Taken

Adelina looked to the captain as she took a few bites of her own food. She grinned and then chuckled. “Traveling the world in search of the best chocolate?” She looked to the bar that Rey had pushed forward toward her. She grasped it, the tin of the packaging was silky and well made. She broke a small square off of the bar and popped it into her mouth. She closed her eyes and smiled to the flavor, “I see why now.” She grinned, “That...is incredible.” The princess shifted and took a few bites of her food. Her eyes looked to the captain again, she chuckled as Rey guessed the ingredients. “Yes, garlic and butter...some oregano too...I know you can’t taste it...but I wish you could. It’s much better than the boring food I’ve endured at the castle my entire life. It’s always the same, a beautiful masterpiece with the same boring flavor.” She raised a brow and let out a soft laugh before she went back to eating. Her eyes looked to the parchments that the captain had set aside. It was then that the horn went off.

“What’s happening? What was that?!” Adelina rushed out the door after the captain. The princess turned her eyes to follow Rey’s eyes, a fleet of 5 ships. She bit her lip as she stared to the ships that were speedily gaining on them. She followed Rey up the stairs to the wheel. The decision was thrown at her quickly. To leave. Or to stay. “Rey I...” Adelina turned her eyes looking to the captain. She grit her teeth, she didn’t want to leave. She didn’t want to go back. But, what choice did she really have. Who was she kidding? She wasn’t a pirate. She couldn’t stay here. She didn’t belong here.

Adelina stepped to the stern, her fingers curled around the railing. “I want to stay captain...but...I...” She let out a shaken breath. She turned her eyes to Rey once again. Just as her lips parted to speak an explosion went off. Adelina screamed as the deck below her crumbled from the cannon ball that had grazed the ship, just beneath where she was standing. The world went silent as she fell backwards. Everything seemed to slow as she plummeted from the huge ship toward the ocean, her ears were ringing and her body felt as though it was numb.

Suddenly the icy waters of the northern ocean embraced her body. As she hit the water the air was knocked from her lungs. Adelina tried to move, she tried to do anything she could to get above the surface. But her body felt paralyzed.

**

Just as the explosion happened Hutch ran up the stairs. He was knocked back against the mast by the blast. “Shit!” He yelled, he glanced to Rey. His eyes stared to his captain a moment and then without a word he leaped from the ship and plummeted into the icy waters below.

“Captain!” Rod called out. Another explosion. Another cannonball collided into the ship. Two of the royal guard ships were on either side of Odessa. Another was directly behind it, and the last had swooped around in the front. They’d brought their royal battle ships.

“Surrender the princess at once!” A knight stood, with a rifle held in his shoulder. “By order of King Wykeham of Aeredale.” A few more shots were fired from the ships that were on either side, harpoons. They stuck into the hold of Odessa and pulled tight. Long planks were then quickly thrown down and soldiers rushed across the planks, rifles and pistols drawn.

**

Hutch beat at the water gasping for air. “Damnit.” He growled before he took in a deep breath and dove down again. In his first dive down he’d missed Adelina’s hand by just a hair, his fingers had grazed against hers, her body was limp, she was sinking to the grasp of the ocean. He kicked as he swam down. Hutch pushed until he could see her he reached forward and grabbed her wrist before he pulled her in and kicked upward quickly. As he burst above the water he gasped loudly. More explosions happened. He moved and paddled the best he could. His body was shaking. “Come on princess.” He grit his teeth as he fought to keep them above the water, his head would dip beneath the waves every so often.

Hutch held onto her tightly, he glanced to Adelina, her face was pale, her lips had taken on a bluish tint. “Damnit....damnit....” He gasped as he gripped onto a piece of the ship that had fallen into the water. He used it to keep them above the waters. “Come on princess.” He squeezed her a bit. “Come on.” He shifted and fell from the plank, his head was submerged but he managed to keep Adelina above the water. He splashed as he fought to get back above the waves. His arm grasped onto another plank.

**

“Where is Princess Adelina?” The leader questioned, he was the lieutenant of the royal guard, he held a gun toward Rey, his eyes serious. “Tell me where she is you despicable thief!” He cocked the gun.

**

Adelina giggled as she lay on her back in the middle of the dance hall. She was young. She wore a beautiful blue dress. Another child lay with her a servant’s daughter. Her clothing was old and worn. The two giggled as they lay there. “Tell me again princess....what would you be if you could be anything?”

Adelina clasped her hands over her stomach. She stared up at the ceiling. “A pirate.” She grinned. “They get to see everything, to do anything....anything at all...and they aren’t stuck in some ball dancing.” She giggled, “What would you be Lilly?”

The young girl fell quiet, she scrambled to her feet. “My king.” She bowed her head.

Merek stood before them his eyes looked to his daughter whom stood slowly. “You are supposed to be rehearsing for the ball this evening, Adelina. Not wallowing around on the floor with the servants.” He glared to the young girl whom scurried off. He stepped forward and brushed dirt from his daughter’s dress. “Adelina, darling, you cannot be friends with the servants. You are a princess. You are royal blood, dear.” He cupped her cheek. “Come now, Charles is here to work with you on technique. Hm?” He smiled and kissed her forehead.

Adelina took in a breath and sighed softly. She looked to the man that was dressed in a nice tuxedo. He offered his hand forward. Adelina reached to him and he pulled her about, dancing with her. This wash her life, one ball after another, one dance after another, it was always a show. She was nothing more than a show to be put on.

**

Hutch trembled as he fought to hold onto the plank. He squeezed onto the princess and grit his teeth. “Come on princess...” The plank threatened to pull from his grip as he grew weak from the cold of the waters. “R-Rod...! C-c-c-captian!” He choked out, his body shaking. “Captain!” He yelled again.

The world was filled with darkness. The muffled sounds of war echoed over crash of the sea. She could hear the sobs of Hutch. The feeling of his arms hugging onto her. She tried to open her eyes. She tried to move. His arms around her felt so warm. This is all my fault. Please, please come back. His words echoed in the darkness.

Then Rey’s voice spoke. The sword. Adelina tried to open her eyes. I’m here, I’m here I hear you...I’m alive. She pleaded, but the words didn’t escape her lips. Though her panic subsided as Rey began to speak to her, she felt her warm fingertips against her cheek. Rey’s voice kept her conscious. After the story she felt the sharp tip of the sword against her chest. Then Rey spoke of the sword, of the legacy. Adelina tried to speak, she tried to open her eyes. It was then that Rey pushed the sword into her chest, it was incredibly painful, but only for a few seconds. Then everything fell completely silent.

Hutch watched his eyes looking over the princess. His fingers curled slightly into her wet tunic. He watched as blood leaked from the wound mixing with the saltwater and staining into the white cloth of her shirt. He held his breath as he watched his brows tucked together slightly. He remembered when Rey chose him. He remembered laying on the deck, he could barely breathe. His body was frail and brittle. His skin had been pale. He was dying. His body was failing him, his organs were shutting down. He was the owner of a chocolatier shop. He’d served Rey so many times. He remembered that day. Blood dripped from his nose and he forced a smile as he wiped it away, pushing the pain away the best he could. But, she’d noticed him, his sickness. It had come on so quickly, he would have been dead in a matter of weeks if not days...

Adelina stood in a meadow, the sun was warm against her skin. She glanced around, birds chirped happily from the treetops, the sky was clear as could be. She took a step forward and it was as if she’d walked into an icy water. Suddenly her clothing was dripping wet. She looked down as her muscles began to shiver. She hugged her arms to her body. “Wh...what’s happening?” She questioned.

“You darling.” A voice spoke. “Are one of mine now.”

Adelina looked up her eyes fell upon the beautiful woman that walked toward her. She had long flowing black hair. A beautiful cavalier had upon her head with a lovely feather. “What?” The princess questioned softly.

“You are now a part of the crew, darling.” The woman stepped forward. “Part of my crew.” She grinned then. “You’re a special one, I can feel it.” She slipped a sword from her hip.

Adelina took a step back. “What do you mean?” She took another step as the woman stabbed forward. The sword sliced into her chest and it was jerked back quickly. Adelina stared down as blood cascaded from her body, she looked to the woman as the blood on the sword began to glow brightly. She gasped as she held her hand up, her knees gave out and she fell forward.

Adelina sucked in a huge breath, her eyes opened wide. She sat up quickly, her heart pounding within her chest. Her eyes were glowing white as she stood and staggered slightly. She pulled at her shirt where her blood still stained. Her wound was healed. She took in quick breaths as her eyes fell upon Hutch whom stood before her. “Deep breaths.” He nodded as he watched her. “Just breathe.” He searched her eyes.

The glowing subsided from her eyes and the emerald color remained as she stared to Hutch. Her body trembled slightly as she turned her eyes to Rey. “Was....was I dead?” She asked, her voice quivered. “You...” She looked to the sword that was still stuck into the deck, her breath caught in her chest. “You...” Her eyes looked back to Rey then. “You saved me? Me?” She questioned her jaw loose. The color was returning to her skin, her cheeks were becoming a rosy pink as her body warmed. Adelina took a step back and staggered slightly.

“Easy now.” Hutch caught her as she nearly fell.

Adelina steadied herself as she glanced around the ship, to the men that stood around the them in a circle, all staring to them. “I wasn’t dreaming....” She breathed and let out an uneasy chuckle. “This...I...” She stared to the sword again her eyes stared to the blade. It was the same blade that the woman in her dream held. Odessa. Adelina’s eyes fell to Rey once again, “Thank you.” She breathed as her eyes searched over Rey.

Adelina looked to Rod as he spoke. One of us now. Her eyes fell slightly. It didn’t fully sink in until those words came over his lips. Hutch ushered her forward and below the decks. He pushed the door open to a dark room. It smelled old and dusty. No one had been in this room in a very long time. Adelina stepped closely behind him her breath trembled slightly. She waited as he lit a lantern and hung it. The room slowly illuminated to reveal the small chamber, no bigger than the one she’d awoken in on the first night. She glanced to Hutch a moment and then to the room. Her breath shook, tears were welled in her eyes. “Was I dead?” She questioned softly. “I was dead....wasn’t I?”

Hutch bit his lip slightly. “Princess...” He let out a long breath. “You went under the water, the ocean...it would have claimed your life, I...” He grit his teeth slightly. “This is my fault...” He shoved his hands into his pockets, his face full of guilt. “This is my fault, I’m sorry, Adelina.” He stood for a moment as he watched her step forward and sit at the edge of the bed. “You...um...” His jaw tensed slightly. “You’ll lose that feeling, you have....you’ll become numb, until we can feed Odessa...” He stood in the doorway a moment longer in silence before he slipped away.

Adelina glanced around the empty room. She moved to the dresser and pulled it open, clothing still remained in the drawers. She picked through it and found herself a black blouse with blue stitching. She stared to the bloody tunic that lay upon the bed. Her mind kept going over the dream. Odessa’s words. Special. How was she so special?

Adelina sat on the bed, she lifted the tunic into her hands and ran her fingertips over the fabric where it had been cut by the sword.

“Don’t fret.” A voice spoke.

Adelina looked up to see a blue figure before her. She took in a shaken breath. “I...I’m a princess...I’m...”

“Child, you are more than you realize.” Odessa stepped forward. She glanced around the room. “This was once Harlow’s room.” She smiled. “A special room.” She ran her fingertips over the dresser.

Adelina watched the woman before her, the spirit. Her breaths trembled. “Why do you think I am special?” She questioned softly.

Odessa turned to her, a bright smile upon her lips. “Because, you are going to help find my love, you are going to help Rey find my love and break this curse. You a much more than you know, child.” She spoke and before Adelina could question further Odessa disappeared.

Adelina took in a breath. She shook her head. She stood and looked into the mirror at herself. Her eyes. Her eyes were different. She leaned closer to look at the beautiful emerald color, a golden ring surrounded her pupil now. It was prominent. She let out a breath and shook her head again. “I’m...just a princess...” She sat down on the edge of the bed. She stared to the crackling fire of the lantern. Her eyes watched it intently for a long moment. She stood and slowly approached the lantern. She grasped it and lowered it to the dresser. She carefully lifted the glass from around the flickering flames. She held her hand above it, to feel its heat. She let out a breath as tears welled in her eyes. She couldn’t feel the heat of the flame. She lowered her hand slightly and watched the flames lick her skin. A few tears rolled over her cheeks as she pulled her hand back and she looked to the charred skin. Adelina watched as her skin mended before her eyes. She felt nothing.

Adelina let out a shaken breath as she replaced the glass back upon the lantern and she hung it back up. She rushed from her room and rushed up to the decks. Her stomach was in knots. Her heart pounded within her chest. Adelina rushed to the edge of the deck, her hands gripped onto the railing as she fought the urge to sob. “It’ll pass.” Rod spoke as he tied off the last rope. He came to her side and pat her shoulder gently. “Just breathe, princess.” He offered a gentle smile.

Adelina looked to him a long moment, she gave a nod and she watched as he retreated to his room below the decks. She stood for a long moment before she climbed the stairs up to the wheel of the ship. She glanced to Rey for a moment as she came to her side. She looked up at the sails, to the stars. She was quiet for a long time as she listened to the waves crashing in the ocean around them. “It’s that star, isn’t it?” Adelina questioned, “Charybdis.” She spoke her voice was soft. She hugged her arms to her body as if she was cold, but she didn’t shiver. “Why me?” She asked after a long moment of silence. “Why did you choose me? What is so special about me...?” She glanced to Rey and then she glanced to the sails and the ropes that were rigged. “Why does Odessa think I am special?” She questioned then. Her eyes held a slight golden glow to them in the dim light. The ring around her pupil seemed to be on fire. She let out a shaken breath though Adelina didn’t speak any more. She stepped to the railing, the same railing she had been holding onto when the cannon hit the ship. She gripped onto it, images of the explosion rushed through her mind. She remembered feeling the slight tug on her tunic as Rey tried to grab her. She rubbed the railing with her thumb as she stood quietly.

Adelina gazed out over the open sea as Rey began to speak to her. She glanced to Rey as she came to her side. Her eyes watched the captain, the golden ring around her eyes still held a magical glow. Her brows tucked together slightly when Rey mentioned her eyes. “Elven lineage?” Adelina questioned, confusion sweeping over her face. When the captain mentioned her father, his dragon. She took in a breath, “But, my father isn’t an elf...” She took in a breath as she thought a moment. “He controls Throrodan...yes...his dragon wouldn’t dare do anything that my father didn’t ask of him to do...”

Adelina stepped away to the lines then and pulled tightly, the line tugged against her as the sail caught the wind. She took a step back before she began to tie it off carefully, just as Rod had shown her to do. She caught on to everything on the ship quickly. Adelina stepped back up the stairs carefully, her eyes looking back out to the sea once again. When Rey began to speak to her she turned her eyes to the captain once more. She took in a deep breath as Rey spoke. She turned her eyes away as she listened, her eyes glanced to the stars, to the sails, and then finally the brought her eyes back to the captain. “My life....” She let out a breath and grit her teeth slightly. “Nothing has ever been a choice for me, not the clothing I wear, or the man I was to marry...” Her voice was soft. She stepped to the railing that was in front of the captain’s wheel. Her hands grasped onto it. “You can’t really say if I was meant to be kidnapped or not.” She looked to Rey with a soft smile on her lips, she chuckled then. “Maybe Odessa pushed Hutch into kidnapping me.” She shrugged as she looked back forward. Her eyes watched as waves crested and curled over. “Maybe if I wasn’t kidnapped I would have died anyway? War was looming over my kingdom, the union between William and I...that was to set our kingdoms at peace...” She let out a breath, “I can only imagine the fear Will has for me, as much as I didn’t want to marry him, he is a good man, his vision for the kingdom was optimistic....” She shook her head. “I would have never been happy.” She turned and leaned against the railing, her arms crossed. Tears had welled in her eyes. “I would have never loved him.” She shook her head as she sniffled, tears rolled down her cheeks and landed on the deck. She couldn’t even feel the tears as they rolled over her skin. “My father was selling me to his kingdom as a peace offering.” She lowered her eyes. “That’s what happens to royalty, the women are sold for money and riches, for food and peace...”

Adelina took in a deep breath, “I do not resent you, captain.” She looked up to Rey then her eyes stared to her a long moment, her eyes seemed to glow as her emotions surged. “For all I know war could have brought death to my kingdom, I could have died anyway.” She turned then and brushed the tears away. She looked to the wet liquid on her fingertips. She couldn’t feel it. Her body shuddered slightly. The lack of feeling was the worst. Her mind couldn’t comprehend it.

The princess took in a shaken breath. “The most painful part is...I could hear everything....” She whispered, “if I was dead...it...was like I was listening, unable to move...I could feel everything...” She spoke, her voice nearly a whisper. She then looked to Rey a long moment she seemed to be thinking intently. She then let out a breath slowly. “I should rest.” She nodded. “If there is anything I can do, Rey...I will...I owe it to you.” She gave a weak smile before she slipped away.

**

It was early in the morning hours that a horrible roar echoed over the ship. Adelina sat up in her bed, her heart pounding. “Oh no!” She cried as she heard the beating of wings. She scrambled from her room as she pulled on her boots. She rushed up the stairs and burst through the door. Flames shot forward upon one of the masts of the ship. The sail quickly caught fire. Adelina ran forward, rain was falling upon the ship by that point in time, the waters were rough. She wondered how she’d slept through such a storm. Thunder rumbled as lightning flashed. The dragon swooped around the ship and slashed at one of the masts breaking it easily in two. His scales were as black as the night. Flames shot from his jaws hitting the final mast of the Odessa.

“Stop!!” Adelina cried out as she ran toward the bow of the ship. A wave crashed over the edge of the ship as it was stuck in the rough waters now, unable to move without the sails to propel it.

“Adelina!” Hutch reached and grabbed her arm but she quickly slipped from his grip. “Adelina!” He yelled over a boom of thunder.

Adelina ran to the bow of the ship, her hands gripped onto the railing. “Stop!” She screamed, her voice breaking. “Throrodan stop this! It is me that you want! Stop!” Her eyes were glowing as she screamed. A white glow took over her eyes and fire swirled in her pupils. She gasped as her body became rigid. Her head tilted back slightly.

Adelina tried to move as Throrodan reached forward with his huge claw. It wrapped around her body tightly. Her chest heaved as a strange feeling swept through her body. The dragon hovered before the ship that was stuck within the stormy waters. He gripped tightly onto Adelina and a low growl came from his chest as his eyes glanced to the Odessa. Adelina gripped her hands onto the dragon. “Throrodan.” It took everything she had to speak. Her fiery eyes looked up to him as she pushed against his scaly skin. “Dragon, you must end this.” She choked out. “Don’t hurt them.” She spoke her voice trembled. Her body tensed as she fought against the magic that swirled within her.

Throrodan’s red glowing eyes stared to her, his grip tightened slightly. Blood dripped from Adelina’s nose as she reached a hand forward and touched his snout. The dragon snarled and reared back. His grip suddenly released her and she began plummeting from the sky toward the deck of the ship. Adelina let out a cry as she flailed her arms, then suddenly she was grasped again by the giant dragon. He lowered her to the deck of the ship as another wave crashed over the deck. His eyes were glowing a bright white with a fiery swirl, just like Adelina’s.

Adelina’s body was tense, her head was tilted back slightly, staring up to the skies, up to Throrodan. Her breaths trembled as blood trickled from her nose. She was stiff as a board as she stood there, though she was completely unaware of her surroundings. Another huge wave rocked the ship. The men upon the ship were rushing about, scooping water from the hull of the ship to keep it afloat. The huge dragon reached his talons forward then and suddenly he lifted the ship from the sea. He held the ship with his huge claws his head was near Adelina, his eyes locked on her. They flew through the air, through the storm. Faster than the ship could move on its own even in the strongest winds. Then suddenly Throrodan lowered the ship into the water, they were ahead of the storm, safe in calm waters. The dragon stared to Adelina a long moment, his eyes still a fiery white. He then turned and flew away, he burst into a flash of flames and ashes and he was gone.

Adelina suddenly collapsed onto the deck, her head lulled to the side. Hutch rushed forward, he’d been standing by her side since the moment the dragon lowered her to the deck, but he dared not to touch her. He knew better. He lifted her up into his arms and he glanced to the blood that trickled from her nose. “Captain!” He called as he rushed off up the deck. He leaped over a flaming crate that was smoldering. Most of the fires from Throrodan were almost fully extinguished by now. The ship was beginning to mend...

**

Adelina woke with a gasp. She sat up in her bed. She glanced around the room quickly. She drew her brows together. She shuffled from her bed and pulled her boots on quickly before she rushed to the deck. She stared up to the repaired mast, the perfect sails. She blinked a few times, was her mind playing tricks on her? Had she actually stopped Throrandan? Was it all just a horrible dream? She rushed up the stairs to Rey, her eyes wide. “Did...” She paused a moment, confusion on her face. “The cove...did we make it?” She questioned then, she looked to the masts again, her eyes almost worried. She looked to the open ocean, the sun was rising and beautiful orange rays lifted into the skies.

Not a dream.

Rey’s voice seemed to punch Adelina in the chest. She took in a breath and bit her lip slightly. She still felt as thought she was dreaming. Her head was foggy, her muscles felt weak. She glanced back to Rey with soft eyes. “I think...I’m okay...” She drew her brows together slightly. “My father’s dragon...” She nodded. “I really did that?” She questioned. “I command Thorodan?” Her eyes widened slightly. “I...” She bit her lip and looked away. Her eyes fell upon the wall that jutted up from the ocean. Before she knew it Rey was telling her how they were going to make it through the wall. Adelina looked back to her with determined eyes. “Okay.” She nodded and she rushed to the line.

As Rey began to shout orders Adelina glanced up to her. She admired her leadership, how well the men listened to her. She looked back forward and her eyes widened as she stared to the ever approaching wall. The mist of the ocean sprayed against her face. She looked to the others, the other men, no one had even the slightest look of fear in their eyes. Adelina shut her eyes tightly as she continued to grip onto the rope. Adelina grit her teeth as Rey cranked the wheel and the ship pulled up out of the water. She placed her foot against the railing, holding herself up, she didn’t loosen her grip until she was given the order.

Adelina held her breath as she watched the mast spun so that it wouldn’t get broken off by the jagged walls. She bit her lip as they slipped into the opening. The shadow of the mountain shrouded around them. Adelina didn’t move. Her eyes stared forward to the light on the other side. The ship creaked as it moved forward, losing speed. No one moved. No one spoke. Then once they emerged on the other side the men cheered and they went to rigging the sails back into place. Adelina looked around the cove her eyes wide.

“I’ve seen this...” She whispered.

“What do you mean you’ve seen it?” Hutch questioned, he raised a brow as he looked to her.

“In a book...” Adelina replied. “In the library at the castle, my father has an old collection, he never really wanted me to dabble in it, but...” She rushed past Hutch and up the stairs. “There is a book, with this place in it....I’ve read it...the drawings....” She looked back forward to the beautiful lake they they sat in. “I’ve seen this before.” She breathed. Adelina closed her eyes a moment trying to remember. “My father was angry with me, I was a child...I got into his book collection, I thought it was a fairytale...the book...it was like reading a fairytale...but...” She let out a long breath. “This place, it’s real.” She looked to the center of the lake. 3 pillars stuck up from the water reaching toward the skies. Old ancient elven markings lined the pillars.

“It’s a magical place.” She spoke, a soft laugh escaped her lips. “I never thought it was real...then again I’ve never believed in magic, I was brought up to believe that magic wasn’t real anymore, that the days of magic were over that it was a fairytale in its own...and yet, I can feel the magic now...like a separate soul within my body...” Adelina leaned against the railing, “So, captain, how do we get into the cove?” She questioned softly, her spirits seemed higher than they were before she’d gone to bed. The things that Rey spoke to her, she was allowed to decide who she was. She was allowed to forge her own path...it was a freeing feeling, and to know that Thorodan would not chase after them, no he would help them. That thought brought a sense of peace to her mind.

Adelina watched as Rey commanded the men. She smiled as Rey spoke of magic, she could see a light in her eyes, an excitement, the thrill of it. Adelina’s own eyes were full of curiosity. She chuckled when Rey mentioned power. “Ah, yes, like my father?” She questioned and raised a brow. “I imagine others in power have magic as well...” She crossed her arms slightly. The thought of it, after seeing what magic could do, it made her nervous to be truthful.

When Rey’s eyes began to glow Adelina watched her closely. Her eyes curious, her breath caught in her chest. She was pushed back slightly by a gust of wind. Her brows pulled together as the mist of the sea touched her skin. Her eyes moved forward to the pillars where the maelstrom began to form. Her heart began to pound within her chest. Adelina took in a quick breath as Rey ordered everyone below the decks, she raised her brows when she was the only one told to stay.

She followed Rey up to the wheel and stood by her side as they moved toward the rushing waters. She trusted the captain, but the fear was causing her to tremble slightly. Adelina reached forward and gripped onto the railing in front of her, her eyes stared to the sea. She glanced to her left just as the front of the bow tipped forward. Her eyes fell upon the ghostly form of Odessa, whom was grinning wildly. As Rey turned the wheel Adelina clutched onto the railing, expecting to fall, but she didn’t, gravity didn’t pull at her at all. She felt completely grounded as if her feet were glued to the deck.

Adelina glanced to Rey as she told her to take the wheel. She moved and quickly turned the wheel as she was told. Her eyes caught Odessa’s, a smile upon the ghosts lips. It was an exhilarating rush, the feeling of commanding the ship. The feeling of driving the ship into the maelstrom. Adelina let out an uneasy breath as the ship landed on the floor of the sea. The water crashed in around them, she expected to be swept away. Her breath caught in her chest, her eyes widened. She stepped back and looked to her hand that Rey held and then she lifted her eyes to meet the captain. She stared to Rey in awe. This was something that only dreams could bring to life, and yet, this was her reality.

As the ship rushed upward when Rey took the wheel back Adelina gripped onto the railing once more. As the water rushed from the ship Adelina took in a deep breath, laughter escaped over her lips. She grinned as she looked to Rey. Then her eyes fell upon the Elven city. The gold within her eyes seemed to light up as she looked over the huge pillars of marble, the intricate lines that ran from the rooftops to the sides of the buildings.

Adelina watched as the men rushed onto the decks as water rushed from the wooden surface back into the cove. She glanced to Rey as she was given the order to speak with Hutch. “Okay.” She nodded as she slipped from Rey’s side. “Hutch!” She called over the clammer of the men as they looked to the beautifully crafted city.

Hutch turned and grinned, “I haven’t seen Rey use her magic in years.” He spoke with a chuckle. “Look at this place.” He opened his arms up slightly and let out a breath.

Adelina chuckled and grinned as she looked to the buildings, up close it was even more incredible, golden inlays lined the city. “It’s beautiful.” She spoke before her eyes fell upon the pirate again, “Rey says I need some weapons.” She watched him as he grinned to her.

“This way.” Hutch stepped below the decks.

Adelina glanced up to the captain as Odessa appeared once again next to her. She paused a moment as she watched the ghostly figure.

“Adelina? Are you coming?” Hutch poked his head around the corner.

Adelina hesitated a moment and then ran to catch up with him. “Yes, yes, sorry.” She followed him below the decks to the storage compartment. She glanced around to the crates. “So this world...where are we?” She asked Hutch as she looked to the old ropes that held the crates in place.

A chuckle came from behind her. “No, just hidden by magic.” Odessa sat upon a crate. She glanced to Hutch and grinned as he stared to her. “She needs a good sword and a good dagger, dear.” Odessa stood from the crate and made her way through the storage compartment. She stopped at an old box that was sealed with a thick iron lock. “This has what she needs.” Odessa looked to Adelina then a grin on her lips. “Exhilarating, isn’t it?” She chuckled before she disappeared.

Adelina’s eyes stared to the chest that Odessa had touched, the golden ring in her eyes seemed to glow slightly. She glanced to Hutch then whom was staring to her. A grin split his lips. “Odessa doesn’t just....talk to anyone...in fact, I’ve only ever seen her a few times and every time that I have it is at a distance and she is standing next to Rey at the wheel, late at night usually.” He chuckled, “Maybe it was fate that brought you to us? Not just my stupidity.” He stepped to the chest and rattled the lock. He let out a groan as he looked over the lock. “Keys.” He spoke as he walked to the base of the stairs. He opened a metal locker and rummaged through it for a moment before he pulled out a ring of keys. He tossed it in Adelina’s direction.

Adelina caught the ring at the last second before it collided with her face. She looked to Hutch and raised a brow. “Which key?” She questioned.

“Odessa speaks to you, shouldn’t you know?” Hutch chuckled as he walked over.

Adelina shook her head. “She thinks I’m special. I’m...not a warrior Hutch, you clearly know that, you kidnapped me.” She thumbed through the keys and sighed slightly.

Hutch crossed his arms as he watched her. “You have to believe in it.” He reached forward and grabbed the ring. “If you don’t believe, how else will we find the answer to the curse and free our souls?” He thumbed through the keys and held one forward. “This one.” He winked and unlocked the lock. He then lifted the lid on the heavy chest and took a step back. “All yours.”

Adelina peered into the box. The sword within it was wrapped in a black cloth. She reached forward and unraveled it to reveal a beautiful brow leather sheath. It had dyed green leather that held the straps that would attach it to her belt. Upon the green straps were beautiful inscriptions causing the green leather to almost appear to be a vine. The hilt of the blade was wrapped in the same beautiful green leather. Adelina brushed her fingers over the hilt before she gripped it and slid the blade out to look at it. The blade glistened as she looked it over. The guard was beautifully crafted and had slender metal pieces that came together that almost looked like leaves intertwined. At the base of the sword was a symbol, one that she didn’t recognize, the design held curves and lines that seemed to signify a family crest. Down the blade were inscriptions, elvish writing. Adelina’s eyes widened slightly as a golden color began to glow from the inscriptions upon the blade. She took in a quick breath.

“See, Odessa is right about you. You’re special princess.” Hutch chuckled. “Don’t forget the dagger.” He spoke and nodded to her.

Adelina sheathed the sword, her eyes glowing like the sword had. She glanced to him a moment before she reached into the chest and pulled the dagger out of its own cloth. She slipped her fingers around the curved hilt that fit into her hand perfectly. It had the same design to match the sword, beautiful green leather wrapped around the curved hilt.Two rings were linked together at the base of the dagger as it curved inward. An engraving that looked like vines ran up the middle of the blade. Adelina took in a breath as she looked over the beautiful artwork.

“Here.” Hutch spoke as he helped her attach the sword to her hip. He then wrapped the dagger sheath into a few belts that held it onto her left thigh. “Come on.” Hutch grinned, “you’re looking more and more like a pirate, princess.”

Adelina scoffed as she followed him. “I’m not a princess anymore, Hutch.” She spoke as they came to the deck of the ship. She stepped to Rey’s side as she called out her commands. She offered a smile. “Magic.” She nodded, “I can feel it.” She took in a deep breath as they stepped from the ship. She looked up to the huge pillars of the city, fire still burned at the tops in the braziers. She then looked ahead, her eyes caught a glimpse of something. “Did you see that?” She questioned. She glanced to Rey.

“You’re seeing things.” Hutch spoke with a chuckle as the group pushed into town. “We should see what this place has, maybe the old gold here would make our lady happy, eh?” He looked to Rey with a grin as he lifted a golden coin with elvish inscriptions upon it.

Adelina watched him a moment, her eyes looked back ahead. “What does the temple hold within it Rey?” She questioned then, her eyes curious. Adelina looked back forward. She let out a cry then as a pain struck her. She stumbled forward and gripped her thigh. An arrow pierced through her. She groaned and fell when she went to take a step. She felt the pain...how was it that she could feel?

Hutch caught her as she fell to the side. He then turned quickly, “Captain!” He grabbed Rey as another arrow shot forward. It pierced into his shoulder. He groaned. “Damnit.” He choked out. The tip of the spear was a black color with elvish inscriptions.

“Who are you?” A voice spoke from the shadows. The tip of an arrow glistened as a woman stepped forward.

Adelina ripped the arrow from her thigh, tears rolled down her cheeks. The roar of Thorodan in the distance seemed to shake the ground. Her eyes were filled with fire as she looked to this stranger.

The woman aimed the arrow at Adelina, “An elf.” She smirked, “Highborn.” She stared to her from beneath her cloak. Long slender ears poked from beneath her cloak. Beautiful blonde hair hung to the side in a thick braid. She wore elvish clothing, like something from a book. Her bow was artfully crafted with curving lines.

Adelina stood as her wound healed, her breaths began to slow. The roar of Thorondan was louder now, the flapping of his wings sounded in the distance.

The elf lowered her hood to reveal eyes that looked much like Adelina’s a grin split her lips. She looked up to the dragon. “Ah it’s been sometime since I’ve seen a dragon like that.” She spoke before she looked back to the group. “Your wounds heal.” She tilted her head and let out a chuckle as she watched Hutch rip the arrow from his own wound, it healed quickly. “You’re from the Odessa, are you not?” Her lips curved up in a grin. “I am Caramiriel.” She spoke, as if they should know her name. “I guard the city from outsiders, I have for years, and for years I have awaited the return of the Odessa.” She glanced from their height in the city, she could see the sails of the ship.

Adelina looked up as Thorondan landed atop the mountain and overlooked her, watching her closely. He was her guardian now. She looked to Rey with curious eyes, unsure if they should trust this elf, who was she?

The elf chuckled as she watched glances exchanged by the group. She slipped her bow onto her back and grinned her eyes fell upon Rey. It was as if she knew Rey was the captain. “You’re here for the temple, are you not?” She questioned, her eyes never leaving the captain.

Adelina watched as the elf spoke. Her brows drew together as the elf looked to her when she spoke of the key. She let out a breath, a key? She was the key? Her mind began to race. Highborn? Nothing made any sense to her. If she was so important, was that why her father never really spoke of their history? Did he know? Did her mother know? Why didn’t she hold tipped ears like the elf before her if she was a Highborn?

As they ascended the stairway toward the temple Adelina glanced up. Thorodan flew from his perch, his shadow cast over them. He landed above the temple, his eyes watching the group closely. She could feel his eyes on her, watching over her. Adelina bit her lip slightly when the elf spoke of the Highborn again. “I....I’m not quite sure how I’m supposed to open the door...” She muttered, the elf only looked to her and offered a soft smile. Adelina looked to Rey then her eyes full of confusion. She then looked up to the huge door that the elf now stood before. She watched in awe as the stone began to slide away opening into the huge room.

Thorondan lay down upon his perch, his wings relaxed to the side. His tail hung down, the tip of it near the top of the temple doorway. Adelina stared up to him for a moment before she stepped inside. She looked to the pillars in awe, the art was beautiful. When her eyes fell upon the goddess her jaw went slack. Such detail. It must have taken years to complete such a beautiful piece of art. Rey begged the question before she could. Her eyes moved to the elf as she spoke. Belayne, an Elven Goddess. She stared up to the statue again in awe of the detail. Every line was accounted for, even her toe nails, the straps of her sandals...everything was painstakingly detailed.

The group walked around behind the statue. Adelina looked to the rounded stone door. It was then that the elf mentioned what must be done. Adelina’s eyes widened, she looked to the woman in shock. “I....” She took a step back, her pulse quickened. She glanced to Rey. She looked back to the elf as the two spoke. “Your heart?” Adelina nearly choked out as Rey placed the ball into her playing field.

The elf offered a gentle smile, she was completely calm. “Mhm...” She nodded, “It is the only way, Highborn.” She stepped forward and searched her eyes. “It has been so long since I have seen eyes like yours.” She breathed. “I’d nearly forgotten what it looks like.” She let out a soft chuckle before she reached forward and gripped the hilt of Adelina’s dagger, she slipped it from the sheath quickly and looked to the blade.

Adelina flinched back from the elf. “I...I....I can’t...” She was breathing quickly. “This...” She bit her lip. “There has to be something else...something else we can do to open it....”

The elf watched her a smile upon her lips. “You are much more afraid of the power that you old than I thought you would be, Highborn.” She tilted her head slightly. “This is good, this will guide you.” She held the hilt of the dagger toward the princess then. “The dagger is even the same as what the prophecy has told.”

Adelina looked to the hilt that was extended toward her. She took in a shaken breath. “There has to be another way.” She shook her head, her body was trembling.

“I’m sorry. But this is the only way.” The elf spoke her voice calm still as she watched the terrified woman before her.

Adelina took another step back, she clasped her hands on top of her head taking in several quick breaths as she turned her back to the elf, to the group. She walked away several paces.

Hutch glanced to Rey a moment, “Maybe...”

“Okay.” Adelina spoke as she turned. She walked back to the elf and stared into her eyes. “Okay...” She gave a shaky nod. She glanced to Rey. “I owe this to your crew, you saved my life. I owe this to you. I...” She let out a long stream of air as she looked back to the elf. “I owe this to you.” She looked into the woman’s eyes. “You’ve waited, for me, for a long time and...if I leave you will still be stuck her...with no escape and that is no better than what has been done to the crew...they are stuck, unable to feel, unable to leave...” Adelina watched the elf. “So...I cut out your heart?” Her voice trembled as she spoke the words. “And I touch the door?” She asked.

The elf gave a warm smile, “Yes, just be prepared, I cannot tell you what lies beyond this door. With what you will gain, you will also lose.” Her words were all riddles. Every word the elf spoke twisted in tight turns to cause confusion.

Adelina reached her hand forward then, she shakily took the blade. “I just....t-take out your heart...” She spoke her voice full of fear.

The elf stepped forward, her eyes stared into Adelina’s a long moment. “Highborn, you are meant to do this, the prophecy foretold this.” She gripped Adelina’s arm, her fingertips curled behind Adelina’s elbow, the tip of the blade was pressed against the elf’s ribs just below where her heart would be. “When you are ready.” She spoke and nodded.

Adelina took in a few breaths. Just as she began to nod and her lips parted to speak the elf tightened her grip and pulled Adelina’s arm toward her, slicing the blade into her chest. Adelina yelped as she stared down to the blade, blood began to pour from the wound. The elf had her other hand on Adelina’s shoulder now. “Thank you, Highborn.” She whispered softly. Adelina was frozen, her eyes staring into the Elf’s eyes. She grit her teeth then and pulled the blade out. The inscriptions upon the blade were glowing a bright golden color, her eyes had begun to glow as well. Her breathing quickened as she helped the Elf to the ground. She stabbed the blade into the elf’s chest cutting around the ribs, the cracking sound was sickening as she pulled the broken bones away. Tears were streaming down Adelina’s cheeks by the time she reached into the Elf’s chest. She gripped onto the beating heart, her breaths trembled. The elf’s eyes fluttered from the loss of blood. Adelina squeezed then and pulled the beating heart from the elf’s chest then. A flash of light shone in the elf’s eyes then. Adelina stood and placed her bloody hand against the huge stone door. A sob escaped over her lips as she stood there with blood running down her arms.

The same golden light began to light up the inscriptions upon the doorway. Adelina watched as the heart began to glow and the elf’s body began to glow. Adelina let out a painful cry then. Magic swirled around her body. Her breath was stolen from her chest. The heart within her hand burst into ashes. Adelina cried out as she raised from the ground light encompassed her being. She fought against it as she hovered 5 feet above the ground. The ground began to shake as the door began to slide from its place. The stone ground against the track as it moved. The elf’s body burst into ashes, just like the heart did. A burst of energy came from the room causing a rush of wind to push through the group. Braziers inside of the temple lit up quickly with white and blue flames to light the room. As the door stopped on the track the glowing from Adelina faded and she fell to her knees on the ground. Blood dripped from her nose, her body trembled.

Adelina had a golden insignia upon her face that was glowing like the embers of a fire. A line began in the center of her lower lip and extended downward with dots on either side. It ran down her neck into a V that followed her collarbones with curled and more dotted areas. Upon her forehead a line began at the bridge of her nose and extended upward branching out into a beautiful tree. Her cheekbones held swirls and dots as well. Adelina let out a whimper as she placed her hands on the ground. Blood dripped from her nose onto the cold stone floor. Tipped ears pushed from her hair as Adelina took in shuddering breaths. Her body felt like it was on fire. The glowing began to fade from her face, beautiful insignia was left behind in black lines.

Opening the door not only had released something from within the temple...it had awoken Adelina’s hidden elven traits. The room beyond the door was filled with ancient artifacts, gold, paintings. At the end of the room up a few marble stairs rest a huge statue that reached downward with its hands clasped together. Within the palms of the hands a leather-bound book rest, and on top of that book, a piece of the stone. It glowed with a golden aura, cracks in the stone allowed more light to shine through. The longer the door was open the light began to fade away, the stone had reacted to Adelina’s powers. Adelina slowly stood to her feet, her body felt weak as she stood there, her eyes looking into the room. Tears ran down her cheeks though, she could not feel the warmth of the salty droplets upon her skin...