27. A Tankard Or Two Of Ale

YILEYNA

Night had fallen and it was still thundering, but things were back in order, although we had some bruised crew members. Ryan had come and given Theon pants quite quickly, but despite that, Barbara kept staring at his lower regions and licking her lips ever since.

I wondered if Theon even noticed because it was really irking me.

An annoying blue-eyed brat.

But I realised Theon had been very distracted. He was usually quiet, but it was almost as if he was mulling something over in his mind.

Most of us were now in the Mess as Ailema handed us all mugs of ale. It was silent, the weight of what had happened fresh in all our minds. “How did it not affect you?” Flynn asked Theon sharply. It was obvious he was just a bit salty because he had fallen for the siren’s enchantment. “It’s a good question, that is.” Ryan agreed, tilting his head as he looked at Theon. “We all know that it is harder for women to fall into their trap.”

“But even women can fall victim to their song.” Leto murmured, gulping down his ale.

The light from the lantern hooked above cast shadows over his face. I wonder what crossed his mind…

“Yeah, they can.” Theon added, a flash of something in his eyes catching my attention, but he looked away.

“Aiy, tis true.” Nate nodded, sighing heavily.

“So how do you stay focused Theon? I think we can all use the tip.” Charlene persisted.

She was sitting next to me, she had given me a scolding for being reckless but then told me she was proud of me.

Theon didn’t reply for a moment, staring ahead at the far side of the wall as he gulped his Ale down. My gaze dipped to his Adam’s apple. “Pain. As long as you are in a lot of pain, your mind won’t allow you to shut it out.” He replied.

He glanced at me for a second, and like always, his gaze melted me. “Pain alone can’t keep you focused. you need to have a very strong resolution.” Valentin added, looking at Theon thoughtfully. He was one of the older guards and seemed to be sizing Theon up as he scratched his beard. “I guess it depends on your inner strength then.” Theon responded. “Maybe you could teach us some time, I wouldn’t mind learning how to resist the deadly charm of sirens.” Barbara added flirtily, I snorted, rolling my eyes, quickly covering it with a cough.

“I’m with Barbara on this one.” Charlene nodded.

“Shame I’m not here to teach anyone anything. Just keep a dagger close. If you hear a siren’s song, use it to stay focused.” Theon sat back, his voice emotionless. “Tomorrow we will reach

The Lifeless Abyss; it is far more dangerous and there will most likely be Sirens.”

“I still don’t think it’s the ideal way to go.” Flynn muttered.

Madelia tilted her head.

“I will work with Sam and Ailema to put some protective spells up. Fae magic will help.” She added, smoothing out the velvet skirt of her dress.

“I was trying to weave my magic into the ship, but it didn’t work, I didn’t manage to complete it.” Sam sighed staring at his calloused hands.

“You tried, that’s the main thing.” I comforted him gently. He had been there, trying his best regardless of whether he had been successful or not. “Yeah… maybe so. Cleo here told me you tied me down before you went for the wheel. Thank you, kid.”

I smiled. Despite being called a kid, I was just glad he was ok. Looking around, it was obvious everyone was happy to be alive.

“I got to agree, if it wasn’t for you taking the wheel, we could have suffered a lot more damage. “Flynn remarked, giving me a smirk. “To our pretty little damsel with a heart of courage!” He raised his tankard and Charlene smiled as everyone present raised their glasses, everyone but Theon that is.

Everyone downed their drinks, making my cheeks burn due to all the attention. I didn’t do anything that

glanced at Theon. Our eyes met, and then, to my surprise, he raised

drink.” Cleo grinned, passing me a

I have had enough…” I murmured but

happy moment of surviving one near-death experience. I smiled as I raised my tankard and

some of the other crew members joined in the singing. Barbara stood up and began dancing, I tapped

it!” Raiden grinned, accepting another round of ale from

mood had instantly lifted, and even

in front of Theon. He was sitting back on the chair, his face

empty tankard down, letting Charlene pull me up as she began dancing. Compared to her and Barbara, I was shorter, but I didn’t let it

were lonely and cold, did you miss me, or did you find

Theon and shook my hips sensually, before spinning around and smiling at Charlene, who was now singing along to the song. She took my hand, whirling me around, both of us flicking our hair as we blew kisses at the

Theon’s, my heart skipping a beat,

arms to

all I could think of

to stop the fit of laughter, I don’t think we have done

giggled, as Charlene

more women on board. Don’t you agree, boys?” Flynn

felt

women are not

claimed.” Flynn grinned, I had a feeling he had

remark. Charlene looked

night, I think I’m going to head to bed too.” I decided, suppressing a

support and for taking this trip with us.” Charlene said before Valentin and Patrick stood up

and I hugged her farewell outside of her door as the two guards

“Yileyna…”

asked about

head and gave me a small

to lose you… Don’t do anything so careless next

“You won’t lose me.”

“Leyna please, I’m serious.”

could have been damaged or worse, it could

sunk.”

could have been killed by that siren. You know, it’s an omen… That’s two times now,

I’m facing death and surviving.” I smiled, but it didn’t reach my

it was because of me that my

our every action, we are simply surviving, not living… I don’t

eyes softened and she cupped

me you won’t

smile, giving her a gentle hug. I saw the

She shook her head.

“Don’t apologise, I understand.”

we

out one of Dad’s shirts and put it on the bed before removing the shirt and pants I had gotten changed into after I had gotten drenched earlier. I looked in the small mirror. The cuts that had been made by my necklaces were now half-healed, with only

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