YILEYNAThe following two days, I avoided being alone with Theon like a wolf avoiding silver and wolfsbane. I stayed with Charlene when I could or locked myself away in my room after having to ask Ailema for a second key.
Theon would train Charlene in the mornings, but I asked Raiden or Ryan to accompany me to watch as well. Theon would make one of the men train with Charlene, but he, too, didn’t talk to me. At times I saw him watching me, and at others, I could feel his intense gaze upon me, but I didn’t entertain him. However, even then, the emotions coursed through me. Every time our eyes connected, I felt the intense rush of desire take my breath away.
Theon was a dangerous addiction and one I was consumed with. I knew if he tried, the chances that he would break my walls once more were high, so I didn’t even try to rile him up. Even when Leto begged me to sing along to his sea shanty, I refused.
Mom said my voice was beautiful, and she always asked me to sing for her when she was doing the laundry or something. She used to joke that my voice was too precious to share with others. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy singing, but it reminded me of Mom, and I didn’t want Theon to get all possessive.
Charlene was made to stay in her cabin most of the time due to being in dangerous waters. Apart from the occasional moments when she was allowed to come above deck or to train, she was kept inside, and I accompanied her, for the most part, anyway.
It was obvious Barbara enjoyed it. She spent a lot more time trying to talk to Theon. He would reply, but by the end of the first day, it was obvious he had grown tired of her and made his displeasure clear.
Today the sun was shining, and, despite the dark waters beneath us, it felt good not to have to layer so many pieces of clothing on, although it was still rather chilly.
It was early morning, and we had just had breakfast after Charlene had gone through more brutal training at the hands of Theon. I saw what she meant, that sometimes he seemed to look at her with hatred. But it was fleeting, and I often doubted if it was just my mind playing tricks, but why would Charlene and I see the same thing? I do believe he was just venting all his anger out on her.
The jerk seemed to have plenty of it bottled inside. I guessed the lack of sex might just be making him grumpier. Although I was sure if he wanted, Barbara was more than willing to cater to his needs. Even though that made my chest squeeze, I was not going to let it bother me. We would see what happened when we returned to Westerfell, but right then, I needed some space away from Theon.
I leaned on the edge of the ship. I was wearing a white top with a black corset around my waist and pants. I enjoyed the wind blowing through my hair, which Charlene had braided from the top.
From there, I could hear the discussion Theon, Flynn, Aeon, Sam, Ryan, and Raiden were having, and it captured my attention. I swear it may sound weird, but my hearing seemed to be getting better lately.
"I wouldn’t advise it," Aeon murmured.
"We need to rest," Sam said, sighing heavily.
"The ship's port side has minor damage; we are almost out of supplies, and I don’t think we will make it through without stopping," Flynn added.
"I get that, but if we stop now, wouldn’t that just cause us further delay if we took a detour off route?" Theon’s sexy, emotionless voice came, a voice that made my core knot. Goddess, please help me get over him."It might add a few days, but there is a small island that we can stop at for supplies. It’s a pirate island if I am honest, but we do need to stop," Flynn reasoned. Pirate Island? I had a feeling they meant Bellmead…
"And delay us by three or so days?" Theon repeated, the irritation in his voice obvious.
"Well, there’s no other option. We need to head northeast from here and then back en route to the Purien Isles so -"
"I am not going to stop just for everyone’s leisure. We can survive with scarce food until we reach the Isles," Theon cut in icily.
I frowned. Bellmead… so if he’s saying northeast… I looked up, staring at the mountains in the distance. An idea came to me, and I pushed myself away from the boat’s edge, walking over to the group. Squeezing between Sam and Ryan, I looked down at the map they had open before them.
"There’s a way that can lead us to Bellmead through the mountain pass; it's wide enough for our ship and safer, plus it won’t take time from our journey or delay us. We will still be on course," I put forward, pointing a finger to a narrow mark on the map. I felt all eyes on me, but I refused to look at Theon, feeling his intense gaze upon me.
"Are you trying to lure us to our death? Going through a narrow pass… what if the ship gets stuck?" His icy voice came. "There could be a cave-in or a blockage on that route."
"No," I said, shaking my head as I looked up at him, probably the first time we were exchanging words since that night. "The pass is wider than it appears. I have studied the rivers and seas around Astalion very deeply, my father made sure I knew every route, and I loved to learn about our ocean. That pass is not well known because everyone avoids the Lifeless Abyss."
"I have heard of it now that you mention it." Ryan frowned as he looked down at me before massaging his jaw. "I think she’s right."
"So, are we going to go into this on blind faith, just to save time?" Flynn added doubtfully.
"It’s not just the time, it’s safer. In a narrower setting, we will be more aware if something big is coming," I persisted, pointing to the exit through the mountains. "Look, Bellmead Island is here. These mountains do have a pass. See that? That’s our exit."
Theon bent down slightly, placing his hand on the map not far from mine. His scent filled my nose, and my heart skipped a beat. Focus"Are you confident enough, knowing that if you’re wrong, everyone dies?" He asked, looking directly into my eyes. My heart skipped a beat, knowing the weight of the responsibility of this decision was not a light matter. All life on board would be on me.
"We are risking death by travelling through the Lifeless Abyss directly, too," Raiden added in my defence.
"The difference is, I'm ready to take responsibility. Is she?" Theon countered coldly.
"Unlike you, I'm not standing here trying to rush this mission at the cost of casualties. I genuinely believe that this would be safest. They say the Siren Kingdoms lay in the thickest and deepest parts of the oceans; by going through the river pass, it’s safer," I replied confidently. "I may not have a wolf yet, but I am still the daughter of our Beta who -"
"Was a traitor," Ryan muttered. Theon and Raiden’s eyes flashed, but I didn’t react.
"Who taught me a lot. Just this once, trust me," I said quietly, looking at Theon. He was the one that was in charge. I couldn’t read him, but he seemed to be considering it.
"The pass may not be safe," he replied quietly, but I could see he was struggling with something.
"I think we should do it," Raiden said. "What do you think, Captain?"
"Well, her logic makes sense, if"There is," Theon said icily, his eyes on me as if sizing me up, but there was no anger. "We go through the pass. We should reach Bellmead by noon tomorrow."
He turned and walked away from the group. I felt confused. I had expected him to get angry, but he hadn't.
"Alright, we are heading to the mountain pass! Towards Bellmead, folks!" Flynn shouted before turning to me. "Well, lassie, I hope you know what you’re talking about."
I nodded, hoping I was right. I glanced at Theon. It wasn’t like him to be so… quiet. He was standing staring at the mountains in the distance, but it was the look in his eyes that made my stomach twist. It was almost as if he was thinking about something painful.
His gaze flicked to mine, and for the first time since I had met him, his eyes looked… troubled. I didn’t even know if that was the right word, but he looked… upset or something. It was only there for a few seconds before he turned and vanished down the steps…