in a good mood today. You can stay¡ªfor now."

    "Stay?" One of the pirates, a wiry man with a scar running down his cheek, scoffed. "What for? She''s useless! Probably more trouble than she''s worth."

    The leader''s gaze snapped to the man, cold and unyielding. "Did I ask for your opinion, Kael?"

    Kael gritted his teeth but said nothing more.

    The leader stepped closer, towering over me. His dark eyes gleamed with amusement as he tilted his head. "But let''s get one thing straight. You''re my guest. That means no one touches you, or I''ll cut off their hands and hang them in my quarters as trophies for everyone to see. Got it?"

    The pirates grumbled their assent, though their sullen expressions betrayed their displeasure.

    "And you..." His gaze returned to me, his smirk growing wider. "Since you don''t seem to know your name, I''ll give you one."

    He paused, tapping his chin thoughtfully as he looked me over.

    "Xi¨£o l¨£o sh¨³," he said, at last, his tone laced with amusement.

    "Little Rat?" I repeated, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

    "Fits, doesn''t it?" He tilted his head, his dark eyes gleaming with mockery. "After all, you washed up here half-dead, scurrying around like you don''t belong. A rat trying to survive in a world too big for it. Kind of charming, in a pathetic way, don''t you think?"

    The men laughed again, their voices grating in my ears. I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to snap back.

    The leader raised a hand, silencing the laughter. "Listen up!" he called, his voice commanding. "This little rat is under my protection. You so much as look at her the wrong way, and you''ll be answering to me. Got it?"

    A chorus of grumbled acknowledgments followed, though none of them sounded particularly happy about it.

    "And you, little rat," he said, turning back to me, his expression sharp. "Don''t be a klutz. I don''t tolerate dead weight. Understand?"

    I swallowed hard and nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. "I... I understand."

    His smirk returned, and he turned back to the fire, dismissing me as if I were nothing more than a minor distraction.

    I stood there, trembling from the cold and the overwhelming weight of everything I didn''t know. The fire crackled as the pirates resumed their rowdy banter, but I couldn''t shake the sense of foreboding that clung to me.

    Seems like I don''t have another choice, I thought bitterly. I don''t know where I came from, my name, or how I even ended up with this bunch of barbarians in the first place.

    For now, I was stuck here¡ªwith Jun, the pirates, and the fragile hope that somewhere in the shadows of my mind lay the answers I so desperately needed.

 Chapter 4

    Jun''s POV

    The night was restless, as most nights were when the firelight cast more than shadows on the clearing. It played tricks on a man''s mind, dragging old memories to the surface no matter how much effort was spent burying them.

    Jun leaned against a thick oak barrel, his arms folded as he watched the girl¡ªor rather, the mess of a girl¡ªhuddled near the fire. She was staring at the flames with a distant look, knees pulled to her chest, her thin frame trembling under a patched blanket someone must have tossed at her out of pity.

    His jaw tightened. Pity wasn''t a luxury he could afford. Not for her, not for anyone.

    The girl was little more than a heap of dirt and fear. Her face, pale and gaunt, was streaked with grime, and her hands clutched the edge of the blanket like it was the only thing tethering her to reality. Her dark hair hung limply around her face, damp and tangled, and her wide eyes darted nervously at every sudden movement from the men.

    She was like a sparrow in a den of wolves. Fragile. Out of place.

    And yet...

    Jun exhaled sharply through his nose, a sound more growl than a sigh.

    That frailty gnawed at him.

    She was young. Around his age, maybe a little younger, he guessed. It was hard to tell through the dirt and exhaustion, but there was a softness in her features that hadn''t yet been hardened by time or experience.

    His gaze fell to her tattered gown¡ªfine silk, even in its ruined state, the embroidery barely visible beneath the dirt. Her necklace, a jade pendant carved with intricate precision, gleamed faintly in the firelight.

    She wasn''t from this world.

    Not the real world, anyway.

    The pain and suffering that plagued this godforsaken land had never reached her¡ªnot before now. She''d lived a life of privilege, he was certain of it. Sheltered behind thick walls, eating meals she''d never had to scavenge for, wearing clothes that cost more than most families would see in a lifetime.

    And now here she was, trembling in the cold with a pack of wolves circling her.

    Jun''s lip curled slightly in a mix of irritation and disdain. She didn''t belong here.

    ~~~

    <u>The Streets of Chenghai, 12 years ago:</u>

    Jun could still hear the cries if he let his mind wander too long. The sobs of hungry children, their voices raw and thin like the rest of their bodies, begging for scraps of food that didn''t exist. The coughing fits of the sick, their faces hollow and lifeless. And the silence of the ones who had already succumbed, sprawled in alleys or curled up under torn rags that did nothing to shield them from the cold.

    He remembered the way his own stomach had twisted, hollow, and relentless, as he scavenged with shaking hands for anything edible. A half-rotten turnip, a moldy crust of bread¡ªit didn''t matter.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    There were no heroes in Chenghai, no miracles. The emperor had abandoned them all, hiding behind his thick palace walls while his people withered and died.

    Jun''s lip curled in disgust as the image of the emperor crept into his mind. A pampered coward, cloaked in silks and surrounded by luxuries that the common folk couldn''t even dream of. What did he know of suffering? Of loss?

    The emperor was nothing more than a pawn, shoved this way and that by the kings and rulers of the neighboring realms. Jun had seen it firsthand¡ªhow the emperor bent and swayed, desperate to avoid conflict, eager to please anyone who held more power than he did. A man with no spine, no heart.

    And while he groveled behind his gilded walls, children starved in the streets. Families were torn apart.

    Jun clenched his fists tighter, his nails biting into his skin. His parents'' faces flashed before him¡ªhis father''s weathered hands, his mother''s tired smile. The way they''d withered away, working themselves to death for a king who didn''t care whether they lived or died.

    He''d promised himself, all those years ago, that he''d never be like them. Never be powerless. Never be a pawn.

    More than that, he swore to create a world where no child would ever have to cry the way he had. No one would grow up with their stomachs hollow, their hopes crushed beneath the weight of a system that had abandoned them.

    ~~~

    Jun forced himself to push the memories aside, to focus on the present.

    The girl was still by the fire, her blanket drawn tight around her shoulders. She looked so small, so lost.

    He shook his head, his gaze drifting to the pendant around her neck. The jade gleamed softly in the firelight, its intricate carvings catching his eye once again.

    It was beautiful.

    And valuable.

    Jun had seen pieces like it before in the markets of Qianzhou¡ªtreasures stolen from nobles and sold to the highest bidder. The pendant alone could fetch enough gold to feed his crew for months.

    It was hard to reconcile the girl''s fragile, dirt-covered state with the life of comfort and wealth she must have come from. But Jun knew better than to let himself feel pity.

    Jun shook his head, forcing the rising feeling to dissipate. She wasn''t some lost kitten in need of saving. She was property¡ªa means to an end. A money purse. That jade around her neck could bring him the fortune he needed, the leverage to push his plans forward.

    Jun exhaled slowly, forcing his jaw to relax. He couldn''t afford to let his thoughts wander down useless paths. His crew had mouths to feed, weapons to maintain, debts to pay. If this little rat''s necklace could line their coffers, then she was worth keeping around. For now.

    He pushed off the barrel, straightening to his full height as he strode toward the fire. The men quieted slightly as he approached, their laughter fading into murmurs. The girl looked up, her wide eyes reflecting the firelight.

    "Come here," Jun said, his tone sharp.

    She hesitated, clutching the blanket tighter.

    "I said, come here."

    Her movements were slow, tentative as if she feared he might strike her. She stood on shaky legs, the blanket slipping from her shoulders as she stepped closer. Her hands twisted nervously in front of her, and her gaze flickered between him and the men around the fire.

    Jun crossed his arms, studying her.

    "You need to pull your weight," he said bluntly. "I don''t keep freeloaders on my ship, and I''m not about to start now. If you''re staying here, you''ll earn your keep."

    She swallowed hard, nodding quickly.

    "Good," Jun continued. "Ask the others where you can help. There''s always something that needs doing¡ªcleaning, mending, hauling supplies. And try not to get in the way. I don''t tolerate nuisances."

    "I... I''ll try," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Jun''s eyes narrowed. "Trying isn''t good enough. Do it. Or you''re gone."

    She nodded again, her head dipping so low it was almost a bow.

    His gaze flickered to the pendant once more, but he forced himself to look away. For now, he needed her alive and cooperative. The necklace would bring its reward soon enough.

    "And one more thing," Jun added, his voice lowering slightly. "If any of the men bother you, come straight to me. But don''t think that makes you special. I''m not protecting you¡ªI''m protecting my property. Understand?"

    "Yes," she whispered, her voice trembling.

    "Yes, what?"

    "Yes, sir," she corrected quickly, her cheeks flushing.

    "Good." Jun stepped back, dismissing her with a wave of his hand. "Go on, then. Find something to do."

    She nodded one last time before scurrying away, her movements quick and skittish like the rat he''d named her after.

 Chapter 5

    Yuming''s POV

    The morning was colder than I expected, the sharp tang of salt in the air stinging my throat as I stepped cautiously out of the tent. The sun had barely risen, casting pale streaks of gold across the clearing where the pirate crew was beginning to stir. I glanced at the fire pit, where a few embers still smoldered before my eyes darted to the men.

    All men.

    They loitered near their tents or hauled supplies to the looming ship that looked like a giant, resting beast in the distance. Every glance they threw my way sent a cold wave of unease crawling up my spine. They looked at me like I was something strange, something fragile that didn''t belong in their world¡ªa sparrow among crows.

    My fingers brushed the jade pendant at my neck, the only piece of my old life I had left. I tucked it beneath my gown quickly, unwilling to draw more attention to myself than I already had.

    "Pull your weight."

    Jun''s voice from the night before echoed in my ears, sharp and unyielding. He had made it clear my survival here was conditional, and as much as I hated the idea of taking orders from him¡ªor any of them¡ªI didn''t have a choice. I didn''t know where I was, didn''t know where to go, and escape felt like a distant fantasy.

    My stomach growled softly, the ache reminding me that I hadn''t eaten much the day before. I clenched my jaw, forcing the hunger down. Food could wait. Survival came first.

    I steeled myself, breathing deeply as I walked toward a group of men standing near the ship. They were unloading barrels, their laughter rough and loud. One of them spotted me and nudged the man next to him, murmuring something I couldn''t hear.

    My steps faltered, but I pushed forward, refusing to let them see my hesitation.

    "Excuse me," I said, keeping my voice as steady as I could.

    The laughter stopped. Four sets of eyes turned to me.

    "What do you want, girl?" one of them grunted, his face weathered from years under the sun.

    "I''m looking for something to do," I said. "Jun¡ªhe told me to ask how I could help."

    They exchanged glances, a few of them smirking.

    "Did he now?" one of them drawled, his tone dripping with mockery. "Well, aren''t you eager to please?"

    Heat rose to my cheeks, but I held my ground, refusing to look away.

    "Don''t mind him," another said, waving his hand dismissively. "The decks could use a good scrub. Grab a bucket and a brush from the hold."This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    The first man chuckled. "A good, hard scrub."

    "Enough," the older man snapped, his voice sharp. He turned to me, his expression softening just a little. "Just do your best, girl. Don''t pay them any mind."

    I nodded, muttering a quick thank-you before retreating toward the ship.

    The work was harder than I expected.

    The bucket was heavy, even when I only filled it halfway, and the coarse bristles of the brush scraped my palms raw as I scrubbed the wooden planks. My back ached from bending over, and the salty air stung my skin, but I didn''t stop. Every now and then, I caught glimpses of the crew out of the corner of my eye.

    Some of them ignored me completely, while others watched with curiosity or amusement. I kept my head down, focused on my task, unwilling to let them see any sign of weakness.

    By midday, my arms felt like lead, and my knees throbbed from kneeling on the hard deck. A shadow fell over me, and I glanced up to see one of the younger crew members¡ªa boy who couldn''t have been much older than me¡ªholding out a piece of bread and a tin cup of water.

    "You''ll work yourself into the ground if you don''t eat," he said, his voice quiet and kind.

    I hesitated, unsure if I could trust him, but my hunger won out. I took the bread and water with a small nod of thanks, eating quickly before returning to my work.

    Later in the day, one of the older men gestured for me to join him near the nets, which had been spread out across the deck.

    "They''re torn," he explained, pointing to the frayed ropes. "We''ll need them patched before the next haul. Can you sew?"

    "Yes," I said softly. Well, at least I thought I could.

    "Good. Sit here."

    He handed me a large needle and a coil of twine, showing me how to weave the repairs. The work was tedious, my fingers fumbling at first, but I caught on quickly. He didn''t speak much, and I was grateful for the silence.

    By the time the sun began to set, I was sent to the small kitchen below deck. The cook, a burly man with a long scar down his cheek, grunted in acknowledgment as I entered.

    "Wash those," he said, nodding toward a pile of dirty pots and pans.

    I set to work without complaint, my arms aching from the day''s labor. The smell of stew simmering in a large pot made my stomach growl, but I didn''t dare ask for food.

    To my surprise, the cook slid a bowl of the stew toward me when I finished. I stared at it, unsure if it was really meant for me.

    "Well, don''t just stand there," he grunted. "Eat. You''ve earned it."

    I murmured a quiet thank-you, the warmth of the food soothing my tired body as I ate in silence.

    Jun had been watching me all day.

    I didn''t see him often, but I could feel his gaze on me, sharp and assessing. It unnerved me, though I wasn''t sure why. He kept his distance, observing quietly as I moved from task to task.

    What was he thinking?

    I pushed the thought aside as I stood on the deck that evening, staring out at the dark sea. The air was cool, and the gentle rocking of the ship was almost soothing.

    But I didn''t know where to sleep.

    The idea of sharing a tent with Jun made my skin crawl. He''d said he would protect me, but that didn''t mean I trusted him. He was a pirate, after all¡ªa stranger. And even if he didn''t seem as cruel as the rest of the crew, he was still dangerous.

    My gaze drifted to the deck, where crates were stacked near the stern, covered by a large white cloth.

    It wasn''t much, but it would do.

    I curled up in the corner, tucking myself close to the crates. The fabric was coarse and rough, but it shielded me from the night''s chill. I pulled a corner of the cloth over my shoulders, trying to make myself as small as possible.

    Every muscle in my body ached, protesting the strain I''d put it through that day. But exhaustion was stronger than discomfort, and despite the hardness of the deck beneath me, my eyelids grew heavy.

    As the gentle creaking of the ship filled my ears, I let myself drift into sleep, my fingers clutching the edge of the cloth like a lifeline.

    For the first time since I''d been taken, I dreamed of home.

 Chapter 6

    Jun''s POV

    The night was colder than usual, the sea breeze cutting sharp and clean through the quiet. The ship groaned softly as it swayed against the current, its rhythms as familiar to me as my own heartbeat. Most of the crew were already deep in their dreams, sprawled in their bunks below deck or in their tents on shore. I, however, couldn''t sleep.

    Leaning against a wooden beam near the ship''s wheel, I watched the faint glow of moonlight glinting off the restless waves. The deck was empty, save for the quiet hum of the night around me. My thoughts wandered, restless and circling.

    And, inevitably, they landed on her.

    That little river rat.

    She was supposed to be a temporary inconvenience, a distraction at best, and a liability at worst. I should''ve been thinking about what to do with her next, about what use she could serve until we reached the next port. But instead, I found myself wondering about the expression she''d had when she offered herself up for work earlier that day¡ªstoic and resolute like she''d rather die than let anyone think she couldn''t handle herself.

    Her small, delicate hands gripping that oversized bucket and scrub brush. The way she bent her head over the torn nets, learning to repair them without complaint. Even the way she stiffened when she thought someone might laugh at her.

    I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Damn little rat.

    It wasn''t my business how she carried herself, and it sure as hell wasn''t my job to care.

    Still, when I saw her today, pushing herself to the brink without a single word of protest, something in me had shifted. It wasn''t pity, exactly. Just...a recognition, maybe. I knew what it was like to do whatever it took to survive, to swallow your pride because there was no other choice.

    And now she was out here somewhere, probably freezing her little river-rat self to death because she refused to ask for help.

    My jaw tightened. I hadn''t seen her find a place to sleep, though I''d watched her hesitate as the rest of the crew disappeared into their tents.

    Pushing off the beam, I descended the steps quietly, the cool night air biting through my shirt. I scanned the deck, my boots making almost no sound on the planks.

    It didn''t take long to find her.

    There, curled up beside the crates near the stern, was the girl.

    The first thing I noticed was how small she looked.

    She''d wedged herself into the corner like a frightened animal, her knees tucked against her chest, arms wrapped tightly around herself. The cloth she''d pulled over her was little more than a torn sheet, barely covering her shoulders. Her skin was pale, and even from where I stood, I could see the faint tremors wracking her body.

    "Idiot," I muttered under my breath.

    I knelt beside her, brushing the damp fabric from her face. Her cheeks were cold as ice, her lips faintly tinged with blue. She shifted slightly, a soft, pitiful sound escaping her mouth.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    She wasn''t just cold¡ªshe was freezing.

    I clenched my jaw, staring at her for a moment longer. Every instinct told me to leave her where she was. This wasn''t my problem. She was the one who''d decided to hide herself out here instead of asking for proper shelter.

    But even as I told myself that, I was already moving.

    "Stubborn little rat," I muttered.

    I slipped an arm under her knees and another around her shoulders, lifting her into my arms. She weighed so little that it was almost alarming. Her head lolled slightly against my chest, her breaths shallow but steady.

    As I carried her across the deck, her body curled instinctively toward the warmth, her cold fingers clutching weakly at the front of my shirt.

    I swore under my breath. This wasn''t part of the plan.

    My tent was warmer than the open air, but it wasn''t exactly a place for guests. It was cramped, and the cot was barely big enough for one person, let alone two. But it was the best option I had.

    Pushing open the tent flap with my shoulder, I stepped inside and laid her down gently on the cot. She stirred faintly, mumbling something I couldn''t make out, but she didn''t wake.

    I grabbed a blanket from the corner and draped it over her, tucking it around her shoulders. She still shivered, her body tense even in sleep.

    I sighed, crouching beside her. This girl was going to be nothing but trouble, I could feel it. I should''ve left her where she was. Or better yet, I shouldn''t have let her on the ship in the first place.

    But as I watched her now, curled up and fragile as a sparrow in the wind, I couldn''t bring myself to regret it.

    The girl was still asleep when I woke the next morning, her breaths coming slow and steady. The frost that had been biting the air the night before was gone, replaced by the soft warmth of a rising sun.

    She looked peaceful, her dark hair spread across the cot in a messy tangle. Without the hard lines of exhaustion and fear on her face, she seemed even younger.

    I ran a hand over my jaw, shaking my head. She''d been on this ship for less than a day, and already she was turning my life upside down.

    The crew would notice her absence soon enough, and questions would follow. It wasn''t like me to take in strays, and they all knew it. The last thing I needed was for them to think I''d gone soft.

    I leaned down, gripping her shoulder gently.

    "Hey."

    She stirred, her brow furrowing as her eyes blinked open. For a moment, she stared at me, confusion clouding her expression. Then realization hit, and she sat up abruptly, clutching the blanket to her chest.

    "W-what¡ª"

    "You were freezing to death," I said bluntly. "I found you on the deck last night. You''re welcome, by the way."

    Her face flushed, and she looked away, pulling the blanket tighter around herself.

    "I didn''t ask you to do that."

    "No, you didn''t. But if I''d left you there, you''d probably be a block of ice by now."

    She didn''t respond, her jaw tightening as she avoided my gaze.

    I straightened, crossing my arms. "Look, I get it. You don''t trust me. But I told you last night¡ªpull your weight, and you''ll stay alive. That doesn''t mean killing yourself trying to do everything on your own."

    "I can take care of myself," she muttered.

    "Yeah, I saw that." I gestured to the cot. "How''s that working out for you?"

    Her eyes snapped up to meet mine, a flash of anger sparking in them.

    "Thanks for your concern," she said flatly, throwing the blanket off her shoulders. "But I''m fine now. I''ll get back to work."

    She stood, wobbling slightly before steadying herself. I resisted the urge to reach out and help her.

    "Suit yourself," I said, stepping aside to let her pass. "But try not to freeze again. I won''t make a habit of rescuing you."

    She shot me a glare before ducking out of the tent.

    For the rest of the day, I kept my distance, watching from the shadows as the girl threw herself into the work once more. She scrubbed, sewed, and hauled supplies with the same quiet determination as before, her face a mask of focus.

    The crew gave her a wider berth now, though I caught the occasional sidelong glance, the murmurs of curiosity.

    "That little river rat''s tougher than she looks," one of them muttered as she passed.

    I said nothing, but I couldn''t help but agree.

    She might''ve been out of her element here, but there was steel in her, hidden beneath the fear and exhaustion.

    As I watched her, I felt a strange mix of frustration and...something else. Something I didn''t want to name.

    Whatever it was, I shook it off.

    She wasn''t my responsibility.

    Not really.

 Chapter 7

    Yuming''s POV

    The morning we set sail, the ocean seemed more alive than ever. Waves rolled against the ship''s hull, the rhythm steady and unyielding, while the sea breeze tore through the sails with a force that made them snap sharply above us. The salty air burned my lungs as I stood on the deck, watching the shoreline shrink into a thin strip of green on the horizon.

    It was strange, seeing the land disappear. The scent of salt and the spray of water were foreign to me, as was the constant motion beneath my feet. Each step on the swaying deck felt like a fight to keep my balance, and more than once, I had to catch myself on a railing or a rope to keep from falling.

    The crew moved around me like a well-oiled machine, their boots thudding against the wooden planks as they barked orders and hauled ropes. I tried to stay out of their way, sticking to the edge of the deck where I wouldn''t be noticed.

    But it wasn''t long before one of them caught sight of me.

    "Hey, river rat!"

    I flinched at the nickname but turned toward the voice. It was one of the younger crew members, a wiry man with a gap-toothed grin. He gestured toward a pile of coiled ropes near the mast.

    "Make yourself useful and untangle those."

    I hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

    The ropes were heavy and stiff with salt, and my fingers ached as I worked to unravel the knots. It wasn''t glamorous work, but it was better than standing idle and inviting more attention from the crew.

    As the day wore on, I was assigned more tasks¡ªscrubbing the deck, cleaning the galley, and helping repair a torn sail. The work was exhausting, my muscles screaming in protest with every movement, but I pushed through it.

    The crew didn''t make things any easier.

    Though most of them ignored me, a few took every opportunity to mock or belittle me.

    "Careful with that bucket, girl! Don''t want to fall overboard!"

    "Maybe we should tie a rope around her waist, eh? Don''t think she can swim!"

    Their laughter grated on my nerves, but I bit my tongue and kept my head down. There was no point in arguing with them.

    By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sea in shades of gold and crimson, I was ready to collapse. My arms and legs felt like lead, and every step was a struggle.

    I was grateful when the cook called me into the galley to help prepare dinner. It was hot and cramped below deck, the air thick with the smell of salt pork and onions, but at least it was a break from the wind and the endless stares.

    The cook, a burly man named Gorik, was gruff but not unkind. He barked instructions at me as I peeled potatoes and scrubbed pans, but he didn''t seem to mind having me around.

    "You did not bad today," he said gruffly as he handed me a bowl of stew.

    I stared at him in surprise. It was the first time anyone on the ship had said something remotely nice me.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    "Thank you," I said quietly, taking the bowl.

    He grunted in response and turned back to the stove.

    ~~~

    That night, I stayed on deck for a while, leaning against the railing and staring out at the dark water. The ship rocked gently beneath me, the waves glowing faintly under the moonlight. It was strangely calming, despite everything.

    But as the hours passed and the crew began to settle for the night, I found myself growing restless. The events of the day had left me too exhausted to sleep, but my mind wouldn''t stop racing.

    I decided to head below deck, hoping that the dim light and the hum of voices would help distract me.

    That was when I heard them.

    Jun''s voice was unmistakable, low, and commanding.

    "We can''t afford any mistakes," he was saying. "Not this time."

    I paused, pressing myself against the wall just outside the room where he and two of his crew members were talking. The door was slightly ajar, and their voices carried easily through the narrow hallway.

    "What about the patrols?" one of the men asked. "If they catch wind of us, it''s over."

    "They won''t," Jun replied. "We''ll be in and out before they even realize we''re there."

    "And what about her?"

    I froze, my heart pounding.

    "What about her?" Jun asked coolly.

    "She''s a liability," the man said. "We don''t know anything about her. What if she''s a spy?"

    "She''s not a spy," Jun said firmly. "She''s just a girl trying to survive."

    There was a pause, and I held my breath, straining to hear every word.

    "Still," the other man said. "She''s a risk. You know that."

    "I''ll handle her," Jun said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You just focus on the plan."

    The conversation shifted after that, the men discussing routes, supplies, and something about a hidden cache of treasure. But I couldn''t focus on their words.

    I backed away from the door, my mind racing.

    A risk. That''s what they thought of me.

    I returned to my corner on the deck, curling up beneath the same coarse cloth I''d used the night before. The cold seeped through the fabric, but I barely noticed it.

    Jun had defended me, but I wasn''t naive enough to think it was out of kindness. To him, I was just another piece on the board, a pawn he could use until I became more trouble than I was worth.

    I pulled the cloth tighter around myself, my mind swirling with doubts and fears.

    The gentle rocking of the ship eventually lulled me into a fitful sleep, but the voices from the hallway stayed with me, echoing in the corners of my mind.

    ~~

    The next day was much the same as the one before¡ªhard labor, mocking laughter, and the ever-present ache of exhaustion.

    But something had changed.

    I couldn''t stop thinking about the conversation I''d overheard.

    I watched Jun from a distance as he moved about the ship, barking orders and consulting maps with the crew. His expression was unreadable, his every movement calculated and precise.

    For the first time, I wondered what kind of man he really was.

    He wasn''t like the rest of the crew¡ªthere was a sharpness to him, a quiet intensity that set him apart. He wasn''t cruel, but he wasn''t kind either. He was...something else.

    And that made him dangerous.

    ~~

    That night, as the ship sailed deeper into the open sea, I found myself drawn to the stern, where the stars stretched endlessly above me.

    The air was cold, and the wind tugged at my hair, but I didn''t mind. For a moment, I could almost forget where I was¡ªalmost imagine that I was back home, staring up at the same stars from the banks of the river.

    But the sound of footsteps behind me pulled me back to reality.

    I turned to see Jun standing a few feet away, his arms crossed as he leaned against the railing.

    "You''re still awake," he said, his tone neutral.

    "I couldn''t sleep," I admitted.

    He nodded, his gaze shifting to the horizon.

    We stood in silence for a while, the only sound the creak of the ship and the whisper of the wind.

    Finally, I gathered the courage to speak.

    "What are you planning?" I asked quietly.

    He glanced at me, his expression unreadable. "What makes you think I''m planning anything?"

    "I heard you last night," I said before I could stop myself. "You and the others. You said you couldn''t afford any mistakes."

    His eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn''t look angry¡ªjust curious.

    "You were eavesdropping?"

    "I didn''t mean to," I said quickly. "I just...I was passing by."

    He studied me for a moment, then sighed.

    "You''re smarter than you look," he said. "But don''t stick your nose where it doesn''t belong. It''s safer for you that way."

    I wanted to argue, to demand answers, but the look in his eyes stopped me.

    For the first time, I realized just how deep the waters I was treading really were.

 Chapter 8

    Jun''s POV

    The first sign of the city was the stench.

    It reached us long before the narrow wooden piers came into view¡ªa foul, sour odor that clung to the salty breeze and made even seasoned sailors wrinkle their noses. It wasn''t the usual smell of fish markets or the brine-soaked streets of a bustling port. No, this was something else. Something rotten.

    I stood at the prow of the ship, scanning the horizon as the city crept closer. Buildings leaned against one another like old drunks, their wooden facades warped and stained. Smoke rose from chimneys, mingling with the haze of decay that seemed to hang over the place.

    Beside me, the girl¡ªmy unwanted shadow¡ªstood stiffly, clutching the rail as if it might save her from the rocking of the ship. Her face was pale, though whether it was from seasickness or fear, I couldn''t tell.

    I glanced at her, annoyed that her presence still gnawed at me. She was too quiet, too cautious. Like a stray dog that hadn''t decided whether to trust its new master.

    "You stick close to me when we dock, understood, little rat?" I said, my tone sharp.

    Her eyes flickered to mine briefly before she nodded. She always nodded, always obeyed¡ªat least on the surface. But I wasn''t stupid. She was always watching, weighing her chances. I could see it in the way her gaze lingered on the horizon or darted to the crew when she thought no one was looking.

    I wouldn''t let her slip away.

    Not yet.

    As the ship pulled into the dock, the smell worsened. My crew went about their tasks with practiced efficiency, but even they moved with an edge of unease. When we finally stepped off the gangplank onto the creaking wooden pier, I saw why.

    The city was dying.

    The streets were quiet¡ªnot the kind of quiet that comes from peace, but the heavy silence of despair. Shops stood empty, their windows darkened and doors barred. A handful of people wandered aimlessly, their faces hollow, their movements sluggish.

    And then there were the bodies.

    They lay scattered along the edges of the street, some covered with tattered sheets, others left exposed to the elements. Their skin was mottled with strange, dark blotches, and their faces were twisted in expressions of agony.

    I heard the girl gasp beside me and saw her step closer to my side, her earlier defiance forgotten in the face of such horror.

    "Don''t stray," I reminded her gruffly.

    Her wide eyes darted to mine, and for once, I didn''t see rebellion¡ªjust fear.

    I kept her close as we moved through the city. She didn''t try to pull away, though I felt her flinch whenever we passed too close to one of the bodies.

    "This place," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "What happened here?"If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    I didn''t answer immediately. What could I say? She wasn''t wrong to be horrified.

    "It''s a sickness," I said finally. "Been spreading through the region for months. Some say it''s a punishment from the gods, others claim it''s poison in the wells. Doesn''t matter. Once it takes hold, there''s no stopping it."

    "Why are we here, then?" she asked, her voice trembling.

    I almost smiled at the question. Almost.

    "Because not everyone is dead," I said. "And the living still have things to trade."

    She didn''t reply, but I saw the way her hands tightened into fists at her sides.

    We moved deeper into the city, passing makeshift pyres that smoldered in the open squares. The heat from the flames was oppressive, but the smell of burning flesh was worse.

    The markets, if you could call them that, were little more than clusters of desperate people selling whatever scraps they could salvage. Old tools, rusted weapons, and spoiled food changed hands for absurd prices. The traders'' faces were gaunt, their eyes darting nervously as though expecting death to come for them at any moment.

    I didn''t linger long.

    I kept one hand resting lightly on the hilt of my blade, the other ready to grab the girl if she so much as twitched in the wrong direction. She wasn''t stupid. She knew better than to try anything here. But I wouldn''t take chances.

    As we turned a corner, a man staggered toward us, his arms outstretched. His skin was pale, his eyes bloodshot, and his breath rattled in his chest.

    "Please," he croaked. "Help me¡ª"

    Before he could get any closer, I drew my sword in one swift motion, the steel gleaming in the dim light. I pointed the tip at his chest, halting his advance.

    "Stay back," I growled, my voice cold and unyielding.

    The man froze, his red-rimmed eyes widening in fear. He swayed unsteadily, his lips trembling as though he wanted to say something more. But then the cough overtook him, wracking his thin frame. He crumpled to the ground, hacking violently, his bony hands clawing at the dirt.

    The girl beside me stiffened, her gaze darting from the man to my blade.

    "He''s already dead," I said, my tone flat as I sheathed the sword.

    Her face twisted with something I couldn''t name¡ªhorror, anger, pity¡ªbut she didn''t argue as I gripped her arm lightly and guided her away from the scene.

    We reached the edge of the city soon after, where a cluster of shabby inns stood. I picked the least filthy-looking one and paid the keeper for a private room. The girl followed me silently, her earlier questions replaced by a haunted look that I didn''t care to acknowledge.

    The room was small and smelled of mildew, but it was better than the streets. I closed the door behind us and turned to her.

    "Stay here," I ordered. "Don''t open the door for anyone."

    "What about you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

    "I''ll be back," I said shortly. "Don''t make me regret trusting you not to run."

    She didn''t respond, just sank onto the edge of the rickety bed, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

    I left without another word, heading back into the city to take care of business.

    ~~~

    The negotiations were tense, as they always were in places like this. People on the edge of survival had little patience for pleasantries, and even less for pirates. But gold was gold, and I had enough of it to secure the supplies we needed.

    By the time I returned to the inn, the sun was sinking below the horizon, casting long shadows across the city. The girl was still in the room, as I''d left her, though she looked up sharply when I entered, her expression guarded.

    "We leave at dawn," I said, dropping a bundle of provisions onto the table. "Try to get some sleep."

    She nodded, but her eyes lingered on me for a moment longer, as though she wanted to ask something but couldn''t bring herself to speak.

    I didn''t press her. I was too tired to care.

    As I lay down on the floor, using my coat as a makeshift pillow, I thought of the city outside¡ªthe sickness, the desperation, the death.

    This was why I preferred the sea.

    Out there, the dangers were straightforward: storms, rival ships, the occasional mutiny. But on land, death came in a thousand hidden forms, creeping through the air and the water, striking without warning.

    The girl shifted on the bed, her movements quiet but restless. I didn''t open my eyes.

    She wasn''t my problem, I reminded myself. Not really.

    And yet, as sleep finally claimed me, her face lingered in my mind¡ªpale and frightened, but defiant.

    A sparrow, trying to survive in a world full of crows.

 Chapter 9

    Yuming''s POV

    The night offered no peace.

    I tossed and turned in the unfamiliar bed, haunted by the day''s horrors. The images of gaunt, lifeless bodies scattered across the streets refused to leave my mind. Every time I closed my eyes, their hollow gazes bore into me¡ªempty, accusing, and unrelenting. The smell of decay seemed to cling to my clothes, no matter how hard I tried to convince myself it was gone.

    I pulled the thin blanket tighter around myself, trying to find warmth, but the cold wasn''t just in the air. It was inside me, creeping into my chest, wrapping itself around my heart until I could barely breathe.

    The walls of the small inn room felt oppressive, the silence only amplifying the racing of my thoughts. My breathing quickened as I stared at the cracked ceiling, willing my mind to quiet. It didn''t.

    Images of the city returned in sharp detail: skeletal figures shuffling in the streets, their hollowed faces, and the distant, guttural groans that seemed too human yet not human at all. It was a nightmare I couldn''t wake from.

    I sat up, clutching the edge of the blanket, my hands trembling. My gaze drifted to the other side of the room, where Jun lay sprawled out on the floor, a thin blanket draped over him.

    Jun.

    The pirate who had saved me more times than I could count in the past few days. The man who wielded his sword with ruthless precision, cutting down anyone¡ªor anything¡ªthat stood in his way. He was danger personified, and yet... I felt safer with him than anywhere else.

    He didn''t stir, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.

    I slid out of bed, the floorboards creaking softly under my weight. The cold air nipped at my skin, but I ignored it as I padded toward his side. The moonlight cast his face in soft shadows, and for the first time, I allowed myself to really look at him.

    In sleep, he looked different. The tension that usually hardened his features had melted away, leaving him almost...peaceful. The faint scars on his skin told stories I couldn''t begin to understand, but they didn''t make him look cruel or dangerous.

    What was I thinking?

    I shouldn''t have come closer. I shouldn''t have even trusted him. But the thought of being alone in the darkness, surrounded by the echoes of the day''s horrors, was unbearable.

    Before I could overthink it, I lay down on the floor beside him, curling up with my back against the wall. The wood was hard and cold beneath me, but I didn''t care.

    For the first time that night, the fear began to ebb away, replaced by the steady rhythm of his breathing. It wasn''t much, but it was enough to lull me into an uneasy sleep.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    ~~~

    The first thing I felt when I woke was the ache in my shoulders and the cold seeping into my back. Groaning softly, I blinked against the dim morning light spilling into the room.

    Then I remembered where I was.

    I turned my head and found Jun sitting up, his dark eyes fixed on me with an unreadable expression. For a moment, we simply stared at each other, the air between us thick with unspoken questions.

    "What are you doing on the floor?" His voice was low, rough with sleep, but there was an edge of irritation in it.

    My face burned with embarrassment as I scrambled to sit up. "I...couldn''t sleep," I mumbled, avoiding his gaze.

    Jun exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his face. His expression was hard to read, but I noticed something odd¡ªthe tips of his ears had turned a faint shade of red.

    "Get ready," he said, his tone gruff. "We''re leaving."

    I nodded quickly, eager to escape the awkwardness.

    ~~~

    The city was no less horrifying in the morning light.

    We moved quickly through the streets, the stench of decay even more unbearable than the day before. I stayed close to Jun, my eyes darting to every shadow, every alleyway. The streets were eerily quiet, but the weight of unseen eyes pressed down on me.

    "Don''t fall behind," Jun said, his voice sharp.

    "I''m not," I muttered, but I quickened my pace anyway.

    The city felt alive in the worst way. The air was heavy, oppressive, and the silence was broken only by the occasional creak of wood or the distant sound of something shuffling.

    At first, I thought I was imagining it. But then I saw them.

    Figures emerged from the shadows, their movements slow and unnatural. Their skin was pale, stretched tight over their bones, and their hollow eyes seemed to glow faintly in the dim light.

    "Jun," I whispered, my voice trembling.

    "I see them," he replied, his tone calm but laced with tension. He unsheathed his sword, the metallic hiss sending a shiver down my spine. "Stay behind me."

    The first figure lurched forward, its movements jerky and uncoordinated. Jun didn''t hesitate. His sword flashed, slicing cleanly through the air. The figure crumpled to the ground, lifeless once more.

    "Keep moving," he barked, pushing me forward.

    The narrow streets seemed to close in around us as more figures emerged, their numbers growing with every step. My heart pounded, my breaths coming in ragged gasps.

    One of them lunged at me, its claw-like hands outstretched.

    I froze, paralyzed by fear.

    Jun was there in an instant, his blade cleaving through the creature before it could reach me. His other hand grabbed my arm, yanking me forward with a force that left no room for hesitation.

    "Move!" he snapped, his voice sharp.

    The docks were in sight now, the ship looming like a beacon of hope. But the figures were closing in, their groans growing louder.

    Jun fought them off with brutal efficiency, his movements precise and unrelenting. The ground was littered with the remains of the creatures, but they kept coming, relentless and unending.

    As we neared the ship, one of the creatures lunged from the shadows, grabbing my wrist with an iron grip. I cried out, struggling to break free, but its strength was inhuman.

    "Jun!"

    He didn''t hesitate. His sword arced through the air, severing the creature''s arm in one clean stroke. He pulled me up the gangplank, not stopping until we were safely aboard.

    "Cut the ropes! Set sail!" he bellowed, his voice carrying over the chaos.

    The crew sprang into action, the ship lurching forward as the sails caught the wind.

    I collapsed against the railing, my chest heaving as I tried to catch my breath. The city grew smaller behind us, the figures on the dock receding into the distance.

    Jun stood nearby, his sword still in hand, his chest rising and falling heavily. He glanced at me, his expression unreadable.

    "Next time," he said, his tone flat, "don''t freeze."

    I didn''t respond, my throat too tight to form words.

    The city was behind us now, but the horrors I had witnessed¡ªand the man who had saved me¡ªwere impossible to forget.

 Chapter 10

    Jun''s POV

    The sea stretched out endlessly before us, its vast expanse shimmering beneath the pale morning light. The horizon was clear, but my mind was far from it.

    I stood at the helm, hands gripping the worn wood as the ship sliced through the waves. The city lingered in my thoughts, a dark shadow that clung to my consciousness. The sickness spreading through those streets wasn''t natural. I had seen pestilence before, but this... this was something worse. Something sinister.

    And then there was her.

    The girl sat on the deck, curled up near the railing, her gaze distant and hollow. She hadn''t said a word since we fled the city, but I didn''t need to hear her voice to know what was going through her mind.

    She wasn''t meant for this world. Not the rotting streets of that cursed city, and not the brutal life aboard this ship.

    I glanced at her from the corner of my eye. Her hands trembled slightly as they rested on her knees, and I couldn''t tell if it was from the cold or the lingering fear. Maybe both.

    I sighed, rolling my shoulders to dispel the tension building there. I needed to focus on the task ahead¡ªour destination, the crew, the mission. But she was becoming a distraction I couldn''t afford.

    The morning passed in relative silence, the crew working with quiet efficiency. They sensed it too¡ªthe unease that clung to us like salt on our skin. The city wasn''t far enough behind us to forget, and the memory of what we had seen would haunt us all for some time.

    "Captain."

    I turned at the sound of the first mate''s voice. His expression was grim, his hands clasped tightly behind his back.

    "The men are restless," he said. "They don''t like what we saw back there."

    "Neither do I," I replied, my tone clipped. "But we''ll deal with it."

    He hesitated, his eyes flickering toward the girl before returning to me. "And her?"

    "What about her?"

    "She''s not one of us. The men... they don''t trust her."

    "They don''t have to trust her," I said, my voice low. "They just have to leave her alone."

    He nodded, though I could tell he wasn''t entirely convinced.

    The truth was, I didn''t know what to make of her myself. She wasn''t like anyone I''d encountered before. There was a strength to her, hidden beneath the surface, but she was fragile in ways that made me uneasy.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    I shouldn''t care. She was a complication¡ªa liability. And yet, I couldn''t ignore the way she had looked at me last night, her fear barely veiled by her attempts at defiance.

    The memory of her lying beside me, so close I could hear her uneven breathing, sent a strange pang through my chest.

    I shook my head, pushing the thought away.

    The day wore on, the sun climbing higher in the sky as we sailed further from the cursed shore. I kept myself busy, checking the rigging, giving orders, anything to keep my mind from wandering.

    But every time I looked at her, I found my thoughts circling back to the same questions.

    Why was she here? What was she running from?

    And why couldn''t I bring myself to leave her behind?

    ~~~

    By evening, the wind had picked up, and the sea turned choppier. The crew moved with practiced ease, securing the sails and tightening ropes. I stood at the prow, staring out at the darkening horizon, when I heard footsteps behind me.

    I didn''t need to turn to know it was her.

    "What is it?" I asked, my tone brusque.

    "I... I wanted to thank you."

    Her voice was soft, almost hesitant.

    "For what?"

    "For saving me," she said. "In the city."

    I turned to face her, my expression unreadable. "You shouldn''t have needed saving in the first place. If you''d listened to me, you wouldn''t have been in danger."

    Her cheeks flushed, and she looked away, her fingers twisting in the fabric of her dress. "I didn''t mean to¡ª"

    "It doesn''t matter," I interrupted. "You''re here now. That''s all that matters."

    Her eyes met mine then, wide and filled with something I couldn''t quite place. Gratitude, perhaps. Or something deeper.

    For a moment, we simply stood there, the wind whipping around us, carrying the scent of salt and the promise of rain.

    "You''re not like them," she said suddenly.

    I frowned. "Like who?"

    "The men in the city. The ones who were sick. Or the others on this ship."

    I didn''t know whether to laugh or be insulted. "I''m exactly like them," I said, my voice cold. "A pirate. A killer. Don''t fool yourself into thinking otherwise."

    She shook her head, her gaze unwavering. "No. You''re different. I can see it."

    Her words unsettled me more than I cared to admit. I turned away, my hand resting on the hilt of my sword.

    "You shouldn''t try to understand me," I said quietly. "You won''t like what you find."

    She didn''t reply, but her presence lingered at my side, a silent challenge I wasn''t ready to face.

    ~~~

    The storm came in the dead of night.

    The first warning was the sudden drop in temperature, followed by the faint rumble of thunder in the distance. By the time the rain began to fall, the crew was already scrambling to secure the ship.

    I barked orders, my voice cutting through the chaos as the wind howled around us. The girl stayed below deck, where I had ordered her to remain.

    For hours, we fought against the storm, the waves crashing against the hull with a fury that threatened to tear the ship apart.

    When the storm finally passed, we were battered but intact. The men were exhausted, their faces pale and drawn as they collapsed onto the deck to catch their breath.

    I made my way below deck, my clothes soaked and my muscles aching.

    The girl was huddled in a corner, her knees drawn to her chest. She looked up as I entered, her eyes wide with fear.

    "It''s over," I said gruffly. "The ship held."

    She nodded, but she didn''t relax.

    I sighed, running a hand through my damp hair. "You should get some rest. There''s nothing more to worry about tonight."

    She hesitated, then nodded again, curling up on the small cot that had been set aside for her.

    As I watched her, a strange feeling settled in my chest¡ªa mix of relief and something I couldn''t quite name.

    I turned and left the cabin, the weight of the night still heavy on my shoulders. The storm might have passed, but I knew our troubles were far from over.

 Chapter 11

    Yuming''s POV

    The sea was calm, deceptively so, and the morning sunlight bathed the deck in a soft golden glow. It was a stark contrast to the chaos of the night before. The city we left behind still haunted my dreams, though I tried to push it from my mind. Life aboard the ship was already strange and relentless enough without adding nightmares to the mix.

    Jun''s voice barked across the deck, cutting through my thoughts. "Little rat!"

    I stiffened, looking up from the coiled rope I''d been half-heartedly assisting with. He stood near the mast, his sharp gaze fixed on me.

    "Get over here," he said, gesturing with his chin.

    I swallowed my irritation at the nickname and trudged over, unsure of what to expect. Jun was holding a sword¡ªa plain, slightly battered one from the ship''s supplies¡ªand as I approached, he tossed it to me without warning.

    I barely caught it, the weight nearly pulling me off balance.

    "You''re not going to survive long if you can''t defend yourself," he said bluntly. "Hold it properly."

    I gripped the hilt, adjusting my hands to what I thought was a reasonable stance. The blade felt foreign in my hands¡ªtoo heavy, too cold, and entirely too dangerous.

    Jun sighed, stepping closer. "That''s not going to cut it. Literally."

    Before I could respond, he moved behind me, his hands lightly adjusting my grip. His closeness was unnerving, though his movements were efficient and devoid of hesitation.

    "Spread your feet," he instructed. "Balance yourself. If someone charges at you, you''ll need to move fast."

    I obeyed, though the position felt awkward.

    "Now, swing."

    "At what?"

    "Anything. But preferably not yourself."

    I rolled my eyes but complied, swinging the sword in a wide arc. The momentum nearly threw me off balance again, and Jun stepped back, shaking his head.

    "You''re going to get yourself killed."

    "I didn''t ask to do this," I snapped. "You''re the one throwing weapons at me."

    "Because you''re more useless than a broken compass otherwise," he retorted, his tone sharp but not unkind. "Again."

    We continued for what felt like hours. My muscles burned, and my hands ached from gripping the hilt. Jun''s patience surprised me; he corrected my form each time I faltered, demonstrating moves with his own sword when words weren''t enough.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    "Better," he said at last, after I managed a series of clumsy swings without losing my balance.

    I wiped the sweat from my brow, glaring at him. "Glad to know I''ve impressed you."

    He smirked, though it didn''t reach his eyes. "Don''t get cocky, little rat. You''re still hopeless in a real fight."

    Reaching into the chest where he''d retrieved the sword, he pulled out a small, sheathed dagger.

    "This is yours now," he said, holding it out.

    I hesitated before taking it, my fingers brushing his as I did. The contact was brief, but Jun pulled away as if he''d been burned.

    "Why are you giving me this?" I asked, frowning.

    "Because I don''t have time to keep saving your skin," he replied bluntly. "Keep it with you. Always."

    Despite his harsh words, the gesture wasn''t lost on me. I tucked the dagger into the folds of my tattered dress, feeling its weight like an unspoken promise.

    ~~~

    The next morning, I woke to the sound of footsteps and hushed voices outside the cabin. The crew was preparing to dock, the promise of land once again looming on the horizon.

    Jun appeared at the door, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Get ready. We''re leaving soon."

    I nodded, gripping the dagger he had given me. The weapon felt both reassuring and alien, a reminder of how far I was from the life I once knew.

    The city we docked at was no better than the last¡ªperhaps even worse. The streets were eerily silent, save for the occasional creak of a collapsing building. The air was thick with decay, and every step felt like venturing into a tomb.

    Jun stayed close, his hand never straying far from the hilt of his sword. I clutched my dagger tightly, though I doubted my ability to use it if the need arose.

    "Stay close," Jun muttered, his eyes scanning the empty streets.

    "I''m not going anywhere," I replied, keeping my voice low.

    We moved cautiously through the ruins, gathering supplies where we could. Most of the buildings had already been picked clean, but Jun managed to find a few useful items¡ªa coil of rope, a bag of grain, a rusted lantern.

    It wasn''t long before we realized we weren''t alone.

    A low moan echoed from the shadows, sending a chill down my spine.

    Jun froze, his body tensing. "Stay behind me," he ordered.

    I nodded, gripping the dagger so tightly that my knuckles turned white.

    The moan grew louder, and soon figures began to emerge from the alleys. Their movements were jerky and unnatural, their eyes vacant and clouded.

    I recognized them instantly¡ªthe sick, the same mindless, zombie-like people we had encountered before.

    Jun drew his sword, his expression hardening. "Run to the ship," he said.

    "What?"

    "Run!" he repeated, his voice sharp. "I''ll hold them off."

    Panic surged through me, but I obeyed, my feet carrying me toward the docks as fast as they could.

    The sound of clashing steel and guttural moans filled the air as Jun fought behind me. I didn''t dare look back, fear propelling me forward.

    As I neared the docks, I stumbled, my foot catching on a loose stone. The dagger slipped from my grasp, clattering to the ground.

    I scrambled to retrieve it, but before I could, a hand grabbed my ankle.

    I screamed, kicking out with all my strength. The grip loosened, but another figure loomed over me, its lifeless eyes fixed on my face.

    "Move!" Jun''s voice rang out, and a moment later, his sword sliced through the figure that had grabbed me.

    He pulled me to my feet, his grip firm but not rough. "Run!"

    We sprinted together, the ship coming into view just as more of the sick emerged from the alleys. The crew was already aboard, shouting for us to hurry.

    The gangplank was raised as we leapt onto the deck, the sick reaching the edge of the dock but unable to follow.

    I collapsed onto the planks, my chest heaving as I tried to catch my breath.

    Jun stood over me, his sword still drawn, his expression unreadable.

    "You''re lucky I was there," he said, his tone sharp.

    I glared at him, though my voice wavered. "I didn''t ask for your help."

    "No," he replied, sheathing his sword. "But you needed it."

    He turned and walked away, leaving me to process everything that had just happened.

    As the ship sailed away from the cursed shore, I couldn''t shake the image of his face¡ªcalm and resolute, even in the face of death.

    He wasn''t just a pirate.

    He was something more.

 Chapter 12

    Jun''s POV

    The sea stretched out before us, vast and unyielding, as if daring us to forget the horrors we''d left behind on land. I gripped the railing of the ship, the salt wind whipping against my face, but it did little to ease the tension knotted in my chest.

    The dead city was still fresh in my mind¡ªits decay, the mindless sick stumbling through the streets, the desperation in their lifeless eyes. We''d barely made it out alive.

    I glanced over my shoulder at her. She was leaning against the mast, her shoulders hunched, staring out at the waves with a far-off look. The little rat was still clutching the dagger I''d given her, her knuckles pale around the hilt. She hadn''t let it go since we boarded.

    She wasn''t built for this life. That much was obvious. And yet, she was still here.

    I turned my gaze back to the horizon, exhaling slowly. I didn''t like the weight of responsibility she brought with her. I''d spent my life looking out for myself and my crew, and now I had to keep an eye on her too.

    It wasn''t out of kindness, though. That much I was certain of. She was useful¡ªat least, she would be, once she learned to stand on her own two feet.

    "Captain," one of the crew called from behind me.

    I turned to see Haun approaching, his expression grim.

    "The sails are patched up, but we''ll need better repairs when we dock again. We''re pushing the ship too hard."

    I nodded. "Noted. Let''s focus on making it through the next few days. We''ll find somewhere safe to anchor and handle it then."

    Haun hesitated before speaking again. "And the girl?"

    "What about her?" I asked, though I knew what he was getting at.

    "She''s slowing us down," he said bluntly. "And she''s a liability. The men are talking."

    I stiffened but kept my voice calm. "Let them talk. She stays."

    Haun didn''t argue, though I could see the doubt in his eyes as he walked away.

    I sighed, running a hand through my hair. The crew wasn''t wrong. She was a liability. But abandoning her wasn''t an option¡ªnot after everything that had happened.

    ~~~

    Later that day, I found her sitting on the deck, staring at the dagger in her hands. Her tattered dress was still covered in grime from the city, and I frowned as I realized how exposed she was.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    "Little rat," I said, approaching her.

    She looked up, startled, and immediately scowled. "Stop calling me that."

    I smirked. "Stop looking like one, then."

    Her glare deepened, but she didn''t have a comeback. Instead, she shifted uncomfortably, pulling the fabric of her dress over her knees.

    I crossed my arms, studying her for a moment. She wasn''t going to last long like this¡ªnot in those clothes, not without knowing how to defend herself.

    "Get up," I said.

    She blinked at me. "What?"

    "Get up," I repeated. "You need to learn how to fight."

    Her expression shifted from confusion to defiance. "I already did. You made me swing that sword around for hours."

    "That was practice," I said, rolling my eyes. "This is training."

    She groaned but obeyed, standing and brushing off her dress. "Fine. But if this is just an excuse to make me look stupid¡ª"

    "You don''t need my help for that," I interrupted, smirking.

    Her glare returned, but she followed me to the center of the deck. I gestured for her to pick up the sword from where it rested against the mast.

    "Show me what you remember," I said.

    She hesitated before picking up the blade, her movements awkward and unsure. Her stance was wrong¡ªher feet too close together, her grip too tight¡ªbut at least she wasn''t dropping it.

    I sighed. "No. Like this."

    Stepping closer, I adjusted her hands on the hilt, my fingers briefly brushing against hers. She stiffened, but I ignored it, focusing instead on correcting her posture.

    "Spread your feet," I instructed. "Bend your knees. Keep your weight balanced."

    She obeyed, though her movements were stiff.

    "Now, swing."

    "At what?"

    "At me."

    Her eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

    I raised an eyebrow. "Do I look like I''m joking?"

    She hesitated before swinging the sword in a wide arc. I sidestepped easily, shaking my head.

    "Too slow," I said. "Again."

    She swung again, and again I dodged. Her movements were clumsy, but there was a spark of determination in her eyes that surprised me.

    For hours, I pushed her, correcting her form and forcing her to repeat the same moves until she was drenched in sweat. Her frustration was evident, but she didn''t complain.

    By the time we finished, the sun was setting, casting a golden glow across the deck. She was panting, her arms trembling from exertion, but she still managed to glare at me.

    "Happy now?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

    I smirked. "Not bad, little rat. For a beginner."

    She rolled her eyes but didn''t argue.

    As she set the sword down, I reached into my pocket and pulled out a folded cloth. Inside was a strip of dried meat, something I''d taken from the rations earlier.

    "Here," I said, handing it to her.

    She stared at it, surprised. "What''s this for?"

    "For not passing out," I replied, my tone casual.

    She took it hesitantly, her expression softening for a moment before she muttered, "Thanks."

    ~~~

    That night, I sat alone in my cabin, the flickering lantern casting shadows across the walls. The events of the past few days played over and over in my mind.

    The sick, the chaos, the fight to reach the ship¡ªit was a miracle we''d survived.

    And yet, I couldn''t stop thinking about her.

    She was stubborn, inexperienced, and far too naive for her own good. But there was a strength in her, buried beneath the fear and uncertainty. It was the kind of strength that couldn''t be taught, the kind that could only be forged through fire.

    For a moment, I wondered what she''d been like before all this¡ªbefore the city, before the ship, before me.

    Shaking my head, I pushed the thought aside. It didn''t matter who she was. What mattered was who she''d become.

    And if she wanted to survive, she''d have to learn fast.

    As the lantern flickered out, plunging the cabin into darkness, I made a silent vow.

    Whatever it took, I''d make sure she was ready.

 Chapter 13

    Yuming''s POV

    The days at sea blurred together in a haze of training, exhaustion, and a constant battle to keep my footing on the shifting deck. My arms ached from wielding the sword Jun had practically forced into my hands, and my legs burned from maintaining the stance he insisted was essential.

    "Bend your knees, little rat," he''d bark every time I wavered. "You''re not trying to topple over with the first gust of wind."

    That name grated on my nerves more than anything else. I wasn''t a rat, but I bit my tongue, channeling the irritation into every clumsy swing of the sword.

    The crew watched with mild amusement at first, some even throwing out comments about my form¡ªor lack of it. But over time, the jibes faded. Maybe they saw that I wasn''t giving up, or maybe they simply lost interest. Either way, I was grateful for the reprieve.

    What Jun didn''t say¡ªand what I refused to admit aloud¡ªwas that the training was working. I wasn''t good, not by a long shot, but I was better. My swings were steadier, my grip surer, and I didn''t stumble nearly as much. The dagger he''d given me felt less foreign in my hand, though I hadn''t needed to use it since the nightmarish escape from the city.

    Still, the memory lingered.

    ~~~

    The sick.

    Their vacant, lifeless eyes.

    The way they moved¡ªstumbling, jerking, as if puppeted by invisible strings.

    The way they reached for me.

    I shuddered, clutching the dagger at my waist as I stared out at the endless horizon. The ocean was calm now, its surface smooth and glittering under the sunlight, but I couldn''t shake the unease that had settled deep in my chest.

    "You''ll wear a hole in the deck if you keep pacing like that," Jun''s voice cut through my thoughts.

    I turned to see him leaning against the mast, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

    "I''m not pacing," I muttered, though I realized my feet had indeed been tracing the same path back and forth.

    He raised an eyebrow but didn''t press the point. Instead, he nodded toward the dagger at my side. "You''re finally carrying it properly."

    "I''ve been carrying it like this for days," I shot back, narrowing my eyes.

    "Mm," he hummed, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

    Infuriating man.

    "Why do you even care?" I asked, crossing my arms. "Why bother teaching me to fight? It''s not like I''ll ever be able to hold my own against someone like you."

    He pushed off the mast, stepping closer. The easy smirk vanished, replaced by a seriousness that made me tense.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    "You don''t need to fight someone like me," he said. "But you need to be able to protect yourself. I''m not always going to be there."

    The words hung in the air between us, heavy with unspoken meaning.

    Before I could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

    ~~~

    That night, sleep came reluctantly, as it often did. The rocking of the ship should have been soothing, but my mind refused to quiet. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the city. The crumbling buildings, the sick swarming around us, Jun''s sword cutting through them as he fought to keep me alive.

    I rolled onto my side, staring at the shadowed outline of the cabin walls.

    Why had he done it? Why had he risked his life for me?

    I couldn''t make sense of it.

    Jun was an enigma, a man who seemed to embody contradictions. He was ruthless, sharp-tongued, and unyielding, yet he had moments of startling kindness¡ªmoments that left me questioning everything I thought I knew about him.

    ~~~

    Morning came too soon, and with it, another grueling day.

    Jun was relentless, pushing me harder than ever during training. Every misstep earned a correction, every sloppy swing a sharp remark. But there was something different in his tone¡ªa faint edge of approval that he tried to hide but didn''t quite manage.

    "You''re not completely hopeless," he said after I managed to parry one of his strikes without tripping over my own feet.

    "Gee, thanks," I muttered, wiping sweat from my brow.

    He chuckled, a low sound that sent an inexplicable warmth through me.

    "Don''t let it go to your head, little rat," he said, stepping back and sheathing his sword. "You''re still a long way from being useful."

    ~~~

    By midday, the ship''s lookout spotted land on the horizon¡ªa small island, barely more than a speck against the endless blue.

    The crew sprang into action, preparing to dock, and I watched from the sidelines, trying to stay out of the way.

    The island was a welcome sight after days at sea, but I couldn''t shake the unease that had followed me since the city.

    Jun must have noticed my hesitation because he appeared at my side, his expression unusually soft.

    "Stay close," he said, his voice low.

    I nodded, clutching the dagger at my side as we disembarked.

    The island was quiet, its jungle-covered interior alive with the sounds of birds and insects. It was a stark contrast to the dead city we had left behind, but the sense of unease remained.

    As we moved through the trees, Jun''s hand rested lightly on the hilt of his sword, his eyes scanning the shadows.

    "Why are you so tense?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

    He didn''t answer right away. When he did, his tone was grim.

    "Because peace like this never lasts."

    ~~~

    His words proved true not long after.

    The crew had just finished loading the supplies we''d come for when the attack came.

    It started with a sound¡ªa low, guttural growl that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

    Then they emerged.

    The sick.

    They came from the jungle, their grotesque forms lurching toward us with terrifying speed.

    Panic erupted. The crew scrambled to defend the ship, but the sheer number of the sick threatened to overwhelm us.

    "Get back to the ship!" Jun shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

    I froze, my heart pounding as one of the sick lunged toward me.

    Before I could react, Jun was there, his sword flashing as he cut it down.

    "Move!" he barked, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward the ship.

    The next few moments were a blur of terror and noise. The sick were everywhere, their moans drowning out the shouts of the crew.

    We fought our way back to the ship, Jun''s sword carving a path through the horde.

    When we finally reached the deck, I collapsed, gasping for breath.

    Jun stood over me, his chest heaving as he wiped blood from his blade.

    "You''re lucky I was there," he said, his voice sharp.

    I glared at him, too shaken to come up with a retort.

    He sheathed his sword and turned to the crew, barking orders to raise the anchor and set sail.

    As the ship pulled away from the island, I sat in silence, the events of the day replaying in my mind.

    Jun''s words echoed in my ears: You need to be able to protect yourself.

    For the first time, I understood what he meant.

    And I vowed to myself that I wouldn''t need saving next time.

 Chapter 14

    Jun''s POV

    The ocean was quiet that morning, the kind of stillness that always put me on edge. The sun rose slowly, casting long shadows across the deck. The crew moved about with an air of unease, their weariness from the island still clinging to them.

    I stood at the helm, staring out at the endless expanse of water, letting the fresh breeze fill my lungs. It didn''t help clear the thoughts weighing me down. My grip tightened on the railing, knuckles white as I replayed the events of the cursed island.

    The girl.

    She had a way of getting under my skin, like a splinter I couldn''t quite dig out. She wasn''t completely useless¡ªI''d give her that. She had guts and a stubborn streak a mile wide, but she wasn''t ready for the life she''d been dragged into. Not even close.

    And that was on me.

    I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair. I''d been reckless with her, throwing her into the fire without any way to protect herself. She''d barely made it off the island alive.

    "Cap''n?"

    Wren''s voice cut through my thoughts, and I turned to see him standing a few paces away, his expression tight with concern.

    "What is it?" I asked, sharper than I intended.

    "The men," he began, glancing over his shoulder toward the crew, "they''re uneasy. Talkin'' about the sick we saw on the island. Saying it ain''t natural."

    I gritted my teeth. Of course they were talking. They''d be fools not to.

    "Let them talk," I said. "So long as they keep their heads clear and their hands steady, I don''t care what stories they spin."

    Wren nodded slowly, but his hesitation made me narrow my eyes.

    "Out with it," I said.

    "It''s not just the men," he admitted, shifting uncomfortably. "What about the girl? She''s trying, sure, but she''s a liability, Cap''n. You saw what happened back there. She''ll get herself killed¡ªor worse, she''ll get one of us killed."

    I knew he was right. That didn''t make it easier to hear.

    "I''ll deal with her," I said.

    "And if she can''t keep up?"

    "Then that''s her problem," I snapped.

    Wren gave me a look but didn''t press further. He nodded and walked off, leaving me alone with the weight of my own choices.

    ~~~

    I spent most of the day avoiding her.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    It wasn''t intentional¡ªor so I told myself. Truth was, I didn''t know what to say to her. She''d looked at me after the island like I was something I wasn''t, something I could never be.

    I wasn''t her savior. I wasn''t a hero. Hell, I wasn''t even a good man.

    By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, I''d had enough of the silence. The air was too thick with tension, and the crew''s whispers grated on my nerves. I made my way to the hold, deciding to busy myself with checking the supplies we''d salvaged from the island.

    The sound of footsteps behind me made me pause.

    "Jun."

    Her voice was soft but steady, and I turned to see her standing in the doorway.

    The girl.

    She looked small, her thin frame swallowed up by the oversized shirt one of the men had tossed her way. Her hair was damp from the sea air, and she had a stubborn set to her jaw that told me she wasn''t going anywhere until she''d said her piece.

    "What are you doing down here?" I asked, my voice gruffer than I meant it to be.

    "I couldn''t sleep," she said, stepping inside.

    "You should try," I muttered, turning back to the crate. "We''ll hit port in a few days. You''ll need your strength."

    "I wanted to thank you."

    Her words made me pause, my hand hovering over the lid of the crate.

    "For what?" I asked, not looking at her.

    "For saving me," she said.

    I straightened, turning to face her. "Don''t thank me. I didn''t do it for you."

    Her brows furrowed, but she didn''t look away. "Then why did you do it?"

    "Because I can''t afford to lose anyone else right now," I said flatly. It wasn''t the whole truth, but it was close enough.

    Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn''t back down.

    "You''re lying," she said quietly.

    Something in her voice made my chest tighten. I scowled, turning back to the crate. "Go back to your bunk, little rat."

    "I''m not a rat," she snapped, her defiance catching me off guard.

    A small smirk tugged at my lips before I could stop it. "You''ve got a lot to learn."

    "Then teach me," she said, stepping closer.

    Her words hung in the air, daring me to refuse. There was fire in her eyes, the kind that could burn brighter than she realized.

    I let out a long breath, studying her for a moment.

    "You think you can handle it?" I asked.

    She nodded without hesitation.

    "Fine," I said, nodding toward the stack of crates. "We start now."

    ~~~

    The hours that followed were grueling, more for her than for me. I showed her how to hold a blade properly, how to block and parry, how to keep her footing when the ground shifted beneath her.

    She was clumsy, her movements stiff and awkward, but she didn''t complain. Not once.

    Her determination was infuriating and impressive all at once.

    "Not like that," I barked, stepping behind her to adjust her grip. "Loosen your wrist. You''re not hacking at firewood."

    She let out a frustrated huff but did as I said. Her shoulders were tense, and I placed my hands lightly on them to guide her into the right stance.

    "Relax," I said. "If you''re stiff, you''re slow. And if you''re slow, you''re dead."

    She exhaled sharply, her muscles loosening slightly under my hands.

    "Better," I said, stepping back. "Now, swing."

    She swung, and this time it was almost passable.

    "Good," I said grudgingly.

    She lowered the blade, her chest heaving from exertion. "Is that a compliment?"

    "Don''t push your luck," I said, though I couldn''t stop the small smirk that tugged at my lips.

    She smiled faintly, and for a moment, the tension between us eased.

    "Why are you helping me?" she asked after a long silence, her voice quiet but steady.

    I met her gaze, my expression unreadable.

    Because I don''t want to see you die.

    Because I see something in you I don''t understand.

    Because I care more than I should.

    Instead, I shrugged. "Like I said, you''re no use to me dead."

    Her expression darkened, but she didn''t press the issue.

    "Go get some rest," I said, turning away. "We''ll continue tomorrow."

    She lingered for a moment before nodding and leaving the hold.

    I watched her go, the weight of her question still pressing on my chest.

    Why was I helping her?

    The answer was simple, even if I didn''t want to admit it.

    Because she reminded me of something I''d lost a long time ago.

    And that terrified me.

 Chapter 15

    Yuming''s POV

    The days bled into each other in a blur of endless blue, the ship rocking gently beneath my feet as it cut through the vast expanse of the sea. The crew went about their work as usual, but a tense silence seemed to hang over the ship, as if the ocean itself was holding its breath. I, too, found myself suspended in this uneasy quiet.

    My hands still ached from the sword lessons Jun had given me. The weight of the blade was something I was beginning to get used to, though my movements were still far from graceful. I was painfully aware of how much I still had to learn, but I had no choice but to push forward. The world was no longer one of silk and feasts. It was harsh, unpredictable, and I needed to be ready.

    I had learned that much over the past few days.

    The men on the ship were kind enough, in their own rough way, but I still felt like an outsider. I couldn''t tell if they pitied me or simply saw me as a curiosity. Either way, I stayed to myself mostly, trying to avoid drawing attention.

    But there was one person I couldn''t avoid, no matter how much I wanted to.

    Jun.

    He was everywhere. His presence was like a constant storm that never quite touched the ship but made the air heavy with its potential. There were moments when he looked at me, and it was like I was something to be measured, studied¡ªlike he was trying to figure me out, just as I had tried to figure him out since the first day we met. I was still no closer to understanding the pirate captain who had taken me from my life, yet something about him called to me in a way I couldn''t ignore.

    The way he had taught me to hold the sword, his hands gently guiding mine, had left an imprint in my memory. And then there were moments like yesterday, when I had caught a glimpse of something softer in his eyes. Not pity, not anger, but something else¡ªsomething far more dangerous.

    I had no idea what it meant, but I wasn''t about to ask.

    The night was always the hardest. The silence of the ship seemed to swallow me whole, and I often found myself lying awake, staring at the low ceiling of the cabin, my thoughts racing. Memories of the palace, of my life before all this, crept into my mind unbidden.

    I couldn''t even remember the last time I had felt truly safe.

    But the worst part was the dreams. Horrific, distorted visions of the island, of the sickness and the twisted faces that still haunted me. Sometimes, I could still hear their moans in the back of my mind, the sounds of those people¡ªthose monsters¡ªchasing us, clawing at the air, desperate to drag us back into their world.

    I sat up, running my fingers through my hair, trying to shake off the feeling of dread. But it lingered, gnawing at the edges of my thoughts.

    There was a knock at the door.

    My heart skipped a beat, and I instinctively pulled the blanket tighter around my shoulders, as if it would offer some kind of protection.

    "Come in," I said, my voice unsteady.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    The door creaked open, and Jun stepped inside, his tall frame filling the doorway. For a moment, I simply stared at him, the harsh lines of his face illuminated by the dim light from the lantern. His eyes were fixed on me with that unsettling intensity that never seemed to let up.

    "I need you on deck," he said without preamble. "Now."

    I hesitated. "Why?"

    He raised an eyebrow. "What''s the matter, little rat? Scared?"

    I hated how he always said that, but there was no denying the challenge in his tone. And something about it made my chest tighten with determination. I wasn''t scared. At least, I didn''t want to be.

    "I''ll be there," I said, swinging my legs off the bed and standing up.

    His gaze lingered on me for a moment before he turned and walked out. I followed quickly, trying to ignore the sudden fluttering in my stomach. It had been weeks since I had first been taken on board this ship, but his presence still unsettled me in ways I couldn''t explain.

    When I stepped onto the deck, the night air hit me with a cold slap. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a pale light over everything. The crew was gathered near the edge of the ship, their attention focused on something in the distance.

    "What''s going on?" I asked, walking toward them.

    Jun was at the center of the group, his eyes narrowed as he scanned the horizon. I couldn''t see anything out there, but I had learned better than to question him when he had that look on his face.

    "Nothing to worry about," he said, his voice low. "But stay close. This might get messy."

    I stayed where I was, unsure of what he meant but unwilling to step away. The air had changed, charged with tension. I could feel it in the way the crew moved, the way they kept glancing nervously toward the horizon.

    And then, I saw it.

    A dark shape on the water, barely visible against the dark waves. At first, I thought it was just a shadow, a trick of the light, but then it became clearer¡ªlarger, moving steadily toward us.

    I tensed, my hand instinctively going to the dagger at my side. My training with the sword had barely been enough to make me feel competent, and I hadn''t yet figured out how to wield the dagger properly. But I wasn''t going to stand there and do nothing.

    Jun noticed the way I was holding myself, the way my fingers hovered near the weapon, and he gave a small, almost imperceptible shake of his head. "Not yet."

    The shape on the horizon grew closer, and soon I could make out the dark outline of another ship¡ªanother pirate ship. Its sails were tattered, and it was moving fast, propelled by wind or something else.

    Jun''s crew stiffened, reaching for their own weapons, and I instinctively stepped closer to him.

    "What do we do?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

    "We wait," he replied, his gaze fixed on the incoming ship. "We''ll see what they want."

    But as the ship drew nearer, it became clear that it wasn''t just any pirate ship. The men aboard were erratic, their movements jerky and wild. Their faces¡ªthose faces¡ªwere twisted, their eyes empty and clouded.

    I felt a cold shiver crawl up my spine.

    The sickness.

    I swallowed hard, my grip tightening on my dagger. Jun''s crew began murmuring among themselves, but their voices were drowned out by the rising wind.

    "What the hell are they?" one of the men muttered.

    Jun''s face hardened, and he stepped forward, his sword glinting in the moonlight. "They''re not men," he said, his voice grim. "Stay back."

    The ship was now almost alongside us, the crew of the other vessel stumbling across the deck. Their movements were slow and staggered, as though they were fighting against something inside them. But there was no fight left in them. The sickness had already claimed them.

    And that was when it happened.

    One of the infected men lunged, his arms outstretched, his mouth gaping wide. Jun reacted instantly, his sword flashing in the moonlight as he cleaved through the attacker with a single, efficient strike.

    Chaos erupted.

    The crew of the other ship came at us in waves, their groans filling the air as they scrambled toward us, their movements like that of animals hunting in a frenzy. Jun''s men fought back fiercely, but there were too many of them.

    I stood frozen for a moment, my heart racing in my chest. I wanted to move, to do something, but my limbs felt like they were made of stone.

    Jun''s voice rang out across the deck. "Little rat! Move!"

    I snapped out of my daze, and before I could think twice, I ran toward the battle, my dagger drawn and ready.

 Chapter 16

    Jun''s POV

    The air reeked of rot and salt as chaos unfolded across the deck. My men fought with the kind of desperation only pirates understood, steel clashing against the twisted remnants of what had once been men. These weren''t opponents that could be reasoned with or cowed into submission; they were mindless, driven by hunger or madness. And there were too many of them.

    Through the fray, my eyes found her¡ªthe girl. My little rat. She stood near the mast, clutching the dagger I''d given her like it was a lifeline. Her face was pale, but her stance was steady.

    Good. She hadn''t frozen.

    "Stay there!" I barked, slicing through one of the sick as it lunged toward me. The blade met flesh, but there was no scream, no human reaction. Just the dull thud of a body collapsing.

    Another came at me, and I stepped to the side, thrusting my sword through its chest. Even with the odds against us, I didn''t allow my focus to waver. There was no room for mistakes here.

    A shout pulled my attention, and I turned to see one of my crew fall under a swarm of the sick. His screams were brief, drowned out by the gurgling moans of his attackers. My jaw tightened, but I forced myself to focus.

    I didn''t have time to mourn.

    "Push them back!" I ordered, my voice cutting through the din. "Keep them off the ship!"

    The men rallied, forming a rough line to defend the edges of the deck. Despite the fear in their eyes, they fought with everything they had.

    But the sick kept coming.

    I spotted the girl again, and this time, she wasn''t standing still. She was moving toward me, her dagger clutched tightly in one hand.

    "Idiot," I muttered under my breath, cutting down another attacker as I made my way toward her. "I told you to stay put!"

    "I''m not just going to stand here!" she shouted back, her voice high but steady.

    Her defiance would have been impressive if it wasn''t so damned reckless.

    A sick man lunged at her, and she stumbled back, raising the dagger awkwardly. I was there before it could reach her, my sword slicing through its neck in one clean motion.

    "Do you want to die?" I snapped, grabbing her arm and pulling her closer to me.

    She glared at me, her eyes flashing with something I didn''t have time to decipher. "I''m trying to help!"

    I tightened my grip on her arm. "If you want to help, stay alive."

    She didn''t argue, but I could feel her bristling as I pushed her behind me. I couldn''t afford to let her get herself killed. Not here, not like this.

    The fight raged on, and the sick kept coming. The crew was holding their own for now, but it was clear we couldn''t keep this up forever. The ship was becoming a trap, and every passing moment made escape more impossible.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    A low groan drew my attention, and I turned just in time to see one of the sick climb over the railing, its hollow eyes fixed on the girl.

    "Behind you!" I shouted.

    She turned too slowly, her movements hesitant, untrained.

    I moved without thinking, my sword cutting through the air as I stepped between her and the attacker. The blade struck true, but the force of the lunge sent me stumbling back.

    The girl caught my arm, steadying me, and for a brief moment, our eyes met.

    "Thanks," she said, her voice breathless.

    "Don''t thank me yet," I muttered, turning back to face the oncoming horde.

    The battle continued, each swing of my sword feeling heavier than the last. My arms ached, my breaths coming in sharp bursts, but I refused to falter.

    The girl stayed close, her movements clumsy but determined. She struck out when she could, her dagger finding purchase more often than I would have expected.

    She was learning.

    But it wasn''t enough.

    The sick were relentless, their numbers seemingly endless. And for every one we cut down, another took its place.

    "We''re out of time!" one of the crew shouted, his voice strained.

    He was right. If we didn''t act now, we''d all be dead¡ªor worse.

    "Fall back to the ship''s hold!" I ordered, gesturing for the crew to retreat. "Now!"

    The men moved quickly, abandoning the deck as they fought their way toward the safety of the lower levels. I stayed behind, holding the line as best I could, the girl stubbornly refusing to leave my side.

    "Go!" I snapped at her.

    "I''m not leaving you!" she shot back.

    I didn''t have time to argue. Another wave of the sick was upon us, and I focused on keeping them at bay.

    By the time we reached the hold, the crew had already barricaded the entrance. The sick pounded against the walls, their groans echoing through the cramped space.

    The girl leaned against the wall, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. Her dagger was still in her hand, the blade smeared with blood.

    "You''re lucky you didn''t get yourself killed," I said, my tone sharper than I intended.

    She glared at me, her eyes blazing. "And you''re lucky I didn''t let you get overrun."

    Despite myself, I felt a flicker of amusement. "Fair enough."

    The pounding on the barricade grew louder, and I turned my attention back to the crew.

    "We need to get off this ship," I said. "Now."

    One of the men shook his head. "The lifeboats are gone. They destroyed them."

    Damn it.

    I glanced at the girl, then back at the crew. We didn''t have many options left.

    "There''s a way," I said, though the words felt like a gamble even as I spoke them. "But it''s risky."

    The crew looked at me expectantly, and I could feel the weight of their trust, their desperation.

    "We''ll fight our way to the waterline," I continued. "Use the currents to carry us clear."

    The men exchanged uneasy glances, but no one objected.

    "Prepare yourselves," I said. "We move on my signal."

    I turned to the girl, my eyes locking onto hers. "Stay close. Do exactly as I say."

    She nodded, her grip on the dagger tightening.

    When the time came, we moved as one, forcing our way past the barricade and onto the deck. The sick were waiting, their numbers even greater than before.

    But we didn''t hesitate.

    I fought with everything I had, my sword cutting through the throng as we pushed toward the edge of the ship. The girl stayed by my side, her movements growing more confident with each strike.

    By the time we reached the waterline, my muscles were screaming in protest, but we had made it.

    One by one, the crew leapt into the water, their voices calling out to one another as they swam for safety.

    I turned to the girl, my hand outstretched.

    "Jump," I said.

    She hesitated, her eyes flicking toward the writhing mass of the sick behind us.

    "Now!" I shouted.

    She took my hand, and together, we leapt into the water, the cold shock of the ocean stealing the breath from my lungs.

    The current carried us away from the ship, away from the chaos.

    By the time we reached the safety of the waiting lifeboat, the girl was shivering, her teeth chattering as she clung to the side.

    I hauled myself aboard, then reached down to pull her up. She collapsed onto the wooden planks, her breathing ragged.

    "You did good," I said, my voice low.

    She looked up at me, her eyes wide and searching.

    "Thanks," she whispered.

    I nodded, my gaze drifting back to the ship in the distance.

    It was still burning.

 Chapter 17

    Yuming''s POV

    The first thing I noticed was the silence. It pressed against me, heavy and suffocating, as though the world itself had stopped to mourn. The sea stretched endlessly in every direction, the lifeboat rocking gently with the motion of the waves.

    I sat with my knees drawn up to my chest, the damp fabric of my dress clinging to my skin. My arms wrapped tightly around myself, trying to stave off the chill that seemed to seep into my very bones.

    Across from me, Jun sat with his back against the edge of the boat. His eyes were half-closed, his expression unreadable as always, though his shoulders sagged with exhaustion.

    It was hard to believe that we had survived.

    The events aboard the ship replayed in my mind like a vivid nightmare. The faces of the sick, their vacant eyes and unnatural movements, haunted me even now. I could still hear their groans, the relentless pounding of their fists against the barricade, the sharp clash of steel as Jun fought to protect us.

    Protect me.

    My gaze flicked toward him, lingering for a moment before I quickly looked away.

    I didn''t know what to make of him. He was harsh, unyielding, and often infuriating. But there was more to him than that¡ªsomething I couldn''t quite name.

    "You''re staring," he said suddenly, his voice startling me.

    "I wasn''t," I lied, my cheeks warming despite the cold.

    His lips twitched, almost like he was amused, but he didn''t press the matter. Instead, he shifted slightly, his movements slow and deliberate.

    "How''s your arm?" he asked, nodding toward the shallow cut I''d gotten during the fight.

    I glanced down at it, the makeshift bandage he had wrapped around it earlier still in place. "It''s fine."

    "Good." He leaned his head back against the side of the boat, closing his eyes again.

    For a while, neither of us spoke. The only sound was the gentle lapping of the waves against the boat, a soothing rhythm that did little to calm the turmoil in my mind.

    "What happens now?" I asked quietly.

    He didn''t open his eyes. "We find land."

    "And then?"

    "Then we survive."

    His words were simple, but they carried a weight that made my chest tighten. Survival was all we had left, wasn''t it?

    The thought sent a shiver down my spine, and I hugged my knees tighter.

    "Here."

    I looked up to see him holding out a flask.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    "What is it?"

    "Water."

    I hesitated before taking it, my fingers brushing against his as I did. The touch was fleeting, but it left an impression that lingered longer than I cared to admit.

    The water was cool and refreshing, a welcome reprieve from the salty air. I handed the flask back to him, murmuring a quiet thanks.

    He nodded, taking a sip himself before tucking it away.

    "You''re quieter than usual," he said after a moment.

    I frowned. "Do you expect me to be cheerful after everything that''s happened?"

    "No." His gaze met mine, and there was something in his eyes that made me falter. "But you''re tougher than you look."

    It wasn''t a compliment, exactly, but it wasn''t an insult either. I didn''t know how to respond, so I didn''t.

    Instead, I looked out over the water, letting the silence settle between us once more.

    The hours passed slowly, the sun climbing higher into the sky. The warmth was a welcome change from the cold of the night, but it brought with it a new kind of discomfort.

    Sweat beaded on my forehead, and my throat grew dry despite the water we had shared. The horizon remained stubbornly empty, the promise of land feeling more like a cruel joke with each passing moment.

    Jun remained composed, his sharp eyes scanning the distance for any sign of salvation.

    I envied his calm.

    "You''ve done this before, haven''t you?" I asked suddenly.

    He raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think that?"

    "You''re too... collected. Like you''re used to this kind of thing."

    He smirked, though there was no humor in it. "I''ve been through worse."

    The weight of his words was palpable, and I found myself wanting to ask more. But the look in his eyes warned me against it.

    Instead, I asked the question that had been gnawing at the back of my mind.

    "Why did you help me?"

    He tilted his head, studying me like he was trying to decide whether or not I was worth the answer.

    "Because I didn''t want to carry a corpse back to the ship," he said finally.

    It wasn''t the answer I had expected, and my cheeks flushed with irritation. "You''re impossible."

    "And you''re still alive," he countered, leaning back with a faint smirk.

    I glared at him, but the truth of his words silenced any retort I might have had.

    The sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon when Jun finally spoke again.

    "There," he said, pointing.

    I followed his gaze and felt a surge of relief as I spotted the faint outline of land in the distance.

    It wasn''t much¡ªjust a dark shape against the orange glow of the setting sun¡ªbut it was enough.

    Jun picked up the oars, his movements steady despite the exhaustion that had to be weighing on him.

    "Get some rest," he said without looking at me.

    I wanted to argue, but the weariness in my body won out. I curled up on the floor of the boat, my arms wrapped around myself as I closed my eyes.

    The sound of the oars cutting through the water was rhythmic, almost lulling, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I allowed myself to drift.

    I woke to the sound of waves crashing against the shore.

    Blinking against the light of the rising sun, I sat up to find that we had reached land.

    Jun was already out of the boat, securing it to a jagged rock with a length of rope.

    "Come on," he said, his voice gruff. "We need to move."

    I climbed out of the boat, my legs unsteady as they met solid ground. The sand beneath my feet was coarse and damp, and the air smelled of salt and seaweed.

    The island was small, its shores lined with rocky cliffs and sparse vegetation.

    "Is this where we''re staying?" I asked, my voice thick with sleep.

    "For now," Jun replied, scanning the area. "We need supplies, and this is as good a place as any to start."

    He handed me the dagger I had dropped during the fight, his fingers brushing against mine for the briefest of moments.

    "Stay close," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

    I nodded, gripping the weapon tightly as we began to make our way inland.

    The terrain was rough, the ground uneven and littered with sharp rocks. But it was quiet¡ªeerily so.

    "Do you think they''ll follow us?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

    Jun glanced back at me, his expression unreadable. "I don''t know."

    The weight of his words settled over me like a lead blanket.

    For the first time, I realized just how precarious our situation was. We were stranded, vulnerable, and completely alone.

    But as I watched Jun move ahead of me, his every step purposeful and steady, I felt a flicker of something I hadn''t expected.

    Hope.

 Chapter 18

    Jun''s POV

    The first thing I noticed when we reached the island was the quiet. No cries of seagulls, no rustling of wind through trees, just the low, steady crash of waves against the rocks. It wasn''t the comforting kind of quiet either. It was the kind that kept you on edge, like the world itself was holding its breath.

    The girl¡ªmy little rat¡ªwas trailing just a few steps behind me, her dagger clutched tightly in her hand. I didn''t trust her to use it properly, but at least she''d learned to keep it ready. Small progress, but progress nonetheless.

    "This place looks abandoned," she said, her voice breaking the stillness.

    I didn''t respond immediately. My eyes scanned the area, taking in every shadow, every jagged rock and sparse patch of vegetation. It didn''t feel right. There were no signs of life¡ªno birds, no animals, not even insects.

    "Abandoned doesn''t mean safe," I said finally. "Keep your eyes open."

    She nodded, though her grip on the dagger tightened.

    We moved inland cautiously, the ground beneath our feet uneven and littered with loose stones. The girl stumbled once, catching herself on a jagged outcrop. She didn''t complain, though. I had to give her credit for that.

    As we pushed farther into the island, the terrain began to shift. The sandy shore gave way to rocky hills and scraggly bushes, their branches bare and brittle. The air felt heavier here, like the island itself was watching us.

    "Do you think... they''ll follow us?" she asked after a while. Her voice was quiet, but I could hear the edge of fear in it.

    "They don''t swim," I said. "Not as far as I''ve seen."

    It wasn''t exactly a reassurance, but it was the truth. The sick were relentless, but their movements were slow and clumsy. As long as we didn''t give them an easy way to reach us, we''d be safe enough.

    For now.

    We reached a clearing surrounded by rocks, the ground here slightly more stable than the slopes we''d been navigating. I set down my pack, pulling out the few supplies we had managed to salvage from the boat.

    The girl watched me, her eyes flicking from the pack to my face like she was waiting for instructions.

    "Rest for a bit," I said, gesturing to a flat rock nearby.

    She hesitated but obeyed, sitting down with her back against the stone.

    While she rested, I took stock of our supplies. It wasn''t much¡ªjust a few days'' worth of dried rations, a flask of water, and the weapons we had carried off the ship. We''d need to find fresh water and food soon.

    The girl spoke up after a while. "Do you think there''s anything worth finding here?"

    "If there isn''t, we''ll leave," I said. "But we''re not going anywhere until I''m sure."

    She nodded, though her expression was skeptical. I didn''t blame her. The island didn''t exactly scream "bountiful."

    Still, I wasn''t about to risk moving on too quickly. The ocean was unpredictable, and the lifeboat wouldn''t hold up to another long stretch without repairs.

    "Stay here," I told her as I stood. "I''m going to look around."If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Her eyes widened. "You''re leaving me here alone?"

    "You''ll be fine," I said. "Just keep your dagger ready."

    She didn''t look convinced, but she didn''t argue either.

    The island was barren, the air stale and dry. I moved quickly, scanning the landscape for anything useful¡ªa stream, a fruit tree, even signs of old camps or settlements.

    Nothing.

    It was like the island had been stripped bare, leaving only the rocks and the dust behind.

    I found myself thinking back to the girl''s question earlier. Why had I helped her? Why had I gone out of my way to keep her alive, even when it would''ve been easier to leave her behind?

    I told myself it was practicality. She was a liability, sure, but a living one was better than a dead weight.

    But even I wasn''t entirely convinced by that.

    There was something about her¡ªsomething I couldn''t quite put my finger on. She was stubborn, yes, and naive, but she was also resourceful in her own clumsy way. And there was a fire in her, buried beneath all the fear and uncertainty.

    A part of me wanted to see what she would do with it.

    I shook my head, clearing the thought. It didn''t matter. Survival was all that mattered now.

    When I returned to the clearing, the girl was pacing, her dagger clutched tightly in her hand. She looked up as I approached, her expression shifting from relief to annoyance.

    "You took forever," she said.

    "Didn''t know you cared," I said dryly.

    Her cheeks flushed, and she turned away, muttering something under her breath.

    "Anything?" she asked after a moment.

    "Nothing useful," I admitted. "We''ll keep looking tomorrow."

    She nodded, though her shoulders sagged slightly.

    I handed her one of the ration packs. "Eat. You''ll need your strength."

    She took it reluctantly, tearing into the dried meat with less hesitation than I expected.

    As we ate in silence, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the clearing. The air grew colder, the quiet more oppressive.

    "You should get some rest," I said, leaning back against a rock.

    "And you?"

    "I''ll keep watch."

    She hesitated, her eyes lingering on me like she wanted to argue. But in the end, she nodded, curling up on the ground with her cloak wrapped tightly around her.

    It didn''t take long for her breathing to even out, her exhaustion finally catching up to her.

    I watched her for a moment, my mind wandering back to the fight on the ship, to the way she had clung to my side despite everything.

    "Little rat," I muttered under my breath.

    It was the only name that seemed to fit.

    The night passed uneventfully, though I didn''t let myself relax. The silence of the island was unnerving, and I couldn''t shake the feeling that we were being watched.

    By what, I didn''t know.

    When morning came, I woke the girl and we set out again, this time heading toward the cliffs on the far side of the island.

    As we climbed, the air grew cooler, the wind picking up as it swept through the rocky terrain.

    "Do you even know where we''re going?" she asked, her tone laced with irritation.

    "Up," I said simply.

    She muttered something I didn''t catch but kept following.

    The climb was slow and arduous, the rocks loose and treacherous underfoot. More than once, I had to catch her arm to steady her, her glare sharp enough to cut through stone.

    When we finally reached the top, the view took my breath away.

    The island stretched out below us, a stark and desolate landscape surrounded by endless blue. In the distance, I could see a break in the waves¡ªa reef, maybe, or a sandbar.

    But what caught my attention most was the faint glimmer of something metallic near the shore.

    "What is that?" the girl asked, following my gaze.

    "I don''t know," I said, already turning to make my way down.

    The climb down was just as treacherous as the ascent, but adrenaline drove me forward.

    When we reached the shore, the object came into focus.

    It was a ship''s hull, or what was left of it. The wood was rotting, the metal corroded, but it was unmistakably man-made.

    The girl stared at it, her eyes wide. "Do you think there''s anything useful inside?"

    "Only one way to find out," I said, drawing my sword.

    The wreck was partially submerged, the lower decks completely inaccessible. But the upper level was intact enough to explore.

    Inside, the air was damp and musty, the floorboards creaking under our weight.

    We moved cautiously, my sword at the ready, her dagger gripped tightly in her hand.

    Most of the rooms were empty, the contents long since looted or destroyed by the elements. But in one corner of what looked like the captain''s quarters, I found a chest.

    It was locked, but the wood was soft enough that a few hard strikes from my sword broke it open.

    Inside, I found a map, its edges frayed but the ink still legible.

    "What is it?" the girl asked, peering over my shoulder.

    "A chance," I said, rolling it up carefully.

    The island had been a dead end, but this map could lead us to something better.

    Or it could lead us to ruin.

    Either way, it was the only lead we had.

 Chapter 19

    Yuming''s POV

    The wrecked ship loomed before us like a skeleton of something long dead, its decayed wood and corroded metal blending with the desolate shoreline. Jun had been the first to spot it, his sharp eyes catching the faint glint of something metallic through the trees. I wasn''t sure what we''d find, but the way he strode toward it with purpose made it clear that he had a hunch.

    I wasn''t sure what I hoped for¡ªa cache of supplies, maybe, or even something as simple as clean water. Anything to remind me that the world hadn''t completely fallen apart.

    The interior of the wreck was darker than I expected, the air damp and thick with the smell of mildew. My footsteps echoed as I followed Jun inside, dagger clutched tightly in my hand. He had insisted I keep it on me at all times now, though I wasn''t sure how much help I''d be in a fight.

    Jun led the way, his sword drawn and his movements deliberate. The creaking of the floorboards beneath our feet sent shivers down my spine, but he didn''t seem fazed. He never did.

    "This place gives me the creeps," I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper.

    "Good," he replied without turning around. "It should."

    We searched the upper decks first, though most of what we found was useless¡ªrotting furniture, rusted tools, and the remnants of what might have been a sailor''s quarters. The lower levels were submerged in water, inaccessible except for a few precarious beams that jutted out over the wreckage.

    "Careful," Jun warned as I stepped closer to the edge.

    "I''m not an idiot," I snapped, though the truth was I wasn''t as confident as I sounded.

    We worked our way toward the rear of the ship, where the remnants of what looked like the captain''s cabin stood mostly intact. Jun pushed the door open with the flat of his sword, the creak of the hinges loud enough to make me flinch.

    Inside, the room was eerily preserved. A desk sat in the center, its surface cluttered with papers and trinkets that had somehow survived the decay that had claimed the rest of the ship.

    Jun moved immediately to the desk, his sharp eyes scanning the papers. Most were too water-damaged to read, but one in particular caught his attention.

    "What is it?" I asked, stepping closer.

    He didn''t answer right away, his expression unreadable as he picked up what looked like a map. Unlike the others, it was protected by a thin layer of waxed paper, the ink still clear and vibrant.

    "A map," he said finally, though there was something in his tone that made me pause.

    "What kind of map?"This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    "I''m not sure," he admitted. "But it''s old. And it''s not just a map."

    He turned it toward me, and I saw what he meant. The lines and symbols weren''t just cartographic¡ªthey were intricate, looping in patterns that didn''t belong to any geography I knew.

    "Is that... writing?" I asked, squinting at the strange symbols.

    "Not any writing I''ve seen," Jun said. "It''s something else."

    The weight of his words settled over me, and I felt a strange unease as I stared at the map. There was something about it¡ªsomething almost alive.

    "What do you think it leads to?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

    Jun didn''t answer immediately, his fingers tracing the edge of the map. "We''re going to find out."

    As we made our way back to the clearing, the map tucked securely into Jun''s pack, I couldn''t shake the feeling that we had stumbled onto something we weren''t meant to find.

    "What if it''s a trap?" I asked, breaking the silence.

    Jun glanced at me, his expression as calm as ever. "Then we''ll deal with it."

    His confidence was maddening, but it was also strangely reassuring. I didn''t trust the map¡ªor whatever force had preserved it¡ªbut I trusted Jun''s ability to handle whatever came next.

    The clearing was just as we had left it, though the stillness of the island felt even heavier now. Jun spread the map out on the flat surface of a rock, his eyes scanning the symbols with a focus I had never seen before.

    "Do you recognize any of this?" I asked, crouching beside him.

    "Some of it," he admitted. "These markings¡ª" He pointed to a cluster of symbols near the edge of the map. "They look like they''re meant to guide. Landmarks, maybe."

    "And this?" I pointed to a circular design at the center of the map, its lines interwoven like a spider''s web.

    Jun''s jaw tightened. "I don''t know. But it''s important."

    The next few hours were spent deciphering the map as best we could. It was slow work, and Jun''s growing frustration was evident in the set of his shoulders.

    "This isn''t just a map," he said finally, his voice low. "It''s a puzzle. And whoever made it didn''t want it to be solved easily."

    I frowned, leaning closer to examine the intricate symbols. The more I stared at them, the more they seemed to shift and blur, like they were trying to elude my understanding.

    "What do you think it''s hiding?" I asked.

    Jun didn''t answer right away, his gaze fixed on the map. "Something powerful. Something worth hiding."

    I shivered, wrapping my arms around myself as I looked out at the desolate landscape. Whatever this map led to, I wasn''t sure we were ready to face it.

    But Jun was determined, and I knew better than to argue.

    As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we decided to set up camp for the night. The map was carefully rolled up and placed back into Jun''s pack, though the weight of its mystery hung heavy over us.

    Jun built a small fire, his movements precise and efficient as always. I watched him silently, the flickering flames casting shadows across his face.

    "What are you thinking?" I asked finally, unable to bear the silence any longer.

    He glanced at me, his expression unreadable. "I''m thinking this map might be the key to everything."

    "To what?"

    "To the sickness. To what caused it. Maybe even how to end it."

    The weight of his words hit me like a punch to the chest. I had been so focused on surviving day to day that I hadn''t even considered the possibility of a solution.

    "Do you really think that''s possible?" I asked, my voice trembling.

    Jun''s gaze softened slightly, though his tone remained firm. "I don''t know. But I''m going to find out."

    That night, as I lay by the fire, I couldn''t stop thinking about the map. Its strange symbols, its intricate design¡ªit was unlike anything I had ever seen.

    But more than that, I couldn''t stop thinking about Jun.

    He was so sure of himself, so focused on the task ahead. It was maddening at times, but it was also comforting.

    For the first time in a long time, I felt a glimmer of hope.

    Whatever the map led to, I was determined to see it through.

    With Jun by my side, I felt like we might actually stand a chance.

 Chapter 20

    Jun''s POV

    The map weighed heavily in my pack, though its physical weight was nothing compared to the burden it represented. I had seen plenty of strange and dangerous things in my life¡ªcursed relics, treasures people were willing to kill for¡ªbut this was different. The intricate lines and symbols seemed to hum with an energy I couldn''t explain, as if the map itself were alive.

    The girl¡ªLittle Rat¡ªhadn''t stopped looking over her shoulder since we left the wrecked ship. Her fear was justified. This island had a way of creeping under your skin, making you question every sound, every shadow. Even I couldn''t shake the feeling that we were being watched.

    The path we followed was barely more than a trail, overgrown with tangled roots and thick vines. The air was damp, carrying the faint scent of decay that seemed to permeate the entire island. I kept my hand on the hilt of my sword, every sense on high alert.

    "Do you think it''s safe?" the girl asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

    I glanced back at her. She was clutching the dagger I''d given her like it was the only thing keeping her alive. Her dress was still in tatters, offering no real protection from the elements, but she didn''t complain. Not out loud, anyway.

    "No," I said bluntly. "It''s not safe. So stay close and keep quiet."

    Her glare was sharp enough to cut, but she obeyed, falling into step behind me.

    We reached a small clearing as the sun began to set, the light casting long shadows across the ground. It wasn''t an ideal place to stop, but I didn''t want to risk traveling in the dark.

    "Here," I said, gesturing for her to sit. "We''ll rest for a while."

    She sank onto a fallen log, her shoulders slumping with exhaustion. I busied myself with setting up a perimeter, marking the edges of the clearing with small traps designed to give us some warning if anything¡ªor anyone¡ªapproached.

    When I returned, she was staring at the map, her fingers tracing the strange symbols.

    "You shouldn''t touch that," I said, my tone sharper than I intended.

    She looked up, startled. "Why not?"

    "Because we don''t know what it is," I replied, taking the map from her and rolling it up carefully. "And I don''t need you accidentally setting something off."

    She frowned but didn''t argue.

    The fire crackled softly as night fell, the warmth doing little to dispel the chill in the air. The girl sat across from me, her knees drawn to her chest as she stared into the flames.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    "What do you think it leads to?" she asked after a long silence.

    I hesitated. "Something dangerous."

    Her gaze flicked to me, her eyes wide. "Then why are we following it?"

    "Because dangerous things are often valuable," I said simply. "And this map... it might be the most valuable thing I''ve ever come across."

    She didn''t respond right away, her brow furrowing as she considered my words.

    "Do you think it could help?" she asked finally. "With the sickness?"

    I leaned back, my hand resting on the hilt of my sword. "Maybe. But I wouldn''t count on it."

    Her face fell, and for a moment, I felt a pang of guilt.

    I took the first watch, my eyes scanning the darkened forest as the girl curled up near the fire. She fell asleep quickly, exhaustion overtaking her, but I remained alert. The island was too quiet, the kind of quiet that set my teeth on edge.

    Hours passed, and I saw nothing¡ªno movement, no signs of life. But the feeling of being watched only grew stronger.

    When it was her turn to take watch, she didn''t argue. I showed her how to stoke the fire and handed her my knife, just in case.

    "Wake me if anything happens," I said, lying down with my sword within arm''s reach.

    She nodded, her expression determined despite the fear in her eyes.

    Morning came slowly, the light filtering through the dense canopy above. I woke to find the girl still sitting by the fire, her eyes heavy with fatigue.

    "You should have woken me," I said, standing and stretching.

    She shrugged, her voice hoarse. "You looked like you needed the rest."

    I didn''t bother responding. Instead, I packed up the map and gestured for her to follow.

    The trail grew steeper as we climbed, the air thinning as we ascended the rocky terrain. The girl struggled to keep up, her breath coming in short gasps, but she didn''t complain.

    When we finally reached the top, the sight before us took my breath away.

    A massive stone structure stood at the center of the plateau, its surface covered in the same intricate symbols as the map. Vines and moss clung to its surface, but the stone itself was unweathered, as if it had been built yesterday.

    The girl stepped closer, her eyes wide with awe. "What is this place?"

    I didn''t answer, my focus on the massive doors at the base of the structure. They were carved with the same circular pattern that marked the center of the map, and as I approached, I felt a strange pull¡ªan almost magnetic force drawing me closer.

    "Stay back," I warned, my hand on my sword.

    She hesitated but obeyed, watching from a safe distance as I examined the doors. There was no obvious mechanism, no handle or keyhole, but the symbols seemed to pulse faintly, as if responding to my presence.

    The map.

    I pulled it from my pack, unrolling it carefully. The circular design at its center matched the one on the door exactly, and as I held it closer, the symbols on the door began to glow.

    "What are you doing?" the girl asked, her voice tinged with panic.

    "Opening it," I said simply.

    The ground beneath us trembled as the doors began to move, the ancient stone grinding against itself.

    Behind them, a faint light glowed, illuminating a narrow staircase that descended into darkness.

    "Stay close," I said, stepping inside.

    The girl hesitated but followed, her dagger clutched tightly in her hand.

    The air inside was cool and dry, the walls lined with more of the strange symbols. The staircase seemed to go on forever, twisting and turning until I lost all sense of direction.

    When we finally reached the bottom, the sight that greeted us was unlike anything I had ever seen.

    A massive chamber stretched out before us, its walls lined with shelves of ancient tomes and artifacts. At the center of the room was a pedestal, and on it rested a single object: a small, intricately carved box.

    The girl gasped, her eyes fixed on the box. "Is that...?"

    I didn''t answer, stepping cautiously toward the pedestal. The air seemed to hum with energy, and as I reached out to touch the box, I felt a surge of heat.

    It wasn''t just an artifact.

    It was power.

    And I wasn''t sure if it would save us¡ªor destroy us.

 Chapter 21

    Yuming''s POV

    The box sat on the pedestal, glowing faintly in the dim light of the underground chamber. It was smaller than I expected, carved from a dark, smooth stone and etched with the same symbols that covered the walls around us. Despite its size, it felt like the entire room revolved around it, like it was the heart of this ancient place.

    Jun stood before it, his hand hovering over the surface. His usually confident expression was replaced by something I''d never seen before¡ªhesitation.

    "What are you waiting for?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

    He didn''t answer right away. Instead, he glanced over his shoulder at me, his sharp eyes narrowing. "You don''t touch things like this lightly," he said.

    I frowned, stepping closer. The air around the box seemed heavier, almost charged. "Do you think it''s the cure?"

    His jaw tightened, but he didn''t look at me. "I don''t know. But whatever it is, it''s powerful. And power like this always comes with a cost."

    His words sent a chill down my spine, but I tried to ignore it. "Then maybe we shouldn''t take it."

    "We don''t have a choice," he said, his voice firm. "If this can stop the sickness, it''s worth the risk."

    He reached out slowly, his fingers brushing the surface of the box. A sharp crack echoed through the chamber, and I flinched, my heart leaping into my throat.

    The symbols on the walls flared to life, their light bathing the room in an eerie glow. The air grew thicker, and I felt a strange pull in my chest, as if the box were reaching for me, too.

    "Jun," I said, my voice trembling.

    "I know," he replied, his voice steady despite the tension in his posture.

    The box opened with a soft click, its lid sliding back to reveal what lay inside.

    It wasn''t what I expected.

    A small vial of liquid sat nestled in the center of the box, its contents glowing with a faint, otherworldly light. Beside it was a rolled piece of parchment, tied with a delicate golden thread.

    Jun picked up the vial carefully, holding it up to the light. "This must be it," he murmured.

    I moved closer, staring at the vial in awe. "It''s so... small. Can something like that really stop the sickness?"

    "We''ll find out," he said, tucking it into his coat. He then reached for the parchment, untying the thread and unrolling it with care.

    The symbols on the parchment were similar to the ones on the walls and the map, but they seemed more intricate, more deliberate. Jun''s brow furrowed as he studied them, his lips moving silently as if trying to decipher their meaning.

    "Can you read it?" I asked.

    "Not all of it," he admitted. "But it''s some kind of instructions... or a warning."If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    I swallowed hard. "A warning about what?"

    He didn''t answer, his focus still on the parchment.

    A low rumble interrupted the tense silence, and I felt the ground beneath my feet begin to shake.

    "What''s happening?" I asked, panic rising in my chest.

    Jun rolled the parchment quickly, stuffing it into his coat. "The chamber''s unstable. We need to move¡ªnow."

    The shaking grew more violent as we ran back up the staircase, the walls around us cracking and crumbling. The glowing symbols dimmed one by one, plunging the passage into darkness.

    "Keep moving!" Jun shouted, his voice cutting through the roar of collapsing stone.

    I followed as closely as I could, my legs burning with effort as we climbed higher and higher. The air was thick with dust, making it hard to breathe, but I didn''t dare slow down.

    We burst out of the chamber just as the entrance collapsed behind us, a cloud of dust and debris billowing out into the clearing. I stumbled, falling to my knees as I gasped for air.

    Jun was beside me in an instant, his hand gripping my arm to steady me. "You''re all right," he said, his voice rough but reassuring.

    I nodded, though my heart was still racing. "That... was close."

    "Too close," he muttered, his eyes scanning the treeline.

    The island was silent again, but it was an unnatural silence, heavy with tension.

    "What now?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

    "We get back to the ship," he said, helping me to my feet. "And we figure out what this thing can do."

    The journey back to the ship felt even more dangerous than before. The forest seemed darker, the shadows deeper, and every sound made me jump.

    Jun stayed close, his hand never far from the hilt of his sword. I clutched the dagger he had given me, my knuckles white as I tried to ignore the prickling sensation on the back of my neck.

    It wasn''t just paranoia.

    We were being followed.

    "Jun," I whispered, glancing over my shoulder. "Do you hear that?"

    He nodded, his expression grim. "Keep moving. Don''t look back."

    The sound of rustling leaves grew louder, and I couldn''t help but glance over my shoulder again. Shadows moved between the trees, their shapes too human to be animals.

    "They''re getting closer," I said, my voice shaking.

    "I know," he replied. "Run."

    We sprinted through the forest, the shadows closing in around us. I could hear their footsteps now, faster and heavier than my own.

    Jun drew his sword without breaking stride, his movements fluid and precise. "Stay close to me," he ordered.

    I didn''t argue, my fear drowning out any protest I might have had.

    The first attacker came from the left, lunging out of the shadows with a guttural snarl. Jun met him head-on, his sword slicing through the air with deadly accuracy.

    "Keep moving!" he shouted, shoving me forward.

    More figures emerged, their faces twisted and vacant, their movements unnatural. They looked like the sick people we''d seen in the city, but worse¡ªlike something had taken hold of them and turned them into something... else.

    Jun fought them off with brutal efficiency, his blade cutting through the chaos as he cleared a path.

    "Go!" he shouted again, his voice filled with urgency.

    I ran, my heart pounding as I navigated the treacherous terrain. The sound of fighting faded behind me, replaced by the steady rhythm of my own footsteps.

    When I reached the edge of the forest, the ship came into view, its sails gleaming in the sunlight. Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived.

    One of the creatures had followed me.

    I turned, raising the dagger in a feeble attempt to defend myself. The creature lunged, its claws reaching for me, and I braced for impact.

    But it never came.

    Jun appeared out of nowhere, his sword plunging into the creature''s chest. It let out a horrifying screech before collapsing to the ground, lifeless.

    "You''re not very good at following orders, are you?" he said, his voice breathless but sharp.

    I stared at him, my chest heaving. "You''re welcome."

    He shook his head, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Let''s go."

    We reached the ship just as the rest of the crew returned from their search. The relief on their faces quickly turned to curiosity as they noticed the tension between Jun and me.

    "Set sail," Jun barked, his tone leaving no room for argument.

    The crew scrambled to obey, and I followed Jun to his cabin, my mind racing.

    "What''s in that box, Jun?" I asked once we were alone.

    He unrolled the parchment, his eyes scanning the symbols. "Something that might change everything," he said, his voice low.

    I didn''t press him further. The weight of what we had found was enough to keep us both silent as the ship sailed into the horizon.