Third person's POV
Tabitha's eyes snapped open, and she sat up abruptly.
She had just drifted off to sleep but had awakened suddenly for no apparent reason.
Instinctively, she got out of bed and looked around. The sea was calm, with barely any waves. There was no sound around her. How, then, had she woken up?
It was late. As Tabitha pushed open her door, she saw a man smoking not far away.
In the days they had spent together, she had never seen Wilmot smoke, but there he was, leaning against the railing.
The corridor was dimly lit, making it hard to see his face, and his body was largely shrouded in darkness.
The only visible things were the glowing red tip of his cigarette and the outline of his long fingers.
His entire aura was different from usual, like a cold moon encircled by dark mist, exuding an eerie and mysterious vibe.
The moment he saw Tabitha, he flicked his finger, and the cigarette butt arced through the night like a red meteor before disappearing into the sea.
"Is something wrong? Can't sleep?" he quickly approached her.
As he moved from the darkness into the light, his face resumed its harmless expression, making one wonder if they had mistaken his earlier demeanor.
"Why are you still out here?" Tabitha was surprised. It was so late. How could he still be outside? Had he been there every night, silently guarding her without her knowledge?
"I'm worried about unexpected situations. I don't sleep much anyway, I can't sleep even if I go back to my room. Why are you out here?"
"I came out for some fresh air," Tabitha said, unable to pinpoint what had happened but feeling an inexplicable unease.
"Don't worry, I've contacted Captain. They will be back soon."
Wilmot scrutinized her expression, sensing she seemed to want to say something but held back. He wondered if the gunfire earlier had frightened her.
"If you're scared, I can stay in the room with you. Would you feel safer with me here?"
"Alright."
Tabitha agreed, allowing him into her room.
She lay back on the bed while Wilmot sat on the floor, about three meters away from her, providing a strong sense of security.
At that moment, Captain, his face flushed from drinking, stumbled back onto the ship, carrying two small figures in his arms.
"How pitiful. Are there such cruel parents in this world? They just abandoned their own children in such a desolate place? Jerry, check if any families nearby have lost children tomorrow."
"Yes, Captain."
Captain brought the two children back to his room. The little boy was dirty, covered in leaves and dust, and had several scrapes.
"Oh dear, my little darlings. It's so heart-wrenching. Where are your mom and dad?"
The children just shook their heads, not speaking.
They were too young to speak well, especially the little girl, with a red nose tip, looking very pitiful.
"Well, don't be afraid, my little darlings. I'll get you something good to eat."
Captain prepared a lot of food for them. Initially, the two children were wary of him. But eventually, they were too hungry and ate some.
The little boy, like a protective wolf cub, kept a vigilant eye on Captain, shielding his little sister behind him.
Such a young child already knew how to protect his sister.
He brought a first aid kit and gently wiped the little boy's cheek with a warm towel.
"Does it hurt?"