Caspian noticed Marin’s hand trembling slightly as she looked down.
"Marin? Are you okay? You should have been more careful," he said, his voice laced with concern as he quickly stepped closer.
"I’m okay," she replied with a faint smile, but her gaze drifted toward Callista. "I’m just surprised you know that story. Most people barely remember it now."
"I only heard it a few days ago and wanted to share it," Callista said. Then, after a brief pause, she asked, "What do you think about the story, Marin?"
Marin blinked, caught off guard. "Pardon?"
"You lived by the sea, right? I just wanted to hear your thoughts on it." Callista smiled. The others immediately recognized that expression—not a warm smile, but one meant to provoke. But why?
"Oh..." Marin tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I think she had her reasons. You can’t just kill someone you love—someone you spent your whole life with—without thinking it through. And considering how long the man was sick, I believe Lorelei must have agonized over her decision for years," she said, though her voice faltered.
"Ho? But she still killed him in the end," Callista replied smoothly. "And not just that—she gave him a tragic death. She didn’t just kill the man she loved; she drowned him in the very ocean they once admired together. Can you imagine how betrayed he must have felt?"
Marin’s face paled as a shiver ran down her spine.
"T-That’s not what I meant...!" she stammered, trying to explain herself.
Callista suddenly chuckled. "I’m just teasing. You have a rather unique way of seeing things." She smiled, but Marin remained silent.
"Miss Callista, that’s enough."
Caspian’s voice was cold, his usual warmth absent. He was clearly displeased.
"I was only joking," Callista said lightly. "I’m sorry if I offended you, Marin."
"It’s fine," Marin answered quickly, forcing a small smile before clearing her throat. "Please excuse me—I need to fetch more water." She leaned down, picked up the bucket, and walked away without looking back.
Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
Caspian followed her without a word, leaving the rest to watch their retreating figures in silence.
Suddenly, Callista felt a sharp smack on her arm.
"What the—?! That hurts!" she yelped, rubbing the sore spot as she turned to find Anastasia glaring at her.
"What was that all about? Why did you pick a fight with Marin?" Anastasia scolded.
"When did I ever do that? I only asked her opinion!" Callista shot back.
"But weren’t you being too harsh?" Ivan interjected, his sharp gaze fixed on her. "It was obvious from her expression that she was uncomfortable with your question. You can’t just blurt things out without considering how the other person might feel."
"So now it’s my fault?" Callista crossed her arms. "Ivan, the problem isn’t me. I only shared a story I found interesting and asked for her opinion. I have no control over her emotions. So before accusing me of picking a fight, maybe take a moment to think."
Their gazes locked in a silent standoff, tension crackling between them like a fire waiting to be stoked.
"Miss Callista."
Caspian’s voice cut through the thick atmosphere. All eyes turned to him. His usual shyness was gone, replaced by something firm—something unmistakably serious.
"Can I speak with you for a moment?"
Callista held his gaze for a second before nodding. "Sure."
They walked a short distance away, far enough for privacy.
"What did you want to talk about?" she asked.
Caspian exhaled slowly. "I didn’t like what you said to Marin."
She wasn’t surprised. In fact, she had expected this conversation.
"Tell me, Caspian—how much do you trust her?"
"I trust her enough to drink anything she serves without hesitation."
Callista let out a short laugh. "Ignorance is bliss, isn’t it? But not when your life is on the line."
Caspian frowned. "What has Marin ever done to you? As far as I know, you two had never met before. She helped you with your seasickness, stayed by your side these past few days, and yet, you’re suddenly acting hostile toward her. Why?" His voice was tight with frustration.
Callista sighed. "You’re not stupid, Caspian. You know she’s hiding something. You just keep choosing to ignore it."
His expression darkened. "That doesn’t give you the right to tell me not to trust her."
"I’m not telling you not to trust her," Callista said, meeting his eyes. "I’m telling you to be cautious. Even people who love each other can turn into enemies when forced into a corner."
Caspian stood frozen, processing her words. Before he could respond, Callista turned on her heel and walked away, leaving him standing alone with his thoughts.
---
Caspian was still deep in thought when Marin entered his room.
"Are you feeling okay?" she asked, noticing his distant expression.
"I’m fine," he said, forcing a smile.
Marin hesitated before stepping closer, and without thinking, Caspian instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Are you sure?" she murmured, brushing her fingers against his cheek. He leaned into her touch.
"Marin, is there something you’re not telling me?"
The moment the words left his lips, he felt her body tense.
"Why are you suddenly asking that?" she asked cautiously, stepping back.
"I…" Caspian struggled to explain.
Marin’s eyes widened. "Caspian, don’t tell me you’re suspecting me?" Her voice wavered, and tears welled up in her eyes.
"That’s not it! I just—" He reached for her, but she took another step back.
"I feel like you’re hiding something from me," he admitted.
A flicker of sadness crossed her face. "Caspian…"
The air between them was heavy with unspoken words.
"I... I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that," he muttered.
"It’s fine," Marin said after a pause. "You’ve been thinking about a lot lately. Maybe we both need some time to clear our heads."
Caspian immediately understood what she meant.
They needed space.
"Marin, I—" He started, but before he could finish, she turned and left the room, leaving him standing there—frustrated, guilty, and alone.
He ran a hand through his hair.
Why did I do that?
