As night fell, a shadowy figure silently entered Caspian’s room, where he lay asleep. The figure’s footsteps were so light that not even the floorboards creaked.

  Approaching the bed, the intruder gently brushed Caspian’s hair from his face, humming a tune filled with sorrow. Though asleep, Caspian subconsciously sensed the familiar presence.

  Fingers traced his face with such tenderness, as if memorizing every curve and edge.

  “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

  The figure froze. Spinning around, they met Callista’s gaze. She stood by the door, arms crossed, watching intently.

  The intruder’s eyes widened in panic.

  “H-How…?”

  Callista smirked. “You weren’t exactly subtle, Marin.”

  Marin’s breath hitched at the mention of her name.

  “He won’t believe you… even if you tell him what you saw tonight,” Marin whispered, her voice shaky.

  “Oh?” Callista raised an eyebrow, her smile laced with quiet confidence. “I don’t need to.” She chuckled softly. “You’ve already made him believe.”

  Marin’s confusion deepened. “What do you mean—?”

  Her question died as Caspian stirred, sitting up with a pained look in his eyes.

  “Caspian…” Marin’s voice trembled. “I… I can explain…”

  “This truth…” Caspian murmured, his gaze shifting between Marin and Callista. “It hurts more than I thought.”

  He then looked at Marin, who was caught between tears and trembling. He couldn’t believe that the woman he truly loved had intentions of killing him. How had he not noticed? No. He had always noticed.

  Maybe Callista was right. He chose to ignore it, blinded by his own feelings.

  “Why are you doing this? Did you ever love me?” he asked helplessly.

  “I…” Marin finally broke down, her voice choking with sobs.

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  “I didn’t want to do this either… Hic…” She weakly shook her head.

  “Then why?” Caspian’s heart ached as he spoke.

  “I didn’t want to give you to them... I…” She started sobbing harder.

  “You didn’t want to give me to them?” Caspian repeated, his voice filled with disbelief. “Marin, we’ve been together for so long, and you’re willing to give it all up for what? For what, Marin!?” His voice rose as he looked away, frustration boiling over.

  “I don’t even know whether to hate you or not because… because I love you too much…” Tears pricked the corners of his eyes. “Why would you be this cruel? Why... Why would you do this!?” His voice trembled as he shouted at her.

  “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…” Marin backed away, sobbing uncontrollably.

  “…Is this how much I’m worth to you?” Caspian cried, looking down in despair.

  “Y-You wouldn’t understand!” Marin exclaimed.

  “Then make me understand!” Caspian shouted back, his voice cracking. “Tell me why you’re doing this so I can at least know what to do in this situation!” Tears rolled down his cheeks. “I-I don’t want to hate you, Marin…”

  Marin simply closed her eyes as tears trailed down her face. Then, with a trembling voice, she began to sing softly.

  Caspian was baffled by her sudden action, while Callista stood stunned.

  “You… Stop that!” Callista shouted, panic evident in her voice.

  “What’s happening?” Caspian asked, confused.

  “I’m sorry, Caspian…” Marin whispered with a bitter smile. Before Caspian could ask more, Callista yanked him away.

  ---

  “What's happening!?” Caspian demanded in panic as they reached the ship’s deck, where the crew had gathered.

  “Callista, you’re finally here,” Anastasia said, her relief evident.

  “How is she?” Denovan asked, referring to Marin.

  “Bad. She’s about to attack us,” Callista replied, shaking her head grimly.

  “What?! What is happening, Callista!? What’s going to happen to Marin, and why are they here!?” Caspian demanded, looking at the others for answers.

  Anastasia worriedly looked at him. “We just want to help, Caspian,” she said, her voice barely heard over the furious wind.

  “Help?” Caspian asked, his voice cracking. “You’re trying to hurt her!”

  Anastasia’s eyes widened. “We’re not—”

  Suddenly, the cabin where they had been staying shattered into pieces as Marin stood in the middle of the chaos, still in her nightgown. The wind howled as the ocean grew restless, waves rising and crashing violently. Water poured from the sky, drenching their bodies.

  They could almost taste the salty air as the ship was rocked back and forth, following the furious waves.

  Callista glanced at Ivan and saw the hesitation in his eyes. They were in the middle of the sea—if he used magic, the ship could easily sink. Marin’s enchanting voice wasn’t helping the situation either.

  “She’s a siren, for God’s sake! She has the advantage in the ocean,” Anastasia pointed out.

  Callista remained silent as she stared at where Marin stood.

  “Callista, what are we going to do!?” Anastasia called out, but she didn’t answer.

  “Think quickly, or we’ll sink in the next few minutes!” Ivan pointed out, his tone urgent, as Denovan pulled Anastasia closer to him.

  “Please stay near me, Lady Ana,” he murmured protectively.

  “Callista, what now!?” Ivan called out, his frustration growing as the waves became wilder. But Callista didn’t respond. Caspian gritted his teeth at her silence.

  “Marin! Please! Let’s talk for a minute! Stop this!” Caspian exclaimed, though his voice was muffled by the strong breeze.

  Marin looked at him with teary eyes, her body stiff, her movements showing extreme hesitation. “N-No, Caspian, I—”

  Before she could finish, a haunting voice echoed in her ears, soft as a whisper.

  “Kill him… Kill them… Go… Hurry…”

  Her tear-filled eyes widened as she heard the voice that mimicked her mother’s. Covering her ears, she crouched down, trying to block it out.

  “No, no! Stop!” Marin cried out.

  Caspian’s worry deepened as he watched her. “Marin?” he called softly, but the air around them thickened.

  A chilling fog began to rise, curling around their feet as figures emerged from the mist—shadows of the forgotten, victims claimed by the sea.

  Callista clicked her tongue in frustration. The souls of the pirates who had perished in these very waters had resurfaced, summoned by Marin’s power.

  “Make your choice, Caspian.” Callista’s voice was firm, making Caspian’s heart sink.

  “I… don’t know. I can’t hurt her…” he whispered, his hands clenched in anguish.

  Callista looked at him in defeat, then turned to the others, who were anxiously awaiting Caspian’s decision.

  “Don’t…” Anastasia shook her head, sensing what Callista was considering.

  “Stay strong, me lad. This be the price ye pay to command the seas!”

  Everyone turned in shock at the familiar voice.

  Standing at the edge of the deck, grinning with confidence, was Herald. The Pirate Lord. Behind him, the crew stood ready, weapons drawn, their cheers echoing through the storm.

  “Ye be forgettin’, mateys! The Pirate Lord still sails this ship! HAHAHAHAHA!”