DARLING | Nikolai Lantsov

Chapter 25 - Home

- Mara's POV -

The sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the deck of The Hummingbird. Nikolai and Mara had found a quiet moment near the ship's bow, away from the bustle of the crew. As they leaned against the railing, the soft breeze rustled through their hair, carrying with it a sense of anticipation.

Mara's heart fluttered with nerves, but she knew it was time to share something that had been on her mind with Nikolai. Taking a deep breath, she turned to him, her eyes filled with a mix of love and uncertainty. Nikolai, noticing her unease, gently placed a hand on hers, offering silent support.

"Mara, my darling, what weighs on your mind?" Nikolai asked, his voice tender and full of genuine concern.

Mara hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts. She looked out at the vast expanse of the ocean, trying to find the right words. Finally, she turned her gaze back to Nikolai, her voice soft but resolute.

"Nikolai, these days on the ship, exploring the world with you, have been beyond my wildest dreams. Aside from being taken away..." She trailed off. "You've shown me a life I never thought possible," Mara continued, her voice laced with gratitude. "But there's something I need to tell you. Something I've been thinking about for a while."

Nikolai's eyes fixed on Mara, a mixture of curiosity and concern in his gaze. "What is it, Mara? You can tell me anything," He assured her, his thumb gently tracing circles on the back of her hand.

Mara took a deep breath, summoning her courage. "Nikolai, I've spent so long on the island, in the solitude of the lighthouse. It's a part of me, a place that holds memories and a sense of belonging. I've come to realize that, deep down, a part of me longs to return."

Nikolai listened intently, his expression thoughtful and understanding. He tightened his grip on Mara's hand, silently conveying his sudden stress.

"I understand," He replied, his voice filled with empathy but something in his voce still pulled on her heart strings. "Your connection to the island, to the lighthouse, it's a part of who you are. I would never want to take that away from you."

Tears welled up in Mara's eyes, relieved that Nikolai understood her yearning. "But Nikolai, I want you to know that my love for you is unwavering. The time we've spent together has been the most incredible adventure of my life. And it's because of that love that I want to share the light house with you." She said softly. "This time, I'm asking you to come with me." She finished, leaning her forehead against his jaw.

"Mara, your happiness means everything to me. If going back to the island will bring you peace, then I support you wholeheartedly. And I want nothing more than to just spend my days with you, alone with you..." He swallowed. "But my men need me. I might go mad if I couldn't set sail on the seas as I wished." Nikolai finished, squeezing her hand.

His eyes staring down at their entwined fingers. "We can find a way to make it work, I can always just knock myself out and wash up onto your shore again." He chuckled lightly. She smiled, biting her lip.

Mara's heart swelled with gratitude and love for the man standing beside her. She leaned in, resting her head on his shoulder, soaking in the feeling of him next to her. A tear rolling down her cheek.

"Thank you, Nikolai," she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of pain and affection. "I am forever grateful for your love and understanding."

"I can't tell you that this is my favorite plan of yours, but I want you to be happy. Even I, your dashing and incredibly brave captain, wouldn't do that. I am but a man. A man who loves a woman." He turned to her, and she could see his eyes were slightly glossy.

She leaned in, pressing a warm kiss to his lips, tangling her fingers into his blonde hair. His arms wound around her and kissed her back. Mara's heart was breaking. She loved him.

"This isn't forever." She whispered, pulling away to hold his face in her hands. "I'd like to return to your side after a while, if you'll allow it." Mara gave him a soft smile. Nikolai nodded, looking over her face with a sadness written on his features.

- A Week Later -

Nikolai and Mara sat on the beach of the island, the silence between them growing as they avoided what was to come. The waves crashing against the rocks and warm evening glow shining against their cheeks.

Mara's heart shattered into a million pieces when she suddenly heard the distant bells of the ship being rung.

Nikolai turned her, and the pair exchanged a look that could only be described as sorrow. He began to pull on his boots, and as he did Mara reached for his coat. When she was about to hand it to him, she put it around her shoulders instead. The smooth leather caressing her skin.

Nikolai turned to her and seeing her in his coat made him give her a small smile. It was a pained smile though.

He reached and slowly slide the garment off her shoulders. His eyes burning into hers as he watched a few tears roll down her cheeks.  He captured them under the pad of his thumb, before he then wrapped her up in his arms. Breathing in the smell of her skin.

"Come back to me." Mara spoke, her voice breaking with the sobs she tried to keep in her throat.

"I will." Nikolai vowed. Holding her tighter, squeezing his eyes shut. "Guide me home." He finished, pressing a soft kiss to the crook of her neck. She nodded, and as if drawn together by magnets, connected their lips. Filling each other with every unspoken word, every word that was too painful to say.

He pulled away and reached for the gold chain around his neck. Pulling it over his head and putting it around hers. The compass was heavy, and warm from his skin, and the gesture made Mara's composure crumble into the sand.

"I'll allow it." He said quietly.

She fell back into his arms and a sob escaped her lips. He held her, but reluctantly pulled away after a moment when the bell began again. Backing away from her, touching his hand with hers until he was too far to reach. And then he turned and ran down the beach.

- Later -

On the ship, the crew was busy with rigging, navigation, and duties, while Nikolai turned and raised his arm to the sky, only to see the girl on the cliff do the same. He could see her small form, her dress blowing around her legs, he longed to just jump into the ocean and run up that god forsaken cliff, taking her into his arms. But his feet didn't move. He just gazed at her and didn't turn around until she was out of sight.

As the sun peeked over the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange, Nikolai steered The Hummingbird away from the harbor.

Mara stood on the cliff, her hair blowing into the evening wind. Watching as the ship slowly drifted farther and farther. Her heart hurt, but she did her best to try and remember their plan. He would return, and she would be waiting.

Together, Nikolai and Mara created a world where the privateer and the girl from the lighthouse were no longer bound by their roles. They were united by an unyielding love, defying the boundaries of the vast ocean and the towering cliff. Their story became one of devotion, adventure, and the realization that true love could weather any storm, be it on land or at sea.

THE END

Oh my goodness! Congratulations for making it through the book and a million thank yous for spending your time on my story!

I hope it was enjoyable! I love these characters so much!

I will be editing and adding details as time passes.

What was your favorite part of the story?

All my love,

-M