Lost to the Seas Fate

Red Anchor Inn

**chapter 4**

After deciding on a hot bath before her meal, Roxy opened the bathing room door. Inside, a steel tub sat opposite a pipe and faucet. A few years ago, Carlos, the innkeeper, and his brother designed a remarkable contraption that used coals to supply hot water to several of the inn's upscale rooms. It was an innovation Roxy had never encountered anywhere else but in Los Cala Gris. They even managed to create a system that directed water into the tank using a water wheel that drew from the stream. The entire setup was brilliant, yet after many discussions about it, Roxy still couldn’t grasp how it functioned. Ultimately, though, the luxury it provided was enough to keep her from trying to understand the mechanics.

She settled into the hot bath, her Siren side awakening as she immersed herself. Spotting her favorite soaps on the stool, she lathered up, letting the hot water soothe her body. The ache in her shoulder faded, and Sonia hadn't frowned during her last inspection. Now, the warmth washed away any lingering discomfort. Roxy stayed in the basin until the water turned cool, then she dried off and slipped into a flowing white blouse, securing a red corset over it.

Pulling on a pair of snug black slacks, she fastened her belt, ready with her gun and sword, and tugged on her well-worn black boots. Leaving her hair down, she ran her fingers through it, detangling the strands until a braid caught her eye. A blue azure bead, with a molten core—it was a gift- a boon from so many months ago. She lingered on the bead, feeling warmth radiate from it, sending butterflies fluttering in her stomach. How odd, she thought, before tucking the braid behind her ear.

Leaving her room, she locked the door and made her way to the tavern for a meal and a drink. As always, the tavern was bustling with people—townsfolk mingling alongside visitors from the pier. The Red Anchor Inn was renowned for having the best meals for miles. Behind the bar stood a heavyset man, his expression somber.

Carlos, in all Roxy's experiences, never appeared cheerful, but that didn't mean he was in a bad mood; it was just his usual demeanor. His wife, Elana, was the mastermind in the kitchen. While Carlos looked serious, Elana exuded happiness all the time. The two made for an interesting couple in Roxy's eyes, perfectly balancing each other's contrasting personalities.

Carlos looked up, his eyes meeting hers. He gave a nod and tilted his head toward the tables on the far side. Roxy’s gaze followed his gesture, landing on her crew, some of them already deep into their drinks. Nearby, Mynder's crew was in the same cheerful state. It seemed tonight was destined for cups and revelry.

As she made her way across the bustling tavern toward her men, Roxy was stopped in her tracks by a man in a flamboyant captain's hat who blocked her path. He bowed deeply, a playful smile on his face. "The sea god smiles on me, my lady captain," he declared, still not rising.

“Does he now?” Roxy questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“He does! I had asked him to reacquaint us somewhere I could buy you a drink,” he said, straightening up proudly.

“Captain Namless,” Roxy smirked, recognizing the man she had met six long months ago. “Back for another round, are we?”

“Indeed! I can't resist an opportunity to share a drink with the bravest captain in these waters,” he replied with a wink.

“Our reputation precedes us, I suppose,” she chuckled, stepping around him.

“But wait! A drink—come sit!” He winked, his charm undeniable.

“Alright, just one,” she agreed, crossing her arms in mock seriousness. There was something about him that made her let her guard down, and with both crews nearby, she felt safe enough to share a drink and chat.

Roxy’s curiosity was piqued; she wanted to know how his season had been, especially since he was new to the western sea. She imagined he must have found himself in more than a few scrapes. He led her to a cozy booth near the center of the tavern, just beneath the upper dining floor. It offered a slight veil of privacy amidst the bustling crowd.

As she approached, Roxy felt her heart quicken, a spark igniting in her chest. Excitement and anticipation bubbled within her, as if sitting in that booth held the promise of something monumental—perhaps a new adventure or something even deeper. The laughter and chatter of the tavern faded into a distant hum as she drew closer.

Upon reaching the booth, Roxy’s Pyris instincts surged to the forefront, overwhelming her senses. Her eyes landed on a giant of a man whose dark hair fell in tousled waves around his broad shoulders. His molten gold eyes gleamed in the dim light, drawing her in with an intensity that made her breath hitch. A shadowy day’s growth graced his jaw, enhancing his rugged allure.

But it was more than just his striking appearance that captivated her; something primal within her recognized him. It wasn’t the familial bond of her kin; it was an unexplainable connection that sent a thrill through her very core. An intensity swirled in the air between them, a longing that pulsed like a living heartbeat—a deep-seated desire that felt both wild and intoxicating. Roxy’s heart raced as she realized that this encounter might change everything.

Nameless placed his hand gently on the small of her back as he pulled a chair out, his gesture warm and inviting. He seemed completely oblivious to the storm brewing between Roxy and the hulking beast seated in the booth already. But that oblivion was short-lived. The unknown man leaned forward, his voice low and menacing.

"I’d suggest you stop touching her," he growled at Nameless, his tone slicing through the jovial atmosphere of the tavern like a knife.

The threat in his voice snapped Roxy from the haze that had enveloped her. Nameless’s head jerked up, and his hand fell away as he gulped audibly, caught off guard.

"I'm sorry," Roxy said, her voice steady, addressing the unknown man with an unexpected calmness. "But you don’t own me, and you don’t have a say over who I let touch me."

She didn’t quite know where this sudden boldness was coming from, but it felt too good to take back her words, igniting something powerful inside her.

His eyes, fierce and unyielding, snapped to hers. "Then allow me to introduce myself," he said, his voice a low growl. "My name is Captain Valentino, leader of the Shade of Night Gang. And your f*****g mate."

He leaned closer, the intensity in his gaze sending a shiver down her spine. "So excuse me for telling this man-w***e captain of mine not to touch that which I won’t share." The brutality in his eyes shimmered, a potent mix of dominance and desire that took Roxy’s breath away.

Nameless took a step back, glancing between Roxy and the imposing figure before her. "I didn’t mean any disrespect," he stammered, his bravado fading, recognizing the dangerous situation spiraling around him.

Roxy’s heart raced, caught between the allure of Valentino's raw intensity and the uncertainty of her own feelings. "Maybe I’d like to make my own choices," she replied, her voice firm but laced with trepidation. The tension crackled around them, and the tavern fell silent, the eyes of the patrons glued to the unfolding drama.

“Beauty,” Valentino said, his voice low and laced with anger, the words rumbling from his chest like thunder. “Some choices were never ours to make in the first place.”

Roxy felt a spark of defiance ignite within her. “So says you,” she shot back, her tone sharp and unwavering. “Just because you think you can claim me doesn’t make me yours.”

A mocking laugh escaped Valentino’s lips, sending a chill down her spine. He stood from the booth with an air of authority and stepped towards her, every movement exuding intimidation. The urge to retreat from the towering man was nearly overwhelming, yet a counter pull beckoned her to step closer, to confront the force of nature standing before her.

“Careful, little one,” he said, his voice smooth yet edged with menace, “You might find yourself in waters too deep to swim.”

Roxy held her ground, refusing to give in to either urge. She met his gaze, feeling the heat radiating from his body as he closed the distance between them. He towered over her, easily towering a solid foot above her petite frame, making him at least 6 foot 7.

“And what if I don’t want to swim at all?” she challenged, tilting her chin defiantly. “What if I want to sink instead?”

Valentino paused, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed her bravery. “Sinking isn’t an option, beauty,” he said, a dangerous smirk creeping across his face. “Not with me around. You might not see it yet, but I’m the lifeline you didn’t know you needed.”

Roxy felt a rush of conflicting emotions—fear, anger, and an undeniable intrigue that she couldn't quite shake. “I don’t need saving, Captain,” she insisted, her voice steadier than she felt. “And I certainly don’t need you to dictate my fate.”

His grin widened, revealing a flash of white teeth, sharp and predatory. “Fate has a way of entwining paths, sweetheart. Trust me, resisting will only make it more interesting.”

A tremor of excitement mingled with her defiance as the weight of his presence bore down on her. She swallowed hard, her heart racing faster than she could control. “Interesting or not,” she countered, her throat dry, “you don’t own me. Not now, not ever.”

Valentino leaned in closer, his breath warm against her skin, “Oh, beauty, you’ll come to understand just how mistaken you are.”

Roxy felt heat creep across her cheeks. Was she blushing? A rush of anger surged through her, igniting her resolve. "Look here, Valentino," she said firmly, her voice steady despite the turmoil within, "I am not some simpering girl. You cannot force me into being yours or lay claim to me. No man owns me. I am my own to keep."

Valentino’s expression shifted slightly, his amusement turning into something more intense. “Is that so?" he replied, his voice smooth but low, like velvet wrapped around steel. "You strut around here so fierce, but I see the way you react to me. You're not as untouchable as you think.”

Roxy's fists clenched at her sides, refusing to let his words penetrate her walls. “I don’t care how you see it. I make my own choices, and I refuse to be a trophy on someone’s shelf,” she insisted, defiance sparkling in her eyes.

Valentino stepped closer, invading her space without hesitation. His hand captured her delicate braid, fingers expertly rolling the azure bead that Nameless had gifted her. “If not my claim on you, then, little one," he said, a smirk playing on his lips, "this will be your claim on me.”

“What do you mean by that?” Roxy shot back, her heart racing. “You think a bead gives you ownership over me? It's a gift, not a chain.”

His eyes danced with mischief. “Ah, but gifts can symbolize so much more, can’t they? Consider it a bond, something that ties us together. You’re drawn to it and to me even if you refuse to admit it,” he replied, leaning in so close that she could feel the warmth radiating from his body.

Roxy fought to maintain her composure, even as her heart raced. “You’re delusional if you think I’m drawn to you. The only thing I feel is the urge to stand my ground and remind you that I won't be easily bent.”

Valentino chuckled softly, his breath almost teasingly warm against her face. “You certainly are a firecracker, aren’t you? But let me ask you this: what happens when the fire meets the storm? You may find that strength can also be a weakness.”

“I’m not afraid of storms or fire,” Roxy retorted, piercing him with her gaze. “But you’re underestimating me, Valentino. I won’t be caught in your wild wind.”

“Underestimating you? Never,” he replied, an unmistakable glint in his eyes. “I see you, beauty. I see the woman who won’t back down no matter the odds. And that makes me want you even more.”

She felt a flutter in her chest, battling with her anger. “You think that kind of talk will intimidate me? It won’t. I’m not some plaything for you to toy with.”

Valentino tilted his head, a knowing smile creeping onto his face. “Oh, I don't think of you as a plaything. Quite the opposite. You are the game, and I’m simply intrigued to see how you play.”

His fingers brushed gently down her cheek, moving slowly over her lips before he tilted her chin upward, drawing her gaze to meet his. Their faces were mere inches apart, his scent—a heady mixture of cedar and something uniquely him—sent a heat pooling at her core.

“The gods may have taken their time revealing their choice to me,” Valentino whispered softly, the colors in his eyes swirling like a tornado, fierce and mesmerizing. Each flicker held a secret, a promise that both exhilarated and terrified her.

As Roxy stood captivated, she instinctively licked her lip, entranced by the whirl of colors in his gaze. Suddenly, clarity hit her like a crashing wave, washing over her with undeniable force. “You’re Pyris,” she breathed, the revelation tumbling from her lips in a reverent whisper.

Valentino's expression shifted slightly, his smirk deepening as he recognized her realization. “At last, you see the truth,” he said, the air around them crackling with anticipation. “But tell me, what will you do with this knowledge?”

Raising her hand, she slipped a finger between them, igniting small flames that danced along her fingertip, barely noticeable yet vividly alive. “Nothing you’d expect,” she replied, a hint of mischief in her voice.

Valentino leaned closer, their lips nearly touching, the only thing separating them being her finger. With a daring flick of his tongue, he licked the flame from her fingertip. “You taste divine,” he murmured, a playful smile dancing on his lips.

He then stepped back, giving her one last lingering look before turning and striding out of the tavern, leaving her breathless in his wake.

Roxy stood in shock, grappling with what had just happened. The flame was sacred; no Pyris could touch another's unless they were blood, or so her father had always said. But this man wasn’t family. Still, every fiber of his being hinted at something deeper—a force she couldn't ignore, a battle she felt she might lose.

Turning to Nameless, who had retreated to the booth with a pale face, she said, “I’ll have that drink now.”

He slid a shot glass toward her without a word. She grabbed it, tossed it back, and slammed the glass down with a definitive thud. “Thanks,” she added, her voice steady.

Nameless merely nodded, still looking mildly stunned. The noise of the tavern was muted, the crowd still reeling from the earlier display. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Roxy turned and strode purposefully to the table where Catarina sat waiting.

A barmaid approached their table, her demeanor calm and collected as if the earlier spectacle hadn’t happened at all. “What will you be having?” she asked, a friendly smile dancing on her lips.

Roxy felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. “I’ll have a glass of Carlos’ summer berry mead, if he still has any,” she replied, trying to maintain her composure. “And ask Elana to surprise me with the meal.”

Catarina, leaning back in her seat with her arms crossed, interjected, “Add about a dozen shots of whiskey to that.”

The barmaid nodded, jotting down the order before she turned and headed toward the kitchen, her skirt swishing softly behind her.

As the clatter of dishes faded into the background, Catarina fixed her gaze on Roxy, her voice steady yet laced with curiosity. “What in the hell was that about?”

Roxy sighed, staring into her empty glass. “I’m not sure,” she confessed, emotions tangled like a storm inside her. The last thing she wanted was to confront the whirlwind of feelings that Valentino had stirred up in her. She needed a moment to breathe, to gather her thoughts before delving into the chaos that had just unfolded.

Catarina leaned closer, her brow furrowing with concern. “Roxy, you look like you’ve seen a ghost. What was that all about? That man—he’s trouble, isn’t he?”

Roxy took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind inside her. “I don’t know, Cat. It was... different. The way he looked at me, the way he touched my hand—it felt like something more than just a spark.”

“More than just a spark?” Catarina raised an eyebrow, a hint of teasing in her voice. “You mean your entire world might be on fire now? Because it looked like he ignited something that could burn down everything you’ve built.”

“Stop,” Roxy said, a wry smile flickering at the corners of her lips despite herself. “You’re being dramatic.”

“Am I? Because I saw the way you reacted. You were practically melting. I just don’t want you to forget what’s at stake here.”

Roxy sighed, her gaze drifting to the bustling tavern around them. “It’s complicated, Cat. He’s not like anyone I’ve ever met. There’s a depth to him that draws me in—it feels dangerous and thrilling all at once.”

Catarina scoffed gently. “Dangerous is putting it lightly. You know the rules around unknown men, right? You can’t just—”

“I know!” Roxy interrupted, her voice rising slightly. “But it’s not that simple. There’s something about him that... makes me want to break those rules. It’s like he sees me for who I truly am, not just a flame-holder or my father’s daughter.”

Catarina softened, her eyes meeting Roxy's with understanding. “Just promise me you’ll tread carefully. Emotions and flames—both can consume you if you’re not careful.”

“Trust me,” Roxy replied, her voice steady. “I’m trying to figure it out. I just can’t shake this feeling that something’s shifting, and I need to understand it before it overwhelms me.”

“Alright,” Catarina said, a hint of reassurance in her tone. “Just remember, whatever happens, you’re not alone in this. I’ll be right here, ready to pull you back if you start to fall.”

Roxy smiled, grateful for her friend’s unwavering support. “Thanks, Cat. I really needed to hear that.”

The barmaid returned with a flourish, her hands expertly balancing a shiny tray adorned with shot glasses, each filled with a vibrant amber liquid that glinted in the dim light of the tavern. She slid the tray onto the table, the sound of glass clinking against wood mingling with the soft murmur of laughter and conversation surrounding them. Following the shots, she placed a hefty mug of frothy mead down, the sweet aroma wafting up to greet them. Roxy's stomach growled in anticipation as the barmaid finally set down a plate piled high with rolled tortillas—each one brimming with spiced meat, sautéed vegetables, and a hint of fresh herbs, their edges golden and crisp from the frying.

Roxy reached into her purse, fingers brushing against a few uneven coins before producing three shiny silver pieces. She handed them to the barmaid with a swift smile. “We’ll take two more trays of shots, please. And if you could deliver the second tray to that table over there, I’ll make sure you keep the change.” She gestured towards Mynders table laughing at the far end of the bar.

The barmaid's face lit up with delight, her eyes sparkling as she nodded enthusiastically. “You got it! I’ll be right back!” With that, she retreated into the bustling atmosphere, weaving through the throng of bodies and laughter, the jingling of coins in her apron harmonizing with the evening’s lively beats.

As the evening progressed, Roxy found herself glancing around, anticipation swirling in her chest. She’d expected Valentino to reappear, his enigmatic demeanor drawing her in again, yet he never returned. Each passing moment heightened her uncertainty, leaving her both intrigued and restless.

Finally, after a while, Elana emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a flour-dusted apron as she stepped into the warmth of the tavern. She spotted Roxy and her crew, the familiar camaraderie pulling her in as she made her way over. Elana’s loose, chestnut hair framed her face, and her cheeks flushed with a healthy glow from the kitchen heat.

“Hey there, lovely people!” she greeted, sliding into a chair at their table with an ease only a seasoned bar worker could muster. “What’s been happening since I disappeared into the world of pots and pans? Any juicy gossip I should know?”

Roxy grinned, her initial disappointment momentarily forgotten as Elana filled them in on the latest local happenings. Stories peppered with laughter and animated gestures flowed easily from Elana’s lips, the warmth of friendship enveloping them as the tavern filled with life, echoing the bonds forged in the heat of shared moments.

It appeared that in the last month, Los Cala Gris had been bustling like a port teeming with excitement—four naval ships had graced its shores. Two sleek barquentines from the Maltainyan Empire had docked proudly, their colorful sails unfurling against the backdrop of the sunset. They were followed by a formidable frigate and an imposing warship from Oddessia, both of which Roxy’s crew had dispatched with deft skill during their voyage here.

As Roxy listened intently to Elana recount the tales of the ships, she couldn’t help but notice the absence of patrons surrounding them. The tavern, once vibrant and filled with raucous laughter, was now quieter, with only a few scattered tables occupied. Sensing a change in the atmosphere and the weight of her thoughts settling heavily in her mind, Roxy decided it was time to withdraw.

“Thanks for the stories, Elana,” she said, leaning in to wrap her arms around her friend in a warm embrace. “I’ll see you in the morning.” The fleeting warmth of their hug lingered in her heart as she turned away, making her way through the emptying tavern.

Today had been a whirlwind—her mind was a canvas splashed with vivid strokes of ancient manuscripts she had perused earlier, each page filled with secrets and tales of forgotten realms. And of course, there was Valentino, the enigmatic figure who had crossed her path with a charm that left her both intrigued and unsettled.