Even after their departure, Darius could feel the silent gazes behind him.

His figure turned around and there he saw his crew swiftly turning their heads away, their attention finally at the dark waters around them.

He knew well that this weren't judging ones but curiosity.

Yet the fear was still evident in their eyes. He could already tell it was because of the snake that Zschova's crew mentioned.

And the fact that the Angelus went missing was not helpful in the situation.

He could understand how scared they were but the more he thought about it, the more he realised that there’s not much he could do to comfort them.

The crew must know by now the dangers that lies ahead of them before signing up to such journey.

He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself as he looked over to the direction where Darius knew Ophelia's ship was supposed to be.

However, knowing how long it took them to escape, it would take them long before they would come across with his lover's sister once again.

They might also get lost on the way or encounter more creatures. But he was hoping that the trip would still go smoothly.

"We're almost there," Aloysius said to Darius. He then turned his head to his captain. "You alright?"

Darius sighed and nodded.  "Yes, Aloysius. Just thinking of something."

Aloysius' lips turned into a thin line. "Is it about the snake? What about it?"

"Remember the old man at the inn?" Darius asked him with his eyebrows raised and arms crossed.

Aloysius hesitantly answered but he already knew where this talk was headed. "I do."

"Well, I'm thinking if that snake that Zschova's brother mentioned is the one the old man had been hinting at. Alive."

Aloysius didn't answer right away. Instead, he remained quiet for some time before he finally replied.

"Are you suggesting that the snake might have been the one guarding Gryndale? The one that caused all those deaths. Do you think...?" Aloysius trailed off while Darius pondered.

"That. And probably killed many others," Darius added.

"So what are we going to do?" asked Aloysius.

Darius didn't reply immediately; instead he glanced around before he decided to respond. "First, we'll have to be careful not to awaken any more creatures. We also can't risk letting Ophelia spotting us. It would be mean more trouble to the crew."

"How are we going to handle the serpent if we do get there?"

Darius remained silent. Aloysius gulped as the silence engulfed the room. Darius slowly turned his head toward Aloysius and when he did, he could see the panic in his eyes.

They weren't sure. As captain, he never did expect to come face to face with such creature. Let alone one that came from a mere rumor. An old sailor's nightmare tale.

"We just have to make sure it doesn't see or hear us that quickly and get to a safer place."

Aloysius nodded and kept a straight face. Darius knew it was just an act but it still held some hope.

After a few seconds of dread, Darius his stomach churning.

He wasn't sure if it was because of the prospect of dealing with a beast in particular, or something else entirely.

It was a long night. No matter how much food Darius prepared and how much water he drank, the hunger didn't disappear as he tossed and turn in his bed.

Finally, when the sky began to lighten up, he heard the sound of soft footsteps approaching his quarters. The sailor's heart skipped a beat as he heard the sounds outside, he held his breath.

The door creaked open but no movement was seen.

When the coast was clear and he could clearly make out the silhouette of whoever entered his room, he released the air from his lungs and laid back down.

His body began to calm down and he closed his eyes.

"Your mind seems preoccupied. Is there something bothering you, love?" Calista's figure finally showed up at the doorway, smiling softly at him.

Darius smiled back at her. Even though she was here, he was unsure of everything.

He wanted to believe that Calista would be able to help him settle his uneasiness with her presence but he knew better.

Sailing the seas of Regimere is nothing but unexpected dangers lying ahead. He knew that not even love could help him turn this dread away.

"Gryndale," Darius shortly answered. Realization dawned over Calista's features as she gently sat down next to Darius to rub his back in comfort.

"You have nothing to worry, love." Calista knew that Darius had doubts whether he could lead his crew in such dangerous waters.

It was obvious by how his hands fidgeted and nervously looking down at his hands. "I'm sure this venture would turn out as you planned it to be."

Darius took a  minute before he responded with a nod. But he was hesitant. He stood up, finally taking in the words his lover gave before forcing a smile. Hesitant.

In his mind, he just hoped that the creature that lied deep below the ocean would remain unbothered, their presence unknowingly passing by.

If this serpent story was indeed true, Darius knew that they should atleast gather info before they finally come to its territory.

Walking back to the deck, Darius approached Aloysius. “Tell the crew that we do not want unwanted attention so keep an eye on the waters and do not sail too fast."

As Aloysius was about to nod, a sudden crash had been heard — the waves reaching the deck with immense intensity.

They exchanged glances before rushing towards their crew with worried expression.

Before Aloysius could even reach for the others, the ship suddenly rocked and it wasn't long until the whole vessel started shaking.

As the two sailors near them tried to grab onto something to stay on their feet, another violent crash made them stumble, crashing on the barrels before it went rolling.

Darius held his breath as the huge waves kept coming.

Surely it was just some storm brewing, right?