"Once we reach the reef," Bloodbane continues, "we'll make our way to the hidden cove known as Pirate's Haven. It be a bustlin' den of thieves an' cutthroats where anythin' can be bought or sold for the right price." He gives me a knowing look.
"An' at the heart of it all lies the Blood Reef Black Market, a wretched hive of scum an' villainy where the most notorious pirates in all the realm come to trade their ill-gotten gains."
I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry. This just keeps getting better and better. Not only am I being dragged to some godforsaken pirate stronghold, but I'm also going to be paraded through a black market like a prize heifer at the county fair.
But I'll be damned if I'm going to let this bastard see me sweat. "Sounds like a real charming place. I can't wait to see the tourist brochures. 'Come to Blood Reef, where the water's red and the pirates are plenty!'"
Bloodbane throws his head back and laughs, "Oh, you've got spirit, lass. I'll give ye that. But trust me, by the time the sea witch is done with ye, you'll be beggin' for the sweet release of death."
I clench my jaw.Like hell I will.
With that, he leaves me, bolting the door behind him like he's locking up a prized possession. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, the air rushing out of me like a deflating balloon. I lunge for the window, my heart pounding in my chest, hoping against hope that I'll see anything that will give me a clue as to where the hell we are. But all I see is an endless expanse of black seas, stretching out as far as the eye can see.
My face hurts—my body weak. I start to panic as I realize that my powers are still nowhere to be found.
I spot a glass pitcher with water on the table and make a beeline for it, chugging it down like it's the elixir of life. As the cool liquid slides down my throat, the gypsy's message comes back to me. She said my powers weren't stolen, only blocked, and I had to believe in myself to get them back.
I scoff, rolling my eyes.It can't be that simple, can it?
What choice do I have, though? I trudge back to the bed and plop down, crossing my legs in a meditation pose. I close my eyes, trying to block out the throbbing pain in my face and the constant rocking of the ship. I focus on my powers and how they first manifested when Rhyland awoke them with his love and devotion. I think about how it feels when that wellspring of energy sits just below the surface, waiting for me to tap into it.
But as I sit here, trying to will my powers back into existence, I realize something is missing. It's not just about Rhyland or the love we share. It's about me, about whoI am at my core. I've been so focused on everyone else—on Rhyland, the prophecy, saving the realms—that I've forgotten to focus on myself.
I take a deep breath, letting it out slowly as I dig deep. I think about all the challenges I've faced and all the obstacles I've overcome. I think about the strength and resilience that have gotten me this far, the sheer stubborn determination that refuses to let me give up.
Focusing on that inner fire, I feel a flicker of something deep inside me. It's small at first, barely noticeable, but it grows as I nurture it with my thoughts and emotions. I think about my love for Rhyland and the unbreakable bond we share. I think about my friends, newfound family, and everyone counting on me to succeed.
But most of all, I think about myself—about the fierce, sassy, take-no-shit woman I am. I am Danica Pierce, and some witch-bitch will not take away what I am at my core.
As that thought crystallizes in my mind, I feel a sudden rush of energy, like a dam bursting inside me. My powers come roaring back to life, flooding my veins like liquid fire. The cabin is suddenly awash in a blinding golden light emanating from my skin.
My body, which had felt so weak just moments before, thrums with energy. I feel alive, every nerve ending firing with renewed purpose. It's like I've been plugged into a cosmic power source, my batteries recharged and ready to take on the world.
I open my eyes, a slow smile spreading across my face as I feel the familiar hum of power coursing through me. Oh, it is on now. Captain Bloodbane and his crew have no idea what they're in for.
I jump up and head for the door, ready to unleash holy hell on these bastards, but something stops me. I glimpse myself in the mirror hanging on the wall, and I can't help but stare at the sight that greets me.
I watch, transfixed, as my body weaves itself back together, like a tapestry of flesh and bone being stitched back into place by an invisible needle. It's like watching a time-lapse video of a flower blooming in reverse, the damage and bruising giving way to new life and vitality.
My nose, which had been throbbing with pain just moments before, instantly heals, the bones shifting and realigning with a sickening crack that would have made me cringe if it didn't feel so damn good. It's like someone hit the reset button on my face, erasing all evidence of the beating I took at the hands of this asshole.
The bruises that mottled my skin, turning it a sickening shade of purple and blue, fade away like watercolors in the rain. It's like watching a masterpiece painted in reverse, the colors bleeding away to reveal the unblemished canvas beneath.
I can't help but reach up and touch my face, half-expecting to feel the swelling and tenderness still there. But my skin is smooth and cool.
It's the most surreal thing I've ever experienced, and that's saying something, considering the crazy stuff I've seen since meeting Rhyland. But this? I've always wondered how the Atherite stone would work on me—this is some next-level healing mojo, and I'm here for it. I can't help but giggle, the sound bubbling up from my throat like champagne.
Feeling rejuvenated and looking like a million bucks again, I stride towards the door, ready to bust out of this floating prison and give Captain Asshat a piece of my mind. I stop short, my hand hovering over the handle as I hear my name being called. It's faint, like a whisper on the wind, but I'd know that voice anywhere.
At first, I think I'm losing my mind, that the stress of being kidnapped and beaten has finally pushed me over the edge. But then I hear it again, a little louder this time, and I know it's not just in my head.
Suddenly, a searing pain rips through my gut, doubling me over like the Hulk has sucker-punched me. It feels like someone's reached inside me and started playing tug-of-war with my intestines. I grit my teeth, trying to breathe through the agony, but it's like trying to inhale through a straw.
What fresh hell is this?Is this some fucked-up side effect from my powers coming back online? If so, I want a goddamn refund.
The pain lashes at me like a whip, tearing through my insides. I collapse to the floor, writhing in pain as the sensation of being torn in two intensifies. It's like my body is trying to rip itself apart from the inside out, and all I can do is scream.
"Stop, stop, stop, please stop!" I chant through gritted teeth. My eyes squeezed shut against the blinding agony.
