The Misadventures of Darius and Elara

Unexpected Betrayal

A soft knock rapped against the cabin door just before it creaked open. Kale slipped inside, closing it quietly behind him. His face was pale beneath the flickering candlelight, eyes darting between Darius and Elara.

“We have a problem,” he said.

Darius straightened, the jade still resting beneath his fingers. “What kind?”

Kale hesitated. “One of the smaller boats the skiff; it’s missing.”

Elara’s brows knit. “Who took it?”

Kale shifted uncomfortably. “Justina said she saw Henry take it. Said he was going ashore for supplies.”

“That’s a lie,” Darius said immediately, rising to his feet. “Henry doesn’t leave without telling me. He’s been jumpy since the bay; he wouldn’t run off alone.”

A heavy silence dropped between them.

Elara stood, slipping the jade into her satchel. “We took a chance on her. She was just a girl looking for kitchen work.”

“She played us,” Darius muttered, jaw tight. “No more chances.”

They climbed above deck together, where the night sky stretched endlessly overhead, stars shimmering like fragile truths. Rockford padded beside them, growling low as they approached the stern.

Justina stood near the railing, the spyglass in her hands trembling slightly too calm, too still for someone who was supposed to be scrubbing pots below deck.

“Looking for something?” Elara asked, voice sharp as a blade.

Justina turned slowly, her expression unreadable. “I suppose it was only a matter of time.”

“You lied,” Darius said. “Again.”

She let out a shaky breath. “You all think this is still a simple journey. You haven’t accepted what’s chasing you.”

“I don’t care what’s chasing us,” Darius said, fire beginning to glow in his palms. “I care what you just gave away.”

Justina gave a crooked smile. “Then I guess we’re past talking.”

And with that, she lunged for the signal flare.