The ocean breeze carried a mix of relief and unease as Darius' crew once again set sail, leaving behind the painful experience stuck on the rocky shores of Gryndale. The notes they had painstakingly recorded the knowledge and encounters they had, but the memory about how the two serpents' ended the lives of their own crewmates, some of which were friends and family, weighed heavily on their minds.

Calista moved among the crewmates with a frown, tending to their wounds and offering soothing words. The sailors, their faces etched with exhaustion and lingering fear, found solace in her care. Each touch of her hands felt like a reassurance against the recent horrors they had witnessed.

Meanwhile, Aloysius and Darius stood at the helm, their voices low and earnest as they discussed the events that had unfolded. Aloysius' brows furrowed in contemplation, his eyes mirroring the weight of their discovery. "Darius, the fact that Gryndale is a living creature, and those serpents... It's unlike anything we've ever encountered."

Darius leaned against the railing, his gaze fixed on the receding island. "Our intrustion in Gryndale's domain was unwelcome. Those serpents must've woken up when we arrived. It's protecting it from outsiders."

Aloysius nodded thoughtfully, his gaze distant. "We were lucky enough to make it out alive."

Darius turned to him, his expression a mixture of relief. "Quite so. We can rest easy for a while in Arkenheilm. It might take a few weeks for them to heal so we'll take all the time that we need until they are fully recovered."

As Darius noticed the look on Aloysius face, he continues. "Physically. I know what happened today would forever be etched on their minds."

With a shared understanding, they fell into a contemplative silence until Darius decided to excuse himself and go inside the ship.

As the discussions carried on with the crew, Darius' attention was drawn to Calista, her presence a calming anchor amidst the crowded room. He approached her quietly, his eyes tracing the lines of exhaustion on her face.

"Calista," he began softly, "Are you alright, love?"

Calista's lips curved into a reassuring smile, her eyes meeting his with a gentle expression plastered on her face. "Darius, I can handle myself. You don't have to worry about me."

He chuckled softly, a mix of fondness and worry lacing his gaze. "I know you can but I hope you know that if you need any shoulder to lean on, I'm always here."

With a gentle motion, he pulled her into a warm embrace, his arms enveloping her in a protective hold. She nestled against his chest, finding comfort in his strength. The embrace spoke such a silent exchange of love that even words cannot compete with.

"I'm just glad you're safe," Darius murmured, his voice a soft whisper against her ear.

Calista tilted her head back slightly to meet his gaze. Her softened gaze and smile was plastered on her face.

With a final squeeze, Darius released her from the embrace. "I'll go see the crew for a while."

Calista nodded in agreement, her hand reaching out to brush against his. "I'll join you."

And so, side by side, they turned their focus to the wounded crewmates, offering not only medical aid but also a sense of comfort.

The sun began its descent, casting a warm golden hue across the deck. The waves flow endlessly, almost like a soothing lullaby in the night. Darius and Calista exchanged glances.

The night unfolded, and under the canopy of stars, the crew found solace in one another's company. Stories were shared, laughter echoed, and the weight of Gryndale's mysteries began to lift, even for only for a moment.

As the moon took its place in the sky, casting a gentle glow upon the ship, Darius stood at the helm once more, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Calista joined him, their shoulders brushing against each other. They hadn't spoken a single word. The weight of recent events seemed to hang in the air, threading unspoken words and unexpressed fears.

This was until Calista decided to break the silence between them.

"Something is bothering you," Calista's voice, said softly, her voice soothingly asking right after. Her eyes, glinting with concern. "Care to share it with me?"

Darius turned to her, a smile playing on his lips. "I cannot fathom the thought of losing you one of these days. These ocean waves are far too unpredictable."

The tension was high. They didn't speak a word right after. Calista knew so well that Darius was still deep in thought as he leaned on the railing of the ship. His icy grey eyes that she adored so much stared at the waters below.

Darius turned to her, a frown currently plastered on his lips. It was evident that he was still planning something in his mind. Calista knew that Darius was very protective of her.

At this point, Calista gave him a pat on the shoulder, rubbing his back a bit for reassurance. "You won't lose me."

"You don't know that." Darius shakes his head at this. He grabbed Calista's hand and softly put it near his lips to kiss it before pulling it away from him. His grey eyes focuses on her

"When we arrive at Arkenheilm..." he began, his voice tinged with a mix of caution and concern. But before he could even complete his sentence, Calista stopped him.

"Do not leave me behind. Please." Her eyes were pleading as she grabbed on Darius' arm. Her hands were soft, their bodies close as she hung her head low, almost crying.

"Calista..." Darius frowned at her as she held on to his arm. He knew that this time, there would be even more danger that awaits them and he doesn't want to lose Calista this second time in the expedition. He got lucky, he knew. But he wasn't sure if that luck would last.

Their quiet moment was interrupted by Aloysius, who joined them at last. Though silent at first, he spoke softly, his voice carrying a tone of consideration. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. But surely, Darius, you've seen how valuable she is to this expedition."

Darius gave him a look. "Aloysius, do not try to talk me out of this too."

Calista quickly continued, trying to convince Darius even further. "I can perform first aid to your sailors. I can patch them up. Help you in ways I can provide."

"I realized that Arsen did not give me her men without any reason. I know for sure that whatever lies ahead, it screams danger all over," Darius tried to reason with her.

"Trust me when I say you're much safer in Arkenheilm." Aloysius frowned at Darius' reply as he saw the heartbroken gaze Calista had gave her lover.

"You're still trying to leave me behind? After all of this?" she mumbled as she then felt Darius pulling her close into an embrace.

"I'm not invalidating your skills, Calista. I'm merely doing this for your own safety," he whispered as he tucks her hair behind her ear.

"My mind cannot rest when you are away but my heart wouldn't take it even more if I lose you." He then gave her a quick kiss to the forehead.

"You know I would feel the same way if I lose you too, right? I can help you, Darius. Let me help you. You've been trying to shoulder all your thoughts when in reality, you also have me," Calista replies.

"I too, cannot fathom thinking every single day whether you'd return or not," she continues as she hugs him tight.

"It is my decision to stay. And I shall, whether you like it or not." Calista stood her ground.