- BETRAYAL -

After that encounter with Fang, Darius promised himself that he'd set sail without hesitation towards the Regimere. His sailors were already beyond ready and the only problem they have to face now is the guards waiting outside.

They knew that Everfrost civilians nor guards would entertain them. The only orders that Ophelia gave were to give them somewhere to stay. Darius and Aloysius knew that if they did stay here for too long, they'd be forced to go back to Ravenbourne.

But the trip to Regimere isn't going to be easy. The Medusa was also guarded right at the dock. The captain he had talked to earlier would be one of his problems as soon as he saw her standing right next to their ship once more.

Her swords were both on her sides and Darius noticed the dagger on her boots. She seemed prepared for intruders. This captain was a ruthless killer, Darius could tell. There were no other shipments so Darius knew she was also here to guard the Medusa.

Her eyes pierced over the surroundings. Like a hawk hunting its prey. No one gets past her unless you can eventually change her mind, Darius thought to himself. He was hesitant. He eventually held a breath and prayed to the heavens this woman wouldn't dare point a dagger to his throat.

As soon as they were near the Medusa, the cold voice of the woman echoed and the other sailors of Everfrost turned towards their direction. "Halt there, mate."

Darius closed his eyes, knowing too well who it was. The captain of the other ship then approached them, a treacherous look in her eyes.

There was no way she'd let this pass. Darius knew this would cause trouble to their trek. "Don't even think about stepping on your ship. You're not allowed to sail to the Malum's Trench. Everfrost orders."

"Ophelia let us," Calista suddenly barged in before standing right in front of Darius. "She's my sister and she told me that we can go to Regimere and come back. We got her permission."

The captain didn't seem fooled by it. Calista lied but it was partly possible, considering that she really was her sister. Ophelia could be kind enough to do so. Though, Calista's plan backfired as the woman smirked at us and crossed her arms. She knew too well.

"Oh? You mean that Ophelia?" The woman then pointed right behind them and Calista was shocked to see Ophelia all geared up. She was wearing a hat in resemblance to the captain with swords on her side. Beige pants and a long red coat with high black pirate boots.

Calista was shocked to see her sister like that. Yesterday, her sister had let them stay at Everfrost. But now, Ophelia's order seems to change, Darius thought. Ophelia only stared at her sister before walking past her.

"I thought you're alright with us sailing to Regimere," Calista told Ophelia as the lady turned back around to face her.

"I never said you can. I only offered you refuge," she explained before shaking her head. Her hands seem crossed this time, more likely annoyed that Calista was bothering her than letting the situation go. Darius couldn't blame Calista. This was the Regimere. The only chance that they'll have is to get out to the sea.

"Once the sun sets, you are free to go back to Ravenbourne. The Regimere and Malum's Trench is our territory until we find the Angelus," Ophelia answered before facing the captain. Her eyes were already dull and even Calista begs, she won't budge. Darius knew that Ophelia had already planned this to happen.

If they had sailed without waiting for Darius' ship, then both of them would probably have a clash at the Regimere - knowing too well that the Medusa could endure more damage than their new ship. Trapping their sailors were already their plan as soon as they saw the opportunity.

Darius' eyes widened as the captain drew her sword to taunt them to go back. "Now, back off, mate. You heard the commissioner."

So, Ophelia was targeting the Angelus as well, Darius assumed. They never thought that Everfrost was silently observing the seas of Regimere. Maybe it was the reason why they never let Ravenbourne and Arkenheilm set sails.

Ophelia saw how Darius was preoccupied and pat the captain's shoulder. "Let's get ready to set sail. My research would expand while we're at sea."

She nodded at the commissioner's order before putting away the sword. "You're lucky ones. I'll tell you that."

"You heard her! Get ready to set sail to Regimere." Most of the sailors had run right up the ship and went to their positions.

Ophelia walked up to her sister and stopped right in front of her. Darius went to see Calista but all he saw was how she reacted. She seems betrayed about the situation. She didn't expect her sister to be the one leading the ship for the search of the Angelus.

"My apologies, sister. You must stay here or go back to Ravenbourne," Ophelia told her as Calista shook her head and pushed her hand away. She couldn't accept the fact that Darius and the other sailors would be trapped in this nation.

"I can't believe you. I never expected you to be the one searching for that ship," Calista mumbled as Ophelia scoffed.

"You may have the leadership skills but you're too fearful at what's at sea. So, I'll have the upper hand this time." Calista seemed mad at what Ophelia had said. But before she could even argue, Ophelia pushed her glasses up to her eyes before glaring at her.

"After all, you're like Mom. I'm not like you. You always think lowly of me. Ophelia, the nice sister. Ophelia, the weak one. Well, guess you're stuck here now," Ophelia continued before she then snapped her fingers.

A lot of guards had suddenly come up, making Darius and the other sailors alarmed.

"Take them back to the inn. Make sure they don't go anywhere."