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Chapter Fifty
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Dark Water Chapter Fifty One
When had night fallen?Lloyd hadn't a clue. Locked in a state of coma, occasionally able to open his eyes and see the blurred surroundings.If they were familiar, his brain couldn't place them.In fact, Blake had stowed him in the storage room. Going about his day with trepidation. Every time someone went below, his heart seized. Night could not come soon enough,As soon as the moon rose, Blake signalled for his closest allies. They dragged the limp figure across the deck, concealed by shadows and the blessing of whatever beast watched them.The cave wasn't far. The musty air was stagnant with the smell of rotted seaweed and brine, and the gloom was barely broken by a single, dying candle.But it was enough to make the engraved dagger, lying on a ragged rock, glimmer menacingly."I know the words..." Blake whispered. "He speaks to me. Good job, too. I ain't book smart, and I don't know these strange languages. But I hope you all have strong stomachs. This ritual is gruesome, but," he
Dark Water Chapter Fifty-Two
Lloyd pulled violently against the ropes that seemed to bite deeper into his wrists, like the jaws of sharks thirsty for blood. His desperate efforts only served to chafe his skin. And amuse Blake more, or whatever it was that inhabited him.A low mist oozed from the damp floor, surrounding their feet and hiding the ruby droplets that stained them.Smirking, Blake grabbed Lloyd's legs and pulled him forward, bending them roughly up to his chest and pressing his weight down.His intent was clear, and the men behind turned their heads, mouths dry and minds whirling. "Get off me!" Lloyd kicked his bound feet, hitting Blake squarely in the chin and making him drop his legs. With a low snarl, Blake reached out and struck him across the face, his nails ripping into his cheek and splitting his lip."Just be good and take everything I'm giving..." He breathed harshly, pressing the knife to the trembling throat. "Consider yourself a martyr to a better cause. You know Hemlock ain't goin' to
Dark Water Chapter Fifty-Three
Lloyd stared in awed silence. Watching the blood form a large pool around the fallen figure. Something black and oily seeped from the open flesh, sliding away into the shadows. Something that a sword couldn't defeat.His own cuts weren't that deep, but blood still flowed freely from the wounds that marked his skin in a grim mosaic. He barely felt them. He was totally captured by the scene that had played out, and to see Nathaniel almost slice the man's head off... He didn't know what to do. He could only blink when he heard Nathaniel speak to him. The words were unable to be registered."You... Killed a man...For me.." He was still wrapping his head around it. "Thank you...For coming after me. I thought...well, I guess it doesn't matter..."He swallowed, shifting onto his knees and reaching out. He felt like a child. Weak and feeble, needing a hand to find his feet.But his emotions were anything but childish. A deep need he never thought he possessed, having felt only primal urges
Dark Water Chapter Fifty-Four
The men spoke lowly about the repercussions of the actions. A handful wanted nothing more to do with it. Their hearts were not frozen enough to commit the atrocities that the beast demanded.They could still feel its presence, dark and foreboding, even in the light of day. The rest were torn. Only three were full of enough resentment to be adamant in their resolve.As the crew drifted away to begin their duties, those three remained. Richards, Abraham and Davis. Three unassuming men, each filthy in mind and body but hard-working for the most part. They had been with Nathaniel since their former ships had been ransacked, unwilling to fall victim to the bloody sword wielded before them.Cowardice had its benefits sometimes, but it served to heighten the bitterness when the blade fell."We'll need support. Silent support," Abraham rubbed his chin, the stubble stinging the rough fingers. "He ain't gonna resist. I know a few things you don't, and none of 'em are good. If he wants his se
Dark Water Chapter Fifty-Five
Lloyd held Nathaniel's eyes as he slid his hand under the linen shirt and pushed it from the broad shoulders.His skin was badly marked with scars from old fights, although a snaking tattoo cleverly disguised the longest on his side.Dropping the fabric to the floor, he ran his fingers through the man's hair before dropping his hand to knead his crotch through his pants gently; a shudder of delight pulsated through him at the feeling beneath.Nathaniel shifted to grab his wrist, amused by the plaintive complaint he received, Lloyd's lips curving into an annoyed pout."Problem, lad?""You're the cause of it." "I'm the cause of many things..." Nathaniel said quietly, "Although this is possibly the first time, I don't have to feel guilty about it..."Lloyd's sulk melted into a smile as he drew the man into a deep kiss, the heat rising like an inferno in his own body. If he had any doubts about his actions, they had melted away like snow in summer."I want you to forget your guilt; I wan
Dark Water Chapter Fifty-Six
The cabin seemed to glow with warmth as Nathaniel cradled Lloyd in his arms, trying to avoid putting too much pressure on the bandage, however close he wanted him.A red hue had already seeped through the thick material, unseen in the throes of desire, but something that now irritated him.He should have known better. He should have resisted him as he had resisted people for centuries, as well as morals."I'm going to need to redo your bandages..." He whispered, his voice flat and pragmatic. "I don't want you getting ill..."Lloyd glanced down. He hadn't been aware that his wounds had opened again, but now the sting was beginning to tease his nerves.It had been worth it, though, to feel wanted and desirable. Not just a one-night stand that would be forgotten like yesterday's trash."Well, let me get my bearings a bit before you do. I hate moving when I'm settled," he said, shifting slightly to ease the pressure on his torn skin. "It's not too bad. Just a little sensitive. My own faul
Dark Water Chapter Fifty-Seven
Lloyd gazed over the open water, closing his eyes as the salt stung them, blown in from the soft waves that caressed the lonely shore."Just tell me what you need, and I'll do it," he smiled at Nathaniel tiredly, rubbing the back of his neck. The etching of a deep scar still lay there, concealed by his hair. It wasn't the first time he'd nearly lost his life. But that was a story for another day; he just wanted the man to know he wasn't ignorant of violence. Nathaniel reached out, his finger ghosting the red mark and sending tingles through Lloyd's body."I can always take what comes at me," he whispered, turning to kiss the man's hand. "And I have the marks to prove it."Nathaniel gave a sad smile and withdrew his hand with a shake of his head."I have plenty of stories for all my scars. Each of 'em fairly gruesome..." He remembered all of them. They weren't events one could forget. "They ain't important." He turned away abruptly. "Come to my room whenever you're ready, and I'll sho
Dark Water Chapter Fifty-Eight
Lloyd proceeded cautiously towards Nathaniel's room. His pride slowed his step, but the odd feeling that the others were talking about him slowed it even more.The way the amulet pulsated, like a frantic heartbeat, made him believe that his ordeal was not yet over. He took a breath when he reached the door, bolstering his nerves before throwing it open without even a by-your-leave, smiling brightly as Nathaniel span around, the look of shock a novelty in the usually irritated eyes. "What on earth do you..." The question remained unfinished as Lloyd stalked boldly over and slid into his lap, curling his arms around his neck. "I know we're going to leave land...But how long have we got? Or when do we reach land again?" He asked, "I have a surprise for you." He winked, his lips curling in a sly, seductive grin. "And I think it's one you'll appreciate." Nathaniel was silent for a moment, his eyes flitting from Lloyd to the chart on his desk. Lloyd could almost see his thoughts shatte
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