Here it is guys - the Epilogue of the last book, (and also a sneaky teaser for Crimson King, which I am also uploading the first chapter of tonight).

CRIMSON KING IS A CONTINUATION OF THE APK STORYLINE.
Lots of people have been asking me why APK has unanswered questions and this is my answer to that 😂 I had thought I'd made it obvious haha so now I'll just post this everywhere instead.

With this, the APK trilogy is officially finished - however, Crimson King continues the story with a different cast of characters, and some returning ones.

In a moment I will write a separate Authors Note, because I'm sure you'd rather just get on and read this <3

Much Love,
Daisy

______________________________

Epilogue

*

'All we have to decide,
is what to do with the
time that is given to us.'

- J. R. R. Tolkien

*

2 Years Later

COBALT

Cobalt stood at the helm of the ship with the wind tangling his hair and a thrill in his heart. His tanned hands gripped the wheel tightly as he swung the wheel to starboard, turning the vessel through the water.

The high cliffs of the small Duchy loomed on either side of them and he called to take in the sails and prepare the ship to dock. Ahead of them, he could make out the busy colours of a bustling, thriving port – the scenery a rather shocking contrast to the barely surviving township he had left a year ago.

"It looks like we were right not to worry," Hobbson chuckled from beside him. The old man lifted a hand to shield his eyes against the sun's glare as he looked towards port. "They appear to be doing well."

Cobalt voiced his agreement, pointing to the left-side of the port, where a wharf stood open and waiting for them. "That's the one Nate left for us; we can dock there. Or at least that was what Anthemin said."

"I daresay he's right," Hobbson replied, squinting into the distance, "I can see someone waiting for us already," he smiled, "Anthemin must have told them we were coming in today."

"Can you?" Cobalt frowned, peering in the direction of the wharf, "Oh wait, I see."

There was indeed someone waiting there, and the figure became more clear as they sailed fully into the cove, the cliffs shielding the ship from the majority of the morning sun.

A little girl, about six years of age, stood at the end of the wharf, her blonde hair billowing in the breeze that skimmed off the ocean. Upon spotting Cobalt at the helm, she began to jump up and down, her arms waving with excitement.

There came a cry from on deck as Samson and the rest of the crew spotted the figure also, and the men clustered at the side of the vessel to wave and shout greetings to the girl.

The actions of the crew excited the child further and she began to run eagerly up and down the wharf, calling out words that Cobalt was still too far away to hear.

Cobalt grinned and waved towards her, spotting another person that was half concealed behind a wooden mooring post, his hat pulled low over his eyes, his arms folded tightly across his chest as he slept.

The child was still running excitedly up and down the wharf, her eyes fixed on the ship. Cobalt was about to yell out a warning to watch where she was going, when she passed by the figure again and a hand shot out, snagging the back of her dress and pulling her gently to a halt.

Obsidian unfolded himself from his position, stretching into standing with a lazy yawn that was hidden behind one hand. His other hand fell down onto the little girl's shoulder, pulling her back to his side casually.

The girl glanced up at him, the wide smile never leaving her face, before looking back out to Cobalt. They were close enough now that Cobalt could hear her words this time when she called to him.

"Cobalt! Cobalt! You can take me with you this time! I won a game of poker against Obsidian!"

Cobalt bellowed out a laugh, and beside him, Hobbson echoed his mirth. Well, that was unexpected.

"One game of poker out of three hundred and sixty-five, does not qualify you to become a Pirate Pearl," Cobalt hooted with a grin, "wait until your Lacy's age. Then we'll talk."

Pearl grimaced, her expression changing from excited to disappointed. "That's not fair!" She yelled across the water, amidst stifled chuckles from the crew, "you promised!"

"Only more proof you're too young to be a Pirate Miss Pearl!" Cobalt called out, "who ever told you to trust a bargain made by Pirates?"

Pearl stuck out her tongue, her cheeks puffing up in defiance. A large hand fell down onto the top of her head, ruffling her hair.

"Better luck next time kiddo," Obsidian yawned. "Oi," he called out to Cobalt across the water, "Hurry up would ya? Everyone is waiting in town."

"Nice to see you too," Cobalt replied sarcastically, his retort lost on his brother's retreating back. Pearl paused for a moment before turning to follow after Obsidian, her hand reaching up to snag his. The Pirate accepted the contact without pause, his head turning as he said something to the little girl. Her scowling face immediately morphed back into a sunny smile as she replied to whatever he had said.

Cobalt lips curled upwards slightly, before he gathered himself, turning back to address his crew.

"You know what to do boys! Let's bring her in."

Amidst the cheers, Cobalt's eyes flickered back to Obsidian thoughtfully. It appeared that the scenery was not the only thing that had changed in the year they had been gone.

*

The port was as busy as Cobalt had perceived it to be from out on the ocean, the difference to a year ago astounding not just him, but the rest of the crew as well.

"Feel free to have the morning boys," he had told them upon disembarking, "we are in no rush. I will meet up with Nate and Leo and we will start reloading in the afternoon."

"Aye, Sir," had come the resounding reply, and then they had dispersed, leaving Samson and Jacob aboard for security.

"We will see the little lady when she arrives," the big man had said amiably, "and if Leo and Nate make their way here first, I'll start sorting things when they get here."

Obsidian had led Cobalt and Hobbson further into the township, his familiarity with the cobblestone paths easy to see. That was no surprise to Cobalt – Obsidian had always made a point of familiarizing himself with his surroundings – it had been survivors' instinct, to always make sure they had an escape route, to be able to run through the streets and lose any pursuers with ill intentions.

What was surprising for Cobalt, however, was the small girl who hung off Obsidian's hand, chattering happily as they walked down the waterfront. Passers by seemed used to the sight of the odd pair, and both Pearl and Obsidian were greeted respectfully – sentiments which Pearl happily responded to, on Obsidian's behalf as well as her own.

"Pearl," Cobalt called, his curiosity getting the better of him as he reached out to catch the little girl's other hand, "do you often come down to the Port? I wouldn't have thought your Father would let you."

"I can go if Obsidian goes," Pearl replied immediately. She suddenly seemed to realise something and snatched her hand back, sticking her tongue out at him. "I'm not talking to you," she said stoutly, "you went back on your promise."

Cobalt laughed disbelievingly and looked towards his brother. Obsidian appeared to be ignoring the exchange as he stared directly ahead, but Cobalt saw the corners of his lips twitching smugly.

Left to fend for himself, Cobalt tried again. "Pearl," he wheedled, "don't be angry with me. Do you really think your Father would let you set sail with a crew of Pirates at your age?"

Pearl pouted, her grip on Obsidian's hand remaining firm. "Lacy said that she was a Pirate at my age!" She retorted.

"That's because Lacy's Father was a Pirate," Cobalt argued between gritted teeth, "she's an exception."

"Well, Daddy says I'm exceptional."

"Exception," Cobalt hissed, "is different to exceptional."

Pearl turned her nose up at him, "Don't care."

Hobbson chuckled from beside him. "It seems the little miss has become more stubborn in the year we've been gone. You'd better watch out Cobalt, she'll make you sign a contract next time."

"She was so much easier to deal with when she still believed in magic tricks," Cobalt groused, straightening to stare down at the little girl who was now ignoring him, "and I'm not signing any contracts with a blimmin' six-year-old. Circe would have my hide."

He looked at his brother, "Where is she anyway?"

"Left for town early this morning," Obsidian grunted, "wanted to take a last look around before we set sail. She'll meet up with us soon."

"And she left you with Pearl, huh?" Cobalt laughed, "That's rough."

"No," Pearl denied, as Obsidian smothered another yawn. Cobalt stared at his brother interestingly, what on earth had he been doing to make him so tired?

"Sissy told me to wake him up when you were coming into Port," Pearl was saying, "he was up late last night helping Daddy."

Cobalt raised an eyebrow looking up from Pearl to his lethargic brother, "Helping your Father?" He asked sceptically, "What with?"

"Do you have to be so damn nosey?" Obsidian grumbled, his golden eyes sending a disgruntled look in Cobalt's direction. "If you have to know, I was helping him to finalize their strategies for resisting another Shifter attack," his eyes narrowed, "should another one occur."

"Touch wood!" Pearl sang, rapping her knuckles on a wooden stall outside a shop front as they passed.

Cobalt watched the happy little girl in slight disbelief, Hobbson voicing his thoughts for him.

"She knows about it?"

Obsidian shrugged. "The entire town knows it, even the children. Circe's Father wanted to make sure everyone was prepared – most of them where here when the first attack happened after all. And there has been an increase of shifter attacks amongst the human population recently. People need to know there is a plan, that they are safe."

"Do they know the full truth though?" Cobalt urged.

Obsidian rolled his eyes, "Of course not. Are you dumb? Can you imagine the uproar if humans found out about our world? No, on the surface the public story is that there has been an increase of wolf attacks in the area – but the underground tells it differently. People aren't stupid, they know something is amiss. But they are too scared to believe the truth, so they prefer to stick with the safer option. It is better that way."

"I know though!" Pearl grinned up at Cobalt, her previous grievances towards him omitted in favour of boasting about her superiority, "But only 'cause I can keep it a secret! And I'm not scared! Right?" She looked at Obsidian with shining eyes.

The Pirate looked down at the eager little girl, his golden eyes were expressionless, but his voice was warm when he spoke. "That's right."

"Right!" Pearl cheered, looking back to Cobalt keenly, "so let me join your crew!"

Cobalt scowled, "Not a chance, squirt!"

"Don't call me that!"

"Don't be so short then!"

"I'm only six! This is how big six-year-olds are, dumbass!"

"Pearl! Who taught you that word! Six-year-olds have no business knowing words like that. If your Sister heard, you-"

"Then I'd say you taught me!"

" ... you wouldn't dare."

"Would too!"

The pair continued their argument all the way to an outdoor market, where Obsidian finally stopped their bickering. The crowds were thicker here – this area of town obviously popular – and the noise of stall holders calling their wares, coupled with Obsidian's reprimanding words, put an end to their feud.

"Pearl, that's enough. Nathaniel will be here. Don't let him hear you speaking like that."

Pearl shut her mouth, but not before sticking her tongue out one last time in Cobalt's direction.

Cobalt stared, aghast at his brother, who did not appear particularly concerned about the entire exchange. "So, it's you who's been teaching her these foul habits," he said in realization, "I should have known."

Obsidian was looking through the crowd, clearly searching for someone. "Someone has to teach her how to stand up for herself," he remarked offhandedly as he scanned the crowds, "the world can be rather unkind to little girls. Or so I've been told." He looked down at Pearl lightly, "I can't find them," he told her bluntly.

Pearl nodded, lifting up her hands, "I can!" She said cheerfully.

Cobalt watched incredulously as his brother caught her hands, easily hoisting her up to sit on his shoulder, putting the little girls head high above the crowd.

"That's not my brother," he muttered to Hobbson in disbelief, "someone's swapped him out."

"You know," the old man mused, "I'd almost be inclined to believe you if it weren't for-"

Suddenly Obsidian's gaze landed on the pair of them, his golden eyes burning a hole through Cobalt's head as he made his thoughts all too obvious.

Speak of this, and I'll make sure you never sail again.

Obsidian turned back around and Hobbson finished his sentence wryly, "-if it weren't for that blasted temper of his." The old man chuckled as Cobalt let out a breath. "Looks like we found them," he added, pointing to the little girl atop Obsidian's shoulders.

Pearl was waving vigorously with one hand as she caught the attention of two people Cobalt could not yet see. He craned his head in the direction she was pointing, and the crowds finally parted enough for him to see the two people that were pushing through.

"Naddy!" Pearl squealed, diving off Obsidian's shoulder into Nathaniel's waiting arms. The blonde-haired man swooped the little girl into a cuddle before setting her down lightly on the ground.

"Pearl, good to see you're making yourself useful," Nate teased, before looking up with a grin to see Cobalt and Hobbson. "Well, if you two aren't a sight for sore eyes," he said cheerfully, pulling Cobalt into a hug, "how have you been!"

"We've been good, but it seems like you've been better," Cobalt remarked, pulling away so that Nate could greet Hobbson similarly. "Leo," he nodded, beaming as he tugged the other man into a side hug, "it's been too long. You look well!"

Leonardo laughed, "With things going the way the have been, it'd be a crime not to be enjoying it," he confessed, "we are pleased to see you back though. I think Obsidian's been standing on solid land for too long."

Off to the side, Obsidian grunted in what Cobalt took as agreement, his arms folded across his chest, golden eyes trained on Pearl as she ran excitedly around their group.

"Shall we go and find somewhere to eat?" Nathaniel suggested, "There is a lot we need to catch up on."

*

CIRCE

Circe munched on the rest of her pastry as she wandered past the stall fronts, her canvas bag of purchases heavy on her shoulder. 

She had had a nice morning, running around the market and the wharves, dipping in and out of all of her favourite shops for a last goodbye. The majority of the townsfolk knew they were setting sail today, and she was pleased by the amount that asked after Obsidian as well.

It had taken some time, but the townspeople had gradually gotten used to his intimidating presence. And after all, Obsidian was first and foremost a Pirate – and a very good one at that.

He knew when he was being cheated, but also, when he was not. And when he wasn't looking at everyone like they were going to swindle him out of his money, he was capable of making a rather respectful (but yes still slightly terrifying,) impression. That and his extensive knowledge of the seas, had gradually made him extremely popular down at the ports.

The man himself, she had left asleep in bed, with a whisper in his ear to tell him where she was going. Even though his eyes had been closed, she knew he had heard her. Today was the day they had both been waiting for after all, and she would have had to be blind not to notice Obsidian's impatience in the last month or so.

She felt it too – the call of the open ocean. She missed the rocking beneath her feet, and the billowing of white sails around her. She couldn't wait.

Of course, it wasn't going to be so easy to leave. Not after everything that had happened in the last two years.

After the events at the Air Kingdom, Nathaniel had announced his intention of returning home, to see if he was able to salvage anything from their Duchy.

Circe too, had agreed to this, her stubbornness refusing to allow her to believe that it could all be gone. And what of their Father and the rest of the family? She hadn't liked any of them – except for Pearl, who actually made an effort – but she did not wish death upon any one of them.

With no other destination in mind, the rest of the crew had agreed readily.

"But not," Obsidian had whispered to her, "until we are married. Before we continue onwards, let us do this first."

Circe had happily agreed and after stopping at Port Savannah to pick up extra provisions, they had been married out at sea. Far from the grand wedding Circe had dreamt of as a little girl, it was nonetheless, completely, and utterly perfect.

Nathaniel had walked her down the aisle they had made on the deck of the ship, Lacy stepping in front as her bridesmaid. Cobalt had stood at Obsidian's side and Ambrose had come forward to officiate – taking the initiative to write up the papers as well.

"I'm a little over-qualified," he had informed her solemnly, "but at least this way, no one would dare refute it."

His implication was clear. Her Mother would not be able to dispute the marriage either. That had been enough for her.

They had waited a week afterwards, for themselves and the crew to settle back down and take some time to relax – and then they had headed for land, both Circe and Nathaniel's anticipation driving them stir crazy.

Circe would have been lying if she said she wasn't slightly apprehensive about what would be awaiting her once she returned home. After all, she had heard from Nathaniel, the horrors he had experienced.

In the late nights, the crew got together to put together a battle strategy, should they come across the rouge shifters like last time.

"A strategy is unnecessary," Obsidian had said coldly, "Anthemin and I will deal with them."

"And burn down half the town while you're at it, I suppose?" Circe had scolded, "You two are our last resort."

However, it turned out that they needn't have worried.

Upon sailing into what they had thought would be an abandoned port, unexpectedly, there were signs of life. Initially they had been wary, believing that the Shifters had returned to use the town as a base, but upon disembarking and observing the wary looks sent their way, Circe had been reassured. These people were human.

And then someone had stepped forward through the crowd, looking at Nathaniel with uncertain recognition.

"Forest ... Nathaniel Forest, is that ... you?"

Circe shivered, despite the warm morning sun.

She still got chills when she thought about it. The sickly feeling of hope and fear mixed together when she had allowed herself to think that maybe, maybe, her human Father was still alive.

And her indescribable joy when she had discovered that he was.

Their reunion was a tearful one. Overwhelming thankfulness and sadness had consumed both her and him equally. They had both equally been convinced that their paths were never to cross again. And now they had been proven wonderfully wrong.

Understandably, Jacob was initially displeased to learn of the company she now kept, (she told him about her marriage later – but the rings on her finger were impossible to miss,) however, after a lot of persuading from Hobbson, Ambrose, and in some cases, Lacy – he came around.

And then Circe had to, of course, eventually reveal the entire story to him – it was impossible not to. Nathaniel and Obsidian both had misgivings, agreeing for once that it would be better to keep him in the dark. Surprisingly, it was Ambrose who was supportive.

"If your Mother could have told him herself, I am sure she would have," he had said quietly, his blue eyes tranquil.

So, with the Water Sprite's blessing, she had found time to quietly explain everything to her Father out on the ships, in the privacy of the open ocean.

The onslaught of information had been overwhelming, and naturally, Jacob had been disbelieving at first. That was until Anthemin's massive-scaled head had appeared out of the ocean before him, giving him the fright of his life. That revelation, coupled with his own, personal experience with the abnormal wolves that had ravaged his Duchy, was enough for him to gradually accept their tale as truth.

"And you will always be my Father," Circe had smiled, squeezing his hand lightly through her slightly teary eyes, "no matter whose blood runs through my veins."

"Of course," he had replied to her gruffly, squeezing her into his side with a one-armed hug, "it's enough for this old man that you are safe and happy." He had eyeballed Nathaniel and after a moment, laughed roughly. "And you know, this kid was always too familiar to be anything other than family."

Nathaniel's previously worried face had split into a tentative grin as he stepped forward, holding out a hand, "It's good to have you back old man," he chuckled, "you had us pretty worried when we returned before. I'm glad that we were correct in believing that some of you got out safely."

Jacob had gripped his offered hand before yanking Nathaniel into a hug, clapping him firmly on the back. "And you, my boy. I thought I had seen the last of you when you set off by yourself. I'm glad you made it through."

Nathaniel had squeezed him back, before pulling away, his smile joking, "You know me," he jested, "I'm too stubborn to be killed that easily."

It turned out that after the 'animal attack' he had led what was left of the population, to a neighbouring Duchy on the otherside of the mountains. They had remained there until Jacob had led a small group back to investigate what was left of their home and found it deserted.

After searching thoroughly and finding no traces of the enemy that had decimated them, they had burned their dead respectfully and spent some time fortifying the Castle. The group had then returned together to collect any others who wanted to come home, and gradually the population had regrown from there.

"I underestimated their will to survive," Circe had said to Obsidian tearfully, as he held her in bed, later that night, "but I'm so glad they did."

And Jacob was not the only one who had returned. He had brough a certain golden haired little sister back with him.

Pearl was beside herself with joy at being able to see Circe once more, and the feeling was mutual. When Circe tentatively asked what had happened to the rest of her stepfamily, her Father had laughed and informed her that his wife had dropped him like a hot potato at the earliest chance she had once they had arrived safely in the neighbouring Duchy.

"It seems she needed someone who could provide 'consistent' support for her family," her Father had told her with an amused twinkle in his eye, "Pearl point blank refused to stay with her however, so now she's here with me."

Pearl had scrunched up her nose and stuck out her tongue, "Mummy isn't very nice to Daddy sometimes," the little girl had informed Circe, "and if Pearl weren't here, who would Daddy have?"

"Thank-you Pearl," Circe had hugged her sister tightly, "I'm glad Father had you."

So, in the end, the only thing that Circe and Nate had chosen to keep from their Father in fact, was the existence of Tobias. They both agreed unanimously, that in cases where the outcome had already been decided, there were simply some things that would cause more heartbreak than actual good.

Anthemin had taken Circe and Nate to find a quiet place to bury Tobias – among the cliff top forests overlooking the Duchy and the ocean.

Circe had brought a silver birch sapling to plant atop his grave, the small tree representing new beginnings and protection, and it had just been the two of them present, lowering his body into the earth as they wished him a tender farewell with promises to visit often.

For Circe, burying Tobias had been a closure of sorts – a finale to the entire mess of interwoven lies, plots, and plans for revenge. As she smoothed down the soil around the roots of the silver birch, she hoped that – just as the small tree represented – this would be a new beginning for her also.

And certainly, the storefronts and market stalls  that Circe now walked past, were far more lively than they had been two years ago.

The paint that coloured them was still fresh with that 'new paint' feel, the voices that called out from behind prettily decorated banners cheerful as they enticed customers to try their wares.

It had been a gradual change, and one they had worked hard for – especially in the first year – but slowly word had gotten out, and once the ships started returning with business picking up in the Port, the rest of the Duchy had begun to thrive again as well.

That first year had definitely been the hardest, but the most fun, Circe thought. The entire crew of both ships had remained behind for that initial hard slog, and it had been a new kind of life Circe had experienced – a life where both of her worlds were mixed together as one.

Ambrose reported back to Circe's Mother often, as did Hobbson, and one day – completely out of the blue – three Water Kingdom ships had sailed into Port, bringing supplies, trade, and people to assist with the rebuild.

As cover, Circe had explained that the generous assistance came from a Kingdom she had visited on her travels, it was a half-truth, and one she didn't feel too guilty about telling. The people from the Water Kingdom had been tactful in their assistance of the humans, and no-one had been any wiser. They had stayed for a month, and then bid their farewells.

Similarly, Cobalt, Hobbson, Samson, and the rest of the crew had set sail again after the first year once everything had finally started to settle into place. Obsidian had silently picked up on Circe's desire to remain behind a little longer, and so had unceremoniously kicked his brother and crew back out to sea, with an excuse of 'up-holding their reputation', and a promise to reunite with them in one year.

They had not been the only ones to change their plans.

Leonardo had voiced his desire to remain at Nathaniel's side as his right-hand and Lacy had obviously chosen to stay as well. Ambrose kept his promise to Circe and integrated himself into Nathaniel's crew as an infallible advisor, and a link between Evangeline and Nate.

And now, on this day, that one year was up. The others would be sailing into Port this morning, and after the extra year, Circe could contentedly say that she was ready to head back out to sea.

Nathaniel, who after the first year, had been named Jacob's heir, and now oversaw the running of the Duchy alongside his Father, had left a wharf open for Cobalt's arrival and it was there that Circe was heading now, her mood cheerful as she hummed a careless tune.

Her whistling was only broken when a passer-by bumped into her rather aggressively, causing her to stagger slightly as she regained her balance.

Her eyes slid to the side, meeting the gaze of a distinctly feminine face that was partially concealed under the hood of a soft brown cloak.

"Sorry," the girl mumbled, not pausing long enough to hear Circe's aimable reply before hurrying on.

Circe watched her go, picking her out easily amongst the crowd. The girl seemed to be in a rush, but she paused now and then, to ask questions of the stallholders, most of which seemed to shake their head in refute.

Circe's eyes narrowed and before she knew it, she was following after her, pausing for a moment at the fish stall the girl had just vacated.

"Edward," she greeted politely, addressing the grizzled fishman behind the counter, "the haul looks like it was good this morning."

Edward broke into a grin at the sight of her, "Well look'ee 'ere. Little Circe. Whatcha doin' 'ere this early girl? I heard that Bones' crew was coming back inta Port taday? Make sure you send them my way!"

"Shush, shush," she hushed him superstitiously as he chuckled. She craned her neck, keeping tabs on the girl that was now three stalls down. "Edward, what did that girl just ask you? The one in the cloak?"

The older man raised his eyebrows in surprise and leaned over his stall to look where Circe was pointing. "Oh, her?" He frowned, "Ah, the lass wanted ter know if any o' the ships in Port were 'eadin' out taday. I told her that most aren't leavin' fer another couple o' days at least."

"Okay, thanks Eddie," Circe rushed, noticing that the girl was on the move again, "I'll tell Cobalt to come see you when he gets in."

The old man voiced his agreement before turning to the next customer as Circe hurried on.

Her curiosity was growing even more now, and she continued to tail the girl, despite the sense of unease that was slowly beginning to manifest in her gut.

Suddenly, the girl seemed to hear something, her head lifting to look down an alleyway as she came to a stop. After a moment of hesitation, she stepped down the side street and disappeared from view.

Circe followed quickly, feeling for her knife that is concealed under her shirt. She had another in her boot.

The alley way was empty, but Circe headed down it anyway, pausing to listen for voices. Unable to hear anything, she flicked her hands outwards steadily, summoning a light breeze and sending it out through the nearby side streets.

With an abrupt pulling motion, she drew the wind swiftly back towards her, and with the wind came the light whisper of voices.

Decisively, she rushed forward, turning to the right, and then the left. In a dark doorway, the girl was trapped, a larger form looming over her – speaking harshly.

Both faces turn towards her in shock, but Circe had already acted, lunging over to sink her foot into the man's side, striking just below his ribcage. The blow caused him to stagger away from the girl, and in a flash, Circe was standing in his place, her knife drawn, her gaze steady.

The man sprung up immediately, his recovery time inhuman and Circe's eyes narrowed. Her suspicions were confirmed in the next second when he lifted his head to meet her gaze, a silver sheen flickering through his forest green eyes. Her fingers tightened around the hilt of her blade. She knew that look. He was a Lycan.

Her lip curled and she made to step forward, but suddenly a hand fell down on her shoulder from behind, making her start slightly in surprise. It was the girl.

"Wait, wait," she said breathlessly, "it's alright, he's with me."

Circe looked at her in shock, then suspiciously back at the man. "He is?" She asked doubtfully.

"He is," the girl said, her voice a little firmer.

Circe sheathed her blade and straightened immediately. "I'm sorry," she said stiffly, her eyes lingering untrustingly on the man, "I misjudged the situation."

The girl pushed back her hood. Brown hair, so dark that it was almost black tumbled around her shoulders, and she met Circe's gaze with eyes that were startlingly close to Cobalt's shade of silver. Circe was sure that the girl would have normally been beautiful, but right now she merely seemed exhausted, her eyes rimmed with red, her olive skin sallow and drawn.

"It's fine," the girl said hastily.

Circe nodded slowly, her eyes flickering back to the man. Did the girl know this man was a Lycan? Did that mean she was a Lycan too? Circe's eyes flickered back to the girl. It was hard to tell. Lycan's did not have any distinguishing features when they were concealed in their human form. Darius had certainly seemed like a normal man when Circe had met him – and he had remained that way until he had become angry. Only then had his steel grey eyes burned silver, a reflection of the beast inside him that obeyed no-one but the moon.

She would have to be careful.

"Are you planning to stay in town for long?" Circe asked cautiously, "This town has only just recovered recently from a rather nasty bandit attack a few years ago ... we have been working hard to keep our reputation as clean as possible."

She felt that she couldn't any clearer. If the girl was human, she would just hear it as a rather rude warning to take their issues elsewhere.

But the Lycan ... Circe's eyes narrowed as she stared at him. The Lycan should hear her words for what they were. After all, there was no-way that the Lycans had not heard of the devastating Shifter attack that had occurred here. If they were planning something in retaliation, here was not the place to do it.

Sure enough, the Lycan's eyes glinted slightly as he acknowledged her words. Circe did not miss the look that was exchanged between the two, before the girl looked back to Circe, determination in her eyes.

"You know what we are." It was not a question; it was a statement.

So, the girl was a Lycan as well.

"If I say yes, what are you planning to do about it?" Circe asked, taking a cautious step back to put some space between them, her hand slipping back onto the hilt of her knife.

She did not make the action subtle. They were past subtleties now. And if Circe was to win a one on two fight against two Lycan's, she would be stupid not to bluff confidence right from the beginning. Better to make them believe she was certain of her victory.

The male Lycan growled lowly as he sensed her thought process, but the girl held up her hand to stop his advance, her eyes trained solely on Circe.

"Nothing at all," she replied calmly, "it would just make everything a lot easier if I could be open with you. That's all."

She seemed genuine, but Circe kept her hand on her knife anyway. "Prove it." She demanded.

The male began to say something, his expression disgruntled, but before he could speak, the girl had spoken.

"Alright."

It was easy enough. The girl's eyes took on the same silver sheen as the man's had before, the colour encompassing her iris and her pupil fully. The hand that she still held outstretched began to morph slightly, her nails elongating into black claws, a fine coat of short silver fur sprouting to cover her skin.

Silver, a shade that was reserved only for the original children of the Moon – Ambrose had taught Circe the basics. Lycan's were 'pure-blooded', as original as the Elves, and the Sirens. With the appearance of humans, Lycans were anything but. Their strength, stamina, and longevity were all widely acknowledged by the magic races as being one of the most superior, however, they were not magic wielders, and their physical prowess was their only offensive weapon. At most, they could control their Lycan form – like the girl in front of Circe was doing now – her arm the only part of her that had changed forms. The states of their transformation could vary. 

Shifters, as the offspring of Lycans and humans, were only capable of changing or 'shifting' between two forms, a wolf and a human. Their colouring was earthy – an echo of the original animal – and they were physically weaker and easier to kill than Lycans.

"To kill a Lycan," Ambrose had told her sombrely, "you must remove the spine fully from the body."

Circe had grimaced, her nose wrinkling in disgust. "What an awful way to die."

The female Lycan in front of Circe now was still transforming, the silver hair that had sprouted on her arm, slowly creeping towards her shoulder, and Circe hurried to stop her.

"I believe you," she acknowledged, lowering her blade slightly, "you don't need to continue."

The man was staring at Circe, "and you?" He asked suspiciously, "How do you know what we are?"

Circe looked at him blankly for a moment before acknowledging the fairness of his question. It had been a while since somebody had considered her a threat enough to ask, and she couldn't help but feel slightly smug as she extended a hand, twirling her fingers around in a circle.

A small wind lifted up around the man's body, whipping around him with increasing intensity, until his figure was shrouded in a cloud of dust. Iris heard the girl gasp in surprise. 

"Alright," he coughed, having to raise his voice in order to be heard, "enough!"

Circe let the wind drop down and shrugged at him non apologetically as he glared at her, brushing clouds of dust off his clothes.

"So," she said casually, allowing herself to relax somewhat, now that they had both laid their cards on the table, "now that that's sorted, what are you really hoping to achieve here? I heard you were looking to board a ship," she said, stating her snooping unabashedly, "where are you hoping to go? Aren't Lycans and Shifters on the verge of a war?"

"None of your business," the male replied stonily.

"Good thing I wasn't asking you then," Circe replied sarcastically.

"It's fine," the girl replied, stopping her companion before he could retort, "actually, you might be able to help us .... Are you ..." she hesitated for a moment, "your wind magic- could it be that you're an Air Sprite?"

"Something like that," Circe replied wryly. 

The girl's eyes became suddenly fervent. "If that is the case, then I should tell you – what we seek is actually information. It's a long story, but there are people that I need to find. People from our world. But we," she gestured to herself and her companion, "don't know the exact location of their whereabouts. I know it's a long shot, but I don't suppose you could recommend where we could start to look for that sort of information?"

Almost immediately, a face appeared in Circe's mind, his azure eyes serene as he lectured her on the history of the Water Kingdom – knowledge that he insisted was important for her to know regardless of her status.

His face was then almost instantly replaced by another, whose scornful smirk had haunted her dreams, along with that infuriating arrogant voice of his. You are still so ignorant Princess.

She gritted her teeth and forced herself to smile politely at the girl, who was still standing opposite, awaiting her answer.

"Oh," she said grimly, "I'm sure I can think of a few people."

*

OBSIDIAN

After meeting with the others, they had parted ways for the time being, Nathaniel taking Pearl back home with a promise to return later in the afternoon. They would spend a few days in Port, to let the crew rest, and allow Circe time to say goodbye, before heading off. Leonardo and Lacy planned to remain behind, as did Ambrose, and while Obsidian was grudgingly going to be sad to see the first two go, he wasn't going to miss that blasted Water Sprite in the least.

Insufferable bastard.

Obsidian had made his way back to the ship, half expecting to a see a golden-haired beauty running about wildly on deck as she reacquainted herself with everything, so when he arrived and she was not there, he was mildly pissed off.

He contacted the Anthemin to check on her whereabouts, but the dragon appeared unconcerned. The beast was busy munching on a carcass of a whale, in his cave around the coast, and only acknowledged Obsidian's query without actually replying to it.

While Obsidian knew that this was a sign Circe was safe, he still couldn't help but find her delayed absence strange. She had been the one to rise early this morning, eager for their crew's arrival. So much so in fact, that she had left him to wake up in a cold bed all on his own.

He scowled at the memory.

He was just about to go into town and look for her himself when a sweet voice reached his ears and he looked up abruptly.

Circe was running down the wharf towards him, her hand raised above her head as she waved in his direction. His gaze zeroed in on her waving hand – he could see the glint of her rings from here – and a deep desire swelled in his chest at the sight.

His eyes then flickered to the two people in her wake and instantly his guard went up. Inwardly, he could not help but groan. What had she gone and done now?

The trio disappeared from sight briefly in the shadow of the ship, but he could hear her voice as she led them up the ramp to the deck.

She reappeared and he held out a hand towards her. She came to him willingly and he pulled her into his side possessively.

"Who are these people," he asked her lowly. There was a male and a female. The male was looking suspiciously in Obsidian's direction, and Obsidian shot him a glare for good measure.

In contrast, Circe's eyes were bright as she looked up at him with a smile. "They are friends!" she chirped.

He raised an eyebrow at her. "I've never seen them before."

"I just met them," she offered breezily.

Obsidian eyed the male doubtfully and was just about to open his mouth to voice his concerns, when Ambrose appeared at Circe's other side, his expression smooth and seemingly unaffected by the strangers on board.

"Circe," the Water Sprite began, his voice slightly bemused, "how is it you managed to befriend two Lycans in the space of one morning?"

"Lycan's?!" Obsidian snarled, glancing curtly from Ambrose to the two strangers in front of him. His grip on Circe tightened, "Why am I not surprised that you managed to find trouble right as we are about to leave?" He reprimanded her, his voice terse, "what were you thinking?!"

He rounded back to the Lycan pair, to find that the male had responded to his hostility in kind, sinking into a low crouch, his teeth bared slightly.

"Hold on," Circe said loudly, forcing her way out from behind him. "It's fine."

He reached forward to snag her waist, yanking her back against his chest. "Based on what information," he growled.

"Based on my word," Circe said tartly, smacking his hand lightly where it gripped her hip. He groused at her and readjusted his hold. "I talked to them; they are good people. They need information, I thought that perhaps Ambrose could help."

"Good people?" Obsidian uttered disbelievingly, "Love, do you really think you're the best judgement-"

"What sort of information?" Ambrose interjected.

Obsidian glared at him.

Circe looked at the Lycan girl. "Do you want to ask him, or shall I?"

The girl seemed stunned for a moment, but then she cleared her throat and stepped forward. "Yes, sorry. This may sound rather bizarre, but I am looking for information on the other Royal Lycan houses, and their whereabouts. I'm afraid I can't say much more until I know I can trust you ..." the girl's voice trailed off, her gaze drifting to Obsidian, who stared at her frostily, "it's a little hypocritical, I know." She gave a rueful smile.

There was a moment's silence and Obsidian held his silence, looking instead at Ambrose who seemed to be considering how to respond. "That is a loaded question," the Water Sprite said finally, his tone careful, "and one that I am not sure I'm at liberty to answer. May I ask who is asking?"

"No, you may not," the male growled tensely.

The girl turned to shush him firmly before turning back to Ambrose with a slightly hesitant expression. "We- 

"Who's asking what?"

Obsidian rolled his eyes as Cobalt appeared out of nowhere. His brother peered at the two Lycan's curiously, before glancing down at Circe. "Who are these people? Circe, what did I tell you about picking up strangers on the street?" He gave a laugh and reached around Obsidian to ruffle Circe's hair. "I didn't even realize you were back!"

Obsidian resisted the urge to bite his hand. "That's because we were busy dealing with this," he said irately.

"Look if you'd just let me explain," Circe said in annoyance, "they are not strangers. I-

"Circe," Cobalt said in amusement, ignoring Obsidian completely, "do you even know their names?

Circe faltered mid-sentence. "Well ..." she said guilty after a moment's pause.

Obsidian snorted in disbelief. "This is what I was talking about," he said lowly, "you're too trusting."

"No, I'm not," She protested, struggling out of his hold, and turning to send him a glare. He felt his heart melt slightly at her kittenish ferocity and his hands unconsciously reached back out towards her. She evaded him deftly and he scowled.

"Offering to help before even having a proper introduction," Cobalt interrupted amusedly, slapping Circe on the back, "that's my girl. Good to see nothing has changed."

"It's not a problem," Circe said stubbornly, turning back to the Lycan pair. "What are your names?"

The Lycan stepped forward with a deep breath. She smiled lightly at Circe, "Thank-you for your trust, although I have to agree it is probably too easily given." Her gaze skimmed over Obsidian before settling on Ambrose.

"It is a loaded question," she agreed, "and I suppose that for you to answer it, I will have to be completely transparent in my explanation." She straightened and suddenly Obsidian felt a strong sense of dejavu.

He slid a glance at the blonde-haired woman that stood beside him. He had seen that same look on her face before, a long time ago.

It was the expression of one who had nothing left to lose.

"I have come too far to turn back now," the female Lycan said, her gaze strong and resolute, "and you seem to at least have a way of getting the answers that I need. So, if you don't mind, I implore you to hear me out." She crossed an arm over her chest, bowing low over it. "Please."

There was a long silence as those present took a moment to adjust to the change in atmosphere. It was as though a powerful wind had swept through their small group, the female Lycan's words rendering them unable to speak. The sincerity in her voice was clear and unfiltered, and in that moment, even Obsidian was incapable of doubting the honesty in her plea.

And then, before anyone else could speak, Circe had already stepped forward, placing her hand on the Lycan's shoulder, indicating she lift her head.

Obsidian took one look at the expression on Circe's face and sighed inwardly. He scowled and leaned over to Cobalt, his brother meeting him halfway.

"Have all provisions been loaded?"

Cobalt nodded, "Aye, we just finished loading the last of it."

"Tomorrow, send some of the lads in for provisions for two more. And get someone to sort out Leo and Lacy's old room."

Cobalt glanced at the two standing in front of him and then back at Obsidian with disbelief.

"You can't argue with her when she gets like that," Obsidian growled, his arms folding tightly across his chest in displeasure. He turned away, making for the Captains quarters, his mood disgruntled. He was still tired, and felt another nap coming on. The others could sort out the rest.

Behind him, Circe's eyes were shining with determination as she stared down at the other woman before her. She grabbed her hand, squeezing it tightly in both of her own.

"You're in luck," she said, a fierce grin spreading across her lips, "it just so happens that we were looking for a new adventure."

*

CRIMSON KING IS A CONTINUATION OF THE APK STORYLINE.
Lots of people have been asking me why APK has unanswered questions and this is my answer to that 😂 I had thought I'd made it obvious haha so now I'll just post this everywhere instead.