Present & Modern
Day

-Violet's P.O.V.-

I love the sound of waves crashing against the rocks below. Cold gusts of wind bite at my warm cheeks, the wind does not seem to know it's the beginning of summer yet. I shiver slightly, hoping that maybe the sun will appear and warm the air. I take in the view of the sea peeking through the morning fog. The golden rays of the sun lightly illuminate across the ocean, through the thick clouds. I brace my eyes in admiration while walking down the stone path leading towards the docks. I'm not usually a morning person but views like these remind me of why I should be.

I stop on the path, enjoying the view and inhaling the smell of the sea. I adjust my coat while pushing back a few strands of hair that have escaped my braid. I place my finger to my bottom lip, wondering if I've forgotten something for the trip. I'm almost certain I squeezed in everything I could manage to pack.

"Are you finished admiring the view? Or did you forget something at home?" My Brother's sudden voice startles me from my daze.

I swiftly turn around to face him. "My apologies, I was a bit distracted."

"Right, it sure didn't seem like you were longingly waiting for someone in particular..." his voice trails off while a huge grin forms across his face.

My body freezes in place, my cheeks run warm and my face drops in horror. It takes me a few seconds to react and I push him back playfully. "Shut up Ray! Someone could hear you!" My eyes are still widened, I probably look insane in his perspective. It's too late, his laugh has already escaped his lips and echoes into the thick humid air. I roll my eyes in annoyance, patiently waiting for him to stop. In a way, I feel a sense of relief to see him laugh. I prefer to hear his laugh than complete silence . Ive noticed how strange he's been acting since he's returned from his trip. I haven't had the opportunity to ask him how he's feeling yet since I've been so focused on this trip. A huge part of me is afraid of prying into his life, and the other part is concerned for his well being.

I know his sudden arrangement to marry Rayne Luzano, bothered him but the way he's been silent has me thinking there might be something more. Ray's laugh fades each second, by now he's returning to his senses. I notice the way his smile forms back into a line, so I decide to take the opportunity and be brave enough to ask him how he's feeling. We're still a few feet away from the docks, we walk side by side slowly in silence.

"Are you okay Ray? I thought you'd be staying home...?" I quietly ask, hoping the wind takes my words far away from his hearing. His eyes flicker around while the crease between his brows form slowly. I'm worried I've crossed a line.

Before Ray replies, he glances towards the docks, with a slight of fear reflecting across his grey eyes. I notice the way he flinches, as if something deep down torments him. A memory perhaps? He sighs and reaches out for my small suitcase. I shake my head in denial while gripping the handle tightly. He sighs deeply once again, annoyed and reaches out again. This time, pulling it from my small hands. My bottom lip drops, in a frown. I don't argue, instead I keep the silence and loop my arm with his. I anxiously wait for him to speak, to break the ice, or to say anything. I'm worried he's not okay. We take our time walking to our Father's ship. Ray stares ahead, he's probably thinking of an excuse to say to not worry me.

He's always been this way, whenever something tends to happen to him, he keeps it to himself. I on the other hand can't seem to hold in my feelings for too long.

Ray somehow always finds a way to cover up his real emotions, he makes you feel like everything is perfectly fine. When things are in fact, not fine. Ive always admired his ability to hide the way he feels. But in a way, I know its sad to hide things. It's not good to bottle things up, he must feel immense pressure to keep a stable image. Especially in a town like Crystal Bay, its not the type of town to let down your guard. The people here exceed perfection, when we're all far from perfect. It pains me to think Ray might suffer silently, alone in his thoughts.

What could be going through his mind that he strongly believes he has to keep to himself? Do our parents notice? Has my Mother reached out to Ray? I highly doubt she'd let him go through something alone.

I'm his sister, of course I'm not the only sibling. We're this huge family of eight. My parents and five siblings fill up Ray's life. Ray and I have always been close growing up, considering we're the oldest. I wouldn't dare tell a soul if he opened up with me. I sigh, I've been lost in thought, I hadn't noticed how close we are to board the ship. I suppose I'll give my Brother some space if that's what he needs. It's the least I can do.

"Ray it's okay-"

"I needed some time away to think about a few things," he interrupts. My eyes widen, I didn't expect him to talk. "I've decided to join the trip last minute. I hope you don't mind having me around Violet..." he hesitantly says, giving me a small smile.

I rub his arm in reassurance and place my head on his shoulder, "Of course not! I'm so happy to have you on this trip. I'm glad you decided to join." I mean every word, he deserves a break.

We stare out into the beautiful scenery placed in front of us while we walk up the ramp into the ship in silence. Ray holds a tight, forced smile. Contrary to me, I can't help but give a natural smile.

"Ray!" Our Father's roaring voice echoes across the deck. I jump at the tone, I take my head off of Ray's shoulder. I look over at the crew mates staring back at us with tired eyes. My Father appears in front of us, he has this stern look on his face. "I need you in my office," he glances at me for a split second and focuses back on Ray. "We have a few things to discuss. Alone." My Father immediately turns back around and heads into his office without another word.

Ray gives me a quick kiss on the head and unhooks our arms. I notice the slight shiver of fear in his eyes, I've never seen him this way. I've also never seen my Father upset or serious for that matter. I wonder what they have to discuss, if its important, why was I not called in as well?

"Miss Marine, may I show you to your room?" I feel the butterflies rise up my abdomen, the voice sends goosebumps down my spine. I turn around to face the chocolate brown eyes I've been yearning too see since yesterday. Aspen, one of my fathers crew mates stands a few inches away from me, with a huge smile across his sun kissed complexion. He runs his hand through his caramel wavy hair, anxiously waiting for my response.

"Oh, Thank you Aspen. That would be nice!" I smile, trying to not make it so obvious in front of the other crew members. He picks up my suitcase that my brother placed next to me. I follow Aspen down the stairs below the deck, we pass many rooms until we turn the corner. Each second that passes I'm eager to wrap my arms around him for comfort. The hallway now seems longer and my room seems to be further than before. Aspen comes to a stop in front of a door and quickly turns around.

"Are you okay Vi?"

Aspen's eyes show a hint of worry, I step closer and let him wrap his arms around me. In this moment, my body melts. I forget all the things I've been worrying about, I inhale the fresh minty smell of his shirt. There's no one in this world that makes me feel at peace the way Aspen does.

I take a few minutes, just letting him embrace me. My head barely reaches to his shoulder, he stokes my hair in comfort. "I'm alright, just worried for Ray." I mumble into his chest. I can hear his heart racing against ear, it's soothing.

Aspen pulls back and lifts my chin up to face him, "if i know of something, or hear anything about Ray, I'll let you know. But for now, just give him some space, he'll come around soon." Just like that, my worries disappear. Aspen is right, when Ray is ready, he'll talk.

"I have a surprise for you." Aspen releases me from his embrace and digs into his pocket. His smile widens and pulls out a small brown bag, I shake my head in disappointment.

"I said no presents Aspen. You know I hate when you spend money on me." I know he's not from a wealthy background but I've accepted him the way he is. I don't need money or gifts to be happy with Aspen. Because money doesn't buy happiness, just knowing he likes me brings me immense joy.

"I know but I made you this one. I promise I did not purchase anything. I swear, sailors promise." I roll my eyes at his promise and his finger crossing his heart motion and smile. The way he always finds a way to keep me happy when all I need is his presence to keep me smiling like a school girl. I quite enjoy his company, it's a relief that he's so different compared to the boys in Crystal Bay. He's not stuck up or prideful, he keeps a calm and steady life.

"Ready?" Aspen opens the small bag and pulls out a beautiful aquamarine sea glass necklace. I gasp at the beauty, "I know it's not much but I really-" I run into his arms and hug him tightly.

"Don't you dare finish that sentence! It's absolutely stunning! It's worth everything to me. Thank you."

"I just wanted to make you something special, because you're special to me Vi." He motions for me to turn around to place the necklace around my neck. The cold sea glass touches my skin and I shiver. Aspen places small kisses on the back of my neck, causing me to giggle.

"I have an hour to spare before your Father wonders where I am, what would you like to do?" He has me in his arms, this time not letting me go. We walk into my room and immediately close the door, in case of any members of the crew walk by.

"We can talk for a bit before you head up? Oh! I'm so excited to take you to the book shop in Saltcoast Harbor. You're going to love it!" I gleefully say.

We fall back on to my bed, chatting, while he steals a few kisses in between. There isn't anywhere else I'd rather be than here with him. Aspen tells me about the hours and days he took to find me the perfect sea glass. The ship sways in comfort, peacefully rocking with the wind. I close my eyes, listening to Aspen hum into my ear.

"Vi"

"Hmm?"

"What do you think about running away?" Aspen asks quietly. My eyes open wide and I hoist myself up to see him clearly.

"Are you insane?" He's staring up at the ceiling, as if the question hadn't escaped his mouth. As if he were only thinking it and not expecting to say it out loud. "Aspen, we can't run away. That's crazy"

He sits up, grabs my hand in his, "It's not a crazy idea. Face it Vi, your family will never accept me. Or even the simple idea of us. If we run away, we won't have to worry if we'll be accepted or not. We don't have to do it now."

I continue to stare at him, wondering if this conversation is even real. I can't run away, my family needs me. Even if they didn't, I couldn't do such a thing to them. I couldn't imagine myself getting married without them present. Aspen and I haven't been dating long to consider marriage, is this some sort of proposal? My head swirls with the idea, I can hear my Father's voice in disappointment. Or my Mother's cries, begging me to stay. I can't imagine myself leaving Crystal Bay, yes the town exceeds perfection but it's my town. I know almost everyone, what will they think of me? I know I'm overthinking and I should just calm down. I haven't even thought of what I want to do, I've always thought of sailing the seas with my family. Or adventuring other coastal towns but I hadn't thought of marriage yet, dating is all new to me. I take a deep breathe before facing Aspen again. He places his hand hove mine, I shiver lightly at the touch.

  "Vi, it doesn't have to be now but one day, you and I both know that I will never be accepted. If we want to be together, we have to take risks. But if you one day decide you don't want to be with me, then I'll understand but it won't stop me from loving you." His eyes drop to our hands. The thought of us not being together in the future is also overwhelming. Who else is out there that will sweep me off my feet the way Aspen does?

   All nineteen years of my life, I've been prepared to be independent. My parents haven't forced an arranged marriage on me yet. I suddenly put myself in Aspen's position and it's not fair to him but I'm not ready. I hope that Aspen understands and doesn't hold it against me. "Aspen I think we should slow-"

   Suddenly we're thrown from the bed to the ground, my head hits the wall first before Aspen, The ship tilts to the side. My vision blurs from the impact, I feel Aspen's hand pulling me up from the floor. I manage to see Aspen's shadow in front of me , "What's happening?!" I shout. The roaring voices above , mute my voice in the room, a loud bang echoes through the ship.

   Aspen comes close and whispers in my ear, "we're under attack."

   My eyes widen, I'm starting to recover but the annoying thud against my head causes me to loose focus every few seconds. Who would attack Captain Finn Marine? My Father has no enemies, not that I know of. Loud bangs are heard above, Aspen grabs my hand once again and pulls me out the room. We're heading towards the safe rooms but something in me is impatient and I do something my mind hasn't even processed or considered yet. I pull my hand from his and run the opposite direction, instead of hiding, I run towards the stairs to go above deck. I hear Aspen's voice shouting from behind, trying to stop me but I can't seem to get my feet to stop. My head throbs against my skull, but the adrenaline keeps me from stopping and my headache seems to be disappearing. I grab the bottom of my dress and tie it up in a huge knot, hopefully it doesn't untangle.

   I reach the top of the stairs and almost faint, it's chaos and I'm in the middle of a blood bath. There's a huge massacre, a ship is right next to ours with men coming to fight. I spot a sword on the ground and immediately throw myself in, some men hesitate but continue to fight. I remain composed and determined considering the panic that is rising in my throat. A bearded man with many piercings swings at me with no care, I strike my sword against his. Aspen appears and begins to fight the bearded man, there's too many of them. There isn't enough of the crew members, I'm afraid we aren't going to make it.

   "There she is!" Shouts a man with a hoarse voice. I turn towards him with my sword but he's too fast, he grabs me by the arm, pulls me towards him and holds me against him tightly. I struggle in his grasp trying to release myself from him, instead he holds me tighter.

"Darling, don't struggle, I'm the one who will deliver you to our Captain." His voice sends shivers down my spine. My body freezes in his hold, who is his Captain? Why would his Captain be interested in me? A million thoughts explode in my mind, what is going on? My Father never prepared us for this, he never spoke of any enemy.

"Violet!" A voice shouts through the crowd, considering my state of distress, I manage to see my Brother. Ray runs towards me, a split of hope rises in me, and a bit of courage causes me to kick back and hit the man. The bearded pirate yelps in pain while releasing me. I fall to the ground with a thud, I pick myself up and run towards Ray. Another man interrupts my view and digs his sword into my brother. The scream that escapes my mouth is vile, the world stops when the man pulls the sword out in fear. Everyone seemed to hear me, they all turn their heads in surprise. I can't seem to move my feet, in fear, in shock or both. The loud bangs abruptly stop and I'm stood in silence. Smoke hovers in the air, I can barely see. I try to move my feet, slowly towards my brother who is bleeding out in front of me.

   I kneel down, "Ray you'll be okay. I promise" I plead. Tears stream down my warm cheeks, whoever did this is going to pay and I'll make sure of it.

   "Violet go hide, don't try to be a hero please." Ray whispers, although I'm close to him, his voice seems a hundred miles away. I can't loose him, not now. I feel strong arms pick me up from behind. I try to scream again but a hand quickly covers my mouth. I try to kick back but the stranger holds my legs with his other arm. It's a struggle in his strong grasp. I can't imagine what I look like in this position. My dark hair has loosened completely from the braid and part of it sticks to the sweat on my forehead.

"We can't risk you screaming again Love." The strangers voice sends shivers down my spine. His voice sounds younger than the bearded man but also chilling. A cold sensation spreads across my body, something tells me I shouldn't struggle. My eyes burn with fresh tears and my vision begins to blur once again. His grip is too strong, My body tires from struggling, I fall limply against the stranger who's face I can't seem to see. I wish I can turn around to see the man's face but instead I close my eyes, there's a certain smell I cant quite identify. But in it's presence I can't keep my eyes open. I feel some sort of heaviness above my eyelids, I've once heard of a smell that immediately makes you fall unconscious. But never have I ever come across it, that is until now.

"I apologize that it has to be this way Miss Marine." The voice whispers in my ear. My body weakens in his arms, I fear that the crew and I will not make it out alive.

   "Captain, we got Finn Marine." A voice suddenly says.

   "And I have his daughter, she's far more valuable to get him talking." The voice says in my ear, I realize in this moment that the Captain is the one holding me. But it's too late to move before I completely drift away.

I am so excited to release the official newly edited first chapter!!!💙💙💙💙
It has taken me so long to go back and edit and I'm just so excited for you to read it 💙

The original chapter was shorter and less descriptive? Although I feel like I need more description in this new edit. Please let me know in the comments if I need to add or change anything 💙

Thank you so much to those who have read my first original draft and Thank you for coming back to read 💙

I'm hoping you enjoy and for those who are new,
🛳💙Welcome Aboard💙🛳

Are you excited to read the second chapter ? 💙

I'm very excited for the new version of Sebastian 🥳💙

Much love to you all!!!

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-Question of the day-

What is your favorite current song?💙

💙Mine is "Sam Kim- Love me like that"💙