By the time it was night, a very heavy rain began to fall. I could tell the people on board, were unstable, from the unsteady waves and shouts.

Bolts of thunder stroke countless of times, which made Piper extremely scared.

I ended up narrating numerous stories to her, which I read at our village's library. They were genuine pieces I remembered being whipped for.

No one appreciated when females where in the library.

"Please sing me a song," she requested in an innocent tone, wearing a pleading expression.

"Yeah, sure..."

I trailed on my words, tuning out some traditional song from my village.

Turned out she was a fast sleeper, cause in just a few minutes, she was asleep.

I carried her gently, before placing her on the little bed, big enough only one person. I knew I was probably going to find some spot on the floor.

"Goodnight," I muttered, kissing her forehead.

I sighed at the way she shivered from the cold, clenching her teeth which made scraping sounds.

In a way, she so much reminded me of Jasmine, my little sister.

She passed away at 9.

And, most villagers didn't think she'd live that long.

Known to be insanely weak from birth, she battled with various illnesses. Until the last one, which seemed incurable took her life.

I recalled crying on her grave, every single day bringing her a set of new flowers.

And mum? She totally lost it...

A faint knock brought me to reality. I looked towards the door and sighted some blankets being tucked under, by an unknown hand.

"Thank you,"

I said, but got a response of a foot thudding in retreat.

Quickly, I covered Piper's shivering body before taking some sheets at the end of the room, spreading it on the floor. It was just beside the chest. I was curious but I had no intentions of opening it.

Covering myself with a blanket, I slept for the night.

...

I was awoken the next morning, by a creaking sound. It was more evident that it came directly from ahead. And some noises were backed up with it too.

"You tiny witch! I've had enough of you!"

The voice seemed unfamiliarly familiar.

I opened my eyes, wiping them to see clearly.

I sighted Piper standing on the bed she slept on, that night. Her clothes were stained with some orange stuff, and she was escaping someone's grasp.

I noticed it was Helen, the woman from yesterday who had brought her in, in a sack.

"Come down from that bunk, or I promise you won't see the light of the day!" she snarled.

"Try catching me, then"

Piper replied, mischievously.

I arched my brows, at the entire scene, wondering why she would even think of going against her.

"P-piper, just listen to her!"

I yelled.

But it seemed that it only diverted her attention. She directed her eyes to me. I noticed she had a seemingly trustworthy look in them.

It had only been a day we knew each other and it seemed she already had faith in me.

"Got you!" Helen said fulfilled.

I sighed, with my hand on my forehead in worry.

I watched Piper struggle in her grasp, giving her a glare. But it seemed, she was just too small and the woman's strength was more than hers.

"You're sleeping in the dungeons for this, I promise!"

"Get your filthy hands off me, scum bag!" she snickered.

That earned her a startling slap from Helen, who was already fuming in so much anger.

"You're such a rude little kid!"

From where I was positioned, I noticed the impact made her blonde hair go all over her face. And she looked so much in a pitiful state, with a remorse look in her eyes.

It took someone close to understand Piper.

She was just a little child and didn't deserve this injustice.

"A-Ava?"

The sound of her voice calling out to me, awakened a soft spot in my chest. I stood still at my spot, having no idea of what to do.

I watched Helen drag her through the door.

"P-Piper...I'm so s-sorry,"

I called out but the door slam shut on my face. It was bolted from outside instantly.

I didn't even know what I was apologizing for!

But I knew I was sorry...perhaps it was my inability to help her.

Because I was too much of a coward to go against anyone on this ship, if I wanted to live.

...

I spent the rest of the day, reading the old books which laid just beside the chest. I had always had this weird desiring for romance and science. It also amazed me when I learnt things about the word and why certain things were there.

In a way, I couldn't believe that some dutiful girls back in my village, didn't know these treasures.

Sometimes I really wished to share it with them, so that they could learn too.

Right from when I liked reading, I knew I had to take the risk of being called a witch. And of course, ostracized by other villagers, marked off as weird.

I had been so lost in my thoughts that I didn't hear the door open. And someone from outside, walking in.

"You seem quite pricey and beautiful,"

I widened my eyes, standing up immediately. It was a man with a dark hair, average in height. I felt goosebumps on my skin, wondering how he entered the locked door.

He definitely had the keys!

Did someone lead him here, to me?

He appeared to be one of those scoundrels, who drank so much liquor.

"W-Who are you and what do you w-want from me?"

I stammered, feeling so powerless.

"Oh, quit the pretense. You're such a little slut, aren't you?"

He said, scratching his beards with some sly smile. Some flies followed them from outside. This made me irritated more.

I watched as he loosened his slacks, with haste bringing out his length. He held them in his hands and my eyes froze in horror.

This was the first time I had seen the private part of a grown man!

Wasn't he ashamed?

"Let's do it quick, I promise it won't bite,"

He said, making a way towards me. I dodged him and ran towards the door, opening it slightly. But I was immediately dragged back by him.

He pulled my hair, dragging me back like a rag doll, to the spot I just ran away from.

"No! No! Help me!! Someone please help me!"

"Now don't be too much of a spoilt girl and make me pissed." he said. "Stay still and it will be over soon,"

"Get off me!" I said, kneeing his length. He groaned in pain, still pinning me down.

I noticed he was quite strong and agile. I received a frightening slap, the instant he recovered.

"You'll pay for this dear, I promise," he angrily let out, fuming.

He clenched my two hands together, above my head. I struggled with every fiber in me, but nothing worked.

Tears sprung out of my eyes as I felt totally helpless.

He ripped my skirt. I closed my eyes shut, afraid.

Just as I thought he was going to reach my panties, I felt him being ripped off me.

A loud growl configured the entire room that instant. I looked above only to sight Captain Caspian. He looked really pissed and I noticed some dark furs on him.

I wondered if this was why they called him a beast!

"C-Captain C-Caspian, I-I didn't know she was yours...Please have m-mercy!" he pleaded.

"Mercy? I know no mercy," he seethed.

"Guards!!" he exclaimed.

About three men came rushing in, instantly.

"Toss him in the sea,"

They immediately dragged him out, leaving me with Captain Caspian.

I sniffled, still on the ground. Slowly, I stood up with my cloth in shards.

"T-Thanks for saving me,"

I muttered, wondering what could have happened if he hadn't come to my aid.

I could h-have been raped!

"Are you okay?" he asked.

I nodded, looking at the wounds I had gotten from that man.

To some extent, I thought being tosses to the whales was too much of a punishment.

But...perhaps he wouldn't do something outrageous in his next life!

"Strip," he spat out suddenly.

I swallowed harshly.

"W-What?"

I let out, wondering why he said that, all of a sudden?

Why would he want me to, after this?

"I intend to inspect your purity as my chosen,"

I gripped my clothes, in protectiveness, taking various steps back.

My dried tears were beginning to form once more.

"You heard me right, Ava. I won't repeat myself again," he added.

...

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