Page 2 of Blood Sea

“And yet you keep following me,” I tease.

“I’ll follow you anywhere, Zu,” he replies sincerely. And I know he would, James has been in love with me for years after all.

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Chapter Two – Azula

Looking up at the bright moon in the sky, I float on my back in the calm waters of the cove. I let my mind drift, along with my body, as I relax. I tend to lose myself in daydreams a lot when I swim. My mind wanders off out into the ocean. I feel James’ hand slip into mine, grounding me back into reality as we float in the moonlight.

“It’s so beautiful out here,” he whispers.

“See, I told you it would be fun,” I whisper back. Breathing in the sea air, I feel at peace as we relax here. Trailing my other hand through the water, I feel it rush between my fingers. I just lie back, enjoying the soothing motion of the gentle waves as they rock us. Turning my head, I admire the way the glow of the moon makes James look. He always looks more attractive when he’s relaxed, when it’s just the two of us. Whenever his father or brothers are around his face is always so serious. It’s like they chase the humour and life right out of him with their mere presence. Actually, that’s not a bad theory considering how dull they all are.

The sound of bells chiming all over the island abruptly breaks the night’s peace. It starts from the bell tower near the fort that looks out across the docks and the open sea. The fort is our main position of defence on our small island, not that it’s ever much used. Only a skeleton watch stays up there to keep an eye out for approaching ships, but the bells ringing out can mean only one thing. James’ hand tightens on mine, almost painfully, and my heart rate jumps, as my breath quickens.

There are pirates here, and they’re heading toward our shores.

“They're actually here,” James whispers disbelievingly, echoing my thoughts aloud.

“Quick, we need to swim to shore,” I urge James, pulling my hand from his.

Rolling onto my front so I can swim quicker, I make quick strides towards the beach. James takes a little longer to reach land, but I come swimming most days and easily out pace him. I normally try and make it look like I’m not a strong swimmer to hide the fact that I swim as often as I do, but the look he’s giving me says it all. My cover is blown. The secret is out.

I shove my boots back on quickly as he catches up, ignoring the rest of our clothing scattered around the beach. James grabs his shirt and shoes, holding them in one hand. Capturing his free hand in mine, I know there's no time for worrying about his disapproving looks right now. We need to get inside, and get away from the danger zone. The moon is high in the sky, and the sun nowhere to be seen. The vampires will be coming onto land, and if we're not inside the safety of my home, we're surely doomed.

“Hurry up,” I snap at him as I tug on the hand, pulling him along with me. We quickly move through the tunnel, and this time, I don't bother to hide the fact that I know every step by memory, even in the darkness. We finally reach the tunnel's secret entrance, and we quickly sneak back into the house from behind the painting. James' father is standing at the end of the corridor, and he turns, hearing us walking towards him. His eyes are wide and alarmed, I can see the sweat beading on his creased forehead.

“Where the hell have you two been?” he demands angrily, the spit practically frothing from his mouth. I take a step back, just to be out of the saliva radius.

“We were—” I begin.

“No, that doesn't matter; may the gods have mercy,” he says, his voice losing some of the anger, and in its place, is utter despair.

“We're inside, we are okay, father,” James assuages. He steps towards his father as if he means to reassure him, but Mr Burcham steps away from James and focuses his gaze on me.

“But your father is not,” he says. I look between him and the large window to my right, realising his meaning instantly.

“Why the depths isn't he inside?” I cry out, already heading for the door. James steps into my path, blocking me from leaving.

“When the bells chimed, and we did not find you in the library, or any other room of the house, he went to search for the two of you,” Mr Burcham explains, not that he needed to, the pieces of the puzzle already slotted in my head.I have to fix this.

“James, get out of my way,” I demand. I notice a maid walking in and then swiftly slipping out again, unnoticed by the men. I can't blame her for wanting to avoid this obvious conflict.

“I can't let you go, Zu,” he says, a grim look taking over his face. He already considers my father dead, I can see it in his eyes, but I won’t give up hope so easily.

“He didn't leave long ago, did he?” I ask Mr Burcham quickly.

“He left about five minutes ago, the second he was sure you were not in the house,” he answers. On his face is a look of pity, and it only makes me furious to see it. I want to say something about the fact my father obviously left to look for me, and why didn't he help search for his son, but I refrain. James doesn't need to hear that.

“Last chance, get out of the way,” I demand of James. I step back as I say it, already predicting his answer.

“No, I cannot allow it. It's too dangerous out there,” he answers me, the determination to keep me safe clear in his voice.

“You don't understand; I'm sorry, but I have to go. We're all each other has,” I say softly, walking towards the long, oak cabinet that runs across a whole stretch of wall.

“Azula, I really must protest,” Mr Burcham says as I open the cabinet, and pull a loaded pistol and short sword from it.

“Zu...” James begins, looking at me standing there holding a weapon in each hand; he appears at a loss for words. I hold the sword in my right hand and the pistol in my left. I favour using a sword, so it makes sense to hold it in my dominant hand.

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