---Orion's POV---

My foot still throbbed as I pushed it down but the doctor beside me smiled warmly, nodding as encouragement before he motioned towards the hall. Slowly, albeit a bit wobbly, I managed to walk towards the doorway that would lead me to my freedom.

The old man had agreed that if I were able to walk without any aid, I was free to go and continue my life. He did suggest to rest at least one more night but he too noticed that I was getting too restless to stay cooped inside one more day.

Grasping at the wooden frame, I sought a moment of support and tested my foot alone, trying not to flinch too much when pain webbed through my foot and lashed at my ankle as well. The bruising was severe, had even worsened over the past few nights but according to the doctor, I was healing well.

Almost inhumanly so.

Bowing my head to hide my smirk at his comment, I slowly pressed forward until I reached the front door. The good man smiled, nodding and reassured me that if I ever needed his help, all I had to do was just call.

I gave him my thanks, before asking to make sure he really didn't want any payment. He merely waved me off, shaking his head. "The fishermen who's guilty for your injury should be the one who's paying me. Don't you fret, young one. I might be getting old, but this town needs me and in return, supplies me with what I need."

As soon as he closed the door behind me, I straightened up a bit more, closing my eyes to soak in the sunlight that warmed my skin. Fingers brushing through my hair, I frowned at the unusual short length, remembering that the doctor had cut it short to make sure I didn't have any serious head trauma hiding in my previously long hair.

I've stayed here for far too long, I decided, letting my fingers skim down to brush against the stubble that developed on my jaw and chin.

A few more hours until sunset, and then I can go back to the sea. And I guess I'll need to find a way to shave as well...

I was feeling dehydrated after all this time spent on land, as I would always return to the sea at night. This past week had been one of my longest stays on land, without the reprieve of salt water to wash over my skin and soak my gills.

Looking around, I decided to make a small stop at the sea, as the thought of having a few gulps of saline water made my gills ache and quiver. I was already feeling weak, so if I could take a small drink, it would sooth my gills and boost my healing as well.

Waving at a few of the sailors, I nodded my head in greeting at them before I continued on my way. Already I could hear the waves crashing on the shore, seagulls squawking as they flew over on a gentle breeze.

My hairs tangled and moved in the wind as I inhaled deeply, reveling in the salty fresh scent that blew in my face.

Home.

A hermit crab scrambled to move out of the way as I stepped on the sand, marveling in the sensation of warm sand caressing my skin. The deep blue water gleamed in the sunlight, beaconing me back home but I couldn't, not just yet.

Instead I slowly sat down, sighing in contentment as the water lapped at my feet, washing the sand away and soothing my agitated skin. The sensation made my gills quiver noticeably, parched and needy for a drink.

Chancing another look at the sailors, none of them had their eyes on me, but I didn't take any risks. After all, seeing someone drink seawater would raise a lot of questions that didn't need answering.

Pushing myself back up on my feet, I decided to follow the shoreline away from the harbor, where I would be out of sight and able to quench my thirst. A few ships were visible in the distance, white sails contrasting vividly against the bright blue sky as the wind pushed the ships ahead.

When I was sure that I was far enough from the harbor, I stepped closer to the water, pulling my pants higher to avoid them getting wet. Crouching, I cupped my hands before filling them, sighing in relief as I brought the salty water to my lips.

Air flowed through my gills as I took the first gulp, the sensitive flesh shivering and expanding on a sigh before the salty water flowed through it. Only a drop slipped from my gills as they drained everything else, the extra oxygen pumped through my body and in my bloodstream.

It made me feel so much more alive.

I sighed, shaking off the last few drops of my fingers as I stood upright. Already the muscles in my ankle and foot were relaxing, knitting back together and alleviating the bruises in the skin. The scars would remain, as a reminder of what mankind was capable of, but by nightfall, I wouldn't be in pain anymore.

Slowly, I made my way back to the small village and wandered past the vendors. A few of them were selling smoked fish and meat, the scent alluring but sadly enough, I didn't have the coin to buy it, nor would I retort to stealing the food.

These people had been kind enough and had already done so much for me, I wasn't going to repay them by stealing away their livelihood. Instead I simply smiled at the people and continued on my way, wondering if there were some chores around here that I could help out with.

Moving through the crowd, I ducked past a cart filled with pots and woven baskets, smiling and picking up the few lids that had fallen on the floor and returning them to the woman. Dusk was slowly settling in, and it was curious to see everyone gather their stuff up for the night, stalls disappearing as the crowd trickled back to the center of the village, where the tavern came to live with drink, song and laughter.

I smiled, deciding to return to my rightful spot in the ocean. A few of the sailors thought differently though and dragged me to the tavern, laughing at my weak protests. "We owe you a drink, this time not just a drink in the ocean." He joked, patting me on the back before pushing me in the tavern.

The noise inside overwhelmed me, the scents of human sweat, fire, cooking food and alcohol mashed together in a potent stench that made me curl my nose up. Before I could protest, I was dragged to the bar and offered a pint of strong mead.

I took a few hesitant sips, tasting the honey with a hint of apples and berries as the liquid warmed my mouth and throat before sinking heavily to my belly. It drew heat to my face as I took a few more delicate sips, being mindful to not get drunk amongst the humans.

Instead, I opted to observe the men as they talked ambient and quite loud, arguments flowing over into bragging and small contests , where the winner could brag some more as they loudly proclaimed their victory.

There were very few woman inside; some seemingly there to enjoy a hot meal with their family or spending some time with their sailing husband before they had to depart.

I quickly had to drink down my cup of mead as another sailor slid the next cup in my direction before slapping down some gold coins. The bartender smirked and was all too eager to keep supplying me with drinks, if it meant that the sailors kept paying them for me.

Though, after the third cup, I had to decline, stating that I needed a whiff of fresh air, which provoked a round of laughter from the men. I took their jokes and jabs in stride and shook my head before pushing the door open.

"Finally." I murmured, closing my eyes and inhaling deeply as the sound of the tavern instantly became muffled when the door slammed shut behind me, the only sound that greeted me was the ocean in the distance and the few crickets that chirped into the night.

Taking a glance back behind me, I shook my head and started heading towards the beach. But as I rounded the corner, I plowed right into someone and stumbled, if it wasn't for their hands to settle on my hips and hold me steady.

"My apolog-" I froze, eyes wide as they settled on my hands that were spread on the man's bare chest. A chuckle rumbled through the chocolate skin visible between my spread fingers, my heart starting to race in my chest as I slowly looked up into golden eyes that gleamed in the darkness.

"Hello sweetheart. I've been looking everywhere for you." Cain chuckled, his hold tightening when I went to take a step back. I hissed at him, trying to pull free from his hold but stilling when I heard a few more people chuckle as they appeared from the shadows.

"Captain, we need to go before the tavern empties out." One of the crewmembers spoke up, eyes darting to the lights a few feet away. I had half a mind to scream for help but as if hearing my thoughts, Cain yanked me closer to his side, one big hand enough to silence my futile attempt.

"Na-ah, didn't think so sweet- FUCKING HELL!" He cursed, releasing me as my razor sharp teeth bit into his palm. Without a second thought I bolted, kicking one of the men in the gut when he attempted to grab me. He landed on the ground in a cloud of dust, cursing and barking in pain.

"Get back here you lil' bitch!" The man snarled, drawing a blade as he stumbled back on his feet. As if I'd listen and let them take me anywhere.

Pain webbed through my body as I ran, the stress on my foot was too much but I couldn't risk slowing down. Instead I ran straight for the ocean, losing my shirt halfway as I intended to shift and escape in the sea.

I glanced over my shoulder to see Cain running after me, his eyes focused on my form as his powerful legs pushed him forwards quicker and quicker. A smirk curled his lips up and I snarled, looking forwards before my eyes widened in shock.

The last thing I saw before I was knocked down, was the wooden club seconds away from striking me in the face. Pain exploded through my skull as I flopped on the dirt path, nausea making my head swirl and Cain's angry cursing filled the air as his feet stomped closer.

Whoever had struck me down used his foot to kick me on my belly, yanking at my arms as I weakly struggled against him. Rope dug into my wrists as my arms were tied together, the sound of panting breaths coming closer as a few of the men hissed out curses underneath their breath.

"Hey Boss, I got hi-UFF!" The sound of a fist colliding with cheekbones made me blink and glance to the side, seeing the man tumble to the floor with blood spewing from a clearly broken nose.

Had Cain punched him?

I tried to focus, to push back on my feet and make for the ocean but I couldn't. Warm hands plucked me from the ground seconds before I laid on Cain's wide shoulder, my stubble rasping against his skin as I blinked slowly.

The men around chuckled as my vision slowly dimmed, a drop of warm liquid dripping from my nose and landing on Cain's back. The crimson liquid slowly rolled down the Pirate's back as he barked orders and I barely heard the men rush to comply with his wishes.

I was quite certain that Cain could feel my heart race against his shoulder as I struggled to stay awake but slowly lost the fight. My stay on land had made me too weak to heal properly, their arrival so sudden and too soon that I was left vulnerable.

Gods, have mercy on me.