𝔸 ℙ𝕚𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝕃𝕚𝕗𝕖 𝔽𝕠𝕣 𝕄𝕖

Chapter 42 - Uninvited and Unwanted

Before us stood the last person we would have expected. Well..maybe not last last but pretty well up in there in 'unlikely people to turn up when you're on a treasure hunt with your husband, twin, niece and nephew.'

"Angelica," I greeted overenthusiastically. "So glad to see that you survived the island Jack and I left you to die on," My words as ever were full of sarcasm.

She made no reply simply glared at us for a moment longer.

"This is Angelica?" Ngaio questioned. "She's shorter than I expected."

Storm and Atlas backed away coming to stand between Ngaio and me. I rested a hand protectively on Storms shoulder.

"What are you doing here? If I may ask," Jack spoke up unfazed by the ever-growing tension between the two groups. Ngaio and I hadn't failed to notice the small group of pirates hidden behind a few nearby trees.

"We are after the gems of Calypso," she declared smirking at me.

"They are said to bestow the bearer with the power to control the seas."

I wasn't quite sure whether to believe that particular story not believing Calypso to be one for sharing her magical gift of controlling the sea, except with her own kin of course.

Despite being gifted the years of her father. Angelica seemed older the darkness under her eyes seemed darker among other things. I wondered how long she had actually been trapped on that dull little island for before being rescued by the odd bunch of men that she seemed to now be leading.

"You just order your men to come out Angelica," Ngaio declared. "Despite what they may believe they are terrible at going unseen." She remarked.

Out they came slowly one by one each sneering and glaring in our direction. As much as I would love to get into a fight with them I didn't want to put the twins in harm's way.

"Well, it seems like we might have an issue there." Nagano decided.

"It seems we do," Angelica agreed. "So here's what's going to happen. You four are going back to your ship and Jack will stay with us,"

"And what makes you think we would agree to that?" I snapped.

"Um, Celie Luv," Jack chimed.

Glancing to him I frowned as panicked flared within me. I was berating myself for not noticing the one who had come up from behind.

"I'll be alright Luv. Always am aren't I?" Jack assured with a weak smile.

"Come on Celeste," Ngaio grabbed my hand trying to pull me away also fearing for Jack's safety if we did not comply with the orders.

"Oh and leave the compass," Angelica called.

Storm handed it to me and I threw it at her as hard as I could.

We raced back to the shore and sent the children back to the ship. Both Storm and Atlas protested persistently insisting they wanted to help save their Uncle.

Ngaio had to force them back into the ship and attempt to rally some of the crew to come to fight with us.

"Stay here Cel, please, I will be back as soon as I can," she had said.

Did I listen? Nope.

I went rushing back through the trees praying I was heading back in the same direction we had come from. I couldn't bear to lose Jack for a second time and I would be damned if it would because of Angelica. My mind was racing with so many things.

I stopped my charge through the sea of palm trees and shrubbery. The gems. I drew my newly reclaimed sword and stared at the gem. Perhaps this was one of them too. It would explain the strange pull and feeling I had felt towards it. Then I realised it was also my best way to find my husband.

I walked along slowly closing my eyes and attempting to focus on that feeling once walking in the direction I felt best before talking off again racing through the trees leaping over roots and ducking over low hanging branches coaster in thick green leaves.

"Please be okay, please be okay," I whispered to myself and to any strange supernatural being that would listen.

My ran slowed again. I couldn't risk being spotted by anyone who could bring harm to Jack. The closer I got the stronger the feeling became but I had no clue where the others were nor Ngaio. I know she will be furious at me for leaving without her and more men to fight but she would understand. If roles were reversed and it was Will out here Ngaio would be exactly where I was.

"Hurry up!"

"Well it's a little difficult to walk when you've got a sword on you're neck," Jack challenged bringing a small smile to face. He was safe for now at least.

"We wouldn't be in this mess if you had just come with me and not her! I was ready to take my vows and you were in a bloody convent!" Angelica snapped.

"As I said before honest mistake," Jack assured.

As much as it pained me to do so I moved away from the sound and closer towards the pull of the gems linked to the power that I possessed. It grew stronger and stronger and soon I came to a cave not dissimilar to the one Jack and I had found ourselves in when we were searching for the fountain of youth. I checked the map which hadn't been much help so far and this looked like it could be the place I was supposed to go.

It was wide at the mouth and narrowed bit by bit and I immediately found myself being dragged in. I stepped into the shallow pool of water and enveloped the whole of the base of the cave walking further and further into the darkness and deeper waters seemingly pulled by some sort of force that almost overwhelmed me. Like I was being dragged in a by an invisible tide and there was nothing I could do to stop it.