Page 24 of A Descent Into Darkness

I let him lead me to what I assumed were his private chambers. A massive space dripping with opulence. Marble floors, ornate tapestries, an enormous fireplace set before a four poster bed that was large enough to sleep five full-grown men, and sitting there on that bed was Kat. She didn’t take notice of our entrance, her glassy eyes locked on wisps of blue that danced around her head. A soft smile on her face, completely entranced by the glowing light.

“What’s wrong with her? What have you… are those pixies?” I questioned as I stepped closer to her. The little blue wisps were actually delicate faeries, leaving a trail of water droplets around Kat’s head as they encircled her.

“Water Sprites. Same family, just without all the dust.” He waved it off as though it were nothing. “They go hand in hand with the god of the sea. They like her almost as much as I do. Don’t worry, she’s enjoying herself for a change,” he added, trying to reassure me. “Leave her be and come indulge me with drink and conversation.”

He led me to a table and a set of chairs positioned in front of grand bookcases that stretched a full twenty feet to the ceiling. I’d never seen so many books in one place. I’d taught myself to read from the moment I boardedQueen Anne’s Revenge. While the crew plundered gold, I collected books.

“You read?” I asked. Surprised that a god would have any need of books.

“Yes. Another passion of mine. I find your Shakespeare to be far beyond his time, brilliance, I say. And what about you, young James?”

“Of course. Most men can’t comprehend the notion, but knowledge is a weapon. Possibly one of the best ones to have in your armory.”

“Truer words have never been spoken. Here, I’ve opened a bottle of wine. It’s from my private collection. A superb vintage.” I turned to the sound of liquid filling a glass.

“No, thank you. I cannot.” I hesitated as I turned it down. I wanted nothing more than to drain the cup. My nerves were still on edge after seeing Pan—or the vision of Pan.

“Cannot or will not?”

“Is there a difference?”

“The difference is whether or not you’re making the choice of your own free will. Are you owned, James?”

My teeth were clenched so tight that the muscles in my jaw ticked. “I am no one’s property.”

“And what about Blackbeard?”

I snatched at the proffered glass, ripping it from his hands, tipping it back and downing the entire contents in one gulp, desperate to prove that I was master of my own destiny. It was only afterward that I appreciated the divine flavor of the wine. I savored the lingering taste on my tongue. It was euphoric. A ball of warmth swirled in my gut and radiated across my body. It was as if I’d drank an entire bottle of rum in one sip. I could feel the corners of my mouth lift into a giddy smile. I felt fantastic. Better than I had all night. What the hell had I been waiting for? Teach had been holding out on me, the bastard.

“How’s the wine?” Manann asked as he poured me another glass, a knowing smirk on his face.

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted in my life,” I gushed. The euphoria continued to grow, burning through all ill will as my earlier reservations evaporated into the ether. I felt at peace with everything surrounding me and I was absolutely certain that Manann was the greatest god in all the realms.

“I see a kindred spirit in your curious soul. And I can’t help but wonder why Éadbard has risked so much to come and see me?”

“Risk? Are you going to kill him?” The question nosooner popped into my head before it spilled from my lips before I could even decide if it was a question I should be asking.

“Not me. He may be a heathen, but I cannot find it in me to condemn the man after all he’s been through. But surely you know he is a hunted fae?” Manann looked at me curiously.

“The captain keeps his secrets close.”

“And yet you follow him, no questions asked?”

“There is a reason for my silence. I have secrets of my own that I do not wish to draw attention to.”

“This affair you have with Peter Pan?” he questioned.

“Yes. But that is not all.” I could feel all my truths sitting in my throat, waiting to be spilled if he should ask of it. My inhibitions had completely abandoned me, and I was an open book.

“Do you know why Éadbard is here? What secrets are you keeping for the captain?” His captivating blue eyes pierced through me. I could feel the confession bubbling up inside me. Teach was here for information on the ruby. I wanted to tell him, because somehow I knew with all my heart that I could trust him.

“I have been keeping a secret. Blackbeard—” A ripple of nausea hit my gut and I paused. I wasn’t supposed to relay this information to anyone, let alone the very god we intended to deceive. But I wanted to tell him. Something inside me yearned to expose everything that I had been hiding for so long.

“You can tell me, James. Whatever you tell me will remain between the two of us,” he pressed, and I knew I was done for.

“He’s in love with me,” Katherine’s feminine voice pulled me up short, clearing my swirling head and bringing me back to reality. “That’s his secret. One that both of us would die to protect. I may be Blackbeard’s property, but James is the one who owns my heart.”

Manann’s eyes grew wide. “By my word, James. Your story gets more interesting by the moment. I always did enjoy a good love triangle. Tell me, how do you stand it? To have your heart's desire ravaged by another man?” His question seemed sincere, but it dissolved the last remnants of euphoria from the wine. I clenched my fists, reminding myself that I was in the private quarters of a god, and I had to pick my words carefully.

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