Jake paced back and forth within the antique room. It had been a day and a half since the curse was removed, yet he was no clearer what to do now than he was then. He had tried talking with Kristóf to see what he thought, but the butler was strangely quiet lately. Jake figured it was due from the loss of Silnne; they had grown close over the years. Teal was no help either; he kept mostly to Lucie’s side now and would only acknowledge him when he would come near the girl. Jake sighed deeply as he ran a hand through his hair. What he finally decided to do next was not going to be easy.

Lucie sat on the edge of the bed, staring down at Diane. Even though it had almost been two days, Diane was not faring any better. From what Kristóf and Teal had both said, she should be better. Lucie scratched Teal behind an ear, causing him to rub against her while purring loudly. She leaned back against the wall and closed her eyes. If Diane didn’t get better, they’d never leave this ship and go home.

Home? Lucie snorted. ‘What home do I think I have? With what happened to Grandpa, I doubt I have a home to go to.’ A soft knock at the door, caused her to open her eyes and sit up. Stretching out sore muscles from sitting so long, Lucie made her way to the door and opened it. Kristóf smiled down at her warmly. “Master Jake would like to have a word with you when you have the time, Miss Lucie.”

Knowing Diane would not be waking anytime soon, Lucie said: “I can go now. Where is he?”

“I will take you to him.”

“Thank you, Kristóf.” He nodded as he turned and led her away from Diane’s room.

Jake stood out on the deck of the Carnage Maker, staring up at the darkening sky. He pulled the cloak tighter around himself, ensuring complete safety from the setting sun’s rays. He turned around when he heard his cabin’s door open. Jake nodded slightly when Kristóf stepped out on deck. Behind him Lucie closely followed with Teal right beside her. “Will you walk with me, Lucie? There is something I wish to discuss with you.” Jake asked as he held out his hand to her.

Lucie’s brow creased slightly, but she took his hand anyways. “Kristóf, will you take Teal with you and go check on our guest’s condition?” Jake asked over his shoulder as he led Lucie away and toward the stern of the ship. He just hoped they would listen so he could talk with Lucie privately.

Four hours later, Lucie sat quietly in her room. Contemplating the discussion she had with Jake earlier. The discussion wasn’t very long, only about a half hour at most, but it was serious, at least for the most part. She had learned a lot during that talk, but the most shocking part of it was when Jake had asked her to stay with him on the ship. She was taken aback by his request and it was this she was thinking upon.

Lucie had already talk with Diane over it and asked what she thought about it, but came up empty handed. Diane had only told her to do what she wanted and thought was right. Lying down, Lucie placed an arm over her eyes, hoping to fall asleep even though she knew it would elude her this night.

Jake stood at the prow of the ship with his hands on the rail, staring out over the calm waters. A full moon lit up the serene scene. He heard the far door open and footsteps moving towards him, but he did not move from his sentry, he knew who it was. As the small figure came up and stood next to him he put an arm around her shoulders.

“You’ve made up your mind?” She nodded. “What have you decided?”

Lucie sighed deeply as she turned to face him. “I care for you, Jake. I truly do…”

“But..?” He asked as he stared down at her.

“I cannot stay. I’m sorry, I really am. But right now I can’t leave Diane, she needs me now that Will was killed.”

Jake sighed as he brought a hand up to her cheek. “I’ll miss you, Lucie.” He said as he embraced her tightly.

Hearing the sadness in his voice, as well as the deep seated loneliness within him, Lucie felt horrible over her decision. But knew she could not change it. “I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be. I understand completely. When will you be leaving?”

“The day after tomorrow. I wanted to have time enough to say good-bye to everyone.” Jake didn’t comment he just held her tighter.

Two days later, Lucie helped Diane down the ramp of the ship. Tears ran freely down her cheeks, but she wouldn’t turn around. It would completely undo her resolve and probably mean the end of Diane. So instead she continued on, half carrying Diane into Dena. Lucie had made a promise to herself last night. After Diane was well once again and no longer needed her, she would leave Dena and search out the Carnage Maker. And hope she would still be welcome on the ship after hurting Jake as deeply as she had.

Looking down at her hand, Lucie smiled slightly. She would probably still be welcome, after all Jake had allowed her to place a spell on him last night. It was a spell to bind them together, so he must not have been too upset. The triangle with three small circles surrounding it glowed slightly as she closed her hand. Lucie was sure she would find them again.