Caleb tightened his hold on Desi’s hand and stepped backward, never breaking eye contact with Montverre.Their shoes sank into the mud, the clearing became a blur of steel, shadow, and dripping leaves.The marquis had called off his men, aye, but his smile lingered like a serpent coiled in the grass.
Turning, Caleb gripped Desi’s hand tight, and together they moved, steady at first, then faster as the path gave way to the shelter of the jungle.Each step away felt stolen, each breath defiance.
Behind them, Montverre’s voice rose above the rain, low and venomous.“You may flee tonight, Capitaine Hyde.But mark me,la vengeance est à moi.Let the ground open up and swallow them whole!”
The words chased them into the trees, a curse clinging to the dark.The marquis thought to use the ring to destroy them, but soon enough, he’d discover its impotence.
Caleb drew Desi close, his boots thudding through muck and broken shells.The humid night pressed in, heavy with the stink of tar, sweat, and fish.Her hand clung to his as though to life itself.How could he fault her?He could scarce imagine what terrors she had borne beneath Montverre’s roof, yet by God’s grace, she had strength enough to run.He returned her grip with steady reassurance, though his pulse hammered with dread.
Laughter, drunken song, and coarse curses spilled out of shuttered taverns from men too sodden to care.Beyond those yellow pools of lamplight, darkness blanketed Port Marigot in a sleepy haze.The bay itself lay swathed in gray mist, the black waters reflecting faint shards of moonlight.
At last, the familiar silhouette of theSentinelrose before them, her masts ghostly in the gloom.Caleb hurried Desi down the quay, the boards slick with brine, and steadied her as she caught the swaying rope ladder.She scrambled up with surprising vigor, and he leapt after her, the deck solid and welcome beneath his boots.
Lantern light glimmered off Alden’s grin as he strode forward.“’Twould seem your stratagem bore fruit, Captain!”His hand clasped Caleb’s shoulder, rough with affection, then dipped toward Desi.“Welcome home, Miss Starr.”
“Thank you.”She rubbed at her wrists, the red marks still raw.“It is good to be back.”
“Report,” Caleb said sternly.They needed to make their escape, andnow.He cast a wary glance over his shoulder, half expecting to see the marquis striding from the fog, a legion of lanterns and steel at his back.
“She’s trimmed and ready, Captain,” Alden said briskly, nodding toward the quarterdeck, where Liam loitered in shadow.“Liam and his men stand ready to loose her and make sail at your word.”
Caleb’s jaw hardened.The Irishman’s betrayal still festered like a wound, yet necessity demanded trust, however bitter the taste.
“Good.”He looked out upon the bay, dark and glass-smooth, not a breath of wind to stir it.An ill omen.
“Aye,” Alden muttered, crossing his arms.“We’ll need a merciful wind to get us going.And”, he frowned, “more of the men have fallen ill.”
Caleb’s stomach tightened.Was there no end to his troubles?“What says Brandt?”
“’Tis no fault of his, Captain.He labors without ceasing, yet no cure is found.”
Caleb exhaled, the weight of command heavy upon his chest.He turned to Desi, who lingered silently by his side, her eyes shadowed, her lips pressed tight.No doubt the poor lady was still in shock.
“Double the watch,” Caleb ordered.
“You expect trouble?He fell for your ruse, no?”Alden cocked his head.
“Aye, but ’tis only a matter of time before he realizes he’s been tricked.”Shifting his stance, Caleb rubbed his jaw, the grit of stubble beneath his palm.“The man is cunning.If not for the Ring, then for his daughter.”
“Geneviève.”Alden gave a dry laugh.“Aye, she is his precious jewel.”
“Precisely.Last I saw her, she vowed retribution.”
Desi loosened her hold on his hand, stepping back as though needing breath.Caleb longed to comfort her, yet the urgency of escape pressed hard.
“The sooner we quit this cursed port, the better,” he said, lowering his tone.“I’ll be in my cabin.Send for me at the first sign of wind, wave, or foe.”
“Aye, Captain.”
Caleb reclaimed Desi’s trembling hand and guided her below, the lanterns swaying overhead casting long, uneasy shadows across the deck.
Chapter 25: A Love Lost in Time
Fascinating how one’s life could change in a matter of moments.From a life destined to slavery and hopelessness to one of love—astoundinglove—trust, and safety.Caleb had said few words as they hurried through the sleepy town, though his grip on her hand was as tight and sure as an anchor in a storm-tossed sea.She wanted to ask him why he’d come for her.She wanted to ask him about the fake ring and the odd rain cloud.She wanted him to stop so she could look him in the eye and thank him.But every time she tried, he merely smiled her way and hastened his pace.
Now, as he ushered her into his cabin and closed the door, all the strength and courage she’d relied on for the past several hours drained out of her feet and spilled over the deck.
Caleb must have sensed her weakening, for he swept a strong arm around her waist and led her to the chair.Dropping to one knee before her, his storm-blue gaze scanned her from head to toe.“Are you harmed?Did he lay a hand upon you?”His rough palm enclosed hers, concern wrinkling his brow.
