Chapter 10: Ghosts of the Veiled Straits
The sea mist in the Veiled Straits had teeth.
It gnawed at the edges of Mira’s cloak as she stood at the prow of a shadow-painted vessel called The Hollow Serpent. Months had passed since her escape from House Drask. She had changed names three times, shed two lives, and left behind a trail of forged maps and false promises across three port cities. Now, she was sailing into waters said to devour even the most seasoned pirates—and she had paid handsomely for the privilege.
The Veiled Straits weren’t marked on most maps. Those who entered either vanished or emerged with madness in their eyes and silver streaks in their hair. But Mira wasn’t looking for safe waters.
She was looking for Captain Kael Morain.
Rumor whispered that his ship, The Severed Star, haunted these straits, smuggling cursed relics and capturing ghost-bound sailors to sell to foreign kingdoms. Some claimed he trafficked in souls. Others said he was cursed himself, sentenced to never make port. Mira didn’t care if the tales were myth or truth.
She was hunting him.
He had taken something from her—something not even the collar could touch. He had stolen time, pride, and a sliver of her fire when he seduced her during her weakest moment. The night after she had broken her first collar, Mira had been bleeding and disoriented when Kael found her. He’d given her sanctuary—and then claimed her. Their nights had burned like gunpowder and regret. But she’d escaped him too, one step ahead of the chains he would have dressed in poetry.
Now, she would face him.
The Hollow Serpent rocked as a sudden gust of wind tore through the straits, carrying with it a howl—low, ancient, almost human. The crew murmured about sea spirits. Mira tightened her grip on the rail.
Behind her, a lookout pointed toward the fog.
“A ship,” he said. “Off starboard.”
It came into view slowly—sleek, black-rigged, sails full despite the dead wind.
The Severed Star.
Her heartbeat slowed. Her dagger was already in hand.
This time, she would not run.
This time, she would reclaim everything.