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The Black Serpent

The carriage jolted to a stop, its wheels grinding against gravel. Captain Blackthorn's gloved hand tightened around the leash, yanking sharply. I stumbled to my feet, the sudden pull dragging my dress slightly down my chest. Captain Blackthorn’s eyes gleamed with wicked amusement, his lips curling into a sadistic smile.

"Don't bother fixing it, pet," he purred, his voice laced with mockery.

"Just how I like to see you."

“My crew could use a good show.”

“They will learn that you are mine.”

With a shove, he flung the carriage door open. The cold morning air rushed in as he yanked the leash again, harder this time. My heart pounded as I was forced to follow him outside. His boots thudded purposefully across the dock, each step echoing on the wooden planks. The leash remained taut, pulling me along like a tethered animal. In the distance, his ship loomed. A dark silhouette against the horizon. The Black Serpent. Its sails billowed like specters in the wind, the skull and crossbones flag rippling atop the mast.

We neared the gangplank. The crew snapped to attention, their expressions hardened from years of harsh seas and even harsher discipline. None dared meet Captain Blackthorn's gaze. He strode up the gangplank, and I followed, my steps shaky on the unsteady wood. The leash never slackened. On deck, the crew stood stiff and silent as Blackthorn surveyed them, his eyes cutting through the quiet like a blade.

"Bosun!" he barked, his voice commanding absolute obedience.

A burly man stepped forward, saluting.

"Aye, Captain?"

"Prepare the ship.”

“We set sail within the hour.”

“Everything is in order, or there will be consequences."

The bosun nodded, fear flashing briefly in his eyes.

"Aye, Captain," he repeated before turning to bark orders at the crew.

The deck burst into activity, men scurrying to their tasks. Ropes were tightened, sails adjusted, and the ship creaked in response. The air filled with shouts, the cries of seagulls, and the groaning of the ship’s wooden hull. Captain Blackthorn turned his gaze back to me, his grip on the leash still firm. There was something dark in his eyes, something possessive.

"Welcome to your new home, pet," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

"The Black Serpent owns you now.”

“Obey, and you might survive."

With a swift tug, he pulled me toward the captain’s quarters. The crew glanced at me briefly, their curiosity mixed with indifference, before returning to their duties. The door to the cabin closed behind us, muting the sounds of the deck. Shadows cloaked the small room, save for the faint glow of a few lanterns flickering with dim light. The scent of salt and old wood lingered in the air, heavy and oppressive. Against the far wall, a desk cluttered with maps and a tarnished globe hinted at the many voyages Blackthorn had taken.

A nearby dresser overflowed with clothes, rich fabrics spilling out in careless disarray, plundered treasures mixed with neglect. My eyes were drawn to the closet. Its door was slightly ajar, revealing a row of women’s dresses eerily similar to mine. Lace and embroidery that didn’t belong in a pirate’s quarters. I knew they were meant for me.

At the center of the room stood an ornate bed, draped with black satin sheets. Pillows were piled high, and a fur throw lay carelessly over the edge. Its luxury was suffocating, a stark contrast to the small iron cage in the corner, where cold metal bars glinted ominously in the lantern light. The bed promised comfort, while the cage threatened imprisonment. Captain Blackthorn followed my gaze to the cage and chuckled.

"I see you’ve found your new quarters," he said with dark satisfaction.

He let the leash fall slack but stepped closer, his presence overwhelming.

"This room holds many secrets, pet," he murmured, his tone dripping with menace.

"You’ll learn them in time.”

“For now, get used to your surroundings.”

“You’ll be here for a long while."

Without warning, he pulled me into his embrace. His grip was unyielding, possessive. My breath hitched as I was pressed against his chest, his warmth a sharp contrast to the coldness of the room. His hand lingered at my neck, the roughness of his fingers grazing my skin—a silent warning of his control. His breath brushed my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

"Defiance will only make things worse for you," he growled, his voice low and threatening.

His hand moved to my collar, loosening it with deliberate care. The leather slipped away, but his hold on me remained firm. His eyes darkened with satisfaction, relishing the power he held.

"You belong to me now," he said, his voice heavy with authority and amusement.

The weight of his words sank deep as he released me, stepping back with a smug smile. The collar fell to the floor with a quiet clang, a symbol of my submission.

"Get in the cage," he commanded, his voice cold and absolute.

"I won’t," I said, my voice trembling but resolute.

I raised my chin, defiant, refusing to give in. His eyes narrowed dangerously.

"You dare defy me?" he growled, stepping closer, towering over me.

"I am not an animal," I replied, my voice shaking but firm.

"I will not be caged like a trophy."

Rage flickered in his eyes as he lunged forward, grabbing my arm with bruising force. Before I could react, he shoved me toward the open cage door. I stumbled, heart racing until I was face-to-face with the cold iron bars.

"You’ll learn your place," he hissed, his voice seething with malice.

He slammed the cage door shut, the sound final and unforgiving. Time blurred. The dim light flickered as Captain Blackthorn retreated to his desk. Moments later, the door opened, flooding the room with light.

"What is it?"

Captain Blackthorn snapped, his tone sharp. James, the ship's first mate, stood at attention, his features stern but calm. Tall and lean, he was a man who had seen countless battles at sea. His sharp blue eyes held a quiet authority that contrasted with Blackthorn's cruelty.

"Captain, we’re ready to set sail," James said respectfully, his voice steady.

Captain Blackthorn's posture tensed.

"Good."

He glanced at the cage and then back at James, his expression darkening.

"Meet your new sister-in-law," Blackthorn sneered, gesturing toward me, his voice thick with mockery.

James' eyes softened as he looked at me, a flicker of pity crossing his face.

"Elias, this isn't right.”

“She doesn’t deserve this," he said softly.

Blackthorn’s eyes flashed with anger.

"Deserve?”

“What does anyone deserve?" he spat, stepping closer to James.

"She’s mine.”

“She will learn."

James met his brother’s gaze, unflinching.

"There are other ways to prove your strength.”

“This cruelty will break you both."

For a moment, the room was silent, tension thick in the air. Finally, Captain Blackthorn tore his gaze away, his voice regaining its steely edge.

"Prepare the ship," he barked.

"We cast off now."

James nodded and left. Captain Blackthorn turned to me, a cruel smile curling his lips.

"Very good, pet," he murmured, eyes gleaming.

“You are learning to be seen and not heard.”

"You are mine."

He paused, a cruel smile playing on his lips.

"You should be rewarded."

With a swift, almost violent motion, he shoved open the cage door, the metal creaking ominously. Before I could react, his hand clamped around my wrist, pulling me out with a force that left no room for resistance. The cold iron of his grip contrasted sharply with the heat radiating from his body, a jarring reminder of his control.

He yanked me across the room, my feet stumbling to keep pace with his long, determined strides. The lanterns' flickering light cast erratic shadows on the walls, making the room seem like a stage for a dark and twisted play.

Captain Blackthorn dragged me to the edge of the bed, its black satin sheets glistening faintly in the dim light. The plush pillows and luxurious fur throw seemed incongruous with the rough treatment I was receiving, a stark juxtaposition of comfort and cruelty. He paused for a moment, his grip tightening on my wrist as he looked down at me, his gaze penetrating and unyielding.

"This will be a lesson for you, pet," he said, his voice a dangerous whisper.

"Remember your place, and perhaps things will be easier for you."

With that, he roughly pulled me onto the bed, the satin sheets cool against my skin. His hands, firm and unrelenting, guided me into position, each movement a reminder of his dominance. Captain Blackthorn's presence loomed over me, his shadow merging with the darkness of the room. His eyes, now dark pools of control and desire, locked onto mine as he leaned closer.

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