Chapter 64

64

CASSANDRA

" H ow long until we get to the castle? Or at least near it?" I ask as I stop next to Hunter. His hands are on the wheel as he turns us to the right a little bit. I look around, not seeing anything, other than the sun shining on a few rocks and the sea for miles. How he even knows where we are is a mystery to me, but Hunter seems assured from the controlled look he gives as he looks around. I have hidden my sickness from them all so far, but I know it won't be long until someone sees me throwing up and starts asking questions. I usually sneak out of whoever's bed I'm in and thrown up in the toilet. The only one that has seen me was Hunter, but he hasn't said anything, and it was only the once.

"A day at the most," he states, and points to the sky.

"Someone clearly missed you," he adds, and I follow his direction to see Vivo in the sky, just before she dives down and splashes into the water next to our ship, rocking it a little as water sprays us. I grin, wanting to call her, but she is bigger than the ship, and I don't think she could land on board. I decide to just watch her, knowing she is near is good enough for me.

"We must be getting close to catching up with the army, and she sensed us or something," I say. Hunter nods, watching as Vivo flies back out of the sea and into the air. She circles us for a while, before diving again and this time, coming up with a large fish in her mouth . Handy trick.

"I saw you were sick again this morning . . . have you seen Chaz about it? Maybe he could help," Hunter asks me, and I shake my head.

"It's just seasickness," I say, hating the lie that slips out of my mouth so easily. It won't be long until I can tell them all, that's what I keep reminding myself anyway. It's the only way to get through the day.

"You never had sea sickness before," Hunter says and grabs my chin gently, turning my face to look at him. "What are you lying to me about, little bird?"

"Nothing," I say, and he chuckles low, leaning closer and brushing his lips against mine.

"I don't believe you," he whispers.

"You shouldn't, but if you love me, you'll leave it," I plead, and he frowns, letting go of my chin to stroke the back of his hand down my cheek .

"Secrets are not something I like," he says gruffly, his eyes seeming to be fighting with the indecision of asking me or letting it go.

"I wouldn't keep any secret from you unless there was no choice. Please don't ask me to tell you," I almost beg him, staring into his dark-blue eyes and feeling like I'm lost. He nods once, letting go of me to hold onto the wheel.

"Whatever it is, I love you, anyway," he tells me, not looking at me once. I place my hand on his arm for just a second, before walking away and down the small steps to the deck. Dante and Chaz are talking, laughing accusingly as they play cards on a barrel. I see Jacob at the front of the ship, watching where we are going, I expect. My hand goes to my stomach as I watch them all, knowing I could imagine having a baby on this ship. Having a future together, a long and happy one, but I have to do something they may all hate me for. I have to do this alone. It's always been my responsibility. I walk down the steps below deck, finding my way to my room and opening the door, shutting it behind me. I wait until it's gone dark, before grabbing the bag with the crown in, chucking it on my back, and picking up the dagger Jacob gave me.

"Cass? Are you coming for dinner?" Chaz asks, knocking on the door.

"Yes, I will meet you all in there," I say, knowing this is the perfect time to do what I must. They are all distracted. I slide the dagger into the side of my trousers, looking at my ring and my mark on my hand. Guilt fills me for what I have to do, but I don't see any other way of doing this. I quickly decide to write a note, knowing I have to leave something behind, some explanation for them.

For my pirates,

When you know I've left, please don't be mad or angry. I have to face him alone, and I have to do something so evil that I can't have any of you at my side as I do it. Time is running out for us, and I must save what future we have left. Fight for me, for Calais with the army, and I will find you when I have killed him.

I love you all. Your Cassandra.

I leave the note on my bed, knowing they might hate me when they read it. But, at least they will be alive. I pull the cloak off the back of the door, putting it on and pulling up my hood. I open my door, sneaking out and looking down the corridor. I can smell Zack's cooking, and I can hear them laughing and talking as they wait for me to come to dinner. I wish I could just go to them, but the crown on my back–the deal made with a god–reminds me that I can't just do that. I turn around, walking up the stairs and pulling the hatch door open. I climb out, closing it behind and looking up at the sky. The sun is setting, but I know Vivo won't be far. I run to the back of the ship, climbing on the very edge of the wood. The ship is moving quick, and the sails are up. I know once I jump, I won't be able to get back on easily.

"Vivo, I need you!" I shout, hoping she hears me, because there is a good chance one of my pirates did. Vivo breaks out of the skies, flying sharply towards me and landing in the sea. I lift my arms above my head and dive into the sea, knowing my dragon will save me.